At the beginning of the pandemic, local officials across the state implemented stay-at-home orders for their regions. But now, with cases across Texas’ metros surging, those leaders say Abbott has stripped them of the authority to reinstate the same measures.
Politics
Stay informed with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth political coverage, including Texas elections, state government, policy debates, and the leaders shaping the future of the state.
Posted in
Demographics
Supreme Court affirms abortion protections, strikes down Louisiana abortion law
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Louisiana law Monday that would have curtailed access to abortions in the state. It was nearly identical to a measure the court overturned in Texas in 2016.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Issues of race, policing dominate final stretch of Democratic runoff to face U.S. Sen. John Cornyn
MJ Hegar has long been the favorite in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, but state Sen. Royce West says the “stars have aligned” for him in recent weeks.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas Republicans move forward with plans for an indoor convention in Houston, the state’s biggest coronavirus hot spot
Gov. Greg Abbott is allowing limits on outdoor crowds — but not indoor gatherings. His party’s convention — with an expected attendance of 6,000 — so far will not require attendees to wear face masks.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Pence following through with visit to Dallas church as pandemic rages
The vice president was already scheduled to speak Sunday at First Baptist Dallas, though his trip is taking on a more somber tone as the state scrambles to respond to what Gov. Greg Abbott has described as a “massive outbreak” of coronavirus cases.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Sudden shutdown of Texas bars leaves owners, employees (and patrons) uncertain about the future
Bars had to shut down by noon Friday after a statewide surge in coronavirus infections that officials said was largely driven by activities like congregating in close spaces. There’s no immediate plan for when they’ll be able to reopen.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Early voting starts Monday for the primary runoff in Texas. Here’s what you need to know.
Texans will be voting in the middle of a pandemic on congressional, legislative and state board seats.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Some Texas cities revive plans to add hospital bed capacity at convention centers if coronavirus cases climb
“The setting will be similar to a Medical-Surgical Unit with a capability of treating critical care patients,” reads a description for a 100-bed site in Austin, according to an email obtained by The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Criminal case against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will return to his native Collin County, judge rules
Paxton, a Republican, was indicted in 2015 on felony securities fraud charges, but the case has yet to go to trial as side battles persist over the venue where he will be tried and the amount the special prosecutors will be paid.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott keeps businesses open despite surging coronavirus cases and rising deaths in Texas
“We can protect Texans’ lives while also restoring their livelihoods,” Abbott said this week. As cases surge, the question has become: How many Texans’ lives?
