Over the course of the (many) years I've been involved in journalism, there's been a handful of moments when the day begins with the knowledge that something of long-term consequence hangs in the balance: that it's not just news you're reporting on, it's history. On this day, what appears to be hanging in the balance may well be nothing less than the future of reproductive rights in the U.S. Few issues have been so thoroughly and hotly debated as abortion, and the 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade – though at one time considered the final word on the subject – has proven to be anything but. At the time of this writing, oral arguments are getting underway in a Mississippi case that many consider to be the greatest test of the Roe holding in decades. At the same time, the U.S. Supreme Court is considering challenges to Texas' new abortion restrictions. In this week's newsletter, you'll find coverage of how these cases, taken together, could affect the lives of people living in Texas and beyond. It's far from clear when we can expect decisions in those cases to come down, but, at the moment, many Texans seem to be somewhat preoccupied with visions of family gatherings and other get-togethers dancing in in their heads. For months now, Texans have tried to forego such events due to pandemic considerations. But with the emergence of a new COVID variant and a huge spike in cases in neighboring New Mexico, health experts in the Lone Star State are again sending up red flags. There's more on that story in this week's newsletter, too, as well as why we just might be approaching a tipping point for electric vehicles in Texas. It's beginning to look a lot like a new campaign season now that 2022 is on the horizon, and you can keep up with all the latest on that front at our website, TexasStandard.org. Until next week, we'll see you on the radio.

- David Brown

Work safe, Texas. Texas Work Comp Insurance

What to watch for at the SCOTUS abortion hearing

Wednesday’s hearing at the high court will address a Mississippi law. A ruling on Texas’ own abortion restrictions is still to come.

Even as Texas COVID cases decline, health leaders say omicron variant is on its way

“We’re tired of the pandemic. Everybody is. But the virus is not done with us ... and we need to still be taking those precautions.”

Why you may be seeing more electric vehicle charging stations soon

Texas is set to receive $400 million in federal funds to build EV infrastructure.

Listen: A tour of Texas’ underground metal scene

It’s a remarkably exciting time for heavy music, with bands drawing on death metal, black metal, hardcore punk, noise and more. And Texas is leading the charge.

Officials are brainstorming solutions to Austin's booming housing costs. Here are 4 of their ideas. (KUT)
‘Misleading and dangerous:’ Human rights groups condemn Gov. Abbott’s rhetoric on South African migrants at the border (Texas Public Radio)
2021 Atlantic hurricane season ends as third most active on record (Texas Newsroom)
Outgoing Sul Ross President Pete Gallego facing possible 'no confidence' vote by faculty (Marfa Public Radio)

Hello! I’m Gaige Davila, Border and Immigration Reporter with Texas Public Radio, reporting from the Rio Grande Valley. I joined Texas Public Radio last month after two years as editor of the Port Isabel-South Padre Press, based in my hometown. I’m still working from Port Isabel, reporting on SpaceX’s Boca Chica facility, Rio Grande Valley politics and activists fighting against liquified natural gas . I’m part of Texas Public Radio’s larger effort to cover the Rio Grande Valley, documenting the area I’m from as it changes in front of me faster than I can sometimes keep up with. Thankfully, I’m alongside great journalists who teach me the ways of radio, after years in print media. The Rio Grande Valley has a lot of eyes on it, whether because of SpaceX, immigration or the governor’s race. Texas Public Radio is giving me the opportunity to devote time to these stories and embed myself in the community I’m from. Listen for my reporting on Texas Standard and email me at [email protected] or follow me on Twitter. Thanks!

- Gaige Davila

@GaigeDavila

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