The Winter Olympics are going on — so is the Super Bowl. Some aspects of both of those huge sporting events look very different these days, others look exactly the same. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
COVID-19
Texas Standard: February 9, 2022
As more teachers quit, those who remain are taking on more students and more responsibilities; a survey suggests a new Texas public school crisis in the making. Also, efforts to ban certain books from school libraries and how what’s been happening in Hood County may be a harbinger of what’s ahead. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: February 8, 2022
As primaries approach, an effort to unseat incumbent Texas democrats, led by democrats. Who’s in the political crosshairs and why? We’ll explore. Also, what happens to oil wells that are no longer productive? Concerns grow about the environmental impact of abandoned production sites, now millions coming to Texas for cleanup. And how cyberattacks on small Texas towns have rewritten the rules of engagement for Russian hackers. Plus fresh allegations that pro football intentionally sidelines Black coaches. Former NFL coach Daron Roberts of UT-Austin’s Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation with a close up. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: February 4, 2022
A frigid Friday and ongoing warnings in much of North and Central Texas to stay off the roads. In the run up, this week’s winter storm was characterized by many as the first real test of the power grid following last years rolling blackouts. But was it? And do traumatized Texans feel more assured? We’ll explore. Also a butterfly sanctuary in South Texas closes its doors indefinitely following death threats and more from partisan conspiracy theorists. Plus the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: February 3, 2022
Winter Storm Landon wreaking havoc across Texas. We’ll be checking in with Dallas, Lubbock, Midland, Austin and more as we track the effects of what has been described as the first big test of the state’s power grid since last year’s winter storm that left millions in the dark. Also Mose Buchele, who’s been tracking the power grid and changes to the power infrastructure since last years deadly storm, brings us the latest on where we stand with blackouts and electricity supply and demand. All that and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: February 2, 2022
With a winter storm warning set for much of the state, and the memories of last February still fresh, Texans brace for what’s coming. Also, vaccinations for the very young? A Texas-based expert on vaccine trials underway and what parents and caretakers should know. Plus, across Texas, a record number of books being banned from Public school libraries; why the push right now and who’s pushing back. These stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 31, 2022
On this final day to register to vote in the primary, a new survey offers a sneak peek on who’s ahead in what races and why. A pandemic, a statewide power outage, a walkout at the capitol over voting restrictions. In 2022, how much is set to change in Texas politics? A new poll by the University of Houston Hobby School suggests less than some might imagine. We’ll hear more. Also, in a decision celebrated by environmentalists, rights to drill for oil in the gulf wiped out by a federal judge. We’ll hear about what could be long term ripple effects. And a growing problem for Texas pitmasters: where’s the wood? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard :
Texas Standard: January 28, 2022
How did a British foreign National on a security watch list obtain the gun used in the North Texas synagogue attack? The FBI says it has arrested the person who supplied the gun used by the hostage taker in the attack on a Colleyville synagogue two weeks ago. But many questions remain. We’ll have the latest. Also- a federal judge puts the brakes on planned strike by BNSF Railway workers. We’ll look at the implications and what comes next. And as more Texans seek COVID-19 tests, more scammers crop up taking money and personal information. A San Antonio health official on how to spot COVID-19 test scams. Plus the week in politics and more today on the Texas Standard:
A Deviant Variant Indeed
The omicron variant of COVID-19 is highly contagious and has caused a huge spike in case numbers. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
DYOR Part II: Motivated Reasoning and Expertise
DYOR stands for Do Your Own Research. It is a common acronym used throughout the internet due to how fast and easily misinformation can spread. It is encouraging people to research things and become informed before making a decision. However, it turns out it’s not so easy to do your own research for a variety of reasons that have to do with human psychology and culture.
In the second in a two-part series on the psychology of doing your own research Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman, and Dr. Bob Duke talk about motivated reasoning and expertise.
Texas Standard: January 25, 2022
As the U.S. places troops on high alert, Texans continue to track developments in Ukraine and whether there are yet ways to stop a war. Texas-based geopolitical scholar Jeremi Suri joins us to talk about whether there’s still a diplomatic option as tensions rise over Ukraine. Meanwhile, The standard’s Jill Ament reports how Ukrainian Americans here in Texas are congregating in solidarity. Also, Texas among the top states for eviction filings, even as unspent dollars or pandemic rent relief go back to Washington unspent. Plus when you turn off location tracking, is Google still following you? Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Testy? Me Too.
As the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues its rapid spread, many are desperate to confirm whether any possible symptom is an actual case. Unfortunately, getting an appointment for a test or finding a box of the at-home variety has been very difficult. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: January 17, 2022
A hostage situation at a synagogue in North Texas ends with the hostages safe, the assailant dead and many questions remaining. We’ll have more on the attack at a Colleyville synagogue. Also, On this King Day 2022, federal voting rights legislation, largely sparked by changes in Texas and other Republican led states, hits a major obstacle. We’ll have details. Plus national guard troops deployed by the governor to the southern border say their requests for hardship relief being rejected. And many blame politics. We’ll hear why. Also The Standards Laura Rice with the Texas nexus at this years Sundance film festival and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 14, 2022
School districts are buckling under the current pressures of the pandemic. The leader of a Texas teacher’s organization asks, where’s the state in all this? Some districts are shutting down others are asking parents to fill in. We want to hear from you about the current challenges for schools. Also, Governor Greg Abbott’s border enforcement program violates the constitution. That was the ruling yesterday. We’ll look at where it goes from here. And Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton must turn over records related to his time in Washington last January 6th. We’ll get into the exceptional details. Plus, going back in time to 1883 and the depiction of a family’s journey west across Texas. Our interview with one of TV’s rising stars. That and more on today’s Texas Standard:
Taking Roll
Schools are, once again, overwhelmed by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. At this current stage, some districts have shut down for days at time, others are asking parents to serve as substitute teachers. All that was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: January 13, 2022
Harris County is once again at its highest COVID-19 threat level. We’re talking to County Judge Lina Hidalgo about why and what she wants the community to know. Also with high COVID-19 positivity rates across the state, many Texans are desperate for tests. How to make sure the at-home variety give you the most accurate results. Meanwhile, at a time when hospital systems are overwhelmed, one is facing a potential financial crisis that could shut it down. We’ll look at why. And we’ll introduce you to a folk rock duo that describes their sound as “Southern and Garfunkel.” All that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: December 12, 2022
For the first time ever the Red Cross declares a national blood crisis. We’ll look at what that is and what is needed from Texans. Also: masks, social distancing, vaccinations, booster shots, now pills have been added to the COVID-19 fighting arsenal, though many Texans may not have heard about this development or know who’s eligible. We’ll get some answers. Plus Texas’ Rice University among a group of prestigious private institutions of higher learning being sued over financial aid practices. And a new push to compensate Texans unwittingly affected by nuclear testing dating back to the cold war era. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 11, 2022
Kids sleeping in state office buildings, motels and other unlicensed facilities. A panel of experts on needed changes to foster care. We’ll have more on the recommendations of an expert panel examining trouble in Texas’ foster care system. Also, a lack of Democrats on the primary ballot is raising eyebrows and questions even in one of Texas more conservative cities. Plus, you protect your social security number so why aren’t many Texas county clerks doing the same? And Texas used car buyers fasten your seatbelts, crazy prices may be headed for a bump in the road. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 10, 2022
As the Omicron variant continues to feed a spike in COVID-19 cases in Texas, the Supreme Court hears arguments against vaccine mandates. We’ll have more on how the high court might be moving on vaccine mandates for large businesses and many health care providers. Meanwhile, Texas restaurants asking the state for millions of dollars to help them make it through the pandemic. Also, another round in the legal battle against SB8, the recently passed abortion restrictions in Texas. We’ll have the latest. And Texas to be home to the nation’s new biotech triangle. A major development or mostly marketing? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 7, 2022
As hospitals struggle to deal with rising COVID-19 caseloads amid an Omicron surge, what about long term care facilities in TX? We’ll have the latest. Also, almost 20% of Dallas firefighters are out sick with COVID-19. We’ll look at how the city’s trying to deal with staffing shortages. And Governor Abbott taking bipartisan heat over suicides, and low morale among National Guard troops at the border. We’ll hear more. Plus a Texas expert on communication and rhetoric revisits President Biden’s speech marking the one year anniversary of the capitol insurrection. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard: