Current Events 163
Several area bars are allowed to open today
Texas Governor Greg Abbott had issued an executive order a week ago on Oct. 7 that paved the way for bars and similar establishments throughout the state in low hospitalization areas to be opened to 50 percent capacity starting Oct. 14 at the discretionary authority of county officials.
Teachers demanding schools be safe before they return
As more students return to classrooms, school districts need teachers to show up as well. But many are reluctant, arguing that not enough is being done to keep faculty and students safe.
Texas colleges offer free coronavirus tests. Why aren’t more students getting tested?
Halfway through the semester, schools are reporting participation rates far below their goals, prompting at least one school to go so far as to offer prizes to students who volunteer to get a coronavirus test.
How Texas became a leading COVID-19 research hub
Two new trials in the Houston area are recruiting participants to study whether giving people infusions of blood from recovered COVID-19 patients can help treat early-stage infections or even prevent people from catching the disease.
Federal Judge blocks Texas’ elimination of straight-ticket voting
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office has filed a motion to stop the judge’s order and will file an appeal of the district court’s ruling.
Van Morrison singing about how he is no fan of virus lockdowns
The 75-year-old singer-songwriter is certainly not holding back on what he thinks of the lockdown restrictions put in place by governments around the world in response to the coronavirus.
Texas needs more poll workers this year; here’s how to become one.
Working at polls is going to look different this year. Find out what poll workers do, who qualifies to be one and how to become one yourself.
Gov. Greg Abbott loosens COVID-19 restrictions for restaurants and other businesses
Restaurants, retail stores and office buildings will now be able to operate at 75% capacity, Abbott said. Three regions — the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo and Victoria — were excluded from the loosening of restrictions, however.
Texas officials walk back $15 million proposed cuts to women’s and children’s health services
The changes to the budget proposal come after lawmakers and advocates protested the previous plan would hurt vulnerable Texans.
U.S. Rep. Ron Wright, of Arlington, hospitalized due to complications from cancer treatment
The freshman member of Congress has been undergoing treatment for lung cancer since last year.
No new cases in Kerr County for 2nd consecutive day
In Kerr County, Peterson Health reported no new cases for a second consecutive day, and no one is currently hospitalized at Peterson Regional Medical Center.
Texas college football returns with thousands of fans in the stadiums as campus cases grow
The University of Texas at Austin will face off against The University of Texas at El Paso on Saturday with thousands of fans in the stadium and new safety precautions.
