Texas

Texans know even less about the COVID-19 situation in county jails than they did last spring – and researchers warn the spread of infection among incarcerated people and staff could put communities at greater risk.

Plaintiffs said it was unusual for the Fifth Circuit to hold oral arguments and that it simply needed to send the case back to the lower court.

Just over 700 people have been arrested and charged with crimes related to the deadly assault on the U.S. Capitol last Jan. 6.

Unlike in February, the supply disruption did not translate into problems for the electric grid. But, energy experts say, it shows Texas has more work to do to safeguard its energy infrastructure against weather-related blackouts.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is urging the Senate to approve voting rights legislation to override new restrictions imposed by Texas and other Republican-led states.

According to the federal wildlife agency, this newly acquired land is a major stopover area for migratory birds. It will now be added to a nearly 70,000-acre wildlife refuge.

An initial review of four counties’ election results — launched after pressure from former President Donald Trump and touted by GOP leaders — showed few discrepancies between electronic and hand counts of ballots in a sample of voting precincts.

Officials added 36 to the estimate of lives lost in the disaster, which knocked out power in much of the state. Some experts place the toll even higher.

The number is still below a September peak. But the seven-day average of pediatric hospitalizations has been rising steadily, indicating an increased risk for kids in Texas.

Other new laws include transparency for long-term care facilities and trademark protections for restaurants.