COVID-19 News and Updates
The Bush Institute is committed to presenting solutions to today’s pressing challenges, and that includes ongoing coverage and content that addresses the COVID-19 pandemic and response.
Oct 24, 2022
National Report Shows Unprecedented Learning Loss as a Result of Pandemic Disruption
Record breaking learning loss for our children due to COVID-19 virtual education
Mar 8, 2022
PEPFAR’s critical role in Africa’s COVID-19 response and future global health security
One of the reasons Africa was ready to tackle COVID-19 and other infectious diseases like Ebola is because of almost two decades of work by the President's Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief, a U.S. government program established in 2003 by President George W. Bush to respond to the continent's HIV/AIDS crisis.
Feb 23, 2021
Two-Minute Take: Student Testing to Resume This Spring
The U.S. Department of Education has announced that states must resume annual student testing this spring. Anne Wicks, Bush Institute Ann Kimball Johnson Education Reform Initiative Director, gives her Two-Minute Take on the importance of this decision.
Feb 2, 2021
Bush Institute Scorecard shows that North American competitiveness is slipping
North America remains the most competitive region in the world. However, if we are to maintain our global lead, we must continue to work together to remove barriers to deeper integration and strengthen our economies as we rebound from the devastating impacts of COVID-19.
Aug 13, 2020
Q&A: Victor Cha on What’s Happening in North Korea
Victor Cha, Senior Fellow of the Bush Institute’s Human Freedom Initiative, talks to Lindsay Lloyd, the Bush Institute’s Bradford M. Freeman Director, about current news out of North Korea.
Jun 10, 2020
Q&A: David Kramer on Russia Updates
The Bush Institute’s Bradford M. Freeman Director of Human Freedom Initiative, Lindsay Lloyd, talks with Advisory Council member of the Bush Institute's Human Freedom Initiative, David Kramer, about current affairs in Russia and why we should be paying attention.
May 21, 2020
Beating the “Infodemic” by Becoming Better Consumers of Information
How do we know what we are reading or seeing is credible? The Bush Institute's Senior Editorial Advisor William McKenzie explores how the COVID-19 pandemic points to the need for greater media literacy and provides tips to reading the news.
Apr 23, 2020
The Pandemic in Cuba – Q&A with Normando Hernandez
Former Cuban political prisoner Normando Hernandez talks to the Bush Institute's Lindsay Lloyd about life in Cuba during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apr 7, 2020
Global Solidarity
Every year World Health Day is marked on April 7. This year is different. For the first time, at least in our lives, the globe is fighting a common disease that has touched every continent (save perhaps Antarctica).
Reading, Listening, and Watching
Nov 17, 2020
J.D. Crouch -- The USO's Continued Mission
For 80 years, the USO has worked to connect service members to family and home. CEO J.D. Crouch discusses the ongoing work of serving our nation's warriors -- and how the organization with a global footprint is adapting to a global pandemic.
Oct 27, 2020
Mark Cuban and Daymond John -- Inspiring a New Generation of Entrepreneurs
Mark Cuban and Daymond John are inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. They sat down to trade laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and business insights -- including how to adjust in the covid economy -- during the season four debut of The Strategerist.
May 5, 2020
William McNulty - Veterans with a New Mission
Just because a veteran has left active duty military service doesn’t mean that they’ve given up their sense of duty. As communities struggle with the far-reaching effects of COVID-19, Team Rubicon volunteers are building field hospitals, delivering food to neighborhoods in need, and doing everything they can to help. Team Rubicon USA co-founder and Team Rubicon Global CEO William McNulty tells us more.
Apr 28, 2020
Sherrie Westin - Sesame Street's Work Around the World
Sesame Street has been using its special brand of magic to teach kids everywhere important lessons for decades. We go behind the scenes of Sesame Street with Sherrie Westin, President of Social Impact and Philanthropy for Sesame Workshop.
Apr 21, 2020
Dr. Matt Mishkind - Mental Health Care Without Leaving Home
Sheltering in place doesn't mean you can't get mental health care -- in fact, we all likely need it more than ever. We talk to Dr. Matt Mishkind about the world of mental healthcare, delivered remotely.
Apr 14, 2020
What We Are Streaming
Need a new show while you are quarantined? Check out our policy experts’ top picks for what to binge.
Mar 18, 2020
Book List: Reads to Keep Middle Schoolers Engaged
As children across the nation practice social distancing, the Bush Institute is sharing popular books that will help middle schoolers remain engaged.
Mar 18, 2020
Book List: Reads That Will Keep Kindergartners to Fifth Graders Engaged
As children across the nation practice social distancing, the Bush Institute is sharing popular books that will help kindergartners to fifth graders stay engaged.
Mar 17, 2020
Book List: Reads That Are Making Us Smarter
While the Bush Institute is practicing social distancing, take a look at some of the books that are making us smarter or keeping us entertained.
Mar 17, 2020
Book List: Entertaining Reads You Can't Miss
While the Bush Institute is practicing social distancing, take a look at some of the books that are taking us on a mental vacation.
Education Resources
May 24, 2021
Leading Students and Teachers Through a Pandemic
Two Texas principals share their experiences leading students and teachers through COVID-19, how they plan to address learning loss, and what they are hopeful for in the coming school year.
Apr 19, 2021
Innovations in Testing Can Help Students Deepen Their Base of Knowledge
The COVID pause gives states and districts a chance to rethink how they test students – from state assessments that provide a year-end summary of student progress to interim district exams that assess progress at a point in time to classroom tests that teachers give to assess their students’ particularities.
Mar 12, 2021
Two-Minute Take: The American Rescue Plan and K-12 Education
Anne Wicks, the Bush Institute Ann Kimball Johnson Education Reform Initiative Director, gives her Two-Minute Take on what the American Rescue Plan means for education and what parents and teachers should think about as states and districts begin to make decisions.
Jan 15, 2021
Two-Minute Take: TEA Reveals Student Learning Loss Due to COVID-19
The Texas Education Agency recently released new findings to help quantify the initial impact of COVID-19 on Texas Students. Anne Wicks, the Bush Institute's Ann Kimball Johnson Education Reform Initiative Director, explains the importance of this data and how education leadership should use it.
Dec 11, 2020
Two-Minute Take: Texas Keeps the STAAR Test
This spring Texas students will still take the STAAR test, but schools and districts will not be rated on the results. Anne Wicks, the Anne Kimball Johnson Education Reform Initiative Director, explains what this means for students, schools, and parents.
Nov 20, 2020
Two-Minute Take: How the STAAR Test Helps Students
Anne Wicks, the Ann Kimball Johnson Bush Institute Education Reform Initiative Director, explains how the STAAR test can help educators understand if children are falling behind-- especially during a pandemic.
Aug 5, 2020
Navigating the Complexity of the 2020-2021 School Year
How are districts grappling with reopening schools while focusing on safety, equity, and student academic success?
May 14, 2020
The Digital Divide In Education Will Continue To Grow
As school districts have been forced to navigate a new frontier of online learning, some students are being left behind.
May 13, 2020
Q&A: How One Principal Is Supporting Her Teachers and Students With At Home-Learning
Monique Booth is the principal at Salem Church Elementary in Chesterfield, Virginia. In her role, she supports 618 students and 43 teachers as they have transitioned to distance learning due to COVID-19.
Apr 28, 2020
Sherrie Westin - Sesame Street's Work Around the World
Sesame Street has been using its special brand of magic to teach kids everywhere important lessons for decades. We go behind the scenes of Sesame Street with Sherrie Westin, President of Social Impact and Philanthropy for Sesame Workshop.
Apr 14, 2020
Episode 06: Holly Kuzmich- Education in the COVID-19 Era
Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute Holly Kuzmich spent 7 years working on policy in the Bush Administration — particularly education policy. And as we wade into uncharted waters with so much classroom time being missed by students, she explains what federal, state, and district education leaders have to be thinking about — both for the future when schools reopen, as well as how to tackle problems in the here and now.
Apr 9, 2020
Marvel Movies Lesson Plans
Bush Institute's Eva Chiang, a mom and former educator, created Marvel "lesson" plans to help keep her children engaged and entertained in the afternoon hours.
Apr 1, 2020
Freedom Matters! for Students, Even in Times of Quarantine
Bush Institute's Chris Walsh shares one way to engage kids during COVID-19 that is fun, interesting, and most importantly, educational.
Mar 30, 2020
Resources for Parents To Navigate At Home Learning
As students and families across the country navigate this season of uncertainty, we've compiled a list of quality and engaging activities for children.
Mar 20, 2020
Surviving Social Distancing as a Parent and Employee
Bush Institute's Anne Wicks and Eva Chiang are both moms and former educators. We asked them to share the highs and lows, and some tips on their first week working from home with their kids.
Mar 18, 2020
Book List: Reads to Keep Middle Schoolers Engaged
As children across the nation practice social distancing, the Bush Institute is sharing popular books that will help middle schoolers remain engaged.
Mar 18, 2020
Book List: Reads That Will Keep Kindergartners to Fifth Graders Engaged
As children across the nation practice social distancing, the Bush Institute is sharing popular books that will help kindergartners to fifth graders stay engaged.
Policy Analysis
Book · Sep 23, 2022
30 días de cuarentena institucional, sin prueba
El dia 13 de marzo, Sra. Ramírez regreso a El Salvador de un viaje a Alemania. A su llegada, se le ordenó por el gobierno de El Salvador quedarse durante 30 días en un centro de contención en las afueras de la capital San Salvador. A continuación, Sra. Ramírez cuenta su experiencia mientras el gobierno intenta reducir el peso de la pandemia sobre el sistema de salud del país.
Apr 19, 2021
Innovations in Testing Can Help Students Deepen Their Base of Knowledge
The COVID pause gives states and districts a chance to rethink how they test students – from state assessments that provide a year-end summary of student progress to interim district exams that assess progress at a point in time to classroom tests that teachers give to assess their students’ particularities.
Jan 29, 2021
Two-Minute Take: Reopening Schools Safely
Bush Institute Ann Kimball Johnson Education Reform Initiative Director Anne Wicks weighs in on the Biden Administration’s executive order on safely reopening schools and discusses how it mirrors our recent policy recommendations.
Nov 20, 2020
Two-Minute Take: How the STAAR Test Helps Students
Anne Wicks, the Ann Kimball Johnson Bush Institute Education Reform Initiative Director, explains how the STAAR test can help educators understand if children are falling behind-- especially during a pandemic.
Aug 5, 2020
Navigating the Complexity of the 2020-2021 School Year
How are districts grappling with reopening schools while focusing on safety, equity, and student academic success?
Jul 29, 2020
Two-Minute Take: Three Things To Keep In Mind This School Year
Anne Wicks, the Ann Kimball Johnson Director of the Education Reform Initiative, encourages accountability and engagement measurements to ensure our kids stay on track this school year.
Jul 14, 2020
Testing for Education Gaps Can Identify the COVID-Slide
Come September, the most fair way of assessing student progress is for the Texas Education Agency to require beginning-of-the-year exams. These would not be used to rate the schools but rather to diagnose what gaps might need attention.
Jul 2, 2020
What Does an American Look Like?
Americans of all backgrounds are working together to end the pandemic. Dedicating any energy toward frivolous prejudices against Asian Americans is a wasted effort that undermines the battle against COVID-19.
Jun 25, 2020
Mental Health is Connected to the Country’s Financial Health
In the two years following the 2008 Great Recession, there was a 5 percent increase in suicide rates attributed to unemployment. Extensive research demonstrates that mental health is impacted by financial downturns.
May 27, 2020
The Role of PEPFAR in the Fight Against AIDS and COVID-19
Today marks the 17th anniversary since President George W. Bush signed the legislation authorizing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) into law. The Bush Institute's Crystal Cazier reflects on how PEPFAR has contributed to the development of healthcare systems that are now being adapted to support COVID-19 responses across Africa.
May 18, 2020
Suspending Immigration Will Hurt America’s Recovery
Laura Collins, George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative Director, explains how immigrants and native-born Americans have always been on the same team driving innovation and economic growth, and that the U.S. will recover from this pandemic by following the same formula — working together.
May 13, 2020
Q&A: The COVID-19 Crisis and The Economy
Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative Director Cullum Clark shares his thoughts on the U.S. economy and what lies ahead.
Apr 28, 2020
We Need the Rule of Law – and More of It – in a Time of Crisis
In a democracy, the rule of law provides order and fairness to communities and citizens. And during a disruptive crisis like the one the world is experiencing, the rule of law becomes even more important
Apr 23, 2020
Veterans Can Help Fill America's Skills Gap
There has been a skills gap in America and, historically, many have not looked to our veterans to fill the gaps in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Apr 23, 2020
Two-Minute Take: Immigrants Are Good For The Economy
Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Director Laura Collins explains how immigrants and native-born Americans have always been on the same team driving American innovation and economic growth.
Apr 21, 2020
COVID-19: Why Gender Matters
Headlines point out that early data shows COVID-19 could become severe more often in men than women — and while that might be true, women still bear the brunt of the impact. Here's why.
Apr 20, 2020
Two-Minute Take: COVID-19 and The Impact on Veteran Serving Non-Profits
We know veteran serving non-profits are critical to addressing the needs of our warriors during these uncertain times and after. Maintaining the solvency of effective veteran serving non-profits must be a focus of effort for Congress and state policymakers.
Apr 14, 2020
Democracy Talks: COVID-19, Authoritarianism, and Democracy
The first in a series of discussions on freedom on democracy around the world features Laura Rosenberger, Mustafa Akyol, Michael Abramowitz, and Andrew Wilson. The four experts on democracy and authoritarianism discuss the impact the coronavirus is having on political freedom and democratic institutions around the world.
Apr 14, 2020
Episode 06: Holly Kuzmich- Education in the COVID-19 Era
Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute Holly Kuzmich spent 7 years working on policy in the Bush Administration — particularly education policy. And as we wade into uncharted waters with so much classroom time being missed by students, she explains what federal, state, and district education leaders have to be thinking about — both for the future when schools reopen, as well as how to tackle problems in the here and now.
Apr 8, 2020
Fighting Coronavirus with Digitization in Central America
The Central American countries, desperate to shield their underfunded public health systems from a tsunami of COVID-19 patients, have taken draconian measures. From the Bush Institute's point of view, the dramatic impacts from these measures strengthens the case for digitization in the region.
Apr 2, 2020
Lend Big For Now, Then Trust the Free Market Economy's Resilience
How America responds to the COVID-19 crisis will influence how severe the near-term recession becomes. But Washington’s response will also make all the difference to the nation’s long-term economic health.
Apr 1, 2020
30 Days in Quarantine
On March 13, Claudia Ramírez returned to El Salvador from a trip to Germany. On her arrival, she was required by the Salvadoran government to enter a 30-day quarantine in a government-run facility.
Mar 27, 2020
Two-Minute Take: Coronavirus Relief Package and What It Means for the U.S. Economy
Bush Institute- SMU Economic Growth Initiative Director Cullum Clark shares how the coronavirus fiscal package will impact the U.S. economy.
Mar 27, 2020
Two-Minute Take: What the Coronavirus Relief Package Means for Education
The recently passed coronavirus relief package sets aside funds for education. Anne Wicks explains how these funds can support education across the U.S.
Mar 25, 2020
North Korea Should Not Repeat the 1990s Famine Response
North Korea claims there is not a single case of COVID-19 in the entire country. This story raises more anxiety than serenity.
Mar 24, 2020
COVID-19 Highlights the Need for a Free Press around the World
Unnerving episodes like the one we are trapped in remind us of the crucial role that well-trained journalists play. We depend upon quality journalism for a flow of information that helps us understand — as well as know what to think about — a devastating disease like COVID-19.
 
Adjusting to a New Normal
Aug 19, 2020
Mom Talk: Surviving Virtual Learning
At the beginning of March, when businesses closed their doors and asked employees to work from home, a group sprung up at the George W. Bush Institute called Mom Talk. It’s a gathering of friends, some former educators, sharing ideas, discussing stress points, and— most importantly— providing encouragement.
Jul 21, 2020
Baby Boomers Provide Toolkit To Successor Generations
Baby boomers are handing successor generations a toolkit, in particular a scaffolding of international cooperation that is well suited to tackle this century's challenges.
May 18, 2020
Building An International Community of Veteran Support
The Invictus Games Foundation recently brought together the international community of veterans and peers to continue collaboration in support of our warriors.
May 13, 2020
Q&A: How One Principal Is Supporting Her Teachers and Students With At Home-Learning
Monique Booth is the principal at Salem Church Elementary in Chesterfield, Virginia. In her role, she supports 618 students and 43 teachers as they have transitioned to distance learning due to COVID-19.
May 12, 2020
Anne Chow - Keeping People Connected
As CEO of AT&T Business, Anne Chow is leading an organization that is playing a big role in many of our daily lives. And she is doing so from a place of optimism about what the world can accomplish when we work together.
May 5, 2020
Serving Our Country During COVID-19
Nick and Megan Gernt are on the front lines of COVID-19, balancing the needs of their family while courageously fighting the pandemic. Both nurse practioners, they share what they are seeing in the hospitals and how they support each other.
May 1, 2020
Living with an Underlying Condition in the Age of COVID-19
The Bush Center's Rhonda Houston shares her personal account of recovering from cancer while the world copes with COVID-19.
Apr 28, 2020
Call In Reinforcements
We asked Jerry Woods, last year’s Warrior Open Champion and Team 43 member, to talk about his experience at the Warrior Open and how he is handling these uncertain times.
Apr 23, 2020
Bush Center CEO Ken Hersh on Leadership, Managing Through the COVID-19 Crisis
<em>The Dallas Morning News</em> recently featured op-eds by Ken Hersh, as well as a profile on his career in business and non-profits.
Apr 21, 2020
Dr. Matt Mishkind - Mental Health Care Without Leaving Home
Sheltering in place doesn't mean you can't get mental health care -- in fact, we all likely need it more than ever. We talk to Dr. Matt Mishkind about the world of mental healthcare, delivered remotely.
Apr 20, 2020
ICYMI: Bush Institute Shares Message of Veteran Leadership on LinkedIn
Bush Institute Military Service Initiative Director Matthew Amidon shares a message of leadership and calm on Mission Roll Call's LinkedIn page.
Apr 14, 2020
Socializing from our Bunkers: Social Distancing is not Social Isolation
Let us use this challenging time to bring out the best in us – connect with others, find ways to help, stay healthy, and be generous with ourselves.
Apr 14, 2020
Even Though We’re Apart, We’re Together In This Fight
During the COVID 19 crisis, I’ve seen compassion, innovation and collaboration. Even though we’re apart, we’re together in this fight.
Apr 9, 2020
Q&A: Retiring From the Army During COVID-19
U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Robin Johnson is retiring after 21 years of service. While the accomplishment of a successful retirement is typically celebrated with an official ceremony, today a new normal is setting in as she navigates her military-to-civilian transition during COVID-19. We asked Robin to discuss her experiences during these challenging times and share advice for other transitioning service members.
Apr 8, 2020
COVID-19 + Cyber Crime
How does COVID-19 impact cyber crime? Find out from Presidential Leadership Scholar Kristin Judge.
Apr 6, 2020
Will You Join Me in Reading to Children?
A recent New York Times article revealed how nearly 300 million children around the world are missing class due to COVID-19. The Bush Institute's Senior Program Manager of the Human Freedom Initiative Jieun Pyun decided to take action.
Apr 3, 2020
Reliable Sources Keep Us Informed — and Guard against Misinformation
Senior Editorial Advisor William McKenzie shares his top picks for the most reliable sources for COVID-19 news.
Mar 26, 2020
In Times of Crisis, Calm Always Wins
Whether we are in quarantine or not, this is a great moment to begin practicing “micro-steps” as they help us build healthier living and working styles. Why do we have to focus on the big things and what we don’t have? We should start at the smaller ones – what we have, what we can achieve, and what we can control. This way, we can get the best of ourselves. Check out some of these “micro-steps” that we can start to put in practice in our professional and personal lives.
Mar 25, 2020
How We Can Leverage Technology to Continue Taking Care of Our Veterans
At a time when we are practicing social distancing, it is important we continue to connect veterans to the care they need.
Mar 19, 2020
Lessons for Coping During Lockdown, From a Former Frontline Civilian
Bush Institute's Farhat Popal shares the lessons she learned about coping in unique and trying circumstances during her time spent in Afghanistan.
Mar 18, 2020
Gratitude in a Time of COVID-19
Staying home during the COVID-19 brings challenges — but also opportunities to appreciate the things that matter.
Profiles from the Frontlines
Mar 23, 2021
#ThisIsOurShot -- Drs. Sunny Jha, Loren Robinson, and Jay Bhatt
Doctors Sunny Jha, Loren Robinson, and Jay Bhatt are on the front lines in their communities in the fight against COVID-19. But thanks to vaccines that are now available, they see a light at the end of the tunnel. They've witnessed first hand the pain caused by COVID-19, the progress we’ve made in a short amount of time, and the fear in patients as vaccine distribution ramps up. But, the science is clear: the vaccines are safe, and #ThisIsOurShot to bring the pandemic under control.
May 26, 2020
Clayton Kershaw and Ellen Kershaw - Baseball, Leadership, and Giving Back
Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw and wife, Ellen, split time between their native home of Dallas and their adopted home of Los Angeles. And through the lens of their nonprofit, Kershaw’s Challenge, they’ve seen both communities rise up to try to help.
May 19, 2020
Mark Suzman - Leading the Gates Foundation Fight Against Coronavirus
Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is leading the organization as it goes all-in on helping find ways to fight the coronavirus — and he’s more than optimistic about the progress.
May 8, 2020
Helping Corporate Leaders and Military Families Thrive During the Pandemic
Our nation faces a grave crisis. And this crisis has unique implications for our military community, including active duty service members, veterans, and military families.
May 5, 2020
William McNulty - Veterans with a New Mission
Just because a veteran has left active duty military service doesn’t mean that they’ve given up their sense of duty. As communities struggle with the far-reaching effects of COVID-19, Team Rubicon volunteers are building field hospitals, delivering food to neighborhoods in need, and doing everything they can to help. Team Rubicon USA co-founder and Team Rubicon Global CEO William McNulty tells us more.
May 5, 2020
Serving Our Country During COVID-19
Nick and Megan Gernt are on the front lines of COVID-19, balancing the needs of their family while courageously fighting the pandemic. Both nurse practioners, they share what they are seeing in the hospitals and how they support each other.
May 4, 2020
Q&A: How Guatemala is Faring During the COVID-19 Crisis
Central America Prosperity Project participant Juan Carlos Zapata shares details about Guatemala's efforts to combat COVID-19 and how his organization is securing medical supplies for the country's hospitals.
Apr 9, 2020
Episode 05: Get Shift Done - Innovation and Problem Solving
Americans everywhere are finding ways to help their communities during the coronavirus pandemic. And problem solvers like Anurag Jain and Patrick Brandt are even forming partnerships across industries — on the fly — to deliver solutions quickly. Get Shift Done pairs out of work hospitality workers with nonprofits who have lost their volunteer workforce.
Apr 7, 2020
Veterans, Leadership, and the American Spirit
Leadership and the unique American spirit is best revealed in our communities. It is in our hometowns and on our main streets where post-9/11 veterans are stepping up to face their next mission—leading through crisis
Apr 7, 2020
Episode 04: Jan Langbein - Supporting Community Resources
Nonprofit organizations that directly help people in need are still tirelessly working to continue to support their communities. Jan Langbein, CEO of the Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support in Dallas, returns as a guest on the Strategerist to detail how increasingly dangerous the situation is for those in an abusive home. But she also reminds us how people and communities are pulling together to support each other.
Apr 3, 2020
Why Dr. Birx and Dr. Fauci are Uniquely Suited to Lead the COVID-19 Response
Bush Institute Executive Director Holly Kuzmich reflects on her personal experience working with Dr. Birx and Dr. Fauci's leadership on PEPFAR