Texas Standard for November 19, 2021

More than 20 Texas state representatives say they won’t be seeking reelection next year. The latest to announce, one of the most senior members of the House. Our conversation with Garnet Coleman of Houston on why after 30 years, he’s stepping aside. And: From natural disasters to COVID-19, Army and Air National Guard troops have been on the front lines. Now signs of strain in the ranks of the guard. We’ll have the latest. Also: A more complicated history of Thanksgiving than the story so often retold, and how to talk about it with kids. Plus: The week in politics with the Texas Tribune and much more, today on the Texas Standard:

By Texas StandardNovember 19, 2021 9:30 am,

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, November 19, 2021.

Coleman on Retirement

After three decades in the Texas Legislature, Rep. Garnet Coleman is retiring. The Houston Democrat joins us today to talk about his decision, his legacy in the Lege and more.

National Guard Troops Strained

Natural disasters, domestic protests, foreign wars and COVID-19 are just a few of the missions Army and Air National Guard members have been assigned to in recent years. Critics say that heavy use is straining the force. Now some states, including Texas, are pleading for more troops. Texas Public Radio’s Carson Frame reports for the American Homefront Project.

 Huffines Outdoor Burning

Unincorporated areas of Collin County in North Texas are seeing significant numbers of new homes. Unincorporated areas tend to have fewer regulations. So when a problem pits a developer against residents – who’s in charge? This question came up recently as a development owned by Republican gubernatorial candidate Don Huffines started clearing land. KERA’s Bret Jaspers reports.

Space Debris Cloud

Astronauts at the International Space Station had to take shelter from a debris cloud orbiting the earth this week. At first the source of the cloud was unclear. But the U.S. ultimately said Russia was responsible, as it had recently tested a missile on a decommissioned satellite – a test the missile passed, apparently. For more on this we now bring in Moriba Jah, associate professor of aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics at The University of Texas at Austin.

Thanksgiving Lessons for Kids

For those with kids, Thanksgiving can include conversations about why we celebrate the holiday in the first place. The easy part is telling them it’s about being grateful for what we have. Tying Thanksgiving into its historical roots can feel trickier. Marleen Villanueva works for the Indigenous Cultures Institute based in San Marcos and joins us with some suggestions.

Typewriter Rodeo

We always end the week with a poem from the Typewriter Rodeo. Request a topic for a poem anytime by reaching out!

The Week in Politics

Joining us for a look back at the week in Texas politics, our Friday regular: James Barragán, political reporter for the Texas Tribune.

All this and Texas News Roundup, plus Social Media Editor Wells Dunbar with the talk of Texas.

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