National News
Texas has given public schools permission to keep campuses closed longer
Texas has given public schools permission to keep campuses closed for more than 5 million students well into the fall as the state scrambles to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, Vice Chair Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and House Appropriations Committee…
Read MoreTexas projects $4.6 Billion shortfall due to pandemic
Texas’ budget forecast plummeted to a projected $4.6 billion shortfall as the coronavirus pandemic and low oil prices take a heavy toll on one of America’s largest economies, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said Monday. The new assessment is a sharp reversal from October’s forecast that had Texas in line for an estimated $3 billion…
Read MoreIndictment in Federal two-state drug investigation
The Wilbarger County Grand Jury recently met and returned more than 40 indictments, including one stemming from a federal investigation into a two-state drug ring. Steven Anthony Mitchell was indicted for the state jail felony offense of possession of a controlled substance. Mitchell was arrested on Sept. 19, 2019 in Vernon. On that date five…
Read MoreGovernor Abbott Establishes Statewide Face Covering Requirement, Issues Proclamation To Limit Gatherings
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings…
Read MoreHouse names defense authorization act after Thornberry
WASHINGTON – Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) released the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee unanimously voted to name H.R. 6395, National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, the ‘William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act.’ Chairman Adam Smith offered this amendment in honor of Congressman Thornberry’s tenure as Chairman of the…
Read MoreTemporary Pause Of Additional Reopening Phases
Governor Abbott said that the State of Texas will pause any further phases to open Texas as the state responds to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Businesses that are permitted to open under the previous phases can continue to operate at the designated occupancy levels and under the minimum standard…
Read MoreBars closed again by Gov. Abbott
Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order on Friday limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which…
Read MoreGov. Abbott says use a mask
John Moritz Texas Pool Reporter Gov. Greg Abbott arrived at the news conference on Monday in Austin wearing a red, white and blue mask. He was joined by Dr. John Hellersted, his medical point person for the pandemic and head of the Texas Department of State Health Services, physician and former state Rep. John Zerwas,…
Read MoreAbbott expects return to school
Gov. Greg Abbott, on Tuesday, said he anticipates an announcement this week or next on the upcoming school year. “It is my expectation to see students return to schools in a classroom setting — able to interact with teachers as well as able to interact with other students.” He hopes students will also have the…
Read MoreGov. Abbott updates on coronavirus and hospital beds
By Nicole Cobler Texas Pool Reporter (Austin American-Statesman) Gov. Greg Abbott entered a room outside of the State Operations Center at 1:13 p.m. Tuesday. He was joined by Dr. John Zerwas, a physician from Richmond who is on a team working to expand hospital capacity and procure needed medical supplies. “We are here today to…
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