Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives during the Hill Country floods.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has provided the latest numbers associated with the Hill Country floods.

Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $50 million emergency fund to help Texans recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho storm.

The upcoming solar eclipse has captured the attention of many across the United States, with thousands expected to come to Texas for a good view.

Darryl has been in In-school suspension since Aug. 31 due to his hairstyle. Darryl has dreadlocks that he and his family said are normally put up in a neat fashion, as pictured below.

Activist Opal Lee, the woman known for being the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” is among those who will be inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday.

The University of Texas plans on building a hospital on its Austin campus in a partnership with MD Anderson, the UT System Board of Regents announced Monday.

The new laws will now prosecute fentanyl deaths as murder, ensure death certificates reflect when people are poisoned by fentanyl, provide more life-saving NARCAN to Texas colleges and universities, and educate young Texans about the dangers of fentanyl.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced that Texas deployed a new National Guard unit of 450 soldiers called the Texas Tactical Border Force in an effort to combat illegal immigration after President Joe Biden declared the ending of Title 42 this Thursday.

Who’s got March Madness fever, y’all?

Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Thursday he is launching a task force in an effort to stop dangerous street takeovers across Texas.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott offered no hints about whether he might run for president in a rare primetime address Thursday night, but used it to make a case that hard-line immigration measures, tougher criminal penalties and a humming economy are a model for the rest of the U.S.

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Senator Jane Nelson as the 115th Secretary of State for Texas on Thursday.

Governor Greg Abbott announced Friday that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is providing more than $344.9 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of September. The allotments are expected to help about 1.6 million Texas households.

Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will be providing more than 30 law enforcement officers to campuses throughout the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD) for the new school year.

The state House Investigative Committee is expected to release its findings in Uvalde this Sunday. Members of the committee said they will meet with families first to discuss the report before releasing it to the public.

Days after the governor’s Task Force on Concert Safety released its report following the tragedy at the Travis Scott concert on the opening night of Astroworld, questions are being asked about the permitting process.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that the Texas Task Force on concert safety has released their final report, which includes recommendations and strategies to ensure the safety of concertgoers.

Democratic nominee for governor Beto O’Rourke is scheduled to hold a news conference to address Gov. Greg Abbott’s response to the Texas-Mexico border.

In a news conference Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott said counties need to prepare for an influx of migrants coming to Texas.

Governor Greg Abbott is expected to address his supporters around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Texas State Aquarium.

One of the FEMA testing sites will be placed in Harris County.

After seeing modest decreases during late summer and early fall, the number of people either caught illegally crossing the United States’ southern border or deemed inadmissible to the country increased during the month of November. According to Customs and Border Protection, agents reported 173,620 encounters last month, a 5% increase from Oct and a 142% increase from the same month last year.

Governor Greg Abbott announced Saturday that he is sending help to those affected by the devastating tornadoes that tore through western Kentucky.

Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday the formation of the Texas Task Force on Concert Safety following the tragedy that unfolded at the Astroworld Festival that left eight concertgoers dead and injured hundreds of others.

As Houstonians are waking up, news of Friday night’s tragic events at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival has become the hot topic Saturday morning.

Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that his Public Safety Office (PSO) will administer more than $308 million in grant funding for a variety of public safety programs and services in Texas, including victims’ services, anti-human trafficking efforts, and law enforcement support.

Lost food during Hurricane Nicholas? SNAP recipients can now apply for replacement benefits.

Texas’ own Matthew McConaughey took to Twitter last Saturday to wish Gov. Greg Abbott a speedy recovery after he was tested positive for COVID-19.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a third round of federal Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) food benefits for families with children who have temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Fort Bend County District Judge granted a temporary injunction Thursday against Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order that prohibits county, city, and school districts officials from imposing mask mandates.

Gov. Greg Abbott tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday, according to a statement released by his office.

Harris County files a lawsuit Thursday against Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order that bans local entities and school districts from requiring masks and vaccines.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced Thursday a health order requiring masks in schools and childcare centers.

A federal court judge in El Paso issued a temporary restraining order on Tuesday, preventing state troopers from enforcing Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order that restricts the travel of certain migrants.

The US Department of Justice filed suit against the State of Texas and is asking for either a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction to prevent the enforcement of Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order restricting the travel of certain migrants.

The US Attorney General sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott, urging him to rescind a recent executive order regarding restricting the travel of certain migrants.

After circulating on social media, KPRC 2 Investigates took a closer look at one section of a recently passed resolution by Harris County Commissioners. On Tuesday, Commissioners passed a resolution regarding what’s behind rising crime rates.

During a live interview on KPRC 2 News at 5, Gov. Greg Abbott said despite the rise in COVID-19 cases in the US, he will not impose another mask mandate.

One month ago, Gov. Greg Abbott announced plans to build a border wall that would be funded, at least partially, through donations.

Gov. Abbott announced Wednesday that Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is receiving more than $210 million in federal emergency grants for mental health and substance use disorder services to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Greg Abbott sent a letter to members of the Public Utility Commission of Texas on Tuesday directing them to take immediate action to improve electric reliability across the state.

While final details have not been hashed out, Galveston and Montgomery County officials announced they will send local resources to the southern border.

Several Texas lawmakers were briefed Wednesday on the status of our state’s power grid. Gov. Greg Abbott also spoke about the recent calls for energy conservation after several power generators went offline for unexpected maintenance.

There is now an official gun of Texas.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visited Fort Bend County Saturday for a rally supporting the Asian-American community.

The lights at the Texas Governor’s Mansion in Austin will be blue this week in honor of police officers.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that he has nominated Peter Lake to lead the Public Utility Commission of Texas after the entire board resigned following February’s winter storm.

AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott delivered remarks during a roundtable discussion on public safety and law enforcement Thursday in Austin. During the roundtable, Abbott discussed his legislative priorities for ensuring a safer future for the state of Texas. Watch the discussion in the video player above, to be posted shortly.

AUSTIN – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that he will be allocating over $171 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding that will go toward helping Texans at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction. According to a news release, the funds will allow the local and state officials to work with non-profits to help people catch up on missed rent payments so they can stay in their homes and avoid an eviction on their record. “The Texas Eviction Diversion Program is crucial to our state’s response to COVID-19, and it will help many families recover from the impact of the pandemic without the looming threat of eviction,” Abbott said. “This innovative partnership, coupled with the renters assistance provided through CARES Act funding, will strengthen our economic recovery efforts and provide a lifeline to renters and property owners alike.”Of the funds, $167 million will go toward rental assistance and about $4.2 million will be “allocated through the Texas Supreme Court to help the state’s legal aid providers and pro bono lawyers provide basic legal services to eligible Texans through this pandemic.”

Greg Abbott issued a string of new legislative proposals to raise penalties and create new crimes for offenses committed at protests. Abbott’s proposals would create felony-level offenses for causing injury or destroying property during what is deemed to be a “riot.” Blocking hospital entrances and using lasers to target police would also be felony offenses, Abbott said. Striking an officer with something like a water bottle would lead to a mandatory minimum of six months in jail. Many protesters in Texas have been arrested on suspicion of such offenses since protests erupted in May after the death of George Floyd. DeSantis' proposal also created new crimes and enhanced penalties like Abbott’s proposal, including a mandatory six months in jail for striking an officer.

AUSTIN – Some nursing home restrictions will be lifted Thursday as part of the latest phase of the governor’s reopening plan. Instead, Texans must continue to heed the guidance of medical experts by wearing a mask, social distancing, and practicing proper sanitation strategies. General visitors are allowed to have no-contact, outdoor or indoor (with plexiglass safety barriers) visits with residents. Facilities must continue to meet all additional visitation requirements outlined in the emergency rules in order to remain eligible. Nursing homes in Victoria, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley are not eligible to allow visitors because Abbott says hospitalization rates in those areas are still too high.

Texas long-term care facilities— even those with active COVID-19 cases — can allow visitors beginning Sept. 24, Gov. Visitation will also be allowed at state supported living centers which house residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, have been among the hardest hit by the deadly novel coronavirus. More than 4,200 people in those facilities have died since March and more than 800 facilities reported at least one active case as of Wednesday. “They’re going to allow folks to potentially flooding these facilities with the virus,” Lee told The Texas Tribune.

It also means that each day’s positivity rate will be an oft-changing number, fluctuating as officials collect lab results over time. It marks the latest in a series of data methodology changes and corrections health officials have issued over the course of the pandemic. While touting the new reporting method as an improvement, state officials defended the old system as providing the best information that was available at the time. “As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, so must the data we share,” Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner John Hellerstedt said in a prepared statement. Texas health officials said Monday that the positivity rate is just one of many metrics that inform disease surveillance.

Greg Abbott and other state leaders have criticized Austin officials' decision to cut police department funding. Greg Abbott is considering a legislative proposal that, if passed, would put the control of the Austin Police Department under state authority. Texas governor tweeted Thursday that he was looking at a strategy that would stop major city officials efforts to shift resources away from police departments and into other social services. Austin became the first Texas city to approve cutting its police budget last month as calls rise to defund police during a revived movement against police brutality and racial injustice. This proposal for the state to takeover the Austin Police Department is one strategy I'm looking at, Abbott tweeted.

FRIENDSWOOD, Texas The owners of Friends Pub in Friendswood, Texas arent shy about their refusal to shut down per Texas Gov. In fact, theres a large banner outside their establishment emblazoned with the words We refuse to shut down. Abbotts orderOn August 3, Friendswood police officers arrived at the West Parkwood Avenue pub to do a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission inspection. They were finished with the inspection and we asked them what are you waiting for to leave, Randar said. Randar said he refused to close his establishment because his business and staff have suffered enough during the first statewide mandatory closure.

Senator John Cornyns office Tuesday with the aim of getting him to support the HEROES Act, a proposal led by Democrats in Congress. The provisions in the HEROES Act are the same $600 weekly unemployment assistance. Since the CARES Act expired in July with final disbursements on July 25, the HEROES Act would extend that provision though January 2021 and longer for others, depending on their circumstances. Republicans supported the HEALS Act which, unlike the HEROES Act, proposes a lesser payment to unemployed workers. Sen. Cornyn supported the additional federal unemployment benefits in the CARES Act and supported its extension in the HEALS Act.

Greg Abbott on Tuesday expressed optimism about the declining number of hospitalizations related to the coronavirus, but stressed that Texans still need to be vigilant about wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. The numbers are moving in the right direction, but it is fair to say that hospital capacity for those with COVID-19 remains too high, he said. Abbott visited Victoria and Beaumont on Tuesday to meet with local officials and provide an update on the states coronavirus response. Data shows coronavirus hospitalizations are declining in Texas, with some 7,216 coronavirus patients reported in Texas hospitals on Tuesday. Abbott said the main strategy for reducing the number of hospitalizations is following strategies that slow the spread of infection, including mask wearing and social distancing.

Around 1.6 million Texans were receiving the extra unemployment benefits before funding for them expired in July. On Saturday, Trump ordered that eligible unemployment recipients receive an extra $400 weekly but only if states administer the funds and provide $100 of that amount. Trumps order calls on states to use money from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund or other state funding to pay for its share of the unemployment benefits. But even if it were to hold up in court, it remains unclear how exactly Trump's order would work. Neither of Texas two Republican senators directly answered questions posed to their offices Monday about whether they supported Trumps order.

HOUSTON While local statistics show an apparent downturn for the COVID-19 positivity rate, the same rate at the state level continues to rise. As KPRC 2 reported, the state positivity rate continues to climb, medical leaders are not sure why thats the case. READ: Medical leaders not clear why COVID-19 positivity rate climbing in TexasAs of Monday, the statewide positivity rate is 20.99%. The Texas Department of State Health Services publishes the states positivity rate daily, among other key metrics used to gauge COVID-19s grip. Experts: State numbers hard to crunchData collection from various testing locations throughout the state is not standardized.

For the first time in nearly five months, visitors will be allowed in Texas nursing homes on a limited basis, state health officials announced Thursday evening, reversing a policy intended to keep the states most vulnerable populations safe from a pandemic that has proved especially deadly for the elderly. Residents of Texas long-term care facilities have been separated from their family and friends for more than 140 days, since Gov. The restrictions are tighter on nursing facilities, which must test staff weekly and can offer only outdoor visits. Deaths in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities account for more than a third of Texas death toll. Despite the need to protect a high-risk population, families and advocates have been urging the state to allow for limited visitation.

For nearly five months, nursing homes have been restricting visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic and the high risk the virus poses to residents. Thousands of people with loved ones in nursing homes across the state have joined a movement to ease visitation restrictions. Kathy Harper, a Katy resident, cant stop thinking about her 82-year old mother who is in a nursing home. Older people, like Harpers mother, need close, personal contact with their families to survive, Harper said. Harper and more than 12,000 others have signed a petition pushing for changes in the rules governing families visiting loved ones at nursing homes.

HOUSTON A Texas widow, whose husband died from coronavirus last month, penned a scathing obituary in which she blamed President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Stacey Nagy of Jefferson, Texas posted the obituary for her husband 79-year-old husband David on Facebook after she had it printed in their hometown newspaper. In it, she said her husband had died a horrible death from COVID-19 on July 22. The father of five and grandfather died alone in the ICU at Christus Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Stacey Nagy wrote. Shame on all of you, and may Karma find you all!On 07/22/20 my dear husband died a horrible death from COVID-19.

AUSTIN, Texas Texas passed a grim milestone of more than 6,100 deaths caused by the coronavirus, with 313 newly-reported fatalities Wednesday. The stark figures pushed Texas' death total to 6,190 since the state recorded its first COVID-19 death in early March. Texas passed the 6,000 deaths mark the same day the U.S. passed 150,000 deaths, the most of any country in the pandemic. Only deaths directly attributed to the COVID-19 virus are counted. This method does not include deaths of people who had COVID-19 but died of an unrelated cause, health officials said.

WEATHERFORD, Texas Community leaders say local law enforcement in Texas did not protect protesters from opposing groups after weekend rallies turned violent. But organizer Tony Crawford, of Parker County Progressives, said police did not seem to know what to do and failed to protect the protesters. The groups had planned to march from a city park to the Parker County Courthouse. Parker County Judge Pat Deen said two people were arrested. On Sunday, a Portland Protest Rally and a Back the Blue Rally in Tyler turned violent.

AUSTIN, Texas Texas reported an increase of nearly 700 additional deaths from the COVID-19 virus due to a change in how the state collects fatality data, representing a grim surge in the state's fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The new figures released Monday show the state now with 5,713 COVID-19-identified fatalities in Texas, compared with 5,038 reported Sunday. The new figures include 44 new deaths reported Monday. Were very concerned this could lead to an additional spread of COVID-19, Abbott said. The Texas State Teachers Association said the governor should also eliminate using the state to rate teacher and school performance.

HOUSTON – Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Monday that the grade-promotion requirement related to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test, for students in grades 5 and 8 will be waived in the 2020-21 school year. SCHOOLS: Follow all our latest coverage of what Houston-area school districts have planned for the upcoming school yearThe STAAR test begins in third grade and can stop poor-performing students from advancing to the next grade or graduating high school. Test scores are also used to evaluate teachers and are part of the state’s A-F grading system for schools. The test will be administered in May to coincide with the STAAR testing for other grades 3-8, officials announced Monday. And while he is at it, he should just suspend STAAR testing for 2020-21, period.

HOUSTON Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Monday that he issued a proclamation extending the early voting period for the November election by nearly a week in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Per the proclamation, early voting by personal appearance in Texas will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 13, instead of Monday, Oct. 19. The early voting period will continue till Oct. 30 before Election Day on Nov. 3. For the runoffs, Abbott had doubled the early voting period, shifting the start date from July 6 to June 29. Abbott and other Texas GOP leaders continue to resist a push by Democrats to expand mail-in voting.

HOUSTON The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) suspended the licenses of six Houston-area bars for being found in violation of Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts order this weekend. Last month, Abbott announced that due to the surging coronavirus cases, all Texas bars must shut down to help slow the spread of the virus. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health.The TABC said Monday that there were multiple bars found in violation of Abbotts order over the weekend. Each business will have the opportunity to contest the suspension at a hearing before a state administrative judge, according to the TABC.

Greg Abbott announced Sunday that the Federal Emergency Declaration in response to Hurricane Hanna has been approved. The authorization from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Trump administration provides emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement mass care, including evacuation and shelter support at 75 percent federal funding. Hanna intensified to a Category 1 hurricane early Saturday morning, becoming the first hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. “I thank President Trump and our partners at FEMA for their quick response in granting this Federal Emergency Declaration,” said Abbott. “We will continue to work with our federal and local partners as we assess the damage from Hurricane Hanna and may seek additional federal assistance as we continue to respond, recover, and rebuild our communities.

Greg Abbott from a woman whose mother died of coronavirus inviting him to attend her mothers funeral, The Austin-American Statesman and CNN reported. The letter entailed a personal invitation to attend Isabelle Odette Papadimitrious funeral. She was a respiratory therapist who became one of the 525 Dallas County individuals who died so far from COVID-19. She waved off our familys suggestions to go to the hospital, as she knew it was at capacity, Tulip wrote. If I can manage a safe funeral, you can manage a safe state and prevent these unnecessary tragedies, Tulip concluded.

Houstons best and brightest stars asking people to mask up in the fight against COVID-19. The most decorated World Champion in gymnastics and Olympic Gold Medalist, Simone Biles, and other big names were roped in as ambassadors in Houston Mayor Sylvester Turners Mask Up Houston campaign. Biles, along with Houston Astros Carlos Correa and rapper Slim Thug, who is also a COVID-19 survivor, are offering their resources to spread safety information to Houstonians. Turner tweeted multiple videos featuring the Houston stars encouraging people to wear masks. Lets mask up #Houston.#MaskUpHOU @Simone_Biles @slimthugga @TeamCJCorreapic.twitter.com/tA2HJDveSi Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) July 6, 2020

I understand everyones fear of contracting this virus through spit or snot however, Im unable to wear a mask. He co-authored a report on the challenges of mask exemptions. Mask exemptions are forChildren under the age of 2People who have chronic difficulty breathingA physical condition where a mask cant fit properly on the faceThose with sensory disorders-- like autismHowever, the mask mandate laid out by Abbott is more comprehensive in its exemptions. Business owners rightsDorfman says, if a person isnt wearing a mask, businesses are legally allowed to ask only two questions:Are you not wearing a mask because you have a disability? He suggests practice wearing a mask at home, for short periods of time, to slowly get adjusted.

HOUSTON The Hispanic community has been one of the communities hardest hit by the coronavirus in Texas. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, about 40% of people who have tested positive for coronavirus are Hispanic. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Monday that of the seven new coronavirus-related deaths, six were members of the Hispanic community. RELATED: Hispanic community urged to get tested as COVID-19 hits group hardest in Houston-areaGov. Greg Abbotts office launched a Spanish-language public service announcement Monday in an effort to bring more awareness in the community and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

HOUSTON On Friday, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Rep. Joaqun Castro sent a letter to Gov. The lawmakers said Texas should allow the local authority to local counties and cities to do what is in the best interest of their communities. There has also a 60% increase in COVID-19 cases among nursing home residents since the start of July, per the letter. This is not a time for polls or politics, Jackson Lee and Castro wrote in the letter. We all want to reopen Texas.

HOUSTON As the coronavirus cases in Houston and Texas continue to surge, many are wondering if Gov. Greg Abbott: A coronavirus timeline of evolving messages to Texans, the nation, the worldQuestion: COVID-19 is a physical pandemic. Thats all we need is that two-month time period the same amount of time I was in a hospital bed. Because whats happening in Houston, Texas may be completely different from whats happening in Houston County, Texas, thats why local school boards need to have that flexibility. Abbott: All we need is for people to wear a mask.

AUSTIN, Texas Texas continued to report more than 10,000 patients hospitalized with the coronavirus Monday as the state tries containing the spread in what has become one of America's biggest hot zones. Greg Abbott warns that the worst is yet to come in Texas, state health officials reported more than 40 new deaths and 5,600 new cases following what had been the deadliest week of the pandemic in the state. In order to help combat the growing surge of coronavirus cases in the state, a U.S. Army medical task force arrived in Houston Monday. The 85-member task force comprises of medical and support professionals from the Army Reserve who will help local health care efforts. Houston: Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced 1,544 new cases bringing the citys total to 30,965.

Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneTexas will give school districts more flexibility to keep their school buildings closed to in-person instruction this fall as coronavirus cases continue to rise, Gov. Public health guidance released last week indicated that school districts had to stay virtual for up to three weeks after their start dates, so they could get their safety protocols ironed out before bringing more students to campus. Public health experts have warned that reopening school buildings in areas where cases are rising precipitously will result in entire communities becoming infected. The political conflict on when to reopen schools has left teachers and parents terrified and uncertain about the best decisions for themselves and their families. But Abbott stopped short of saying in a separate television interview state officials would cancel next springs administration of the state standardized test.

HOUSTON The Texas Supreme Court rejected the first of two lawsuits filed by Republicans over the cancellation of the partys in-person convention that was scheduled to happen in Houston this week. In the decision issued Monday, seven of the nine justices said parts of the lawsuit filed by members of the Republican Party against Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, the city and the Houston First Corporation have merit. However, the justices said the court does not have jurisdiction to force Houston First, which oversees the George R. Brown Convention Center where the partys convention was to be held, to allow the convention to take place. A second lawsuit filed by the Texas Republican Party against the same parties is set to be heard in a Houston courtroom Monday morning. The lawsuits came after Turner ordered Houston First to cancel the convention, citing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

HOUSTON A U.S. Army Urban Augmentation Medical Task Force (UAMTF) arrived in Houston Monday to help fight the surge of coronavirus cases after Texas Gov. One task force has been in San Antonio since July 6 and the other task force arrived in Houston Monday. The 85-member task forces are comprised of medical and support professionals from the Army Reserve who will aid local health care efforts. Greg Abbotts office about where the task force will be located in Houston went unanswered. Within the last few weeks, COVID-19 cases have surged in Texas with Houston and Harris County becoming the epicenter of the outbreak in the Lone Star State.

Greg Abbott announced Friday that additional federal resources are headed to the Houston region to combat coronavirus. The resources include an Urban Area Medical Task Force and a Disaster Medical Assistance Team. According to Abbott, the Urban Area Medical Task Force from the U.S. Department of Defense will arrive in Houston Monday. The 85-soldier task force units are composed of medical professionals from the Army Reserve. These resources are in addition to the Urban Area Medical Task Force operating in Bexar County and the federal assessment teams in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, McAllen, Laredo and El Paso.

Teachers like Jennifer Boyer have become the rope in a political tug of war over reopening Texas schools. Black and Hispanic Texans, who are disproportionately susceptible to the virus, were more likely than white Texans to say in-person instruction was unsafe. “Student and teacher safety is number one.”When Texas unveiled its final plan for reopening schools this fall, the Texas Pediatric Society praised Gov. Across the state, local health authorities and teachers are refusing to comply with the state’s orders, arguing it’s not safe to go back as cases rise. By Thursday, Laredo’s local health authority mandated local schools close their buildings until cases subside.

HOUSTON Texas Governor Greg Abbott extended his disaster declaration for all Texas counties Friday as coronavirus cases continue to surge in the state. Extending this Disaster Declaration helps ensure that Texas has the resources and flexibility needed to effectively respond to COVID-19, Abbott said in a release. Harris County and Houston continue to lead in state in virus cases with almost 41,000 cases, according to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. I made clear that I made this tough decision for one reason: It was our last best effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. If we do not slow the spread of COVID-19 the next step would have to be a lockdown.

HOUSTON Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee will be joined by medical professionals Friday evening as she calls for stay home orders to be reinstated. The press conference is expected to begin at 4:30 p.m. and KPRC 2 will live stream it when it begins.

Greg Abbott suspended elective surgeries at hospitals in all counties within 11 of the 22 Trauma Service Areas in Texas on Thursday, including in most Houston-area counties. Abbott previously suspended elective surgeries at hospitals in eight Texas counties seeing the highest surge of coronavirus cases and Harris County was included in that list. These are the counties included in this expanded proclamation:Trauma Service Area Q: Austin, Colorado, Fort Bend, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton counties. About 9,610 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients are currently seeking treatment in Texas hospitals, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. See a map of Houston-area counties that are included in the proclamation below:All the Texas counties included in the proclamation:All counties within TSA J: Andrews, Brewster, Crane, Ector, Glasscock, Howard, Jeff Davis, Loving, Martin, Midland, Pecos, Presidio, Reeves, Terrell, Upton, Ward, and Winkler counties.

(CNN) As coronavirus cases spike in Texas and Florida, the states' Republican governors have split on how seriously to take the surge in cases and whether to mandate masks. And he is downplaying the spike in cases in his state, saying that those contracting the virus are younger. Coronavirus cases have accelerated across much of the South and Southwest in recent weeks. Florida on Tuesday reported 7,347 coronavirus cases over the previous 24 hours, bringing the state's total to 213,773. In Texas, Abbott -- like DeSantis -- has refused to take responsibility for the climb in cases.

HOUSTON Texas continues to grapple with worsening conditions during the coronavirus pandemic. What do parents need to know about precautions on campuses and could these plans change before August? Abbott: The most important thing for parents to know about is that were putting public safety first and flexibility second. If the current rules are followed and applied, we will not have to shut Texas back down. Question: We are hearing of mounting pressure on the Texas GOP to cancel next weeks in-person convention in downtown Houston.

HOUSTON Houston officials on Wednesday canceled the Texas Republican Partys in-person convention, saying the spread of the coronavirus made it impossible to hold the event as scheduled. Greg Abbott, the states top Republican, had publicly deferred to state party leaders who last week voted by a 2-to-1 margin to go forward with an in-person event. But even Patrick, who is chairman of Trumps reelection campaign in Texas, expressed misgivings about his party pressing forward with the convention. The Texas Medical Center, a consortium of Houston hospitals, has moved into surge capacity for its intensive-care beds. Texas Democrats held an online convention in June, and national Democrats plan to hold an almost entirely virtual convention in August.

Question: Will my child have to wear a mask when school reopens? Greg Abbott’s latest executive order, which requires all Texans to wear masks while in public settings and buildings. Also, TEA officials said it may be impractical for students to wear masks or face shields while participating in some non-UIL athletic or other extracurricular activities. However, schools must require students, teachers, and staff to wear masks or face shields as they arrange themselves in positions that will allow them to maintain safe distancing. All students, teachers, staff and visitors coming to campus will also be screened before being allowed on campus.

Greg Abbott didn’t hold back when addressing local officials who are pushing for a second stay-at-home order or more authority of their own. During an interview with a Beaumont TV station KFDM, Abbott put Texas leaders on blast for not enforcing his established orders. They need to show up, enforce the law as it is before they’re given any further authority,” Abbott said. “If local officials enforce the mask order, it will slow the spread of the coronavirus,” Abbott said. “They just now need to step up and begin to enforce the orders that are already in place.”

HOUSTON With the coronavirus pandemic still going strong, Texas parents have been wondering what back-to-school will look like for their children in the fall. The key concern is ensuring the safety of students, teachers and school staff as students return to another year of learning. While school districts continue to finalize back-to-school plans, the Texas Education Agency issued its SY 20-21 Public Health Planning Guidance Tuesday afternoon that aim to provide all the guidelines required for students to safely return to campus in the fall. Both as Commissioner and as a public school parent, my number one priority is the health and safety of our students, teachers, and staff, said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. Read all the public health guidelines issued by TEA below:

AUSTIN, Texas Texas surpassed 10,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day Tuesday for the first time, crossing a sobering milestone rarely seen since the pandemic first hit the U.S. in March. The Houston-area topped 61,000 cases Tuesday with 39,311 cases in Houston and Harris County alone. Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted Tuesday that there were more than 1,000 new cases reported Tuesday in the city with five more deaths. pic.twitter.com/gqQOmeL4II Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) July 7, 2020New York and Florida are the only other states to record more than 10,000 new cases in a single day. Texas also set a new high for deaths in a single day with 60.

James Dickey, Texas GOP Chairman is seen on a large video screen during the final afternoon of the 2018 Texas GOP Convention in San Antonio. Robin Jerstad for The Texas TribuneThe Republican Party of Texas is moving forward with its controversial in-person convention during the coronavirus pandemic but elected officials including Gov. As the state has seen a surge in coronavirus cases, calls have been growing over the past week for the party to cancel its event. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Monday asked the State Republican Executive Committee to cancel the gathering and warning that health inspectors would have the authority to shut down the event if certain guidelines are not followed. Shortly before Whatley made the announcement, Abbott was noncommittal in a TV interview when asked if he'd attend the convention in person.

HOUSTON – Texans may need to wear a mask while driving in a car, depending on if they are alone or with others. Greg Abbott issued a statewide executive order mandating most Texans to wear masks or face coverings in public spaces, with few exceptions. The order went into effect on July 3 at noon. One of those exceptions include people who are driving alone or with passengers who are in the same household as the driver. Otherwise, people in Texas counties under the mandatory mask order should wear a mask when driving with others, not in the same household.

Greg Abbott issued an executive order Thursday mandating face coverings statewide, bringing reactions from all over Texas. Some Texans took to social media to express their reactions towards the breaking news, while others responded to Gov. (@dremilyportermd) July 3, 2020the fact that ADULTS are literally throwing temper tantrums over wearing a mask is sad and the stupidest thing ever. #MaskUpTexas — -wear a mask- (@ash1eyyg) July 2, 2020That's great that Abbott finally got the hint and issued the order. — james (@jdleonard2000) July 2, 2020@GregAbbott_TXPlease retract your wrongful and illegal mask mandate here in Texas.

The order will require most Texans to wear a face mask in public settings. Under the executive order that goes into effect Friday afternoon, anyone 10 years or older must wear a face-covering. Local residents shared mixed reactions regarding the latest order to combat the spread of COVID-19. A few months ago, Woodfill sued Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo following her mask order and is already working on the same against the governor. And he’s decided to use the big hand of government to force someone to wear a mask,” said Woodfill.

Greg Abbott announced Thursday the state will provide $182 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of July, as the state continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size. “The extension of these emergency SNAP benefits helps ensure that Texans can provide nutritious food for their families as the state continues to combat COVID-19,” said Abbott. The emergency July allotments are in addition to the $628 million in benefits previously provided to Texans in April, May and June. “We’ll continue to make sure Texans can access the services they need as this situation evolves.”Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.

Greg Abbott signed an executive order Thursday requiring all Texans to wear masks or face coverings while in public and in businesses. Local law enforcement and officials “can and should enforce this executive order,” when appropriate, the order states. They are also expected to enforce any other statewide executive orders and local orders that are consistent with Abbott’s orders. If a business was caught in violation of the Harris County order, Hidalgo said that they could face a fine of up to $1,000. A representative for her office shared this message with us: “Our order is staying in place, but the governor’s order supersedes local ones.