Texas Tribune Brief

If the U.S. Senate confirms a nominee of President Donald Trump, it could secure a conservative influence on the high court for a generation.

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.

Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department inspectors general are investigating allegations that ICE guards assaulted detainees in camera blind spots.

The Texas Department of State Health Services said it will now rely on a calculation that takes into account the date on which a coronavirus test was administered, rather than when it was reported.

A bipartisan group of 88 state lawmakers said in a letter that a statewide broadband plan is well overdue.

After marathon meetings over three days, the Republican-dominated board also rejected efforts to teach students about consent. It is expected to take a final vote in November.

Jimmie Arnold's mother-in-law and mother were in the same nursing home in Bryan when Gov. Greg Abbott barred all visitation to limit the spread of the coronavirus. In the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, listen to why Arnold says after six months, it’s taking its toll.

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency notified state officials Wednesday that the payments for out-of-work Texans have ended, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, which handles unemployment claims.

The pledge is the governor's latest political move in an election season consumed by debates on policing reforms and funding.

Public health experts say colleges need to dramatically ramp up testing in order to catch “silent spread” fueled by students who are infected but don’t have symptoms.