Early voting numbers in Texas have been high. Texas still leading in the raw numbers of youth turnout. But what’ll that mean come ballot counting time? We’ll explore. Plus, what’s going on at Texas Juvenile detention centers? A new complaint indicates some big concerns. We’ll have the details. And 5G is coming. You’ve probably heard it means faster speeds, but will it, really? And staying at home to watch your favorite scary movie is a pandemic-friendly option this Halloween. We’ll examine why The Texas Chainsaw Massacre might be the top choice in many homes across the state. All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: October 27, 2020
There’s some hope from the left Texas could go blue in the presidential election, and some likelihood it could when it comes to the state house. We’ll explore. Also, the divisive state of politics right now has many concerned about the risk of violence on or after Election Day. We’ll dig into news Texas Army National Guard troops will be deployed. Plus, misinformation going out before an election is nothing new. But evidence it’s targeting Spanish-speaking communities. Also, when counties can turn any building into a polling place it often means many of those buildings won’t be fully accessible. And a small-town Texas story is getting its shot on the big screen. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: October 26, 2020
Coronavirus case numbers exploding in El Paso. We’ll look at how the city is trying to treat patients as hospitals reach capacity. Also, just over a week left to Election Day and it’s far from just the Presidential race on the ballot. We’ll highlight one sheriff’s race that’s heating up. Plus, transitioning from oil is something even the oil companies are thinking about. We’ll learn today why hydrogen might be a clean, but not so simple, option. And remembering Jerry Jeff Walker. Texas troubadour, Cosmic Cowboy, and misbehaving musician. Those stories plus a local debate over masks, a spooky anthology and more today on the Texas Standard:
Being Kind To Yourself In COVID Times
Risk, isolation, and grief are experiences that have been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spending some time to recognize the small things, even if painful or negative, was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
COVID Cabin Fever
The months of limited travel and social gatherings during the pandemic have meant more time at home and, for many, more time in the kitchen. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: October 9, 2020
It’s Cornyn versus Hegar in a debate tonight that could influence the Texas election for the U.S. Senate. We’ll look at what to watch for. Also, we’re in a pandemic and the economy has been hit hard. But Houston area courts are moving forward with eviction cases. We’re following the story. And despite economic devastation, it’s been a record year for the Texas lottery and specifically scratch-off tickets. A look at why. Plus, what it’s like to vote from abroad, lessons learned from not-so-great Nobel prize winners, and unpacking a new poll that shows President Trump with 5-point lead in Texas. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
New Life
With everything going on in the world, the simplest and yet most miraculous thing is also still happening: new life is joining us. This Typewriter Rodeo poem was requested by a Texas Standard listener.
Loved Ones
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many families and friends to keep their distance — even at times when a hug is really needed. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died September 18. She is remembered as a force in the legal community — staunchly working towards gender equality. She was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
What Hasn’t Changed
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how many work, go to school, socialize, shop, and so much more. But other things aren’t that different. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
These Are The People In Your Neighborhood
The COVID-19 pandemic has limited travel for many. Some have found more time spent at home has encouraged them to look closer at their surroundings. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The Death Of The Handshake
In the age of social distancing, some traditional ways of greeting one another have fallen to the wayside. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Love Thy Neighbor
The pandemic is isolating in many ways but it is also providing opportunity for a new kind of closeness. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Poem For A Rising Freshman
Students are headed back to school. For many, that’s in a virtual way. For almost all, it’s different than last fall. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: August 14, 2020
A new bill coming before Texas lawmakers next year addresses police action and accountability. It’s called the George Floyd Act, we’ll have the latest. Also, a Texas federal prison has more COVID-19 positive inmates than any other facility in the country. What’s being done about it. And what are you still wondering about the Coronavirus? We put your questions to a doctor. Plus, what Kamala Harris said about Texas in this election season before she became the VP nominee. And 50 years later… why it’s still worth remembering a long-gone Austin music venue. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Willie’s Always Right
The pandemic and its toll on lives and livelihoods cause many to feel strong negative emotions: fear, anger, stress, depression. Those feelings are valid. But a reminder from a dream version of one iconic Texan might be just what some need in these dark moments. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: August 13, 2020
Defunding the police: It’s gone from a phrase on a protest sign to a real discussion as cities finalize their budgets, we’ll have the latest. Also, Hispanic communities have been especially hit hard by the Coronavirus. But why? We’ll dig in. Plus a contact tracing technology experiment of sorts in a perhaps unlikely venue: the GOP convention. What it might mean for the general population. And one of the darlings of Sundance this year was a documentary about a bunch of Texas boys. We’ll have the story. That plus more on schools and COVID-19, today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: August 12, 2020
Historic: Vice President Joe Biden picks his own VP. Senator Kamala Harris and the intersection of race and gender in American politics. Also, back to school this year is filled with stress and anxieties for all. A conversation about the challenges in special education during this pandemic. Plus, what is the recovery rate of COVID-19 and can we even really answer that question? And entertainment awards season is just around the corner. It’s usually fancy dresses and red carpets but it will look different this year, many hope in more way than one. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: August 11, 2020
Half of Houstonians rent their homes but the city hasn’t passed protections against eviction in this current economic situation. We’ll take a closer look. Plus- to play ball or not. The field of college sports is starting to look very different as we near the start of seasons. And another uncertain future? American agriculture. Actually, the future looks certainly dire unless there are some changes. Then there’s school reopening. We’ll hear from a former U.S. Secretary of Education about why we have to try and how to do it safer. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: August 10, 2020
Congress couldn’t agree, so President Trump picked up a pen. But what exactly will his executive actions over the weekend do? We’ll explore. Also, trial by Zoom: how a couple of cases in San Antonio and Austin could set precedent across the country. And the road to a vaccine. Efforts for a COVID-19 vaccine are moving much faster than usual. How’s that working? Also, schools are reopening and families are making decisions about whether and how to send kids back. We’ll hear from a few. And an East Texas man wins big in a lawsuit, and we’re not talking money. Those stories and more coming up on today’s Texas Standard: