This moment offers an unprecedented opportunity to build a more inclusive and resilient Texas.
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For all that’s yet unclear about the true impact of this pandemic on Texas, we know that many have been hurt – and more are set to be. As the number of deaths attributed to the coronavirus continues to grow, so do the number of Texans unemployed, and the number of families struggling. What do we do now? It’s a question with a rather short time-horizon, considering matters like when to reopen or return to business can be life-or-death decisions. But Steven Pedigo and Kirk Watson of UT's LBJ School and UH's Hobby School of Public Affairs , respectively, say this moment also represents an unprecedented opportunity to build a more inclusive and resilient Texas. In a first-of-its-kind report, the authors propose a nine-point roadmap: nine actions we should consider taking now, to invest in the skills and strengths of Texas. The first step, they say, is to build partnerships instead of rivalries  – just as we did at the start of this crisis. It’s an important document worth reading, for its vision suggests some potential silver linings. We’re speaking with its authors on today’s show; visit our website for our interview, their white paper and more. You'll find some more rewarding info below, with our story picks of the week. Stay safe and healthy, and until next week, we'll see you on the radio.
- David Brown
Work safe, Texas. Texas Work Comp Insurance

In Texas, Absentee Ballot Rules Are This Year’s Voting Rights Battleground


During a pandemic, Democrats and activists say all Texans should be able to vote by mail, but Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is strongly opposed.
Read More

A Possible Next Step In Battling The Coronavirus: Literally Blowing It Up


A team of researchers at UT-Austin wants to incinerate virus particles in the air using not bombs but modified engines.
Read More

A Mysterious Virus Is Killing Texas Rabbits


Experts are still trying to understand the scope of the epidemic.
Read More

‘Cot’ Versus ‘Caught’ Tells Us How Texas Language Is Changing


Lady Bird Johnson pronounced the two words very differently. Younger Texans are going the way of Canadians.
Read More
  • 'Sorry Way To Do Business': San Antonio Officials Fire Back As Texas AG Claims Local Orders Are Unlawful (Texas Public Radio)
  • Gov. Abbott Said 25,000 COVID-19 Tests By Mid-May. Will That Happen? (KERA)
  • No Prom, No Graduation – But The Class Of 2020 Is Still Celebrating The End Of High School (KUT)
  • Coronavirus Testing Sites Returning To Far West Texas (Marfa Public Radio)
Hey Texas Standard listeners! Becky Fogel here. You might remember me from the News Roundup, a daily three-minute segment packed with as much Texas news as we could possibly fit, from the serious to the lighthearted. I still work on that segment, but now behind the scenes. I’m the editor and producer of statewide newscasts for the Texas Newsroom, a partnership between NPR and four of the large public radio stations in the state. Now I’m gonna level with you: I’ve had it a lot easier than some of my colleagues. My rapid-fire deadlines throughout the day already kept me largely tied to my desk at KUT, and as long as I have a phone, an internet connection, and a computer, I can produce and edit newscasts from almost anywhere. (As long as I avoid the dead zones in my apartment, at least.) Honestly, my deadlines and desire to get up-to-the-minute news out to our listeners has really kept me grounded during this uncertain time. Whether I’m getting advocates’ takes on the latest policy announcement, or accidentally FaceTiming with a Texas elected official, my focus is getting you information that’s new, helpful, and – hopefully every once in a while – a little bit comforting. Thanks for tuning in. Serving our listeners is an honor.
- Becky Fogel
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