Almost all of Texas is red on a CDC map tracking high COVID-19 transmission rates. One of the state’s top infectious disease expert breaks down mask guidance and what we should be considering as kids prepare to go back to school. The potential spread of the virus is also behind the governor’s new executive order. It’s aimed at migrants but it’s broad in scope and is raising some serious concerns. Plus one of the biggest companies in the gaming industry is getting called out by its own employees for its destructive workplace culture. And a pair of remembrances today – a musician with a beard that you probably know and an activist who shunned the limelight that you ought to know. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
COVID-19
Texas Standard: July 28, 2021
New CDC guidelines on masks in schools this fall. Now one of Texas’ biggest teachers groups is sounding an alarm. The Texas state teachers association calling on Governor Abbott to drop his order against mask mandates as school districts prepare for a return to the classrooms and the Delta COVID-19 variant drives up cases and hospitalizations statewide. We’ll have the latest. Also the relationship between vaccination rates, media literacy, and what can be done to improve both. And an auspicious anniversary for the state’s top law enforcement official. A Politifact check and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 27, 2021
For the first time a federal agency is issuing Coronavirus vaccination mandates to employees. Are more such mandates coming to Texas? We’ll have more on what some are calling a growing consensus over vaccine mandates as the Delta Variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly across Texas and the nation. Also, a Texas-based expert weighs in on growing casualties and uncertainty as U.S. forces withdraw from what’s been called America’s longest war. And a game changer: why a decision by the University of Texas to leave one college football conference for another is big news for more than just sports fans. Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:
What’s Changed for Musicians?
We talk to musicians about what’s changed for them at this stage of the pandemic. You’ll learn what they’re doing differently creatively and with their businesses and how they’re feeling overall about the constantly changing Austin music landscape.
In this episode you’ll hear from
Jay Wile
Sara Houser
Jon Fichter from Sweet Spirit and Hong King Wigs
Caleb de Casper
Rene Chavez
Stephanie Bergara from Bidi Bidi Banda
Tee Double
Texas Standard: July 26, 2021
As a new variant of COVID-19 takes hold in Texas, we’re learning about one of the deadliest places to be in Texas after the pandemic hit. After the pandemic first gripped Texas, veterans homes overseen by George P. Bush suffered fatality rates of 25% or more, well above the statewide average for nursing homes. We’ll talk to one of the investigative reporters behind these new findings. Also, the Governor’s bid for re-election: two challengers so far, but how much of a contest is it shaping up to be? And an effort to turn back time at Fort Stocktons Comanche Springs plus a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
The Pandemic and Big Life Changes
We’ve all been through a lot during the COVID 19 pandemic, and some of us are deciding to use it as an opportunity to take a leap into the unknown.
In this edition of Two Guys on Your Head, with Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke, we talk about the psychology of making big life changes.
Living The… Pants?
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every part of our lives — including our nightmares. Now that some sectors of the world continue to open up, many are finding the details of those nightmares are shifting. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo Poem.
Texas Standard: July 22, 2021
Sounding new alarms over COVID-19… As state health experts warn of new cases, are the warnings enough? Experts see the COVID-19 data in Texas pointing an ominous direction, and though warnings for masking and vaccination continue, concerns mount over whether that will be sufficient to head off another dangerous spike in the pandemic. Today, our conversation with the Texas’ chief epidemiologist. Also the fight over COVID-19 disinformation. And after years of calls for changes, medicaid is being expanded to help new moms in Texas. The implications of that change plus much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 21, 2021
The special session walkout: a stalemate? Or could this add up to a new political math in Texas longer term? A new group of younger Texas democrats willing to sharpen their message and their elbows, see the walkout as energizing the base and perhaps changing the political mix longer term. But are they right? We’ll explore. Also, Texans going for the gold in Japan…though the cloud of COVID-19 hangs over the Olympics, a view from a Texan in Tokyo covering the games. And in a Texas city known for its distinctive sound, a distinctive new installation aimed at the ears. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 20, 2021
Increasing concerns among doctors and other frontline health workers in Texas as COVID-19 cases rise once again. In some places in Texas, the COVID-19 risk level has again returned to historic highs as the Covid Delta variant takes hold. We’ll talk with two Texas health experts about what the trends are signaling. Also the FDA’s approval of an Alzheimer’s drug, and why some doctors are refusing to prescribe the drug, and lawmakers are asking questions. And an historic liftoff in west Texas. Plus the end of an era for Texas’ oldest licensed radio station? Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 19, 2021
A Texas judge puts the brakes on a program designed to defer deportations of younger migrants to the U.S. We’ll hear about the implications, short and long term, for the DACA program after a federal judge in Houston rules it unlawful. Also, 5 Texas democratic lawmakers who left the Lone Star State to protest proposals for new voting restrictions have tested positive for COVID-19, and Texas doctors voice concerns about rising numbers of juvenile and adolescent covid cases. We’ll have the latest. Plus Van Horn Texas prepares for its moment in the national spotlight. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Vaccinations and Psychology
Almost every individual on this planet has been impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic, and with the vaccines for COVID now available many of us are seeing a light at the end of this very long and devastating tunnel.
Yet, even though the vaccines are safe and effective some people who have access to them are refusing to get them. Why?
This edition of Two Guys on Your Head with Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke explores the psychology of vaccinations.
Texas Standard: July 14, 2021
A quorum busting escape from Texas by Democrats in the state House and Senate, and the effects go beyond voting laws. As Texas Democratic lawmakers abandon the statehouse to put the brakes on controversial changes to state voting laws, other bills remain in limbo. We’ll take a closer look at what’s been left hanging. Also, a new law set to take effect that would ban abortions after six weeks and allow individuals to sue anyone who assisted a woman in getting an abortion. A new study examines the likely effects. Those stories plus a Politifact check and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 13, 2021
Texas Democratic lawmakers board planes and leave the Lone Star State, putting the brakes on the special session. Now what? In a dramatic turn to break the Texas legislature’s quorum, more than 50 house members leave Texas for Washington DC, hoping to stop Republican-led proposals to tighten the state’s voting laws. As Republicans mull a procedural move that could allow law enforcement to track down the absent lawmakers, Texas democrats say they’ll be asking their federal colleagues to pass legislation to pre-empt the proposed changes to Texas voting laws. The latest on this fast developing story and more today on the Texas Standard:
What’s Changed for Music Venues?
Texas Standard: July 12, 2021
Hundreds of Texans descend on the capitol for marathon weekend hearings on measures to overhaul Texas voting system. Republican lawmakers in Texas are poised to pass what many democrats consider to be bills aimed at voter suppression. We’ll have the latest. Also Amarillo once a bright spot in the fight to get Texans vaccinated against COVID-19 now near the bottom of the list among metros. What happened? And what comes next? And as a child, she was inspired by someone who looked like her on the TV show Star Trek. Now, she’s the new director of the Johnson Space Center. Her story and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 9, 2021
For some communities in Texas when it rains, it pours. We’ll speak with the mayor of Rockport about the ongoing storms. Plus, a look at how vulnerable Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton may be on his next bid for office. And how proving that major transportation projects do not discriminate against riders can unleash massive amounts of money from the federal government. And how the punishment for a men’s soccer team is affecting a women’s soccer team, today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 8, 2021
We’ve gathered up reporters from around the state and have their expertise on how a special legislative session works and what can be accomplished. Also, what is Critical Race Theory and who is teaching it in Texas? And how the city of Abilene hopes to never lose access to water again. Plus a theater play called “Family Dollar”, how a community’s true stories of gentrification gave birth to this play. And the philosophy and goals of QAnon in Texas’ politics, from local to state-wide. Also, to unwind and relax – how about an outdoor movie and you be the host? Everything you need to know to put together your home-made theater is next. That and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 7, 2021
There is an agenda! The long awaited list of priorities from Texas Governor Greg Abbott for the special session is out. From local news, to state wide news to national news to international news, today we cover all.In International news – Afghanistan and the wisdom of a former presidential national security advisor. In national news – a medical tool that will sure catch your attention and give you something to talk about. Somewhere between national and state – a work around…Texas’ reluctance to expand medicaid? We’ll tell you more. And we’ll stop by San Antonio, Dallas and other corners of the state. All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 5, 2021
We know a special legislative session starts this week. What we don’t know is what’s on the agenda. This week we’ll talk to Republican and Democratic strategists about the special session. Up first- the Democrats. Also, one in every four COVID-19 infections are from the aggressive delta variant. We asked health experts for their recommendations. And Texas based Exxon-Mobil is in the hot seat after revelations from a secret recording, we’ll tell you more. And how the student athletes of today will be able to do what students athletes of the past could never do – profit from their name and likeness. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard: