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Texas Standard: March 2, 2020

Despite big spending by the candidates in Texas including rally’s, robo calls and door to door canvassing, many Texas democrats say they’re still not sure who’ll they’ll vote for tomorrow. We’ll hear how they’re doing the political math. Plus, fear fueling a major price drop in a clash between the Texas energy industry and the...




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Texas Standard: March 3, 2020

It’s Super Tuesday in Texas. We’re connecting with reporters statewide to get a sense of how things are going at the ballot boxes. And just as the field of democrats challenging president Trump has dramatically fallen, so too will the number of challengers in a key senate race and many other contests statewide. And by...




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Texas Standard: March 4, 2020

Joe Biden may have won the popular vote in Texas, but it wasn’t a bust for Bernie Sanders. What are the top Takeaways from Super Tuesday in the Lone Star State? Texans Matthew Dowd of ABC news, Karen Tumulty of the Washington post and Victoria de Francisco Soto of the LBJ school among the experts...




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Texas Standard: March 5, 2020

More than two million Texans showed up to vote, but some of them had to wait for hours to cast a ballot. Voter suppression or mismanagement? We’ll explore. Plus now primary results are in, how useful were the polls leading up to the election? We’ll hear from one of the pollster at the University of...




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Texas Standard: March 6, 2020

A plan to restore the faith of Harris county Voters on their election system can’t come fast enough, we’ll have details. Plus we’ll tell you everything we know about the Coronavirus and how to prepare. And if you’re struggling to find housing in Texas, you’re not alone. Apparently we are short by about half a...




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Texas Standard: March 9, 2020

SXSW’s cancellation may be just the tip of the iceberg. The warning from economists: the world’s 10th largest economy should brace for impact, we’ll have the latest. Also, a discovery in Dallas county brings demands for a Super Tuesday recount. And a new state law designates all common spaces on public universities as public forums...




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Texas Standard: March 10, 2020

Ted Cruz has done it. Others in Texas are being urged to do it too. What does it mean to self-quarantine? And what are best practices? We’ll have answers. Also, a big time downturn in Texas oil country: how low could prices go, and at what point might widespread layoffs ripple across the Lone Star...




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Texas Standard: March 11, 2020

How ready is Texas when it comes to the spread of the coronavirus? We’ll talk with the state representative leading a hearing on that question. Also, when it comes to Coronavirus preparedness, how much does the high number of uninsured Texans complicate matters? We’ll explore. And voting delays in Texas last week last week. Was...




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Texas Standard: March 12, 2020

Fighting fear in the Alamo city, site of a federally mandated quarantine. We’ll have a conversation with Mayor Ron Nirenberg for more information. Also, the latest on spring break extensions, school shutdowns and sports cancellations in Texas and further afield amid Coronavirus concerns. And a Supreme Court win for the Trump administration’s remain in Mexico...




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Texas Standard: March 13, 2020

This is not a test. As Texas responds to a pandemic, health officials struggle to find ways to deal with a lag in Coronavirus testing, we’ll have the latest. Plus in major cities across the Lone Star State, city streets, schools and universities and office buildings getting empty. Events from rodeos to concerts and games...




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Texas Standard: March 16, 2020

We’re checking in with reporters statewide to hear how Texans are coping with efforts to keep our distance from each other per the CDC, also how the state is tweaking certain rules to accommodate closures. Plus a market drying up for oil worldwide sends grim signals across one of the state’s core industries. Is there...




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Texas Standard: March 17, 2020

Texas school districts learning lessons on how to deal with a statewide emergency. We’ll look at the logistics of teaching in a time of pandemic, and the role of the schools. It’s far from business as usual for the state’s schools. Top education officials say many could be closed through the end of the academic...




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Texas Standard: March 18, 2020

More than just a health crisis. City mayors and county judges across Texas contemplate how to ease the pain of a severe economic downturn. Coming up, the mayor of Austin and the judge of Dallas county join us with the latest on what they’re learning about the spread of the Coronavirus and steps to counter...




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Texas Standard: March 19, 2020

Some states say cases of Coronavirus reaching a tipping point. What do emergency officials see for the next 72 hours in the Lone Star State? Our conversation with the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Also, real life goes online across much of the Lone Star Star, how well is teleconferencing keeping us...




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Texas Standard: March 20, 2020

The latest on efforts to develop a Cornonavirus vaccine and speed up research on medical treatments. Also with stay at home the order of the day, some tips on how to get more work done, even with the kids around. And diversionary tactics that don’t involve a screen. They call them books. Hot tips for...




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Texas Standard: March 23, 2020

Dallas County becomes the first in Texas with orders to shelter in place. Reporters statewide join us with the latest on fight against the Coronavirus. Plus as Texas braces for economic fallout, how to plan in a time of uncertainty. Also the new school order across Texas, a return to college in a season of...




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Texas Standard: March 24, 2020

The state’s top financial officer tells lawmakers to brace for impact. Our conversation with Comptroller Glenn Hager. With more shelter in place orders kicking in, the state’s Comptroller says he’s seeing a major hit to Texas coffers as a result of the Coronavirus crisis. But how big a hit and what can be done? We’ll...




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Texas Standard: March 25, 2020

They are the toughest measures yet to deal with Coronavirus in Texas. What’s the real world significance of new stay in place orders in cities across the Lone Star State? We’ll take a closer look. Also, the tenth biggest economy in the world asks Washington for help. What Texas wants to do with that disaster...




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Texas Standard: March 26, 2020

We’ve asked listeners statewide what questions do you have about the Coronavirus. Today, we’re getting some answers. Dr. Fred Campbell of the Long school of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio takes on listener questions about COVID-19. Plus, attention shoppers. A certain statewide grocer on the front lines of this crisis asking for help from...




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Texas Standard: March 27, 2020

Concerns about safety for people in detention and behind bars in Texas. Whats best for their health and efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19? We’ll explore. Also, a steep learning curve for stay at home students statewide, as well as their parents and teachers. We’ll hear about that challenge. And in a state that...




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Texas Standard: March 30, 2020

Texas officials preparing for a scenario similar to New York and New Orleans, as the search for hospital beds kicks into high gear, we’ll have the latest. Senator John Cornyn announces Texas is set to get 237 million in additional emergency relief. He still faces pushback over comments about the origins of the Coronavirus. Also,...




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Texas Standard: March 31, 2020

On the front lines in the war against COVID-19: how the fight is playing out in rural Texas, and the potential health crisis few are talking about. We’ll have the latest. Also, Texas counts! We all know that, right? But many worry that Texas might miss out on an important tally that could cost Texas...




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Texas Standard: April 1, 2020

The governor issues new orders on social distancing. Just don’t call em shelter in place. We’ll take a closer look at the packaging of a statewide pandemic response. And religious gathers now considered essential in the Lone Star State. Patrick Svitek of the Texas Tribune with more on the Governor’s latest guidelines. Also rapid turnaround...




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Texas Standard: April 2, 2020

Staggering numbers of jobless claims in the U.S. But a top economic analyst in the Lone Star State fears it could actually be worse for Texas. Waco based economist Ray Perryman on today’s unemployment news, why the numbers may not show how bad it really is in Texas. And why there’s reason to hope the...




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Texas Standard: April 3, 2020

Jammed phone lines, websites overloaded, for thousands of Texans seeking unemployment help and hitting walls. So what’s next? Our conversation with the Texas Workforce Commission about efforts to get relief out to Texas’ newly unemployed. Also, legal pushback on paid sick leave ordinances, where do we stand? And when does lots of space mean you’re...




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Texas Standard: April 6, 2020

Amid unprecedented scenes of empty cities and lines of cars stopped at the Louisiana border, the next front in the COVID-19 fight: finding food. As people who’ve never needed such assistance before join growing lines for food banks, we’ll talk with people who’re working to help feed Texans suddenly in need. Also in a holy...




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Texas Standard: April 7, 2020

With 90 percent of all Texans on lockdown, what of the 10 percent mostly in rural Texas? A warning about an unseen spread eluding detection. We’ll have more on what researchers are saying about the unchecked community spread of COVID-19. Also, reports of an increase in domestic violence as Texans are try to cope with...




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Texas Standard: April 8, 2020

If you’re a nonessential worker and you’re out for a drive, what happens if you get pulled over? The realities of police work during a pandemic. Today, our conversation with the chief of police of the Texas Capitol City on enforcement of stay at home orders, and how police are dialing back some of what...




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Texas Standard: April 9, 2020

It’s too early to know how deep or wide, but we’re almost certainly in a recession. New jobless claims today underscore the gut punch to the economy. The Comptroller Glenn Hegar recalculates the impact of COVID-19 and its impact on our bottom line. Also, tech expert Omar Gallaga on getting and keeping your internet access...




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Texas Standard: April 10, 2020

Despite hundreds of suspected positives for COVID-19 at Texas nursing homes, the state is refusing to release detailed data. Why the secrecy? We’ll take a closer look. Plus, nearly 1 in 3 apartment renters didn’t pay anything to their landlord April 1st. What happens next depends on where you live. Some tips for tenants from...




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Texas Standard: April 13, 2020

Seemingly endless rows of cars lined up waiting for food in San Antonio: we’ll check out the strain on efforts to feed the hungry in other parts of Texas. Plus, is a tool used to recover memories lost to trauma acceptable for use in police work? An investigative report by the Dallas Morning News raises...




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Texas Standard: April 14, 2020

Governor Abbott puts millions of dollars into play to help small companies amid growing pressure from some to declare Texas reopened for business. Glimmers of hope with lots of red flags. That’s how the governor’s characterizing the fight against the Coronavirus. but is there a plan for getting back to normal? We’ll explore. Plus an...




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Texas Standard: April 15, 2020

National trends suggest people of color disproportionately affected by COVID-19. But in Texas, a data gap is leaving health officials empty handed. African American leaders call for the state to address concerns about a lack of data that could be the difference between life and death in some Texas communities. Harris County Commissioner and former...




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Texas Standard: April 16, 2020

As many jobs lost in the past month as all those created since the great recession, now Texas hospitals struggling to make ends meet, we’ll have the latest. Other stories were tracking: the oil and gas industry asking for more state regulation? More on an historic hearing aimed at trying to stop a downward spiral....




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Texas Standard: April 17, 2020

In the great tourist towns of Texas, it’s far from fun and games this weekend. From the Gulf Coast, Hill Country and Big Bend, how tourist towns are coping with COVID-19. Plus a double hit to small businesses in Texas’ already economically disadvantaged latino communities. And you’ve got questions? Dr Fred Campbell’s got answers. Our...




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Texas Standard: April 20, 2020

Texas becomes one of the first states making moves toward a post COVID-19 lockdown. Too fast, too soon? Governor abbott, flanked by other top officials announces schools will remain closed in Texas, but a task force is working on getting back to business as usual. We’ll discuss what happens next with House speaker Dennis Bonnen....




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Texas Standard: April 21, 2020

A gradual reopening in Texas. The governor promises it’ll be science based, but some have questions because of relative low levels of testing. We’ll have the latest. Also, how low can you go? What about prices plummeting to negative territory? Understanding the implications of a historic crash in one of the states staple industries. And...




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Texas Standard: April 22, 2020

50 years ago today, what many people mark as the start of the modern environmental movement. What is the state of the Earth today? During a time of global pandemic, a pause to reflect on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Also, testing for Coronavirus ramping up in the most populous counties, whats holding back...




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Texas Standard: April 23, 2020

According to an African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child. But what if the village is under lockdown? We’ll take a look at the challenge facing new Texas parents during COVID-19. Also, academics have long talked about the digital divide, but in a pandemic it’s having practical implications for millions of Texas...




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Texas Standard: April 24, 2020

Are you ready to get back to normal? Attitudes in Texans on a planned return to business as usual or something closer to it. A new UT Texas Tribune poll on how Texans are feeling about efforts to curb the impact of the Coronavirus. Also, how the school lockdown is playing out on the other...




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Texas Standard: April 27, 2020

More Texans out and about over the weekend as the governor makes moves to reopen the Texas economy. We’ll look at what’s next and the implications for safety. Despite steps to get back to business, no end in site yet for a return to normalcy. We’ll talk about steps to stay mentally well under stay...




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Texas Standard: April 28, 2020

Stay at home has done its job, but it’s getting to be time to get back to work, says Governor Abbott. We’ll take a look at the blueprint for the incremental re-opening of Texas. Plus the role of testing and contact tracing. Also, how a city that brands itself the wedding capital of the world...




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Texas Standard: April 29, 2020

Tho COVID-19 seems to be receding in larger Texas cities but a rise of cases in smaller cities has those on the front lines getting hit especially hard. We’ll hear more on a Coronavirus outbreak among first responders in Abilene. Meanwhile in the biggest county in Texas, certain neighborhoods finding themselves most at risk. We’ll...




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Texas Standard: April 30, 2020

60 state lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans, call on the Governor to explain a lack of transparency concerning apparent hotspots statewide. The letter to Governor Abbott cites Coronavirus outbreaks at long term care facilities for the elderly and the lack of information on what’s being done to protect residents and staffers. We’ll talk to the representative...




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Texas Standard: May 1, 2020

A may day like few others in recent memory as the Lone Star State begins a slow reopen. Texans get back to work, or perhaps, not. We’ll have the latest. Also, its May 1st: due day for millions of renters. Dallas and Austin among cities offering relief. We’ll look at why Texas’ biggest city hasn’t...




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Texas Standard: May 4, 2020

Soaking up the sun along the gulf coast, as some Texas beaches get back to business, if not back to normal. We’ll take a look at the implications. Also, more than one and a half million new Texas unemployment claims since the pandemic started. Listeners have questions, we’ll put them to the head of the...




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Texas Standard: May 5, 2020

Add to the latest Coronavirus hotspots: Texas prisons. Some 70 percent of those tested have the Coronavirus. What happens next? Jolie McCullough of the Texas Tribune talks about how Texas prisons are trying to tackle COVID-19 behind bars, and what their options are. Plus, federal stimulus money for small businesses and Native Americans. Have both...




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Texas Standard: May 6, 2020

The Governor moves forward with a phased in re-opening as Coronavirus cases spike in West Texas. We’ll have the latest on new rules and growing concerns. Also, strike forces are moving in to curb outbreaks at meat packing plants in Texas. And how do deaths due to COVID-19 in Texas rank against other leading causes?...




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Texas Standard: May 7, 2020

As many Texans face economic hardship, a new study shows a growing trend toward taking debtors to court, we’ll have the latest. Also, anyone else ready for a haircut? Are you sure? As the governor relaxes orders to keep salons and barbershops closed, concerns about reopening on Friday. And Dr.Fred Campbell of UT Health San...




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Texas Standard: May 8, 2020

New data in one of the most closely watched political contests in an ongoing Texas election season, we’ll have the latest. Also, honoring Moms in the biggest border city in Texas. Why this year is doubly special. And dealing with a deadly and highly contagious virus, not the one you’re thinking of, that’s affecting other...