Wins in Texas for the GOP this weekend, but also some party turmoil. Who’s in charge? We’ll take a closer look. Also, we’ve been living with COVID-19 for a long, hard while now. But we’re continuing to learn about it. What some Texas researchers say the virus does to hide in your body. And a big international business deal in Houston has some scratching their heads and could pose some risks for those living in the area. We’ll explore. Plus, we’ll take a look at a San Antonio business and the hard lessons its learned during the pandemic. And what exactly is critical race theory and how will recent moves affect what’s taught in Texas classrooms? We’ll hear from an educator. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Re-Socializing
Opening up, going out, meeting up. Many of us haven’t used those phrases or experienced those situations much before now. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Traffic – The Return!
As pandemic restrictions lesson and many feel safer traveling and gathering at homes, schools, and workplaces we’re also seeing the return of something familiar: traffic. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: May 25, 2021
Redistricting: it’s a complicated process that doesn’t seem all that exciting to most folks. But its ramifications are huge. We’ll take a look at the details. Also, it’s been exactly a year since the murder of George Floyd. What it revealed about the country. And what Texas lawmakers have just done in the wake of huge protests and calls to “defund” the police. We’ll break it down. Plus what an analysis shows about who a Texas voting bill would affect the most. And music venues are among the businesses opening up as the risks of the pandemic lesson. But are all musicians ready to play? That and more on today’s Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: May 24, 2021
Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston. We’ll look at why it’s not getting any federal money for flood mitigation managed by the Texas General Land Office. Also, Texas uses gas taxes to help to maintain and build new roads. So how does it make up the loss in revenue from more people driving electric vehicles? Some say the potential answer sends the wrong message. Plus, PTAs in wealthy parts of one Texas school district have actually been paying staff salaries. Why the practice is ending and what could replace it. And there’s been a lot of back and forth about how the capital city makes room for people experiencing homelessness. Austin voters said one thing, now state lawmakers may add another. Where things stand now. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: May 21, 2021
Days after marking zero COVID-19 deaths, Texas hits a grim milestone. How will the state prioritize federal funding for pandemic relief? Also, state lawmakers get closer to passing the state’s two-year budget. We ask how schools will fare. Plus why opponents to Texas’ restrictive new abortion law may have trouble challenging it. And fewer people are being sentenced to death across the country, but a new report shows there may not be adequate defense for those facing life-in-prison sentences. And what the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum reveals about Texas then and now. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
A Pandemic Garden
Many people have reconnected or developed new connections with nature during the pandemic. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Reunion
More vaccinated people means more people getting together safely. Often, for the first time in many months. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s Worm-Wearin’ Season
It’s the time of year when you might need dodge a hanging caterpillar while out for a walk or in the backyard. And you may need to check your clothes to make sure you don’t bring a stowaway with you back inside. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
I Missed The Pink Moon
A rare and beautiful phenomenon: not just a full moon but a “supermoon” — and a pink one at that. Everyone was talking about it. Except you. Because, heck, you look at the moon all the time and you forgot this one was supposed to be special. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Fireflies
Call them lightning bugs or fireflies — whatever you prefer they are sign of warmer weather in Texas. This Typewriter Rodeo poem was inspired by a listener request.
One Good Thing
As more people are vaccinated against COVID-19 and states lift restrictions, life is beginning to look a bit more like the old “normal.” But there were lessons from the pandemic that some hope we take with us into the future. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The Most Reliable Internet Service
For many, pandemic times have meant a lot of extra time relying on the Internet — connecting for work, for school, or for various appointments. Many of us have also experienced the frustration of a not-so reliable Internet connection. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: April 2, 2021
Voting during the pandemic brought a specific set of challenges. Now, Texas lawmakers are considering measures that would restrict workarounds. Today on the Texas Standard.
Another much-watched issue in Austin right now is what lawmakers are going to do about problems with the Texas electric grid revealed during February’s deadly winter storm. We’ll have the latest.
Plus, along with the huge numbers of valid unemployment claims Texas has seen during the pandemic, there’s an uptick in fraudulent claims made by folks who are stealing identities. We’ll break down the challenge.
And, a big award nomination for a little library out west and the latest in our effort to track COVID-19 vaccination distribution.
Today on the Texas Standard.
More & More Vaccinations
The vaccine rollout began with a very small group and has, at this point, expanded in Texas to everyone who is at least 16 years-old. More and more, people know others who have been vaccinated. More and more, the potential for the return to a “more normal” life looks possible. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Pandemic: Year One
It’s been a year now since initial lockdown measures in much of the United States. A year of evaluating everything through the prism of coronavirus risk. A year of job loss, community loss, lives lost. How do you measure a year? That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Pandemic Road Trip
One of the sacrifices many have made during the pandemic is giving up in-person visits to relatives. Now, as vaccine distribution broadens and testing is readily available, some are breaking the long drought. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Reconnecting
The pandemic has impacted our lives on every level. Most of the impacts have been devastating — even deadly. But for those with the privilege to embrace a forced slowing down, there are also silver linings. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Still Joy
The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent winter storm in Texas have compounded the anxiety and helplessness many feel. Still, there are always moments of joy — no matter how small. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Winter 2021
Texans have been suffering this week in the prolonged bitter cold, without power and without water. This Typewriter Rodeo poem is recognition of that suffering combined with the hope we continue to help each other through it.