The top local stories this morning from KERA News: The Supreme Court will hear arguments today in a case over President Obama’s executive action on immigration, known as the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) program.
The program is estimated to protect about 4 million people from deportation and allow them to apply for a three-year work permit. Texas is leading 26 states in the suit against the Obama administration. Lower courts have already ruled to stop the program three times.
This case in particular will be closely watched because the death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia means there’s no tie-breaking vote in the Supreme Court.
“What will happen if there’s a 4-4 split – it’s not necessarily a victory,” Angela Lopez, an immigration lawyer with Cowles & Thompson, said. “What that means is that the executive action that was stopped will continue to be stopped.”
But if there’s a swing vote, that means potential beneficiaries of the program have six months left to apply. The high court is expected to decide by late June.
Other stories this morning:
- Johnson County officials said 34 roads were closed this morning due to rising water. A flood warning is in effect for that county until 11 o’clock. Flooding was also reported in Parker County, where water levels on the Brazos River continue to rise. North Texas is under a flash flood watch until tomorrow morning.
- You might be one of millions of people who use the wrist bands, clip-ons and smartwatches to help keep in shape, but some wonder whether they’re really accurate. We explore that question in this edition of Vital Signs.
You can listen to North Texas stories at 8:22 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. on KERA 90.1 FM.
