It's been “a year like no other,” or so we hear repeatedly in early reflections on the turning of the calendar. But as the leaves begin to turn and fall (at least in some parts of Texas more than others), we find ourselves in a familiar ritual that no pandemic, political chaos or next wave of panic can deny us: a moment to pause and express gratitude. Indeed, we at the Texas Standard have much to be thankful for. It all starts with you, of course, and your willingness to let us be a little bit of your day. It continues in our partnership with stations across the Lone Star State, including KERA North Texas, Houston Public Media, Texas Public Radio in San Antonio, KTEP in El Paso, Marfa Public Radio, our home station KUT Austin, and many, many others who routinely let us share the expertise of their reporters with you. Then there are the people who support those stations, putting their money where their ears are, and, in so doing, benefiting the communities those stations work so hard to serve. And there are the people behind the scenes who make the Texas Standard possible – the producer/reporters, including Jill Ament, Kristen Cabrera, Joy Diaz, Alexa Hart, and Michael Marks, to the editors and senior producers including Rhonda Fanning, Terri Langford, Laura Rice and Wells Dunbar, as well as the TexasStandard.org team and the audio and technical directors including Shelly Brisbin (who doubles as producer/reporter), Casey Cheek, Caroline Covington and Leah Scarpelli. These are the people I am grateful for each day, knowing that whenever it's Texas Standard time the show will go on – and it will be top notch, no matter the circumstances. (And this year has given us many to adapt to.) Their expertise, talent and hard work inspires me, and I'm sure you as well. Yes, despite everything, the many challenges we still face ahead, the heartbreak and loss so many of us have experienced in the past several months, we have much to be grateful for. In that spirit, we here at the Texas Standard wish you and yours a joyous and hope-filled Thanksgiving.

- David Brown

Work safe, Texas. Texas Work Comp Insurance

1 In 4 Texas Families Face Food Insecurity

As the pandemic continues, so do long lines at local food banks. "We’re talking about close to 9 million Texans who don’t always know where their next meal is coming from."

Bipartisan Group Of Lawmakers Says Canceling STAAR Would Take Pressure Off Families, Educators

Nearly 70 state lawmakers want the annual high-stakes exam to be canceled – or only used as a "diagnostic tool."

Suburban Latinas Aren't A Monolith Either

Suburban Latinas in Texas expressed surprise at the one-size-fits-all message from both political parties this election – and dismay at the post-election analysis too.

Rethinking Thanksgiving: Stay Home, Eat Outside, Wear A Mask

Though celebrating the holiday with those with whom you live is the safest option, an infectious disease expert says you can reduce your COVID-19 risk with these precautions.

While Violent Crime Is Up In Dallas, Community Leaders Don't Want Help From State Law Enforcement (KERA North Texas)
Some Austin Music Venues Won't Get COVID Relief Money Until Next Year. They Say They're Running Out Of Time. (KUT Austin)
As Coronavirus Devastates Lubbock, Local Leaders Ask For More Control (KTTZ Texas Tech Public Media)
Houston Lawmakers Propose Statewide Ban On No-Knock Warrants (Houston Public Media)

Hi! Laura Rice here, managing producer and occasional host of Texas Standard.
We've got some special treats in store for our listeners this holiday week. Today, we're bringing you Texas Standard's Books of 2020, compiling our best author interviews this year. On Thanksgiving, we're offering a second helping of "Overlooked No More: How Asian Texans Shape The State," showcasing one of the state's fastest-growing populations. Then on Friday, we're airing an encore of "Ofrenda: A Decimation Of People, A Celebration Of Life." This special program, which originally aired during Dia de los Muertos, looks at the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Latinos. We hope you have a chance to listen. And stay safe this holiday season!

- Laura Rice
@LauraRiceKUT

Thank You to our Sponsors

The Texas Standard is a partnership of

No matter where you are,
you're on Texas Standard Time

Connect with The Texas Standard

512-471-1631 | Contact Us

This email was sent by: KUT and KUTX Public Radio
300 W. Dean Keeton, A0704, Austin, TX, 78712-8546 US

A Partnership of
Texas Public Radio San Antonio, KERA Dallas, KUT Austin, and Houston Public Media

A service of the Moody College of Communication at The University of Texas at Austin

Subscription Center | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy

©2020 Texas Standard