5:30 AM on Jul 3, 2020 CDTAUSTIN — With an investment of an hour, at most 90 minutes, Gov. Greg Abbott can reach audiences in almost half of Texas’ media markets each weekday — live, in person, on local TV news.From a three-year-old studio in his campaign committee’s office, Abbott sits in front of an image of the state Capitol and takes questions from anchors or reporters from one TV station after another. Frequently, he does successive interviews for a half-hour to an hour — often, with few or no breaks.A lawyer by training — but, increasingly, a purveyor of less windy sound bites than...…5:30 AM on Jul 3, 2020 CDTAUSTIN — With an investment of an hour, at most 90 minutes, Gov. Greg Abbott can reach audiences in almost half of Texas’ media markets each weekday — live, in person, on local TV news.From a three-year-old studio in his campaign committee’s office, Abbott sits in front of an image of the state Capitol and takes questions from anchors or reporters from one TV station after another. Frequently, he does successive interviews for a half-hour to an hour — often, with few or no breaks.A lawyer by training — but, increasingly, a purveyor of less windy sound bites than...WW…

2:08 PM on Jun 15, 2020 CDTUpdated at 6:08 p.m.: to include Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission’s warning to bars of stricter enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines.AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott says 20-something Texans are catching coronavirus in greater numbers.And he’s rebuking them for not taking safety precautions, such as wearing masks, when they go out.Abbott took to the airwaves on Monday to caution Texans in their 20s that too many of them are taking COVID-19 too lightly.“A lot of people have let down their guard,” he said on KLBK-TV’s noon newscast in Lubbock.“If you do not use these safe...…2:08 PM on Jun 15, 2020 CDTUpdated at 6:08 p.m.: to include Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission’s warning to bars of stricter enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines.AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott says 20-something Texans are catching coronavirus in greater numbers.And he’s rebuking them for not taking safety precautions, such as wearing masks, when they go out.Abbott took to the airwaves on Monday to caution Texans in their 20s that too many of them are taking COVID-19 too lightly.“A lot of people have let down their guard,” he said on KLBK-TV’s noon newscast in Lubbock.“If you do not use these safe...WW…

3:06 PM on Jun 6, 2020 CDTAUSTIN — Former Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday said George Floyd’s death has exposed America’s “systemic racism,” and the country can’t keep ignoring it.He also accused President Donald Trump of mistreating Hispanics, saying it’s urgent that Americans elect a new leader.In a speech videotaped on the back porch of his Delaware home, Biden rallied Texas Democrats on the final day of their week-long state convention.“We need to stand up as a nation, stand with the black community, with all communities of color, come together as one America to deliver justice for...…3:06 PM on Jun 6, 2020 CDTAUSTIN — Former Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday said George Floyd’s death has exposed America’s “systemic racism,” and the country can’t keep ignoring it.He also accused President Donald Trump of mistreating Hispanics, saying it’s urgent that Americans elect a new leader.In a speech videotaped on the back porch of his Delaware home, Biden rallied Texas Democrats on the final day of their week-long state convention.“We need to stand up as a nation, stand with the black community, with all communities of color, come together as one America to deliver justice for...WW…

7:52 PM on Jun 6, 2020 CDTAUSTIN — Democratic rivals MJ Hegar and Royce West put slight distance between themselves on such controversial proposals as a fracking ban, racial reparations and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a U.S. Senate race debate late Saturday.Hegar, the decorated Air Force rescue helicopter pilot and former congressional candidate from Round Rock, said she worries that a federal ban on hydraulic fracturing would hurt working families.“We can fix it without having an economic crisis here in Texas,” she said of climate change during the hourlong...…7:52 PM on Jun 6, 2020 CDTAUSTIN — Democratic rivals MJ Hegar and Royce West put slight distance between themselves on such controversial proposals as a fracking ban, racial reparations and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a U.S. Senate race debate late Saturday.Hegar, the decorated Air Force rescue helicopter pilot and former congressional candidate from Round Rock, said she worries that a federal ban on hydraulic fracturing would hurt working families.“We can fix it without having an economic crisis here in Texas,” she said of climate change during the hourlong...WW…

12:20 PM on Sep 17, 2020 CDT — Updated at 2:52 PM on Sep 17, 2020 CDTUpdated at 2:52 p.m.: to include reactions from restaurant and small business lobby groups, Abbott critics from left and right.AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday eased his coronavirus restrictions on many businesses and allowed a resumption of elective surgeries in North Texas and most other parts of the state.He also announced that, starting next Thursday, the state will allow more visitors at nursing homes that meet certain protocols.The Republican governor, though, did not reopen bars. They’ve been closed since late...…12:20 PM on Sep 17, 2020 CDT — Updated at 2:52 PM on Sep 17, 2020 CDTUpdated at 2:52 p.m.: to include reactions from restaurant and small business lobby groups, Abbott critics from left and right.AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday eased his coronavirus restrictions on many businesses and allowed a resumption of elective surgeries in North Texas and most other parts of the state.He also announced that, starting next Thursday, the state will allow more visitors at nursing homes that meet certain protocols.The Republican governor, though, did not reopen bars. They’ve been closed since late...WW…

7:13 PM on Jul 9, 2020 CDTAUSTIN — As Texas on Thursday set single-day records for deaths from coronavirus and how many people the disease has put in the hospital, Gov. Greg Abbott was bracing for even more bad news.“The numbers are going to look worse as we go into next week,” he told KRIV-TV in Houston late Thursday.In another record Thursday, over the past seven days, 15.6% of reported coronavirus tests have come back positive.In four television appearances just hours after the gloomy numbers were released, Abbott acknowledged his mask order is unpopular but said people simply must...…7:13 PM on Jul 9, 2020 CDTAUSTIN — As Texas on Thursday set single-day records for deaths from coronavirus and how many people the disease has put in the hospital, Gov. Greg Abbott was bracing for even more bad news.“The numbers are going to look worse as we go into next week,” he told KRIV-TV in Houston late Thursday.In another record Thursday, over the past seven days, 15.6% of reported coronavirus tests have come back positive.In four television appearances just hours after the gloomy numbers were released, Abbott acknowledged his mask order is unpopular but said people simply must...WW…

6:27 PM on Jul 20, 2020 CDTAUSTIN -- Gov. Greg Abbott has agreed to provide the virtual “first pitch” at the Texas Rangers’ season opener Friday, his spokesman confirmed Monday.Abbott planned to videotape his delivery of the ceremonial first pitch on the grounds of the Texas Capitol late Monday, said spokesman John Wittman.“We are doing tonight in front of the Capitol,” Wittman said in a text.Asked what speed Abbott, who is right-handed, can throw a ball, Wittman joked, “98 mph!”The spokesman promised to let a reporter know.The video of Abbott’s ceremonial first pitch will be played shortly...…6:27 PM on Jul 20, 2020 CDTAUSTIN -- Gov. Greg Abbott has agreed to provide the virtual “first pitch” at the Texas Rangers’ season opener Friday, his spokesman confirmed Monday.Abbott planned to videotape his delivery of the ceremonial first pitch on the grounds of the Texas Capitol late Monday, said spokesman John Wittman.“We are doing tonight in front of the Capitol,” Wittman said in a text.Asked what speed Abbott, who is right-handed, can throw a ball, Wittman joked, “98 mph!”The spokesman promised to let a reporter know.The video of Abbott’s ceremonial first pitch will be played shortly...WW…

12:58 PM on Apr 27, 2020 CDT — Updated at 7:45 PM on Apr 27, 2020 CDTUpdated at 1:52 p.m., April 28, 2020: to correct that Abbott lifted the 14-day self-quarantine order only on road and air travelers from Louisiana, not on air travelers from New York and other COVID-19 hotspots.AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday said his statewide stay-at-home order on coronavirus will expire on Thursday as scheduled, while Texas malls, stores, movie theaters and restaurants may open the next day — with 25% occupancy.Barber shops, hair salons, gyms, massage establishments, tattoo parlors, video arcades...…12:58 PM on Apr 27, 2020 CDT — Updated at 7:45 PM on Apr 27, 2020 CDTUpdated at 1:52 p.m., April 28, 2020: to correct that Abbott lifted the 14-day self-quarantine order only on road and air travelers from Louisiana, not on air travelers from New York and other COVID-19 hotspots.AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday said his statewide stay-at-home order on coronavirus will expire on Thursday as scheduled, while Texas malls, stores, movie theaters and restaurants may open the next day — with 25% occupancy.Barber shops, hair salons, gyms, massage establishments, tattoo parlors, video arcades...WW…

5:00 AM on Mar 7, 2021 CSTTwo out of three Texans lost electricity, water or both in last month’s devastating winter storm, though it’s unclear their harrowing experiences will have lasting political consequences, according to .By a 2-1 margin, Texas registered voters say state and local leaders failed to adequately alert the public about the deadly punch the storm could deliver to power and water services so residents could prepare. Leaders underestimated the threat, a majority of Republicans and more than 70% of independents and Democrats believe.Gov. Greg Abbott’s response to the arctic...…5:00 AM on Mar 7, 2021 CSTTwo out of three Texans lost electricity, water or both in last month’s devastating winter storm, though it’s unclear their harrowing experiences will have lasting political consequences, according to .By a 2-1 margin, Texas registered voters say state and local leaders failed to adequately alert the public about the deadly punch the storm could deliver to power and water services so residents could prepare. Leaders underestimated the threat, a majority of Republicans and more than 70% of independents and Democrats believe.Gov. Greg Abbott’s response to the arctic...WW…

8:57 AM on Jun 26, 2020 CDT — Updated at 12:20 PM on Jun 26, 2020 CDTUpdated at 9:55 a.m., June 29, 2020: to note Rep. Jonathan Stickland isn’t in Freedom Caucus anymore. AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday took more countermeasures to stem a tide of coronavirus infections, as he closed bars, ordered restaurants to return to 50% capacity, shut river-rafting outfits and gave local officials more control over large gatherings ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.It was a big pivot from Monday, when he said retrenchment “will always be the last option.”On Friday, Abbott called the moves...…8:57 AM on Jun 26, 2020 CDT — Updated at 12:20 PM on Jun 26, 2020 CDTUpdated at 9:55 a.m., June 29, 2020: to note Rep. Jonathan Stickland isn’t in Freedom Caucus anymore. AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday took more countermeasures to stem a tide of coronavirus infections, as he closed bars, ordered restaurants to return to 50% capacity, shut river-rafting outfits and gave local officials more control over large gatherings ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.It was a big pivot from Monday, when he said retrenchment “will always be the last option.”On Friday, Abbott called the moves...WW…