Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, April 22, 2025:
Supreme Court halts deportations under Alien Enemies Act
The U.S. Supreme Court has paused the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century wartime law now being used by the Trump administration. Critics say the law is being misapplied.
Tara Grove, law professor at UT Austin, joins the Standard with context.
El Paso Walmart shooter faces survivors in court
On August 3, 2019, a gunman opened fire inside an El Paso Walmart, killing 23 and injuring dozens. On Monday, survivors and families who lost loved ones faced him for the last time as the gunman pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty.
KTEP’s Aaron Montes reports.
Remembering Pope Francis’ border visit as the world mourns
Pope Francis passed away Monday, but his legacy lives on, including along the Texas-Mexico border. In Juárez, a statue marks his 2016 visit – a moment that inspired many on both sides of the border.
KTEP’s Angela Kocherga was there to speak with mourners:
Tariffs are back – and Texans will feel the impact
Less than 100 days into Trump’s second term, the president’s tariffs have upended decades of economic policy. With China responding to new U.S. tariffs by raising its own, Texas exporters are watching closely.
Harriet Torry, economic correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, joins the show with details.
Texas QB Cam Ward expected to go No. 1 in NFL Draft
A new Texas star is expected to be the top pick in this year’s NFL draft. Cam Ward’s road to football glory is unlike that of fellow Texan Kyler Murray – but it could be just as successful.
Michael Shapiro from Chron.com shares what makes Ward one to watch.
In “Futbolista,” love and fútbol collide
A new novel by South Texas author Jonny Garza Villa brings readers into the world of queer romance, Mexican American identity and the beautiful game. “Futbolista” tells the story of Gabriel Piña, a college soccer player navigating love, ambition and self-discovery.
Garza Villa joins us with more.
Laredo eyes new aquifer as Rio Grande dries up
Laredo gets its water from the Rio Grande, but that won’t be enough in the coming decades. The city and Webb County are now working with a developer to tap a new aquifer, though the cost and logistics are steep.
Martha Pskowski of Inside Climate News has the story.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
