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State Politics Reporter

Jasper Scherer

Jasper covers Texas politics for the Houston Chronicle's Austin Bureau. He previously reported on City Hall and local politics at the Chronicle and covered local government for the San Antonio Express-News. He graduated from Northwestern University in 2017 with degrees in journalism and political science, and has interned for the Tampa Bay Times, Washington Post and Fortune magazine.

Stories By Jasper Scherer

Democratic lawmakers flee Texas to thwart GOP elections bill

The voting legislation is the top priority for Republicans this session after Democrats staged a walkout that killed a previous iteration of the bill in May. By Jasper Scherer, Cayla Harris and Taylor Goldenstein

Why was Texas unable to stop a second COVID surge months in the making?

For a second time, a surge in COVID-19 cases has pushed Texas hospitals beyond their base capacity, thwarted the state’s plan to reopen businesses and spurred a wave of deaths that health experts say was avoidable. Instead of effectively... By Zach Despart and Jasper Scherer

Texas grapples with one of country’s worst outbreaks. How did...

Eight weeks ago, the White House lauded Texas as a model for containing the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen the economy has unraveled as the state struggles to contain one of the worst outbreaks in the country. By Zach Despart, Jeremy Blackman and Jasper Scherer

Texas GLO notifies Houston it plans to take over Harvey recovery money

The move, pending federal approval, comes after two years of the state and city quarreling with each other over who was responsible for delays in spending. By Jasper Scherer, Mike Morris and Dylan McGuinness

Houston’s top doc calls on labs to speed up reports of positive COVID cases

“We continue to have this inconsistency in the number of cases that are being reported to us,” Dr. David Persse, the city’s local health authority, said at a news conference. By Jasper Scherer and Nicole Hensley

Hotze's legal fight against Harris County stay-at-home order...

The Texas Supreme Court has tossed a lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of Harris County’s stay-at-home order. Earlier this week, Jared Woodfill, the group’s attorney, filed a new case in state district court that similarly claims... By Jasper Scherer and Robert Downen

The news, announced at the mayor’s daily coronavirus news conference, comes a day after Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced the closure of all county parks. As late as Wednesday afternoon, Turner said he did not want to be “heavy handed”... By Jasper Scherer

Dan Patrick says he is willing to risk his own life to allow economy to resume

After President Trump signaled his intent Monday to soon lift restrictions on public activity in the U.S., Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick said on Fox News he agrees with the president and would be willing to risk his own life to return to normal... Jasper Scherer

Houston to move most permitting services online Monday

The city will allow people to apply online for permits, certificates of occupancy and temporary certificates of occupancy, with a handful of exceptions. Jasper Scherer

Hidalgo orders bars to close, restricts restaurants to takeout for 15 days

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Monday ordered all bars and clubs in Harris County to close for the next 15 days, a move intended to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The order, which takes effect at 8 a.m. Tuesday, also limits... By Zach Despart, Jasper Scherer and Mike Morris

Turner calls emergency city council meeting to extend disaster declaration

Mayor Turner said last week he would seek to extend the declaration, which requires city council approval after seven days. By Jasper Scherer

Panic-buying of toilet paper could lead to another problem: substitutes

Some stores have run out of toilet paper in recent days as people have rushed to stock up on household items during the new coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Turner said the shortage is creating issues for Houston Public Works. By Jasper Scherer

Houston Rodeo canceled over coronavirus concerns

The rodeo is being closed in response to concerns about coronavirus after a Montgomery County man with no recent travel history tested positive for COVID-19, Mayor Sylvester Turner said. By Mike Morris, Jasper Scherer and Dylan McGuinness

Megan Thee Stallion releases ‘Suga’ album thanks to restraining order from Harris County judge

Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion released her new ‘Suga’ album on Friday, two days after a Harris County state district judge struck down her label’s bid to block its release. Jasper Scherer

Texas Democrats outpace Republicans in statewide primary turnout

Democratic primary voters narrowly outnumbered their Republican counterparts Tuesday for the first time since 2008, according to unofficial results compiled by the Texas secretary of state’s office. Jasper Scherer

Hundreds evacuate Marriott Marquis after man 'in crisis' breaks into hotel room

A man is in custody after police say he assaulted staffers at the Marriott Marquis Hotel and broke into a room, sparking a hotel-wide evacuation Friday evening. Jasper Scherer

Memorial Hermann asks 11 workers who came in contact with coronavirus patient to self-quarantine

Houston’s Memorial Hermann hospital has asked 11 workers to self-quarantine for the next two weeks after learning that “a small number of patients” who screened for coronavirus at its facility have tested positive for the disease. Jasper Scherer and John Tedesco

GLBT Caucus endorses Audia Jones for DA in rebuke of openly lesbian incumbent Kim Ogg

The Houston GLBT Caucus on Saturday endorsed Harris County district attorney candidate Audia Jones, a rebuke of incumbent DA Kim Ogg, who is openly lesbian and won the caucus’ endorsement last cycle. Jasper Scherer

Bloomberg to air Super Bowl ad featuring Houston woman whose son was fatally shot

Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg’s Super Bowl TV ad will focus on gun control, featuring a Houston woman who joined Moms Demand Action after her son was fatally shot several years ago in Richmond. By Jasper Scherer

DCCC adds Wendy Davis, Gina Ortiz Jones to 'Red to Blue' program

Congressional Democrats on Monday selected Wendy Davis and Gina Ortiz Jones for a program that supports top recruits in competitive districts, further signaling the central role Texas is expected to play on the 2020 House battlefield. Jasper Scherer