As much of the world holds its collective breath over what's happening in Ukraine , amid the standoff between the United States, NATO and Russia, the impact of a potential war stands to implicate Texas in no small way. As we’ve noted on the Standard, after California, Texas has more U.S. military installations than any other state. The announcement that the White House ordered 8,500 troops on high alert could have an outsize impact on soldiers living and training in Texas, though we don't yet know what forces or units might be sent to the region if tensions continue to rise. Add to that the many Ukrainians living in Texas. (The United States is the second-largest home to Ukrainians after Ukraine itself.) As our own Jill Ament reports in our newsletter's top story, many Ukrainians in North Texas have turned to the church to congregate in solidarity and share news from back home. In this crisis, as we have seen in many others, Texas isn't far from the front pages, given its population diversity. It is an understatement to say that Texas has long been a cultural crossroads for the rest of the world, though the impact of Mexico and its people may be more obvious and prominent. Less well known is the full story of Mexicans in Texas – and how discrimination and socio-legal structures shaped their experiences, past and present. In this week's newsletter, producer Kristen Cabrera also brings us a conversation with the author of a new book that sheds light on the Mexican American experience in Texas, and reveals much more than the many myth-infused narratives. There's lots to explore in this week's newsletter, and we hope it moves you to check out more at our website, where web producers Shelly Brisbin and Caroline Covington work hard to keep you updated on Texas news 24/7. Until next week, we'll see you on the radio.

- David Brown

Ukrainian Texans pray for peace as tension escalates with Russia

“It’s a very, very dangerous situation, but Ukrainians got used to this existence that requires sacrifice and aren't going to give up.”

Greg Abbott’s proposed 'Parental Bill of Rights' homes in on race, LGBTQ curriculum

The proposal, including an amendment to the state Constitution, says parents are the “main decision-makers” when it comes to their kids.

New book looks at the roots of Mexican American discrimination in Texas

“The Mexican American Experience in Texas” examines centuries of law and social structure that excluded Mexican Americans from mainstream society.

Sundance 2022 is virtual again. Here are six Texas-related films to watch.

The virtual format allows folks anywhere to purchase single tickets to films or to buy passes that are good for many viewings.

Harris County commissioners weigh proposal to void recent bail reforms (Houston Public Media)
Congressman Henry Cuellar issues first comment since FBI raid on his Laredo home (Texas Public Radio)
Judge to rule soon on whether to release North Texas militia leader charged in Capitol riot (KERA)
After pandemic disruption 'Kite Symphony' takes flight (Marfa Public Radio)

Hey everyone! I’m Elena Rivera with KERA in North Texas. I’m the station’s health reporter and joined KERA in July right before the COVID-19 delta surge hit the state. I’m originally from Rochester, New York. Before working for KERA, I worked with KRCC and Colorado Public Radio covering the COVID-19 pandemic in southern Colorado. This fall I worked on the first non-pandemic story I’ve done in two years, about a mobile HIV and STI clinic that launched in Dallas. I’ve covered the ups and downs of COVID-19 in North Texas – everything from how some rural counties are managing the pandemic to how pediatric hospitals are faring as cases increase, to new testing sites opening as omicron spreads. I recently did a mini-series about grief, processing and finding support. The first story focused on a Fort Worth organization that helps grieving kids and families; the second was a conversation between two mothers about how the pandemic changed their grief process; and the third was a conversation between two counselors about providing support to their clients. I’ve been grateful to carve out a space to share how loss, in its many forms, has been experienced by so many people over the past two years. I’m working on more stories about grief and support in 2022, so I’d love to hear from y’all: email me at [email protected] or reach out to me on Twitter at my handle below.

- Elena Rivera
@ElenaisWriting

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