With the Mavericks, Miriam Adelson is poised to be Texas political powerhouse. Will it help her legalize casinos?
Adelson wasted little time reaching out to the stateโs business leaders since news of the deal broke, visiting Austin on Thursday to address the Texas Association of Business, the stateโs largest business lobby.
Montana judge to decide on wolf hunting limits
A Montana judge said he would decide Tuesday whether to continue temporary limits on wolf hunting in the state or to restore quotas and hunting methods before a trial over whether the public was given an adequate opportunity to weigh in on changes in the way the state estimates the size of the wolf population.
Gov. Abbott announces over $355M in public safety grants
Governor Greg Abbott announced Thursday that his Public Safety Office (PSO) will administer more than $355 million in grant funding for a variety of public safety programs and services in Texas, including victims services, anti-human trafficking efforts, and law enforcement support.
State, feds say six-month maternal Medicaid coverage still under review
HHSC said it was initially told the plan was โnot approvable.โ Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a statement Friday saying Texasโ plan to extend coverage to six months was not rejected but still under review.
READ: Full report on Uvalde school shooting
The Texas House of Representatives Investigative Committee on the Robb Elementary Shooting released its interim report on the tragedy Sunday. It is based on weeks of closed-door interviews with dozens of people, including witnesses and law enforcement who responded to the shooting scene in Uvalde, Texas.
Watch live: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Commissioner Rodney Ellis call for special legislative session to address gun violence
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis will hold a news conference Tuesday morning calling for a special session to address the ongoing gun violence among children.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott calls for school safety review in wake of Uvalde mass shooting
In the wake of the Uvalde mass shooting in which 21 people were killed, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he sent a letter on Wednesday to Kathy Martinez-Prather directing the Texas School Safety Center to begin immediately conducting comprehensive school safety reviews to ensure all Texas public schools are following the appropriate procedures to maximize school safety.
Baby formula shortage is making low-income mothers struggle to pay for a product usually covered by the state
The stateโs poorest mothers are paying hundreds of dollars out of pocket when they find baby formula because they say they canโt risk waiting for the exact brand and size container covered by Texasโ Women, Infant and Children program.
โDisability Book Weekโ opens world of literary contributions to better understand, empower disabled community
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner joins Texas Governor Abbott and officials from other states to proclaim April 23 โ 29 as โDisability Book Week,โ which will highlight authors worldwide with disabilities. It also includes books that have a leading character with a disability shown in a positive way.
Gov. Greg Abbott replaces Texas military leader who has overseen heavily criticized border mission
Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Suelzer will take over as the military departmentโs new leader. He replaces Maj. Gen. Tracy Norris, who was criticized for her handling of Operation Lone Star, as adjutant general of the Texas Military Department.
Austin-area businesses will have to post COVID-19 policies, a modest rule that might trigger a fresh clash with state
Itโs unclear whether the local mandate, which requires businesses to post signs outlining their safety guidelines, is in conflict with Gov. Greg Abbottโs previous pandemic orders.
Harris Co. Judge Lina Hidalgo, Attorney Christian Menefee respond to ruling on mask mandates
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Attorney Christian Menefee spoke out on Thursday at a news conference after the State Court of Appeals announced they upheld the countyโs ability to impose mask mandates.
Amazon, Walgreens and CVS limit Covid-19 tests per customer amid soaring cases
As theย omicron variant spreadsย throughout the U.S. and Covid-19 cases spike ahead of Christmas, demand for at-home testing kits has risen dramatically. That prompted Amazon, Walgreens and CVS to place limits this week on how many tests each customer can buy.
Texas colleges and universities get more than $3 billion for campus construction projects under bill headed to Gov. Greg Abbott
Before ending the special session Tuesday, Texas lawmakers reached a deal to allocate roughly $3.3 billion to higher education institutions for capital projects. The price tag went up from the Senate's original proposal.
Gov. Greg Abbott adds property tax relief, bail to special session agenda
Abbott has faced pressure from his right to prioritize property tax relief. One of his challengers in the Republican primary has slammed him for not including it earlier in the agenda, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called it his top priority this session.
Gov. Greg Abbott calls special legislative session for redistricting, other conservative priorities starting Sept. 20
On top of redistricting, Abbott wants lawmakers to take up bills on restrictions for transgender student athletes and the allocation of billions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Texas to spend $25 million on 2-mile concrete barrier amid Gov. Greg Abbottโs push for a state-funded border wall
The barrier in Eagle Pass is the first glimpse into how much a state-funded border wall could cost. But Abbottโs office says itโs a โconcrete barrierโ that is separate from his border wall push.
Drivers who hit someone in a crosswalk in Texas could now face prison time thanks to new law named after Fort Bend County woman
Not many days after Lisa Torry Smith died in 2017, after family members learned it was not a crime in Texas to drive into someone in a crosswalk, they decided the law needed to change.
Gov. Greg Abbott says more apprehensions, drug seizures justify a border wall. Advocates say he's misrepresenting the numbers.
The governor said Texas needs to build a border wall to reduce migrant apprehensions and fentanyl seizures. But immigration and drug treatment experts say Abbott's oversimplifying the issue.
Gov. Greg Abbott formally opens Texas GOP bid to clamp down on local efforts expanding voting access
(Harris County planned to send out applications to request a mail-in ballot, not the actual ballots.) Harris County officials quickly fired back at Republicansโ proposals in their own press conference. AdโThese kinds of attempts to confuse, to intimidate, to suppress are a continuation of policies weโve seen in this state since Reconstruction,โ Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. In a previous interview, Harris Countyโs election administrator Isabel Longoria said she hoped those initiatives would become permanent for future elections. Election officials and even former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr also said there was no evidence to back Republican claims.
Some Houston area businesses welcome statewide mask mandate removal, while other others fear backlash
HOUSTON โ Masks will no longer be mandatory at Texas businesses starting Wednesday, March 10, per Gov. โTomorrow I am not going to be enforcing the mask mandate because I think itโs up to the individual,โ Contello said. AdShe added that customers can still choose to wear a mask if it would make them more comfortable while shopping. โIf you want to stay home, stay home and be safe,โ she added. Letโs get our life back on track.โJoseph said he hopes people who may not agree with his stance, not take it out on his restaurantโs employees.
Houston reaches grim milestone of 2,000 COVID-19 deaths
FILE - Dr. Joseph Varon hugs and comforts a patient in the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) during Thanksgiving at the United Memorial Medical Center on November 26, 2020 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON โ The city of Houston reached a grim milestone of the weekend. Officials said the death toll for COVID-19 has crossed 2,000 people, only a few days after the one-year anniversary of the first Houston-area COVID-19 case. In addition, he reported nearly 500 new COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths on Sunday. Turner did thank business owners and customers that have continued to wear masks, social distance and practice other COVID-19 safety precautions.
President Biden declares major disaster in Texas after winter storm
All rights reserved)President Joe Biden arrives at Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport to visit a Pfizer manufacturing site, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Portage, Mich. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in Texas after extreme winter weather caused power outages and water disruptions for millions in the state. Abbott requested the Major Disaster Declaration on Thursday, requesting individual assistance and public assistance in each of the stateโs 254 counties. Abbot requested the Major Disaster Declaration in order to provide individual assistance, public assistance, and hazard mitigation for individuals and communities impacted by the severe winter weather. The Biden administration approved the request for individual assistance in 77 counties and for public assistance in all 254 counties. โI thank President Biden for his assistance as we respond to impacts of winter weather across our state,โ said Abbott in statement.
Houston Newsmakers: Record breaking winter weather cripples Texas
Investigating the Texas power gridThe forecast was for record breaking cold for Texas, including Houston. KPRC Investigates reporter Robert Arnold takes a deep dive into what went wrong and is a guest on this weekโs Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall. After his second impeachment acquittal, former president Trump may have a renewed ability to play a pivotal role in the future of the Republican Party but to what end? โHe has the ability to make life very difficult for the Republican party, particularly in seats that are competitive seats where they want some moderate or centrist moderate candidates,โ Jones said. โI think that heโs going to be the butt of national jokes for a while,โ Professor Rottinghaus said.
โThis is unacceptableโ: Abbott declares ERCOT reform an emergency item for legislature, wants investigation of agency
Greg Abbott on Tuesday declared the reform of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas an emergency item for the upcoming 2021 legislative session. โThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas has been anything but reliable over the past 48 hours,โ Abbott said in a statement Tuesday. โFar too many Texans are without power and heat for their homes as our state faces freezing temperatures and severe winter weather. I've asked the House State Affairs and Energy Resources Committees to convene a joint hearing on Feb. 25 about the factors that led to sustained power outages across Texas. Governor Dan Patrick also expressed his concerns over ERCOTโs handling of the power outages, announcing that the Senate Business & Commerce committee would move forward with hearings to assess the ERCOTโs operations.
After weeks as one of the nation's worst COVID-19 hot spots, Laredo leaders see no easy way out
Health care worker Mary Carreon administers a COVID-19 vaccine to an elderly patient in Laredo on Feb. 1. During an emergency city council meeting last week, Laredo officials passed a motion to request that the federal government send National Guard troops to help distribute vaccines. Treviรฑo, the Laredo health authority, has repeatedly argued against stricter measures because of the economic damage they can cause. Martinez, the city council member, said many residents live paycheck-to-paycheck and donโt have savings to help them survive a city lockdown. โThe little carnita asadas, the barbecues โ as a result, we have high numbers of infections, and so one begets the other.โRichard Chamberlain, the cityโs health director, said the best way out of the cityโs COVID-19 crisis is through vaccinations.
Emergency SNAP benefits for March 2021 extended: Hereโs what families need to know
HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size. The emergency March allotments are in addition to the more than $2.5 billion in benefits previously provided to Texans since April 2020. AdAdministered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.6 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas. Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits. โProviding emergency SNAP benefits is critical to our stateโs ongoing COVID-19 response because it ensures that Texas families can continue to put healthy meals on the table,โ said Governor Abbott.
Texasโ second round of COVID-19 vaccines earmarked for smaller hospitals and long-term care facility residents
Nearly a quarter-million doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine arrived at hospitals and health care facilities around Texas this week. Questions remain about who will be first in line for the vaccine once healthcare workers and long-term care residents have had their chance to be inoculated. Decisions on how vaccines are allocated are made by a state panel of advisers โ composed of lawmakers, local and state health officials, and medical experts and researchers โ and finalized by Hellerstedt. Texas is participating in the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program, a federal program to vaccinate residents and staff of long-term care facilities. Vaccine doses will be distributed free to those facilities, which are set to receive them starting on Monday, Abbottโs office said last week.
Texas is on track for record turnout in this election after breaking early voting records
Voters wait in line at a polling site at Austin Oaks Church during early voting. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneAfter the conclusion of three weeks of early voting, 9.7 million Texans have cast ballots, crushing previous early voting totals in the state and setting Texas on a course for record turnout in this Tuesday's general election. Early voting, which Gov. Texas has added 1.8 million registered voters since the 2016 election. Among large counties, Collin County outside of Dallas has the highest early voting turnout with 69%.
KPRC Friday Football Frenzy Plays of the Week: Week 6
KPRC Friday Football Frenzy Plays of the Week are back. Here are the Week 6 Plays of the Week:Bronze: Kinkaid Wide Receiver Dillon Bell gets two plays - breaking a tackle on a touchdown run out of the Wildcat and a stiff arm on the next touchdown out of the same set. Bell had 4 rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown in a 36-8 win for Kinkaid. Silver: Stratford Wide Receiver Hawkins Polley catches a ball across the middle from A.J. Gold: Katy running back Jalen Davis takes a pitch and breaks off a 70 yard touchdown run as part of a Katy win over Dickinson.
Galveston County judge to host โhappy hourโ with residents to celebrate reopening of bars
GALVESTON, Texas โ Galveston County Judge Mark Henry will celebrate the reopening of bars with residents by hosting a happy hour at Buccaneer Bar at Railean Rum Distillery in San Leon on Oct. 14. READ: County judges outline their plans for reopening bars after Abbottโs new orderOnce Judge Henry reviewed the governorโs announcement, he said he would allow bars to reopen earlier than Oct. 14. โI want to let small business owners know that Iโll be reopening bars immediately,โ Henry wrote on Twitter Wednesday. He indicated on Thursday that Galveston County law enforcement would not intervene if bars decided to open even earlier. Judge Henry said that not only bar and nightclub owners were suffering during the closure period but so were service organizations.
Houston Newsmakers: Jackson Lee runs for 14th term in Congress
In thirteen previous elections to represent the 18th Congressional District, the opponents of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D) 18th, have averaged 19% of the vote. Jackson Lee says sheโs worked hard to keep her job. Abbottโs order to cut number of mail in ballot sites--Election Security & a HOUSTON NEWSMAKERS EXTRA**Crime Stoppers Celebrates 40 Years! Itโs been an amazing journey for Crime Stoppers of Houston. Rania Mankarious is CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston.
Boil water notice remains in effect for Lake Jackson over brain-eating amoeba concerns
LAKE JACKSON, Texas โ Parents with children enrolled in Lake Jackson schools said that the past few days have been challenging with a boil order in effect. The City of Lake Jackson is under a boil order and Gov. Abbott issued a disaster declaration for Brazoria county after a 6-year-old died from a parasite found in the water. Officials say the boil water order will be in place until the water system is flushed and disinfected. Tuesday, he is expected to provide an update on the water supply in Lake Jackson.
Analysis: With schools opening, Texas enters a critical two weeks of the pandemic
The number of COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals has been falling, to 4,203 on Aug. 31 from a peak of more than 10,000 a few weeks ago. Abbott pointed at those three things schools, the holiday and hurricanes as areas of concern as he and other government officials decide whats next. School is a place for regular meals and a haven from turbulent homes, as well as a place for learning. Texas Christian University in Fort Worth reported 429 cases on campus Tuesday, and university officials suggested last week that parties and large gatherings were a cause. Disclosure: Baylor University and Texas Christian University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Ask 2: Do you have to wear a mask to vote in Texas?
As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. The question: Do you have to wear a mask to vote? Gregg Abbotts statewide face-covering mandate excludes Texas voters from having to wear a mask when at the polls. Early July, Abbott said he wouldnt want to deny somebody the ability to go vote simply because they dont have a mask, according to a report by The Texas Tribune. Still not registered to vote?
Texas hospitalizations below 7,000 for first time in weeks
AUSTIN, Texas Texas reported fewer than 7,000 hospitalized coronavirus patients for the first time in six weeks Thursday, but that encouraging sign was clouded by questions over testing as schools reopen and college football teams push ahead with playing this fall. Demand has curtailed to the point that in Austin and Dallas, health officials have expanded eligibility for testing, including those who are asymptomatic. Were not having enough people step forward to be tested as we did before.Numbers from Texas health officials this week, however, offered a hazy picture of how much testing has fallen. On Wednesday, the seven-day infection rate average in Texas hit a record 24%, suggesting that roughly one in every four coronavirus tests in Texas was coming back positive. Falling testing demand is also a factor, said Lara Anton, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Texas Legislative Black Caucus unveils the George Floyd Act to ban chokeholds and limit police use of force
The legislation, spearheaded by members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, is named after Floyd, a Black man killed in Minneapolis police custody. Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes until and after he lost consciousness. Abbott has previously said he is committed to working with Floyds family on legislation, and has even floated the possibility of a George Floyd Act at the Legislature. The caucus George Floyd Act would limit the use of force by officers, requiring them to attempt to de-escalate the situation and banning lethal force if another lesser level of force could have worked, said state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, D-Houston. Rodney Floyd, the youngest brother of George Floyd, applauded lawmakers Thursday for the proposal, thanking Thompson during the news conference and saying the legislation has so many great things [that are] way overdue way overdue.Jolie McCullough contributed reporting.
Restaurants, bars and breweries scramble to reinvent themselves to get around Gov. Greg Abbott's bar shutdown
Hundreds of Texas bars and restaurants are scrambling to change how they operate, maneuvering through loopholes that will allow them to reopen after being closed by Gov. It allows bars and restaurants to use projected sales numbers instead of requiring past sales to determine if alcohol sales exceed food sales. The Texas restaurant industry is already struggling, with Knight projecting that up to 30% of restaurants in the state could go out of business. Kaufman estimates that the entire process, from hiring new chefs to deal with increased food sales to applying for the permits cost him around $10,000. However, the TABC later released a clarification saying that businesses with more than 51% alcohol sales were not eligible.
Ask 2: Was the $285 grocery benefit for school-aged children also extended?
As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Are SNAP benefits also being extended to August for P-EBT cardholders? Answer: No, the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) remains a one-time benefit of $285 for families with school-aged children who have temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals because of closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the deadline to apply for P-EBT has been extended to Aug. 21, according to a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor. Families who receive SNAP benefits do not need to apply as they will automatically receive the funds on their current Lone Star Card.
5 things for Houstonians to know for Monday, August 3
Here are things you need to know for Monday, August 3:1. Debate begins for who's first in line for COVID-19 vaccineWho gets to be first in line for a COVID-19 vaccine? Traditionally, first in line for a scarce vaccine are health workers and the people most vulnerable to the targeted infection. Australian-based movie theater company Beyond Cinema will be offering a boat-in movie theater where visitors can watch movies while floating on a boat in a lake, taking social distancing to the next level. 3 things to shareWORD OF THE DAYPaludal [puh-lood-l, pal-yuh-dl] (adjective) 1. of or relating to marshes; 2. produced by marshes, as miasma or disease.
Gov. Abbott praises Hurricane Hanna response during visit to Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas โ Texas Gov. Greg Abbot visited Corpus Christi on Tuesday to survey the damage left by Hurricane Hanna, which made landfall over the weekend. During his visit, Abbot met with local officials and gave a news conference addressing the stateโs response to the storm. โJust because a hurricane has swept through here, does not mean that it has swept out COVID-19,โ Abbott said. โIf you let down your guard, it will lead to an increase of COVID-19,โ Abbott said.
Hidalgo County stores bodies in trucks as Texas sets one-day record for COVID-19 deaths
HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas Texas set a one-day record for deaths and hospitalizations Wednesday afternoon, and one Texas county is enforcing a stay-home order after bodies are being stored in refrigerated trucks, Reuters reported. The state saw 197 deaths and 10,893 hospitalizations Wednesday, becoming one of the hardest states hit by COVID-19. Hidalgo County, located in south Texas, has seen a sharp rise in cases in the last week, according to Reuters. He told Reuters that crematoriums have a wait list of two weeks, and with five refrigerated trucks in the county, they have a capacity of 50 bodies each. Texas, along with California and Florida remain the top three states where coronavirus cases are rising, Reuters reported.
Hidalgo County judge tries slowing coronavirus, but Gov. Greg Abbott has limited his options
McAllen sits in Hidalgo County, whose top official issued an emergency order Monday in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneAs the Rio Grande Valley grapples with an onslaught of coronavirus infections and hospitalizations, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez is pushing hard for residents to stay at home. In the new Hidalgo County order, only a second violation to the statewide mask order can be punished by a $250, in accordance with the existing state rules. In Hidalgo County on Monday, 524 people tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of infections there to 12,787, according to data released by the county. U.S. Navy teams were deployed Sunday to the Rio Grande Valley, a region that includes Hidalgo County.
Distilleries, wineries shuttered by Gov. Greg Abbott's bar shutdown say they should be exempted
Distilleries, wineries and even some restaurants with high alcohol sales say they are unfairly being caught in the crossfire of the statewide bar shutdown. Abbotts order required any business that gets 51% or more of its revenue from alcohol sales to close. RestaurantsThe bar shutdown has also closed many restaurants that have high alcohol sales, industry experts said. Because its revenue generated from alcohol sales outpaces food sales, the ice house was also forced to close down. She said she doesnt think the bar shutdown was intended to target a business like hers.
We opened too quickly, too soon: Mayor Turner proposes a shutdown as citys case count rises
HOUSTON Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Saturday proposed a shutdown, arguing it was necessary as COVID-19 cases have climbed steadily in recent weeks. We have to acknowledge the fact that we opened too quickly, too soon, said Turner. Texas set a record on Saturday, reporting 10,351 new cases, the Associated Press reported. The total is second only to the record 105 reported Thursday and brought the states overall death toll to 3,112. You dont send kids back to school when theres a raging fire and the fires still burning in August.
Ask 2: Are protesters exempt from Gov. Abbotts statewide mask order?
As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Greg Abbotts statewide mask order issued Thursday? Abbott signed an executive order Thursday that will require all Texans to wear a mask in public and in businesses beginning noon on Friday, July 3. See what penalties Abbotts order allows for here. Do you have a question about Houston, Texas, coronavirus or the new mask order?
Analysis: Governing in reaction mode, and always a beat or two behind
A line of nearly 100 cars formed at a COVID-19 testing site Friday at Barbara Jordan Elementary School in Austin. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneEditor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. Greg Abbotts key measures of how things are going: How many beds are still available for treating COVID-19 patients? And Abbott, who blocked local governments from acting on their concerns about the coronavirus, waited until case numbers, infection rates and hospitalizations jumped. Dan Patrick was whistling through the graveyard, saying on talk TV on Thursday that the Texas numbers are rising, but not alarming.
Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance suing the state over Gov. Abbotts order to shut down bars
AUSTIN The Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance has announced it plans to sue the State of Texas over Gov. Greg Abbotts recent decision and order to shut down bars across in the state. The decision comes after Abbott decided to close bars again on Friday after COVID-19 cases continued to surge across the state. The association is now encouraging bar owners to violate the order. Abbotts order says any establishment that receives more than 51% of its sales from alcohol must close its doors but can still have takeout and delivery.
FAQs: From waterpark openings to Pride events, here are answers to your questions on the governorโs latest executive order
From waterparks to restaurants and graduations, we are answering a few top questions related to the Executive Order issued by Governor Abbott on Friday. Abbottโs executive order closed bars and certain businesses as part of the stateโs effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. Other summer activities like zoos, aquariums, natural caverns, and museumsWill the governorโs order on bars likely have an impact on restaurants? The Mayor says the organizers of Houston Pride met and decided to turn the event into an online-only event. Right now, there is no end date for the Executive Order issued by the governor.
No guidelines in place yet for families of nursing home residents to be reunited
HOUSTON โ Nursing homes account for nearly half of all COVID-related deaths in the U.S. No families or friends of any kind can be by their side. Abbott also required all residents and staff have access to COVID-19 testing. Despite it all, the Texas reopening guidelines state people are still asked to avoid nursing homes, state-supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities. โWrite a postcard, write a note, it will come to them in the mail,โ Dr. Dyer recommended.
Bars, restaurants could lose license if they dont follow health guidelines, TABC warns
HOUSTON The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission issued a warning to bars and restaurants that are not following state health guidelines as Texas continues to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. In a Monday tweet, the TABC said Texas bars and restaurants must do their part to keep Texas safe by following the checklist provided by the Open Texas Strike Force. Businesses can face license suspension if they don't follow the guidelines and pose an immediate danger to the public, the TABC wrote. This is necessary to make sure that all of these businesses are following the protocols and standards that have been established for them to follow. Click here to see the guidelines established by the Open Texas Strike Force.
As Texas businesses reopen, COVID-19 case totals are rising. The state says hot spots like prisons and meatpacking plants are key factors.
Harris County Health Department nurse Harriet Lewis administers a test at a Harris County testing site located at Stallworth Stadium in Baytown on March 21, 2020. Reggie Mathalone for The Texas TribuneAs Texas moves forward with a new phase of Gov. Greg Abbotts plan for reopening businesses, the daily number of confirmed coronavirus cases is on a steady, upward trend. But determining exactly how much of the statewide increase comes from recent prison testing is complicated because DSHS does not include all prison cases in the statewide total. Brazoria County officials also said Friday they would no longer report prison cases in their county reports, according to Community Impact.
As coronavirus hits Texas, the states top health chief is spending 30 hours a week on a second job that pays $600,000
He is working seven days a week and approximately 50 hours for the health commission, and at least 30 hours for the river authority, said spokespeople for both organizations. HHSC spokesperson Christine Mann said Wilsons job at the health agency remains temporary, and said he chose not to accept a salary or benefits for the position. River Authority spokesperson Clara Tuma said Wilsons in touch daily with the organizations leadership. The river authority and health commission have no overlapping business or operations, she said. Like Wilson, chief of staff Greg Cox is similarly splitting his work days between the two organizations while remaining on river authority payroll.
Bottoms up! Here are 34 bars and taprooms reopening in the Houston area starting today
HOUSTON โ Houston bar-goers, rejoice! Bars in the Houston-area can now reopen thanks to Gov. Bars opening Friday will need to follow a list of guidelines provided by the state which includes limiting occupancy to 25 percent, screening employees and notifying customers that drink orders cannot be taken at the bar. As of Friday, 23 Houston-area bars have opened according to this list from CultureMap Houston and this one from Houstonia Magazine. These are the locations they listed:4J Brewery (1348 Cedar Post, Houston)13 Celsius (3000 Caroline, Houston; reservations required)77 Degrees (2416 Brazos, Ste.
Ask 2: Are restaurant employees in Harris County required to wear masks?
The question: Are restaurant employees in Harris County required to wear masks? The answer: Restaurant employees are โrigorously encouragedโ to wear face masks and gloves, according to Gov. Abbottโs Open Texas Checklist for restaurants. Although not a mandate, some Houston-area restaurants are requiring employees to wear face coverings and gloves to curb the spread of COVID-19 to make customers feel safe when dining in. However, for Harris County, restaurants choosing to open must follow the guidelines Abbott put in place, including the 25 percent occupancy requirement and providing single-use menus and condiments, the Texas Tribune reported.
Local hair salons and barbershops prepare to open
HOUSTON โ At the stroke of midnight, Neri Hair Salon in Pearland will welcome back its first customers in weeks. Theyโre all in so weโre like letโs do it.โLike other hair salons across Texas, they have been closed by Gov. As the state continues to re-open businesses in phases, hair salons and barbershops are on the list to get back to work on Friday. Iโm going to be able to take care of you guysโ,โ he said. Although itโll be a late night for Neri and his staff, he said they are happy to be doing hair again.
What you need to know about sending your child back to day care
Published: May 7, 2020, 6:20 am Updated: May 7, 2020, 7:02 amA lot of day cares closed when schools did or some temporarily downsized. Now, as businesses reopen and parents return to work, the Centers for Disease Control and the state government have issued guidelines for child care centers. The CDC says:Classes should include the same group of kids each day, with the same providers. Cancel or postpone special events such as festivals, holiday events, and special performances. Many day cares plan to have children dropped off at the front door to limit how many people come into the facility.
LIST: Here are 42 restaurants reopening for dine-in Friday in Houston
HOUSTON โ Restaurants are preparing for the biggest opening day since dine-in was shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic. Abbott announced Monday that restaurants can reopen dine-in areas as long as health and safety protocols are met and keep a 25% capacity limit inside. Many restaurants have announced that they will be opening their dining rooms with social distancing protocols in place. Houston Culture Map has built a long list of restaurants that are opening dine in. Know of other restaurants opening tomorrow that are not on this list, share in the comments.
Ask 2: Will hair and nail salons open on Friday?
As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. The question: I heard rumors that hair and nail salons would be open Friday. The answer: Gov. However, for the fate of all hair and nail salons in Texas, Abbott says he does plan to reopen them โat the beginning of Mayโ along with enhanced safety standards. For now, hair and nail salons remain closed for the time being.