Here’s what’s on Texas Standard for Monday, June 7, 2021.
Special Elections, Allen West And The Texas GOP
Texans went to the polls this weekend to decide local runoff elections. Along the border in McAllen, a Republican narrowly won the mayoral race. With Texas Gov. Greg Abbott facing a challenge from the right ahead of the 2022 elections, what do these trends tell us about politics and Republicans in Texas? Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, and Rebecca Deen, a political science professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, have some thoughts.
San Antonio researchers have discovered the COVID virus can use metal ions like magnesium and calcium in your own body as a disguise to hide itself from your immune system. Texas Public Radio’s Bonnie Petrie brings us more.
The Mexican, state-owned petroleum company, Pemex, surprised the energy industry by announcing it will take full control of the Deer Park refinery outside of Houston. Since 1993, the refinery has been operated as a 50-50 joint venture between Pemex and Shell Oil Company. But last month, Shell announced that it would be selling its stake in the refinery after receiving an “unsolicited offer” from Pemex. But the move may turn out to be a costly one for Pemex, and to the Andrés Manuel López Obrador administration. George Baker is a Houston-based analyst on Mexico’s energy industry, talks to the Standard.
Simone Biles’ Win At US Gymnastics Championship
The Sounds Of Texas: ‘Bones Of Texas’ Photography Exhibit At Red River Valley Museum
Many Texas businesses that could not adjust their operations to meet the challenges of this pandemic, have failed. But Texas Public Radio’s Brian Kirkpatrick reports one of San Antonio’s oldest businesses stuck with what it knows best – hats and customer service – and survived long enough to reopen.
Lubbock Teacher Responds To Critical Race Theory
Texas lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk that limits how teachers talk about current events and racism in the classroom. Texas is the latest state to pass Republican-backed measures targeting “critical race theory.” It’s an academic approach that explores systemic racism throughout American history. Many fear the Texas bill pulls teachers into the culture wars and could stifle honest dialogue. From Texas Tech Public Media, Kaysie Ellingson reports on the debate around the bill, and talks with one teacher who says, in practice, it might not actually change much.
All that plus the Texas News Roundup and social media host Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
