STATE

The Senate could begin floor debate on two key voting rights bills as soon as Thursday, setting up a vote on rules changes in the following days.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made clear in his State of the State speech that he likes teachers, first responders and freedom and he doesn’t like Dr. Anthony Fauci, critical race theory, abortion, illegal immigration and Burmese pythons.

In a letter to colleagues, the majority leader set a deadline for the action that coincides with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Most people who get insurance through the public marketplace end up getting some sort of financial help to cover their monthly premiums.

Four men are dead in north-central Mexico after armed assailants burst into a home where a holiday-season party was being held and opened fire

Most of the money — $600 million — is coming from the state of Michigan, which was accused of repeatedly overlooking risks.

Vista Alta del Veramendi, a planned residential community within the 2,400-acre Veramendi development in New Braunfels, recently broke ground on the project.

The Senate has confirmed two prominent anti-Trump Republicans to serve in the Biden administration.

The recent storms brought short-term relief to California. But the long-term issues endure.

The state is expanding mental health services in schools to combat rising cases of depression and anxiety during the pandemic.

The Republican blamed the Biden administration for creating “chaos” in the Del Rio area and vowed to beef up border security.

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It not only violates abortion precedents but also attempts to shield illegal statutes from the courts.

After Texas enacted a first-of-its-kind near-total abortion ban, advocates on both sides anticipate a domino effect in Republican-controlled statehouses, as the nation has reached a critical moment for abortion rights.

A crowd of about 70 rallied at San Pedro Springs Park on Wednesday to protest the new Texas abortion law.

As school returns, this is a sleeping giant of an issue for the Biden administration. And the giant is being awoken by the virus and some doctors' groups.

Across the state of Colorado, 84% of ICU beds are in use.

State lists "No mandated COVID-19 vaccination" as one of the "many great benefits" of its nursing jobs.

The state has recorded more than 74 million COVID-19 tests since the start of the pandemic.

The state has recorded more than 74 million COVID-19 tests since the start of the pandemic.

Gov. Greg Abbott defunded the entire legislature after Democrats staged a walkout to prevent restrictive voting laws from passing.

The state eliminated about 30,000 jobs during the pandemic.

Heavy rains have battered India's western coast, leaving dozens dead and prompting mass evacuations.

Amid the absence of most Texas House Democrats, GOP state senators are pushing to expand restrictions on racism discussions in public grade-schools.

The Tokyo Olympic games kick off in just four days.

The Tokyo Olympic games kick off in just four days.

Today’s 6–3 Supreme Court decision is a hinge point for American democracy.

The state is currently giving out about 90,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine per week.

The state has launched campaigns to tackle vaccine hesitancy among community members.

Iván Duque says his aircraft was shot while he was flying near the border with Venezuela.

Amazon's two-day shopping event is set to start on June 21. Here are some of the best deals so far, and they're not all from the retail giant.

Arrest was made using Arizona’s controversial ‘show me your papers’ law

The youngest daughter of New York’s governor used a social media post Thursday to share her “queer” identity and call for allies to speak up against homophobia.

Law enforcement were at the scene Tuesday morning along a Phoenix area freeway where a small plane had made an emergency landing. Officials said the plane was able to land safely and no injuries were reported. (May 18)

On Monday afternoon, Holy Cross high school held a rally to celebrate accomplishments at the TAPPS state level, including newly crowned champions in softball, cheerleading and track & field.

The unemployment rate in Texas was 6.9% in March, which is more than double the record low of 3.4% in May 2019. The extra $300 federal benefit will end June 26 for jobless Texans.

After Myanmar’s military seized power by ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, they couldn’t even make the trains run on time: State railway workers were among the earliest organized opponents of the February takeover, and they went on strike. Health workers who founded the civil disobedience movement against military rule stopped staffing government medical facilities. Many civil servants were no-shows at work, along with employees of government and private banks.

<figcaption> Gov. Greg Abbott prepares to deliver his State of the State speech at Visionary Fiber Technologies outside of Lockhart on Feb. 1, 2021 <cite>Credit: Bob Daemmrich/CapitolPressPhoto/Pool</cite> </figcaption>

Julian Sanchez tallied a goal and an assist, as the LEE Volunteers defeated Jersey Village in the UIL Class 6A State semifinals on Tuesday night, punching their tickets to the championship game for the second time in the last three seasons.

One year after their season was ended prematurely due to the coronavirus pandemic, the LEE boys soccer team is heading back to the UIL State Semifinals looking to finish the job and take home the title.

The state may rest its case as early as Monday in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. Day 10 wrapped Friday with key testimony from the medical examiner who conducted George Floyd's autopsy. Joe Barrett, a senior Midwest correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, joined CBSN's Lana Zak to break down the second week of proceedings.

State health officials have reported below-average new COVID-19 case and death totals for Texas.

Newsom's announcement comes a little more than a year after California shut down its economy due to the unfolding health pandemic.

– Mississippi will increase the lowest monthly welfare payments in the nation under a bill signed into law Wednesday by the state's Republican governor. The payments in Mississippi have been $146 for a family of two, $170 for a family of three and $194 for a family of four. AdEven with the increase, the Mississippi welfare payments will still be only a fraction of the federal poverty level, according to the liberal-leaning Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. Brandon Jones, a Democratic former Mississippi House member and current policy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund in Mississippi, called the increase long overdue. “This $90 increase gets Mississippi off the bottom and is desperately needed by struggling families throughout the state."

Newsom and his Democratic allies launched a political committee Monday, March 15 to stop a proposed recall election that could oust him from office. Orrin Heatlie, a retired county sheriff's sergeant who filed the recall petition, said Newsom is engaging in a “smear campaign" about the recall organizers because he can't defend his record. Defeating the recall “will be one of the most important priorities for Democrats this year,” Booker said in a statement. Newsom for months sidestepped questions about the recall but has more recently started to ramp up his political operation and strategy. AdResponding to Newsom’s campaign, the California Republican Party pointed to a slew of issues beyond the coronavirus.

On the exact anniversary of the 2020 University Interscholastic League (UIL) state tournament’s cancellation due to COVID-19, the Cougars used a third-quarter surge to knock off Tatum in the Class 3A State Championship Game at the Alamodome, 77-60. Trailing 9-7 after one quarter of play, Cole found some separation in the second quarter. Cole then outscored Tatum 31-12 in the third quarter, providing all the separation they would need to cruise to the title. Congrats to Cole High School on winning the Class 3A boys state basketball title! #KSATsports @RGC_BBasketball @SHAQ https://t.co/FGNKcY3yAK pic.twitter.com/GylwsuZHII — KSAT 12 Sports (@InstantReplaySA) March 13, 2021This is the program’s first state championship since Shaquille O’Neal led the Cougars to the Class 3A title in 1989.

Tate Reeves signs the first state bill in the U.S. this year to ban transgender athletes from competing on female sports teams, as supporting lawmakers gather behind him, Thursday, March 11, 2021, at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss. Tate Reeves signed a bill Thursday to ban transgender athletes from competing on girls or women’s sports teams. Alphonso David, president of the LGBTQ civil rights organization Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement Thursday that the Mississippi law could lead to more bullying of transgender people. “This law is a solution in search of a problem, and legislators in Mississippi have not provided any examples of Mississippi transgender athletes gaming the system for a competitive advantage because none exist,” David said. Republican legislators who pushed the bill gave no evidence of any transgender athletes competing in Mississippi schools or universities.

“It feels great,” Blackmore said. “We’re going back to the championship game, and we actually get to play it this year. I love how we can come through in a tight game like this against a great team. “You never know if you’re going to get back to state or if you’re ever going to have a chance to get back to a state championship. They think they’re going to win every game.”The Cougars will return to the Alamodome on Friday, March 12 to take on Tatum in the UIL Class 3A State Championship Game.

Andrew has covered athletics of all levels for more than five years and is dedicated to shining a spotlight on local San Antonio athletes and their stories.

ROUND ROCK – Both the girls and boys soccer teams from Schertz John Paul II qualified for their respective TAPPS Division III State Championship Game, and they come up just short in dramatic battles with Dallas Covenant School. Champion Score Runner-Up Boys Dallas Covenant School 1-0 Schertz John Paul II Girls Dallas Covenant School 3-1 Schertz John Paul IIMORE TAPPS STATE SOCCER COVERAGE

ROUND ROCK – Twelve TMI seniors took the field at Round Rock Multipurpose Complex on Friday with a rare opportunity to win three straight TAPPS state titles. The Panthers scored early and often in a 5-0 rout of Frisco Legacy Christian in the TAPPS Division II State Championship Game. @TMIEpiscopal boys soccer have gone back to back to back - catch all the highlights and hear from the Panthers on their victory coming up ONLY on #KSATsports! @InstantReplaySA pic.twitter.com/EQ8BQdWbwH — Andrew Cely (@ACelySports) March 6, 2021“It’s crazy, winning three years in a row,” Parra said. AdThe Panthers have now won four of the last five TAPPS Division II State titles.

– Mississippi is on track to become the first state this year to enact a law banning transgender athletes from competing on girls or women's sports teams. Tate Reeves said Thursday that he will sign a bill that the Republican-controlled Mississippi Legislature has passed. AdRepublican legislators who pushed the bill gave no evidence of any transgender athletes competing in Mississippi schools or universities. A Mississippi mother with a transgender daughter spoke Thursday during the Human Rights Campaign news conference. AdSupporters of bills such as the one in Mississippi argue that transgender girls, because they were born male, are naturally stronger, faster and bigger than those born female.

Alamo Heights 1:50.87 200 yard Freestyle 9. Peyton Brehmer (Boerne Champion) 57.7559.00 200 yard Freestyle Relay 1. Boerne Champion 1:36.92 100 yard Backstroke 5. Elizabeth Walsh (Alamo Heights) 1:06.91 400 yard Freestyle Relay 3. @swimWACdive's Clark, Garcia, Ziemba & Brehmer combine to win the 200 yard Freestyle Relay at #UILState!

Andrew has covered athletics of all levels for more than five years and is dedicated to shining a spotlight on local San Antonio athletes and their stories.

New York's attorney general said she's moving forward with an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Gov. Andrew Cuomo after receiving a letter from his office Monday, March 1, 2021, authorizing her to take charge of the probe. AdAttorney General Letitia James received a letter Monday from Cuomo’s office authorizing her to take charge of the probe after a weekend of wrangling over who should investigate. The harassment allegations come on the heels of accusations he covered up the true death toll of coronavirus on nursing home residents. Cuomo senior adviser Beth Garvey said she would facilitate interviews with witness and requests for documents from Cuomo’s office.

Andrew has covered athletics of all levels for more than five years and is dedicated to shining a spotlight on local San Antonio athletes and their stories.

Andrew has covered athletics of all levels for more than five years and is dedicated to shining a spotlight on local San Antonio athletes and their stories.

SAN ANTONIO – Three years ago, as a sophomore at Edison High School, Christian Rangel started diving on a whim. Put simply, Rangel has transformed himself into one of the best high school divers in Texas. “I did have a lot of anxiety when I first started diving because I was scared I’d get hurt. Then and now, Rangel has always been proud to represent both Edison and SAISD at high school diving’s highest level. When he finishes his high school career this weekend and officially graduates this spring, that is precisely the legacy he wants to leave behind.

Two years later, Rachel Sutphin was one of 13 family members of murder victims who sent a letter to the General Assembly asking lawmakers to abolish the death penalty. We all know the death penalty doesn't do that. Even last year, death penalty abolition bills in the General Assembly went nowhere. Historically, Virginia has used the death penalty more than any other state, executing nearly 1,400 people since its days as a colony, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, Virginia, with 113 executions, is second only to Texas.

SAN ANTONIO – Following a rush of scheduling changes due to the winter storm, the University Interscholastic League has decided to postpone the girls state basketball tournament to March 10-11 at the Alamodome. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held on March 5 and 6. The extra days will give teams more opportunities to complete the playoffs in a safe manner. The boys state tournament will also be held in the Alamodome from March 12-13.

Andrew has covered athletics of all levels for more than five years and is dedicated to shining a spotlight on local San Antonio athletes and their stories.

AUSTIN, Texas – Gov. Greg Abbott will lay out his priorities for the 2021 legislative session when he gives his State of the State address Monday. The speech, which is scheduled for 7 p.m., will be livestreamed on KSAT.com. The speech is usually delivered in the Capitol before members of the House and the Senate, but due to COVID-19, Abbott will deliver the address from a small business in Central Texas. (Editor’s note: Thanks to the Texas Tribune for providing the information for this story).

Kelly championed Medicaid expansion in her first race in 2018 and promised to sign legislation legalizing medical marijuana, though she has not pushed that issue aggressively so far. But University of Kansas political scientist Patrick Miller said he wonders why any Kansas politician still opposes medical marijuana. The Legislature has taken only relatively small steps toward legalizing medical marijuana even as most other states have done it. She said legalizing medical marijuana could raise up to $50 million a year and her proposal “eliminates the argument” that Kansas can't afford Medicaid expansion. AdBut Republican lawmakers remained skeptical that medical marijuana could raise much money or cover Medicaid expansion costs.

Dr. Jon LaPook on the state of COVID-19 vaccine distribution Despite more than 40 million doses of coronavirus vaccines made available in the U.S., only 20 million have been administered thus far. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook answers some common questions regarding the state of vaccine distribution.

Dr. John LaPook on the state of COVID-19 vaccine distribution Despite more than 40 million doses of coronavirus vaccines made available in the U.S., only 20 million have been administered thus far. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook answers some common questions regarding the state of vaccine distribution.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that New Yorkers who are 65 or older are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, "effective immediately." The federal government has said people 65 and older and the immunocompromised should eligible to be vaccinated. "I urge patience as unfortunately there are far more eligible NYers than there is vaccine supply from the federal gov," Cuomo tweeted. NEW: New Yorkers age 65+ are now eligible for the COVID vaccine — effective immediately. I urge patience as unfortunately there are far more eligible NYers than there is vaccine supply from the federal gov.

Airline passengers from the United Kingdom will need to get negative COVID-19 tests within three days of their trip and provide the results to the airline, the CDC said in a statement. The agency said the order will be signed Friday and go into effect on Monday.

SAN ANTONIO – It’s a common adage in Texas that we are the only state that can secede from the U.S. -- but is it true? Every Texan born and raised in our great state has heard the old saying about Texas being the only state that can secede. Eric McDaniel, associate professor of government at the University of Texas at Austin, told the Texas Tribune in 2016 that “the legality of seceding is problematic. “The union between Texas and the other States was as complete, as perpetual, and as indissoluble as the union between the original States. So, without consent from the U.S. or by means of revolution, Texas can’t secede from the union.

NBC's Gabe Gutierrez reports on the growing number of Covid-19 cases in South Dakota and the difficulty the state is having in its attempts to deal with it.

The Travis County Tax Office at 5501 Airport Blvd. A state appeals court has upheld a Travis County State district court order allowing Texas counties to have multiple drop-off locations for hand delivery of absentee ballots, undercutting Gov. But it remains unclear if the intermediate court's decision will lead to the reopening of ballot drop-off locations that were shut down in Harris and Travis counties following Abbott's order. Abbott and Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs are expected to quickly appeal the ruling to the Texas Supreme Court to again block the order from taking effect. Last week, Travis County State District Judge Tim Sulak agreed, ruling against Abbott’s order.

A planned lottery to award 75 new recreational licenses is on hold after more than 70 unsuccessful marijuana dispensary applicants filed a lawsuit against the state, alleging the process unfairly excluded the minority applicants it had sought to include. The applicants dropped the lawsuit last month after Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a second chance to qualify for the as-yet unscheduled license lottery,

“Just a 1% undercount will cost this state $195 million in federal funds at a time when we need it the most,” she continued. “These federal funds impact each and every one of you directly. It’s money for your neighborhood, it’s money for your block. For people in our Black and brown communities like this one, an accurate count often means a seat at the table for people who look like us and are advocating for us.”

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo Cindy McCain, wife of former Arizona Sen. John McCain, waves to the crowd after being acknowledged by Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey during his State of the State address on the opening day of the legislative session at the Capitol in Phoenix. Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden said Sept. 22 that Cindy McCain plans to endorse him for president. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo Cindy McCain, wife of former Arizona Sen. John McCain, waves to the crowd after being acknowledged by Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey during his State of the State address on the opening day of the legislative session at the Capitol in Phoenix. Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden said Sept. 22 that Cindy McCain plans to endorse him for president. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

The state is reporting a record number of hospitalized coronavirus patientsIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.

DENVER (Reuters) - State lawmakers in Denver voted to pass and send to the governor on Wednesday a bill that would repeal Colorados death penalty, making it the latest of a growing number of states in recent years to abolish capital punishment. Twenty-nine U.S. states, including Colorado, have the death penalty on their books, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Capital punishment also remains in the criminal code of the federal government and U.S. military justice system. When the bill is enacted into law, Colorado will become the 22nd state since 2004 to abolish the death penalty by legislation or court action, according to the Washington-based Death Penalty Information Center, which tracks the issue. Supporters of repeal cited the irrevocable nature of capital punishment, as well as evidence that the death penalty is often imposed disproportionately on minorities and the poor.

DENVER (Reuters) - State lawmakers in Denver voted to pass and send to the governor on Wednesday a bill that would repeal Colorados death penalty, making it the latest of a growing number of states in recent years to abolish capital punishment. Governor Jared Polis, a first-term Democrat, intends to sign the bill into law when it reaches his desk, his spokesman told Reuters via email on Tuesday. Both chambers of the General Assembly are controlled by Democrats, although two Republican senators are co-sponsors of the measure. Twenty-nine U.S. states, including Colorado, have the death penalty on their books, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. When the bill is enacted into law, Colorado will become the 22nd state since 2004 to abolish the death penalty by legislation or court action, according to the Washington-based Death Penalty Information Center, which tracks the issue.

DENVER (Reuters) - State lawmakers in Denver were expected to pass and send to the governor on Wednesday a bill that would repeal the death penalty in Colorado, making it the 22nd state to abolish capital punishment over the past 15 years. Twenty-nine U.S. states, including Colorado, have the death penalty on their books, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Capital punishment also remains in the criminal code of the federal government and U.S. military justice system. If the Colorado repeal is enacted, it would mark the 22nd state since 2004 to abolish the death penalty by legislation or court action, according to the Washington-based Death Penalty Information Center, which tracks the issue. Supporters of repeal point to the irrevocable nature of capital punishment, as well as to evidence that the death penalty is often imposed disproportionately on minorities and the poor.

A massive budget shortfall in Louisana has the state legislature holding an emergency session. It faces a hard choice: raise taxes or make large cuts to essential services. David Begnaud has the story.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder uses his State of the State address to talk about the lead contamination in Flint's water supply, Sarah Palin endorses Donald Trump, and more of the stories you're clicking on.

Ahead of the president's last State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday, the Republican presidential front-runner has offered a few words of his own to describe the country.

Diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba are reopened but many difference remain between the governments of the two countries. CBS News chief White House correspondent Major Garrett has analysis for CBSN.

Tax fraud warnings: Scammers steal identities to take IRS refunds State tax agencies around the country are on high alert amid a surge in criminal tax filings. Alabama is investigating at least 16,000 returns suspected of fraud, while Utah flagged at least 8,000. Minnesota temporarily stopped accepting returns using Turbotax last week. Former FBI executive assistant director and CrowdStrike Services president Shawn Henry joins "CBS This Morning" from Washington to discuss the latest tax scams.