Texas Standard For October 13, 2020

Texans get in line to cast their ballots in one of the most consequential election years in modern memory. Polling the polling places as our reporting partners statewide check in on day one of early in-person voting in Texas’ election 2020. And: Texas restaurants brace for a new post-COVID-19 normal – what’s on the menu won’t be the same as it was before the pandemic. Also: The debut of a new book and documentary: “Driving While Black.” Plus: Under the dome in Austin, a call for more women in leadership posts. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

By Texas StandardOctober 13, 2020 9:08 am

Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard.

Reporters’ Roundtable On Start Of Early Voting

Texans are lining up to cast their ballots in one of the most consequential election years in modern memory. KUT reporter Claire McInerny, Houston Public Media’s Elizabeth Trovall, KERA’s Hady Mawajdeh and KTEP’s Angela Kocherga talk to the Standard about what they’re seeing on this first day of early voting in the state

Police Reform In Harris County DA Race                                                                             

Police reform is major issue in this year’s Harris County’s district attorney race, particularly following last spring’s killing of George Floyd. Houston Public Media reporter Andrew Schneider has more about DA Kim Ogg’s race for a second term.

An Update On The Texas Restaurant Industry

Restaurants are now allowed to operate at 75% capacity. But all is not well in the world of Texas dining. Eateries around the state have shuttered. Icons like Austin’s Threadgills have closed after nearly 90 years in business. And even those that have survived still face a long road ahead to economic recovery. Emily Williams Knight, CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, talks to the Standard about that road ahead.

‘Driving While Black’ – A Book, And Now A Documentary

Ahmaud Arbery was killed while jogging. Trayvon Martin was just walking. Breonna Taylor and Botham Jean were in their own homes. But for people who are Black in America, one of the most dangerous places might be inside a vehicle. Gretchen Sorin is a historian and a distinguished professor at the State University of New York-Oneida, talks to the Standard. Her new book is “Driving While Black” and it’s now a documentary of the same name. It’s airing tonight on many PBS stations across the country.

A Long-Time Expat On Voting From Abroad

Jane Scheiring is an American living abroad. She’s lived all over the world including Corpus Christi and San Antonio in Texas! But, since she’s lived abroad for over half her life, she’s had to figure out how to vote from wherever she is. Scheiring talks about why voting from abroad is so meaningful to her.

Artist Profile: David Jeremiah

What is the price of a human life? That’s the question posed by David Jeremiah in one of his latest installations. As part of an ongoing series highlighting Black visual artists, Jeremiah told KERA’s Miguel Perez why his work asks viewers to confront racism and violence head on.

Recruiting Women To Lead In The Texas House

Currently, 22% of the Texas House of Representatives is made up of female lawmakers. But there are more female candidates running to fill seats in the lower chamber this election cycle than ever before. Still, the number of women in leadership positions in the legislature is low. With an upcoming vacancy in the House Speaker’s position when the next legislative session begins in January, state Rep. Ina Minjarez argues it is time for a woman.

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

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