Texas Tribune Brief

The bill, which also includes billions in aid for state and local governments, now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature.

Before the Wednesday announcement, between 10 million and 13 million people — more than one-third of Texas’ population — were eligible, according to state health officials.

Texas’ statewide mask mandate has ended as of March 10. Businesses are also now allowed to operate at full capacity as long as the hospitals in their region haven’t been treating a large share of patients for COVID-19. Here’s a look at what the loosened restrictions mean for Texans.

After COVID-19 hospitalizations peaked, the number of Texans dependent on home oxygen equipment was at “an all-time high” when a winter storm overwhelmed the state’s power grid in February, leaving many struggling for air.

Abbott said it is the federal government’s responsibility to test the migrants.

Monica Jimenez is still weathering the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic that started with her husband losing his oil field job. But the Brownfield native says she’s managed to find a few bright spots along the way. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast.

One woman whose husband died said Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to end the mask mandate makes the convenience of not wearing a mask seem more important than loss of life. Abbott's spokesperson says he “joins all Texans in mourning every single life lost.”

The change in eligibility comes the day after the Biden administration urged all states to prioritize teachers.

The change, which comes as the seven-day average of new coronavirus deaths remains above 200, will go into effect March 10.

On Monday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called for PUC Chair DeAnn Walker and Electric Reliability Council of Texas CEO Bill Magness to resign.