Texas governor renews virus disaster declaration

  AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has extended the state’s disaster declaration in response to the coronavirus pandemic as the state approaches nearly 13,500 deaths. The extension of the disaster declaration came as three of the state’s largest school district experienced technical problems on Tuesday as their students started the new school year virtually because of concerns over the pandemic. When Abbott first issued his emergency order on March 13, state officials had not yet reported any confirmed deaths. Abbott has renewed his order every 30 days since and did again Monday. Texas health officials on Monday reported the state has had more than 640,000 virus infections.