A day after Gov. Greg Abbott announced plans to fully reopen businesses and end the state’s mask mandate, small business owners across Texas found themselves struggling to decide what to do next.
Advocates worry vaccines will be out of reach for Black and Hispanic neighborhoods devastated by Covid-19
In the state’s largest metropolitan areas, vaccine distribution centers like hospitals and pharmacies are more common in white, affluent neighborhoods.
Texas extends rental assistance program designed to avoid evictions until March 15
The move comes after Congress passed a stimulus bill Monday extending the federal moratorium on evictions through the end of January. The moratorium order was set to expire at the end of the year.
Texas is on track for record turnout in this election after breaking early voting records
After early voting, 57.3% of registered voters in Texas have cast ballots, just shy of the total turnout of 59.4% in 2016.
Texas’ massive early voting numbers have persisted, leading to predictions of overall turnout unseen in years
Experts are predicting that as many as 12 million people could vote in Texas this year.
Texas can reject mail-in ballots over mismatched signatures without giving voters a chance to appeal, court rules
A federal judge had ordered the state to give voters a chance to resolve signature questions in time for their ballots to be counted. Now that won’t happen unless counties do it voluntarily.
Texas hits nearly 17 million registered voters for November election
The final number heading into the Nov. 3 election represents 1.9 million more registered voters than Texas had for the 2016 presidential contest.
Analysis: Keep calm and vote on
Political people in high places are sowing doubt about voting and elections, making our 200-year-old system seem fraught with problems and even crime. Vote anyway.
Texas will spend $171 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to help renters avoid evictions
The new program will provide rental assistance and legal aid for tenants who are behind on rent. Details on how Texans could apply or qualify weren’t immediately released.
Texas begins letting people register to vote online when they’re updating their driver’s licenses
The limited move, ordered by a federal judge, marks the first time Texans have been able to register to vote online.