Heading into my social media segments on the Standard, I usually have a good idea of the mix of stories I’m looking to curate. But, like the team that produces the show, sometimes I have to scramble. That was the story for the whole team today when, just a day shy of the opening gavel, Gov. Greg Abbott finally released the call for the special session of the Texas Legislature beginning tomorrow. As expected, it includes controversial changes and restrictions to voting that were stymied by Democrats during the regular session – plus more partisan, polarizing issues including social media deplatforming, transgender youth in sports, the Republican bugaboo of “critical race theory” and more. Is it a sign of the heat that the Governor is facing, now that he has another challenger from the right ? It’s one of the issues we’ve been exploring on the Standard, and one we consistently hear the most from folks about online. Chime in via Facebook, Twitter or on our newly-relaunched Instagram account. And for the latest on this legislative session, keep it tuned into the Standard. Thanks for reading!

- Wells Dunbar
@wellsdunbar

Work safe, Texas. Texas Work Comp Insurance

At Abbott’s Invitation, Out-Of-State Law Enforcement And National Guard Members Head To The Border

The governor summoned additional manpower after an increase in the number of people illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

Student Athletes Can Now Get Paid To Sign Autographs Or Work As Influencers

This month a Texas law went into effect that allows college athletes to be paid for the use of their name and likeness. Texas joins many other states who have passed similar laws.

Rural Areas, Unvaccinated Texans, At Greatest Risk For Fast-Spreading Delta Variant

A Baylor College of Medicine health expert says unvaccinated people of all ages are at risk. The good news is that the vaccines offer robust protection.

Long Before Elon Musk, A Different Man Had A Plan To Develop Boca Chica

One hundred years ago, Col. Sam Robertson stood on the same Boca Chica Beach in South Texas that Elon Musk owns today and dreamed a different dream.

Weeks After Declaring Mission Accomplished, Abbott Orders Further Changes To Texas Grid (KUT Austin)
Dallas Police To Honor Fallen Officers At Service Marking 5 Years Since The 2016 Police Shootings (KERA News)
For The 1st Time, A Black Woman Will Lead A NASA Center (Texas Public Radio)
Historic Community Radio Station Faces Uncertain Future With Sale Of Montrose Home (Houston Public Media)

Hey, everyone! I’m Annie Rosenthal, the border reporter at Marfa Public Radio . I started here in June as a corps member with Report for America, a service program that places journalists in local newsrooms around the country to report on under-covered issues. I’m new to Texas – I grew up in D.C. and got my start in local journalism covering rural Alaskan life for the weekly paper in the “halibut capital of the world” (that's Homer, if you're wondering). Since then, I’ve reported on everything from immigration in Arizona and criminal justice in Pennsylvania to the amazing world of squirrel rehabilitation in Connecticut. At Marfa Public Radio, I’m excited to cover not just immigration, but also daily life in Presidio, Ojinaga, and other communities along the river – stories of binational connection and rural living that often seem to get lost in the frenzy over the border. My first feature for the station was about Presidio High School’s rocketry team, which consistently sends students to nationals despite working with far fewer resources than many of its competitors. (For one, the nearest Home Depot is almost four hours away in Odessa!) I’m always looking for interesting stories about the Big Bend and La Junta – so if you have tips, feedback, or ideas, I’m all ears. My email is [email protected]. Thanks!

- Annie Rosenthal
@annierosenthal8

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