Abbott said that National Guard troops, if deployed, could do things like help with traffic at drive-through testing sites.
Politics
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Coronavirus in Texas
UT, A&M among Texas colleges postponing graduation ceremonies and moving classes online for the semester
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.
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Coronavirus in Texas
As coronavirus stops people from gathering, Gov. Greg Abbott suspends part of open-meetings law
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.
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Coronavirus in Texas
While other states fighting coronavirus enforce widespread closures, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott goes with a patchwork system
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.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texan Louie Gohmert backs off from challenge to federal coronavirus package
Several reports had suggested that Gohmert could have delayed the bill’s passage by days.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Degrees of anxiety: As college classrooms empty, students fear for educations, jobs
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?
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Coronavirus in Texas
In 2015, Texas lawmakers rejected effort to upgrade state’s disease response
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.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas politicians adjust campaigns amid coronavirus fears
“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.
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Texas 2020 Elections
Michael Bloomberg promised to “help turn Texas blue.” Now some former employees and politicians are miffed that he’s fired his staff.
“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.”
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Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus in Texas 3/12: Dallas-Fort Worth up to 13 cases, Houston area has 17
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.