Since last week we’ve been exploring the implications of one of Texas’ biggest news stories of the year so far: the walkout of Texas House Democrats (joined by some Democratic colleagues in the Senate). They decamped to Washington D.C. to break quorum and put the brakes on Republican efforts to further restrict voting in Texas. I say “walkout” here, but with each passing day, the term “stalemate” seems more applicable. When we spoke with Gov. Greg Abbott last week – a particularly amazing ‘get’ for producer Jill Ament , who has been working quite a long time to get the governor to appear on our broadcast - he was clearly in no mood for compromise. While Democratic lawmakers in D.C. are promising not to return until the 30-day special session has concluded, Gov. Abbott has promised to immediately call a new session and have the Democrats arrested and brought back to the Capitol upon their return to Texas … whenever that might be. You see why the term stalemate appears to have growing relevance. But amid all the sound and fury, another crisis, one with more immediate and potentially deadly implications, has crept onto the scene. As we reported on Tuesday, health experts in Texas warn that COVID cases are reaching new levels not seen since the peak of the pandemic in winter. One expert at Texas A&M memorably described the situation as a potential tsunami: at first, the tide goes down and people rush out to the water lured by the receding water, but then the tide suddenly and massively overtakes the beach and overwhelms with deadly ferocity. The message: now is not the time to be rushing out to play, but to be battening down the hatches, and taking steps to prepare for the worst. It is a warning as urgent as it is important, and one of the stories our editors have picked out for your perusal in this week’s newsletter. Until next Wednesday, we’ll see you on the radio and online at TexasStandard.org.

- David Brown

Work safe, Texas. Texas Work Comp Insurance

Exclusive: Greg Abbott Says Republicans Are In ‘No Mood For Additional Compromise’ Over Voting Bill

In a Q&A with the Standard, the governor says he’ll call “special session after special session” until the GOP-backed bill passes.

Health Experts Warn A Potential ‘Tsunami’ Of COVID Cases Is On The Horizon

A combination of the delta variant and low vaccination rates in much of Texas means the pandemic is not over. But there are still things you can do to stay healthy.

‘I Do Cry On The Bench’: The Pandemic Put Added Pressure On Probate Judges To Make Tough Family Decisions

Over 51,000 Texans have died from COVID, meaning probate judges are busier than ever.

With Gambling Illegal At Home, North Texans Flock To Oklahoma Casinos To Spend

Oklahoma casinos say 80% of their patrons are from Texas. (What are the odds?)

Blue Origin Completes First Crewed Flight From West Texas (Marfa Public Radio)
Despite Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases, Texas Democrats In D.C. Keep Pushing For Federal Voting Laws (KUT Austin)
Building An 'Inclusive Future': City Of Dallas Begins Revitalizing Historically Black Neighborhood (KERA North Texas)
San Antonio Area ISD Paid Ransom To Regain Access To IT Systems After Cyber Attack (Texas Public Radio)

Often, the big stories are just that – so big that they suck all the remaining oxygen out, news-wise. That seems to be where we find ourselves as the days grow longer – the news cycle seems to stretch on as well. If only it was all good news. The rise of the delta COVID variant is top of mind for many listeners , as is a rapidly encroaching return to school. As a parent of children too young to get vaccinated, this comment stuck with me : “My kids sacrificed over 16 months of their childhood and two school years of normalcy, mostly to protect adults from a virus that they’re now choosing NOT to get vaccinated against.” COVID and politics feel inextricably intertwined at this point, with many commenters blasting the governor’s decision to take away the ability of school districts to add mask requirements in the fall. This week’s Blue Origin flight may feel like a welcome distraction to many – and it did to several of our friends and listeners. But the broader billionaire space race simply highlights a crushing income disparity to others. But at least some folks can agree that the trip was very special for Texas resident Wally Funk. At the age of 82 she fulfilled her lifelong dream of spaceflight – and became the oldest person in space in the process. As one listener wrote, “Wally Funk just showed us to never give up on a dream. I’m hoping her joy and enthusiasm in reaching space is just a little bit contagious. We could all stand to catch a little of what she has.”

- Wells Dunbar
Social media editor,
Texas Standard

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