Texas voter turnout fell from 2018. It was still higher than other midterms.
In Texas, 45.7% of the 17.7 million registered voters cast ballots in the 2022 midterm election. That’s 7.3 percentage points lower than the state’s total turnout in 2018 but higher than in every other midterm election in the last 20 years.
DA: Texas death row inmate should get new trial over judge’s bias
A Jewish death row inmate who was part of a gang of prisoners who fatally shot a police officer in 2000 after they had escaped is one step closer to getting a new trial after prosecutors have agreed with defense claims that the judge who presided over his case held antisemitic views.
Police search for Texas married couple who are charged in murder of Seattle woman
A married Mesquite, Texas couple are on the run from police after they were charged with murdering a Seattle woman then fled while they were free on bond. Maranos and Dykes were released on a $500,000 bond in May 2021 on condition that they would remain under house arrest and wear GPS monitors. On Christmas Day, the couple cut off their ankle monitors. At that time, law enforcement officials had no luck in contacting either woman. It wasn’t until January 4 that Dallas County got the call, which means they had a 10-day head start.”
outinsa.com2021 in photos: Texans navigated COVID-19, weathered power outages and witnessed an increase in border crossings
As 2021 comes to a close, here’s a look back at just some of our favorite images captured by Texas Tribune photographers all over the state — and across the nation — to tell the stories of Texans in a challenging year.
Opportunity was snatched away from Dallas County Latino communities when Texas Republicans redrew congressional maps
Dallas-area Latinos hoped their growing numbers would finally translate into political clout this year through the creation of a new congressional district anchored by their communities. Instead, their neighborhoods were splintered between numerous white-majority districts.
Texas man gets 37 years for murdering transgender woman
A Dallas County jury sentenced Ruben Alvarado, 24, of Mesquite, a day after finding him guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Chynal Lindsey, 26, in June 2019. Alvarado told jurors that he had taken the Dallas woman to White Rock Lake for sex but ordered her from his sport utility vehicle upon discovering her biological sex. Lindsey's death had marked the second killing of a transgender woman in Dallas in less than a month.
news.yahoo.comTexas county officials call election audits an unnecessary partisan ploy while voicing confidence in 2020 results
Officials in some counties targeted by audits accuse Republican Texas leaders of pandering to conspiracy theorists and undermining faith in elections. They also say the secretary of state’s office hasn’t provided details on what the audits entail.
Allen West, GOP candidate for governor, calls wife’s DWI arrest in Dallas “insidious”
By Kate McGee, The Texas TribuneThe wife of Texas Republican gubernatorial candidate Allen West was arrested in Dallas County for allegedly driving while intoxicated Friday night, according to the Dallas Police Department and West himself. Graham-West was released from jail around 1 p.m. Saturday, according to West, who posted a video on Instagram early Saturday morning from the Dallas County jail. In the video, West angrily denied his wife had been drinking. West provided a photo of the receipt to the Tribune, which shows a lemonade, but lists no alcoholic beverages. West said his daughter and her husband picked up his grandson from the car on the side of the road.
myrgv.comAllen West, GOP candidate for governor, calls wife’s DWI arrest in Dallas “insidious”
Angela Graham-West, wife of GOP gubernatorial candidate Allen West, was arrested by Dallas Police Friday night for allegedly driving while intoxicated. Allen West said she hadn’t been drinking, that her three-month-old grandson was in the car with her, and called the arrest “insidious.”
Despite Texas high court ruling, some mask mandates remain
HOUSTON (AP) — Some Texas cities, counties and school districts remained defiant Monday and kept in place mandates requiring students and others to wear facial coverings despite rulings a day earlier by the Texas Supreme Court halting mask mandates in two of the state's largest counties.
myrgv.comGovernor Abbott Petitions Court to Strike Down Dallas County’s Mask Mandate
Republican governor Greg Abbott of Texas and Texas attorney general Ken Paxton jointly petitioned the Fifth Court of Appeals Wednesday to strike down Dallas County's mask mandate, claiming it was an infringement on an earlier executive order prohibiting their requirement in the state by government entities or officials.
news.yahoo.comTexas governor threatens to take school districts that defy ban on mask mandates to court
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the filing of a petition Wednesday to strike down an emergency order mandating masks in schools, businesses and county buildings in Dallas County.Why it matters: Their statement threatens that "any school district, public university or local government official that decides to defy the order will be taken to court." Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeState of play
news.yahoo.comSeveral local mask mandates in Texas allowed for now as legal challenges to Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban mount
COVID-19 is surging again in Texas. Hospitalizations are increasing faster than at any other time. Local officials and school leaders are pushing back against Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban on mask mandates. Here’s the latest.
Trump booster Herschel Walker skipped voting in 2016 when future president was on the ballot, records show
Herschel Walker did not cast a presidential vote in 2016 despite talking up the eventual winner, Donald Trump. And with the exception of 2020, Walker has not pulled the lever in any election since at least 2003, according to records reviewed by the Washington Examiner.
news.yahoo.comWhat you need to know about the latest COVID-19 surge and how to stay safe
It’s challenging to know the exact number of variants out there globally or in Texas, health experts say. Texas health experts have also recommended staying away from people who aren’t following COVID-19 safety protocols. If you’re able to do so, health experts say the best thing to do is to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Texas health experts have also recommended staying away from people who aren’t following COVID-19 safety protocols. Studies have shown that the delta variant is up to 60% more transmissible than the previous leading variant, the alpha variant.
myrgv.comJill Biden and Doug Emhoff visiting Texas to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations
Their Texas swing is part of a larger effort by senior administration officials who are fanning out across the country this week to encourage vaccinations ahead of the administration’s self-imposed goal of hitting a 70% countrywide vaccination rate by July 4.
FEMA vaccination mega-sites playing catch-up
(AP Photo/LM Otero, File)AUSTIN, Texas – Federal and military crews began playing catch-up with second-dose COVID-19 vaccinations in Texas interrupted by last week’s cold wave. On Friday, they move on to a vaccination mega-site at Globe Life Field in Arlington. FEMA is also administering second doses at NRG Stadium in Houston to those signed up for them. The newly reported cases and deaths pushed the total number of Texas cases reported during the pandemic to 2,613,792 and the state’s pandemic death toll to almost 41,980, according to statistics compiled by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The state estimated that 185,190 COVID-19 cases are active, with 6,738 cases needing hospitalization.
Texas likely to partner with FEMA for vaccine ‘super sites’
(AP Photo/LM Otero)AUSTIN, Texas – Texas will likely partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to open two vaccination “supersites” in Dallas and Houston, and more could be on the way, Gov. The mutated version of the virus spreads more easily, and health officials worry vaccines could be less effective against it. The governor said adding more sites is possible, but his office did not immediately release further details, including whether that meant Texas would get more vaccine doses or if those sites would pull vaccine from other areas. AdThe announcement came one month after the first new known COVID-19 variant, one first identified in the United Kingdom, was identified in Houston. Meantime, the Texas COVID-19 death toll rose to 38,700.
The Mendoza Line: Texas threatens Dallas County with 'Cruzification' for trying to help minorities
click to enlarge Wikimedia Commons / Gage SkidmoreThe Cruz serum transforms Republicans into amplified, over-the-top, sniveling, self-serving, double-talking assholes. Hispanics are just 19.4% of the population but 38% of the COVID-19 deaths. “We believe the threat of the Cruz serum would remind them of where their priorities should be.”The Cruz serum is similar to the Super Soldier serum that turned Steve Rogers into Captain America. But instead of amplifying strength as well as someone’s character traits, it makes Republicans into amplified, over-the-top, sniveling, self-serving, double-talking assholes.“The Dallas economy was built in the 1980s by sniveling, self-serving, double-talking assholes,” County Judge Clay Jenkins said. When that happens, they are given booster shots and forced to sit in a locked room with state GOP Chairman Allen West for an hour.
sacurrent.comProgress in the fight against the coronavirus is coming, but Texas is a long way from herd immunity
Credit: Shelby Tauber for The Texas TribuneNeed to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? The mythic idea of "herd immunity" from COVID-19 in the long journey back to normal may be out of reach for Texas any time soon, state health officials and medical experts say. “We do not know when, or if, Texas will reach herd immunity through vaccination,” Chief State Epidemiologist Dr. Jennifer Shuford told The Texas Tribune in an emailed statement. “Therefore, you could potentially start gradually loosening up things once the pressure on the hospitals has significantly decreased even in the absence of full herd immunity." At that point, Abbott added, the state can start “very quickly” making vaccines available to a broader swath of the population.
Texas’ COVID-19 hospitalizations falling from record highs
Howard Holland, 82, receives his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from Wes Vaughn at the Dallas County mass vaccination site at Fair Park Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)AUSTIN, Texas – The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Texas continues to fall from record highs as the state nears the end of what has been its deadliest month of the pandemic. State health officials Monday reported fewer than 13,000 people were being treated for the virus in Texas hospitals, marking the seventh consecutive day of declining patient loads. More than 34,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Texas, the second-most in the nation behind California. The U.S. is recording just under 3,100 deaths a day on average, down from more than 3,350 less than two weeks ago.
Texas says prioritizing Dallas areas most vulnerable to COVID-19 for vaccination doesn't comply with state guidelines
Dallas County commissioners agreed on Tuesday to prioritize vaccinating residents in zip codes that appear to be most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. "You'll always have a little bit [of appointments] for the rest of Dallas County," Commissioner J.J. Koch said. "We just need to do what they ask us to do," said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. But Commissioner J.J. Koch criticized Jenkins at the meeting, saying he had been "disingenuous" with the state when informing it of Dallas' vaccination plan. "[Dallas County Commissioners Court] can use some of their vaccine to target specific groups or areas, but they can't do that with everything and remain a hub provider."
cbsnews.comDan Patrick asks Texas to revise coronavirus vaccine distribution plan as eligible people experience frustration trying to locate a dose
Long lines of people waited to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at Fair Park, where Dallas County opened its first ìmegaî vaccination site. (Credit: Shelby Tauber for The Texas Trib)Need to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? Greg Abbott praised the state’s vaccine rollout as officials warned the COVID-19 pandemic is at its worst here. Texas is outpacing other states in administering the vaccine, last week topping 1 million total doses administered. In the letter to Garcia, Patrick thanked Abbott for his “leadership” on the state’s vaccine distribution plan and hailed state officials for doing a “good job” on vaccine rollout — “better than most states,” Patrick said.
Texas county axes plan to prioritize vaccinating communities of color after state threat
A divided Dallas County Commissioners Court had voted Tuesday to prioritize vaccines at its Fair Park distribution center for individuals in mostly Black and Latino neighborhoods, a reflection of increased vulnerability to the coronavirus in 11 Dallas County ZIP codes, according to the Dallas Morning News. But Texas health officials pushed back on the proposal, warning that it was “not acceptable to [the Department of State Health Services. Her letter came after Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins wrote to state officials asking whether the county’s plan was permissible. The county government is responsible for just 10% of the vaccines distributed in Dallas County. “I’m certain” that the order will be acceptable to state officials, Koch shot back.
mysanantonio.comGov. Greg Abbott allows only limited COVID-19 restrictions for Texas' worst hot spots. Local leaders say it's not enough.
The Dallas County health department reported 33 available intensive care beds on Sunday for the county’s 2.6 million residents. Jenkins said most Dallas County businesses are likewise adhering to Abbott’s restrictions. But many county officials, including Jenkins, said bars are openly flouting guidelines and the TABC is not enforcing the rules. In most cases, local officials said they focus on educating wrongdoers instead of punishing them. Meanwhile, the city reported 245 people hospitalized with the virus on Sunday, down from a peak of 360 in late November but still enough to concern local health officials.
sacurrent.comTexas needs more poll workers this year because of the pandemic. Here's how to become one.
Texas is preparing for a general election for which election officials are expecting unprecedented turnout — and unprecedented demand for election workers. In Hidalgo County, officials are hoping for around 800 election workers, nearly doubling the number from past general elections. Election workers are paid hourly for the days they work during the election. Counties set their own wages for their election workers, but they have to pay at least the federal minimum wage. You can use this tool to find your county’s contact and election worker information.
sacurrent.comCoronavirus in Texas: Shell evacuates employees after outbreak on rig in Gulf of Mexico
REUTERS/Nuri VallbonaShell evacuates employees after outbreak on rig in Gulf of MexicoNine Shell employees were evacuated from an offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico after five people tested positive for the new coronavirus, the Houston Chronicle reported. Shell operates nine offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, and about 160 people work on the rig that was the site of coronavirus cases, KHOU-TV reported. On Wednesday, the state reported 1,361 more cases of the new coronavirus, bringing the total number of known cases to 57,921. Reagan County reported its first case Wednesday; almost every county in Texas has reported at least one confirmed case of the virus. Harris County has reported the most cases, 11,281, followed by Dallas County, which has reported 9,188 cases.
Coronavirus in Texas: GOP chairman says Republican National Convention welcome in Texas
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistribu)What you need to know Tuesday:Texas GOP chair welcomes RNC convention if North Carolina faltersTexas GOP would welcome Republican National Convention if moved from North Carolina[9:10 a.m.] Texas Republican Party Chair James Dickey said Monday that the state would gladly host the Republican National Convention in August if North Carolina cant guarantee full occupancy, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Texas would welcome President Trump and the RNC Convention, Dickey told the American-Statesman. As scheduled, the convention will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, from August 24-27. Presidio County reported its first case Monday; over 85% of the states 254 counties have reported at least one case. Harris County reported one additional death, bringing its total to 220 deaths, more than any other county.
Coronavirus in Texas: In Dallas County, the numbers seem to be going our way
Thursdays biggest developments:Dallas County judge expresses measured optimism as case numbers show improvement. Hall County reported its first case Wednesday; over 85% of the states 254 counties have reported at least one case. Harris County has reported the most cases, 9,859, followed by Dallas County, which has reported 7,904 cases. See maps of the latest case numbers for each county and case rates per 1,000 residents. Harris County reported two additional deaths, bringing its total to 207 deaths, more than any other county.
Big Texas Cities Join San Antonio in Issuing Stay-at-Home Orders, but Abbott Hasn't Followed Suit
San Antonio isn't the only big Texas metro ordering residents to hunker down. Harris is home to Houston, the Lone Star State's most-populous city.Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley issued a similar order later the same morning. "As a state, Texas has the highest level of uninsured people in the nation," U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen said in a statement demanding a statewide order. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current.
sacurrent.comTexas execution halted over claims judge was anti-Semitic
Halprin's attorneys alleged in his appeal that friends and people who worked with ex-Judge Vickers Cunningham from Dallas County said he "did not like anyone not of his race, religion or creed" and used racial slurs and anti-Semitic language to refer to Halprin and some of the other "Texas 7" inmates who were convicted. Cunningham oversaw the trials of Halprin and other members of the gang.
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