Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, March 17, 2025:
Fredericksburg wildfire slows after scorching thousands of acres
The Crabapple Fire near Fredericksburg spread rapidly over the weekend, fueled by high winds and dry conditions, reaching 9,500 acres. Officials report 65% containment as of Monday morning and minimal fire activity.
We’ll have the latest on the response from Sean Doerre, public information officer for the City of Fredericksburg.
Texas lawmakers race to file bills before deadline at the Capitol
The bill filing deadline has passed in the Texas Legislature. What last-minute proposals made the cut, and what’s next for state lawmakers?
Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom breaks down the key developments in his weekly check-in with the Standard.
This week in Texas music history
Jason Mellard with The Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University has the story of Sherman, Texas-born saxophonist Buddy Tate’s stint with Count Basie.
West Texas hunter stumbles upon rare mammoth tusk fossil
A routine hunting trip took a prehistoric turn when a West Texas man discovered a mammoth tusk in a dry creek bed.
Archaeologist Bryon Schroeder of Sul Ross State University explains why the find is so rare.
Defense Secretary bans cultural observances in the military, except St. Patrick’s Day
New Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has prohibited events like Black History Month and Pride Month in the military – but made an exception for St. Patrick’s Day.
Sig Christenson of the San Antonio Express-News unpacks the controversy.
Nine Texas teams make the NCAA tournaments as March Madness begins
Selection Sunday has set the stage for college basketball’s biggest event, with five Texas teams in the men’s tournament – down from six last year – and four Texas teams in the women’s tournament.
El Paso Times sports reporter Bret Bloomquist helps break down the brackets.
Court ruling leaves future of income-driven student loan payments uncertain
A federal appeals court decision has thrown income-driven repayment plans into question, leaving borrowers unsure about their financial futures.
KUT’s Becky Fogel reports on an Austin borrower bracing for higher payments.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
