State Rep. Tan Parker said he will file a bill in the upcoming legislative session to extend to-go alcohol sales past the coronavirus pandemic. The Texas Restaurant Association also has asked Abbott to expand the waiver to allow mixed drinks with liquor to be prepared, resealed and sold.
Politics
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Texas 2020 Elections
Empower Texans opponents rush to exact revenge over anti-Abbott tirade
The release last week of audio of two Empower Texans staffers disparaging Gov. Greg Abbott with profanity and jokes about his disability became nearly instant fodder in the fast-approaching runoffs.
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Politics
As face mask requirements pop back up across Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott faces criticism from local leaders and fellow Republicans
State and local officials disagree on whether mandating businesses to require employees and customers to wear face masks is a small burden or a threat to their freedom.
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Politics
Two Empower Texans staff members reprimanded after recording reveals them joking about Gov. Greg Abbott’s wheelchair use
Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick both denounced the recording, which also includes the staff members using multiple profanities in describing Abbott.
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Police brutality in Texas
Houston mayor calls for more funding for social services to take pressure off police officers
During a Houston policing roundtable organized by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, several local leaders emphasized the need for social services funding.
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Police brutality in Texas
This year, Juneteenth takes on new meaning for black Texans, as push to make holiday with Texas roots goes national
In 1980, Texas became the first state to adopt Juneteenth as a holiday. It is officially recognized in all but three states: Hawaii, North Dakota and South Dakota. As Americans continue to march for racial justice, black Texans say the holiday has taken on additional weight.
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Texas 2020 Elections
Donald Trump’s support, rural roots fuel budding drama in Panhandle congressional runoff
The runoff has rapidly turned contentious between President Donald Trump’s choice for the seat, Ronny Jackson, and Josh Winegarner, who is backed by retiring incumbent Mac Thornberry.
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Politics
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn will file bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday
Cornyn is not the first Texas lawmaker to take similar steps toward celebrating Juneteenth. On Monday, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, introduced a resolution aiming to recognize the historical significance of the holiday. Her measure has more than 200 cosponsors.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Bexar and Hidalgo counties require face masks in businesses as coronavirus surges. Other Texas leaders consider similar measures.
Austin’s mayor issued a similar order late Wednesday. Local leaders have been asking for the ability to impose more strict mask orders, but Gov. Greg Abbott never publicly mentioned that one option was ordering businesses to require them.
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Criminal Justice
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn faces outcry from Democrats after questioning idea of systemic racism
The two Democrats vying to replace him this fall say he doesn’t understand the concept.