Abbott’s announcement Tuesday that he was fully reopening Texas capped a nearly yearlong stretch of the most intraparty dissent he has seen in his time as governor.
Politics
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Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott says he’s rescinding statewide mask mandate and capacity limits on businesses
The change, which comes as the seven-day average of new coronavirus deaths remains above 200, will go into effect March 10.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
“It’s putting us in the firing line”: Some small-business owners worry about Gov. Greg Abbott lifting coronavirus restrictions
Abbott’s order will leave it to business owners to decide whether to require customers wear masks inside their establishments. Some say they will keep coronavirus restrictions in place, but some business owners worry those decisions could anger potential customers.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas’ local officials blast Gov. Greg Abbott for “irresponsible action” of lifting coronavirus restrictions
City and county leaders urged residents in their areas to still follow recommendations from health experts and officials that call for wearing face masks in public.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Keep wearing your mask, health officials say after Gov. Greg Abbott lifts mask mandate
Some variants of COVID-19 are more contagious and researchers believe they can reinfect people who already have gotten the virus. Doctors and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommend wearing masks.
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Criminal Justice
Lawyer for Texas attorney general’s office repeatedly tries to block testimony and evidence at whistleblower hearing
A Travis County judge opted to move forward with Monday’s hearing without ruling on the motion to dismiss the whistleblower lawsuit. Late Monday night, an appeals court halted the second day of proceedings at the request of the agency’s attorney.
Posted in
Point of Order
Point of Order: Higher ed’s gap year
In the latest episode of our podcast about the Texas Legislature, Evan Smith talks to Renu Khator, the president of the University of Houston, about a difficult 12 months of disruption and dislocation for the more than 47,000 students on her campus — and what state lawmakers can do to help.
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University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
Texas voters’ views shifting on abortion, pot, gambling and Confederate monuments, poll finds
According to the latest UT/TT Poll, most Texas voters support expanded gambling and would legalize marijuana. Half would leave Confederate statues and monuments where they are. And they’re divided on whether to change state abortion laws or leave them as is.
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University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
Pandemic response tops Texas voters’ legislative priorities, poll finds
Texas voters also think the state spends too little on mental health, and public education, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
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Winter Storm 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick calls for resignations at Public Utility Commission, power grid operator over winter storm
Patrick’s statements come after the officials testified for hours late last week in committee hearings as state lawmakers grilled them over the power grid failures.
