The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
The announcements are among the latest responses to the novel coronavirus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended canceling gatherings with 50 or more people for the next eight weeks. Full Story
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All sections of the Texas Open Meetings Act remain in place except for the requirement of a physical gathering space for people to watch the meeting and ask questions. Full Story
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Abbott said that National Guard troops, if deployed, could do things like help with traffic at drive-through testing sites. Full Story
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While most states have mandated the closure of schools, bars and restaurants; deployed their militaries; or diverted state resources to COVID-19 response, Texas is largely leaving it up to schools and local governments to decide how to proceed. Some say the approach can undermine response efforts. Full Story
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Texas universities are moving online, but how do you learn circuit welding or vocal ensemble by videoconference? What happens when campus jobs dry up? And will anyone get to walk the stage come graduation day? Full Story
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Several reports had suggested that Gohmert could have delayed the bill's passage by days. Full Story
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After the Ebola outbreak, a task force recommended stockpiling protective gear and expanding state powers to deal with infectious diseases. "Tinfoil hats" opposed to big government killed a bill that would have done it, its sponsor says. Full Story
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"I think it would be hard to tell people that I’m out here running to make their lives better while at the same time putting their lives at risk," said one state House candidate. Full Story
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“Bloomberg was promising a long-term commitment to Texas regardless of who won the primary,” said one state representative. “It’s disappointing that with his defeat in the primary, the campaign has decided to reverse course." Full Story
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Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates. Full Story
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On this week's TribCast, Alexa talks to Edgar, Matthew, Evan and Cassi about the status of the new coronavirus outbreak in Texas, Super Tuesday voting blunders and outgoing House Speaker Dennis Bonnen's comments on his own downfall. Full Story
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It’s another devastating cultural and economic blow to a state that has confirmed more than 30 cases of the virus. Last year, the event drew more than 2.5 million attendees. Full Story
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Nineteen of the 38 Texas members of Congress are over the age of 60, the age at which medical professionals say people are at most risk for serious complications from the virus. Full Story
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It was largely human error and inexperience that caused massive lines and statewide vote miscounts during the March 3 primaries. Local election officials are trying to learn their lessons and avoid similar blunders in the general election. Full Story
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If there is an epicenter of the new coronavirus in Texas, it’s arguably Fort Bend County, which had the first confirmed case of COVID-19 outside of the federal quarantine site in San Antonio. There are six total cases there now, all stemming from an Egypt cruise trip. Full Story
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The idea could face resistance from those who support direct aid to workers. One critic called the idea ‘absurd.' Full Story
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Advocates argue that paid sick leave would allow workers to stay home and avoid spreading the deadly virus. Policies have been blocked in two Texas cities. Full Story
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The 3-year-old in Collin County is among the youngest patients in the U.S. to have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. Montgomery County officials declined to comment on whether a patient there was exposed during travel. Full Story
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Join us in Lubbock for a two-day series of discussions with lawmakers, community leaders and citizens across the state to discuss the future of rural Texas. Full Story
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Women got more votes than men in all of the roughly 30 gender-split primary contests for high court, court of appeals and district court. Rarely was it even close. Full Story
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