Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, March 18, 2025:
Trump administration’s deportation policy faces judicial pushback
Over the weekend, three planes carrying Venezuelan nationals departed from Harlingen despite a federal judge’s order to halt the operation. The Trump administration, invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, argued that the Venezuelans were gang members effectively at war with the United States – but Judge James Boasberg has now demanded an explanation.
Tara Grove, Vinson & Elkins Chair in Law at UT Austin, joins the Standard with more:
Scenes from the Fredericksburg wildfire
A perfect storm of meteorological conditions left Gillespie County particularly vulnerable to fire, and Saturday afternoon a very bad one broke out near Crabapple Road, about 8 miles north of Fredericksburg.
Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan went there on Monday to get a look:
Banks see rising defaults as consumer debt fuels economic uncertainty
Consumer spending now accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. economic output, but increasing reliance on debt is causing late payments and rising charge-offs, according to recent Wall Street Journal reporting.
Telis Demos, a financial columnist with the Journal, joins the Standard to discuss how these trends could ripple through the economy.
As wildfire anxiety grows, Austin plans to designate half the city as at risk of fire damage
More than half of Texas was under a red flag warning on Monday, with fires igniting across the state, from the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley.
KUT’s Audrey McGlinchy reports elected officials in Austin are thinking about all this as they’re getting ready to approve new wildfire risk maps.
Texas lawmakers renew push for legalized sports gambling
After a failed attempt two years ago, supporters are once again advocating for limited legalization of sports gambling in Texas. With renewed momentum in the legislative session, the latest efforts are drawing significant attention. Will Iger reports.
Texas basketball star Paige Bueckers eyes a professional debut in Dallas
As March Madness heats up, star senior guard Paige Bueckers of UConn – the top-ranked prospect in the upcoming WNBA draft – could make her professional debut in Texas.
Shawn McFarland, a sports reporter for The Dallas Morning News, joins the Standard to explain what this means for Texas basketball.
Texas Senate targets petroleum theft with new task force
A bill passed by the Texas Senate would establish a specialized task force to combat petroleum theft, aiming to curb millions of dollars in losses. The measure now heads to the House for further consideration.
Lucio Vasquez, breaking news reporter for The Texas Newsroom, joins the Standard to discuss the implications.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
