The Dallas Morning News

Preparing to run for a historic fourth term, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has fortified his campaign staff, trained a legion of volunteers and amassed close to $100 million in his war chest, a figure that will grow substantially between now and the November 2026 general election. In other news, two Dallas City Council members are hosting a listening session Monday to gather input from residents on the future of City Hall. The meeting comes when the Dallas City Council is debating whether to renovate or demolish City Hall; the government shutdown has placed food assistance for some 42 million Americans in peril. In Texas, 3.5 million people rely on SNAP. Two federal judges have told the Trump administration that it must partially or fully fund the food benefits, but it is not clear if the president will comply; and as SMU’s south goalpost rested somewhere between University Park and downtown Dallas, the SMU fan base, players and coaching staff relished the extra hour to sleep off a long evening of reverse Boulevarding and partying all across North Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Strange? Defeating? Disappointing? The Dallas Morning News food team has a lot of thoughts, a lot of questions and a few hot takes on the results of the 2025 Texas Michelin Guide. The teams get into the Dallas-Fort Worth's two 1-star Michelin restaurants, Bib Gourmand recipients, Recommended restaurants and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Four companies are laying off more than 400 workers in Dallas-Fort Worth, putting further strain on Texas’ slowing job market as national layoffs also pick up speed. Security firm Job1USA is cutting about 117 employees at six locations in Texas, including 81 in Dallas-Fort Worth. In other news, a second lawsuit has been brought against Celina ISD, accusing school officials of being more concerned about its storied football program than the welfare of students; a pharmaceutical company has initiated a voluntary recall of more than half a million bottles of its blood pressure medication distributed in the U.S., after finding that the bottles contained higher than acceptable levels of a carcinogen; nd a month after a weekslong hearing on the motion to dismiss or to convert Merit Street Media’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Scott Everett converted the case to a Chapter 7 from the bench Tuesday afternoon, saying, “there is no hope for rehabilitation.” He called the case an anomaly and said it came to him in “liquidation mode.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dallas Stars filed a counterclaim late Tuesday night against the Dallas Mavericks, seeking to “restore normal operations at the American Airlines Center and prevent the Mavericks’ attempted hostile takeover.” In other news, the future of the region’s rapid transit system could take significant hits when city leaders in Plano, Highland Park and Farmers Branch consider ballot measures to withdraw from Dallas Area Rapid Transit; a grocer with a devoted fan base is finally readying a spot in a growing North Texas city. Trader Joe’s is planning to open a store in the city of Frisco, according to the company. The small-format grocer did not disclose a location and timeline for the store; The 2025 Michelin Guide Texas included 140 restaurants, only adding 30 to 2024’s picks and removing none. Over the past year, the French company anonymously visited, then rated restaurants in five Texas cities and surrounding areas for the influential Michelin Guide. Dallas now has 2 restaurants with one Michelin star, double what it had last year. After being open for less than two months, Mamani received the 1-star distinction. Tatsu Dallas kept its star. Dallas added a new Recommended restaurant as well, Sushi Kozy. No new restaurants in Fort Worth were added to the Michelin Guide. Now that the awards have been bestowed, what’s next for restaurants that were recognized? What about those that weren’t included? You can read more at DallasNews.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SportsDay Insiders Kevin Sherrington, Evan Grant and Calvin Watkins discuss [00:50] the Cowboys’ loss to the Broncos, which Evan says doesn’t qualify as a disaster because it wasn’t a surprise. Here’s a surprise: If Jerry Jones waves the white flag and trades his most marketable asset, George Pickens. [25:59] The guys give their take. Texas A&M picked up another road win against a ranked team with an impressive performance against LSU, getting the Tigers’ coach fired in the process. [56:05] Can the Aggies win their first national title in nearly 90 years? Shawn McFarland joins the group to discuss that and other college football as well as an 18-inning thriller in Game 3. The question: Is Shohei Ohtani better than Babe Ruth? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A yearlong breakdown in the Mavericks and Stars’ relationship came to a head Tuesday morning, when Dallas’ NBA franchise filed suit against the city’s NHL team. The News also reported Tuesday that the Stars are eyeing a $1 billion arena at the Shops at Willow Bend Mall site, a move that could see the hockey franchise leave downtown Dallas for the first time in its history, two people with knowledge of the team’s efforts told The Dallas Morning News. The 107-acre mall property on W. Park Boulevard has emerged as the favorite to land the NHL franchise after discussions with cities including Frisco, The Colony, Arlington and Fort Worth if the team leaves the American Airlines Center after its lease expires in 2031. In other news, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the makers of Tylenol, accusing the companies of failing to warn consumers about risks of taking the drug while pregnant; and Woodrow Wilson High School Principal Chandra Hooper-Barnett will not return to the school, according to a Tuesday letter from Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde to families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bob Doll, CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Crossmark, on models for managing investments, the Federal Reserve's independence and the give and take between entitlements and inflation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Federal Aviation Administration on Monday issued a ground delay for flights departing to DFW International Airport due to staffing issues. Flights bound for DFW had an average delay of 18 minutes. A spokesman for DFW Airport said, “The FAA implements air traffic management programs based on its capacity for safe operations. As always, we encourage travelers to check their flight status with their airline.” In other news, kids today already use or have access to artificial intelligence tools. That’s according to Pat Yongpradit, chief academic officer for Code.org, a nonprofit promoting computer science education. What matters, he says, is teaching children how to use AI properly and he is worried schools are falling behind in this regard; the economic impact of automobile and personal loans is larger in Texas than any other state, according to new data; nd the University Interscholastic League isn’t ready to add any new sports, and Monday it signaled that it is content for now with the 14 sports that it sanctions. During the UIL’s legislative council meeting, the state’s governing body for public school athletics denied, rejected or took no action on proposals to add pickleball, boys volleyball, lacrosse and ice hockey as UIL-sanctioned sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the year since Tatsu Dallas became the first — and currently only — North Texas restaurant to receive a star, Michelin has loomed like a shadow in the background of daily life for Tatsu and Hiroko, who oversees front-of-house operations for the restaurant. The pressure to perform at the highest level is ever-present. In other news, the search for a stolen pickup carrying stoves and refrigerators led Dallas police last week to arrest four people who are accused of stealing several vehicles and dismantling them for parts; the Dallas Mavericks claimed their first victory of the season in a 139-129 rout of the Raptors on Sunday. Rookie Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with a career-high 22 points along with four rebounds, four assists and a block; and if you thought pickleball was the hottest social sport in Dallas right now, it’s time to learn about padel. Texans will likely pronounce the sport’s name like paddle, though some in other parts of the country say it as puh-DELL. Whatever you choose to call it, Dallas’ first facility dedicated to the fast-growing racket sport Padel is set to open in the Design District in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before El Califa de Leon abruptly exited its Dallas area pop-up, The Dallas Morning News food team used the backdrop of Michelin-starred tacos to discuss what they expected to see ahead of the Texas Michelin Guide announcement on Oct. 28, 2025. Dallas chef Dean Fearing also dropped by to discuss why he missed the 2024 Michelin awards ceremony, how he helped create the iconic Mansion on Turtle Creek tortilla soup recipe and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Texas Education Agency will remove Fort Worth ISD’s elected school board and its superintendent, instituting the second-largest state takeover in Texas history. Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced the move Thursday. In other news, when Dallas County’s adult probation director cut a $32,800 check to a contractor in May, he said it was to replace checks issued two years earlier the consultant forgot to cash; former NBA player and coach Damon Jones was among more than 30 people charged in connection with schemes involving illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by the Mafia. Jones, who played collegiately at the University of Houston, was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly provided inside information about NBA games to co-defendants who used it to place sports bets; and a Preston Hollow mansion known for grandiose holiday decorations that attract droves of visitors has once more become the subject of both awe and ire. After neighbors complained, the city’s code compliance department issued the home notices for light glare and noise violations, which were found to be resolved in later inspections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fair officials acknowledged the decline in a release on Sunday. More detailed numbers Wednesday revealed this year’s fair attendance is the lowest over the past eight years. The drop has implications for the city of Dallas as well as the State Fair. A fair spokesperson said that several factors likely contributed to the drop in attendance. In other news, millions of Texans could lose food benefits at the end of this month if the government shutdown continues. In a letter to states this month, the U.S. Agriculture Department warned the federal government will have insufficient funds to pay for the Supplemental Food Assistance and Nutrition Program, known as SNAP, if the shutdown continues past next Monday; the Dallas City Council agreed Wednesday to pay Dallas County for jail services after a monthlong delay and approved an $8.7 million annual contract for housing and processing people arrested by Dallas police. The decision follows weeks of debate over performance measures and city concerns about delays in the jail intake process; and Big Tex needs a new pair of boots. The Big Tex Boot Design Contest, presented by Lucchese Bootmaker, opened Wednesday morning. To enter, draw, paint or illustrate the design on the sheets provided on the State Fair Design My Boots page and submit it with the entry form. Contest entries are due by Jan. 31, and the winning design will be announced March 2, next year. All entries must be original works of art with no copyrighted material and include the Lucchese brand logo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SportsDay Insiders Kevin Sherrington, Evan Grant and Joe Hoyt [00:15] ride the Cowboys rollercoaster for another week, wondering if Sunday's defense against Washington can last. Will it be good enough to take advantage of what looks like Dak Prescott's finest season? And will that make them a playoff team? [20:00] Mike Curtis joins Kevin and Evan to give a preview of the Mavs' opener Wednesday against San Antonio. Cooper Flagg has made an early impression, but will he, Anthony Davis and the defense be enough to hold things together until Kyrie Irving returns? [36:43] Kevin and Evan take a look at the teams in Texas with a best shot at the CFP and close with their predictions for the World Series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plus - Texas identifies more than 2,700 “potential noncitizens” registered to vote; Owners of world’s only Michelin-starred taco shop call off pop-up in Dallas area; Travis Kelce, activist investor blitz Six Flags with ownership stake, calls for shakeup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is an independent podcast hosted by The Dallas Morning News Opinion team. From the archives: Host Talmage Boston interviews Malcolm Gladwell, author of seven New York Times bestsellers, about his book Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering. (Recorded December 2024 in Dallas.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Clark Hunt, chairman and CEO of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs and FC Dallas, on the growth of the NFL and sports in the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plus - The Cowboys look like a contender with the offense at full speed, firing on all cylinders; Wildfire risk grows as North Texas starts workweek dry and breezy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Clark Hunt, chairman and CEO of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs and FC Dallas, on the growth of the NFL and sports in the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plus - Former Texas House First Lady Julie Straus found safe after going missing late Thursday; See new renderings of the $300M, 20,000-seat amphitheater under construction in McKinney; Dallas mayor wants to explore partnership with ICE after police chief declined Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Move over, PSL - the Dallas Morning News food team is ready to usher in a new era of fall flavors. And don't worry: the team isn't short on suggestions. Also, get the latest news on openings across North Texas, including details on a pop-up for the world's only Michelin-starred taqueria, a new restaurant serving Chinese food through a Puerto Rican lens and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Civic boosters, landowners, developers and city officials hope the $3.7 billion convention center redevelopment is the shot in the arm that Dallas’ urban core desperately needs. It may also clear the way for a new NBA arena and entertainment district — a project they call an economic game changer. In other news, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is launching an investigation into the University of North Texas for failing to “ward off left-wing violence” in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s killing; and the State Fair of Texas will end another run on Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dallas police officials said Tuesday the department had surpassed its recruiting goal set by City Council members earlier this year, hiring more than 300 recruits since last October. In other news, Dallas-Fort Worth-based Aligned Data Centers will be acquired in a deal valued at $40 billion — one of the largest such transactions of the year and the biggest ever for a data center company; developer Scott Beck won’t confirm whether representatives of the Dallas Mavericks are scoping out his Valley View Center property for a new NBA arena. But with 110 acres at the corner of Preston Road and Interstate 635, it is one of the largest undeveloped properties in Dallas with clear potential as the basketball franchise moves on from the aging American Airlines Center downtown; nd El Califa de León, the only Michelin-starred taquería in the world, is heading to North Texas to delight taco lovers. Find a pop-up featuring the cuisine of El Califa and celebrating Mexico City’s inimitable street food culture beginning today at 6501 Hillcrest Ave. in University Park near Southern Methodist University. It will be open from noon to 9 p.m. everyday until the 28th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SportsDay Insiders Kevin Sherrington, Evan Grant and Calvin Watkins analyze [00:40] a historically bad Cowboys’ defense and what it portends for Matt Eberflus, the defensive coordinator, as well as Brian Schottenheimer. Is it the scheme? The players? Both? How bad is it when Rico Dowdle calls out the Cowboys, and they not only don’t respond, they don’t even take offense? [32:33] The Skip Schumaker era will probably be different from Bruce Bochy’s in terms of communication, but it would be better if it involves better players. Does the Rangers’ director of amateur scouting escape blame for the farm system’s inability to deliver position players? [51:29] And has there ever been a better time for college football in Texas, where four teams are still in the running for three conference titles at the midpoint? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Speculation is mounting at Dallas City Hall that Mayor Eric Johnson may soon resign to seek another political office. At least one candidate for mayor says he is ready to run if and when Johnson resigns. In other news, a federal judge’s ruling Tuesday temporarily blocks the University of Texas System from implementing parts of a new state law that limits where and when students can engage in expressive activities on campuses. He said, “the First Amendment does not have a bedtime of 10:00 p.m." ; a Grapevine youth basketball coach was sentenced to prison in what authorities described as an extensive child pornography operation. Michael Bo Peacock was sentenced last month to 40 years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release. The 50-year-old Denton man was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine; and the Mavericks have reportedly signed Jason Kidd to a multi-year contract extension, two people with knowledge of the deal confirmed to The Dallas Morning News. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nirav and Megha Tolia are co-founding directors of the William Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership in SMU's Cox School of Business. Nirav is the CEO of Nextdoor and Megha is the president and COO of Shondaland. The couple reflect on building community networks in entrepreneurship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Artificial intelligence-powered cameras on Dallas sanitation trucks may hit the streets next year. The City Council approved more than $850,000 to install cameras on the trucks in partnership with the Code Compliance Department. In other news, while federal workers across the country have been furloughed or required to work without pay as a government shutdown approaches its third week, members of Congress are entitled to continue collecting their salaries. But are Texas lawmakers accepting or allowing their pay to be withheld? is Dak Prescott’s Cowboys career destined to go the same wasted way as Tony Romo’s? And in today's 'Ask Curious Texas' “what’s the story of the house with dinosaurs outside and in the yard? Did the homeowners need to go through any kind of city approval to be able to place those outside?” Here's the link to Ask Curious Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two people were killed Sunday afternoon when the small airplane they were on crashed near Hicks Airfield in Fort Worth, igniting a massive blaze that sent a plume of thick black smoke into the air. Several crews were dispatched to North Saginaw Boulevard following the crash. Several first responders from different agencies responded to the scene. In other news, over the past decade — as North Texas’ famous economic boom has taken off in earnest — more than 700 companies have expanded their presence in greater Dallas-Fort Worth. Increasingly those D-FW campuses feature elaborate design elements and amenities — everything from specially commissioned artwork to integrated lighting sensors to restaurant-quality cafeteria offerings — that rival those of Silicon Valley or New York City. And rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald made a 33-yard field goal as time expired and the Carolina Panthers knocked off the Dallas Cowboys, 30-27 Sunday. Former Cowboy Rico Dowdle rolled up 183 rushing yards on 30 carries for the Panthers. He added 56 yards receiving and a touchdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Dallas-Fort Worth barbecue joint is getting the Hollywood treatment in the new season of “Landman.” There are changes afoot for the Texas Michelin awards. It’s time to say goodbye to a Chili’s classic. That’s all coming up on this episode of Eat Drink D-FW. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One week before his third execution date, the state’s highest criminal court granted Robert Roberson III a stay Thursday, the latest development in an extraordinary case that has redefined the landscape — and limits — of capital punishment. The 58 year old Roberson was scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection Oct. 16 in Huntsville. In other news, . Dozens of his neighbors from the South Haven community watched the Dallas City Council approve utility company Oncor’s request to construct a 200-foot communications tower near their homes in Irving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Talmage Boston interviews Mark K. Updegrove, presidential historian for ABC News and former executive director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, about his latest book, Make Your Mark: Lessons in Character from Seven Presidents. This is an independent podcast hosted by The Dallas Morning News opinion team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field were operating normally Wednesday morning, a day after both were impacted by staffing shortages stemming from the ongoing government shutdown. In other news, Gov. Greg Abbott is threatening to withhold funding for roads from Dallas and other Texas cities if they do not remove rainbow crosswalks. On Wednesday, Abbott said he directed the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure cities and counties erase “any and all political ideologies from our streets,” including symbols and flags; the victim in a fatal Tuesday shooting in Dallas was killed following an argument after she allegedly got upset that a woman did not thank her for holding open a door; and the Dallas Cowboys’ reaction to former teammate Rico Dowdle saying they better buckle up for Sunday’s game against the Panthers was met with a relaxed response. In Carolina’s come-from-behind win over Miami, Dowdle rushed for a career-high 206 yards, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SportsDay Insiders Kevin Sherrington, Evan Grant and Joe Hoyt try [00:19] to put the Cowboys’ win over the Jets into perspective. On one hand, it was the Jets, a truly bad team. On the other, Chicago isn’t great, either, and the Bears walked all over the Cowboys. Only a couple weeks after saying they’d be lucky to win five games, Joe now says his glass is “half-full,” if only because the offense is so good and the defense couldn’t be any worse than it was the first three games. Kevin and Evan discuss [25:30] what difference Skip Schumaker can make and rank the biggest needs. (Hint: It’s not pitching). And [51:35] if the Sooners’ John Mateer really is back for Texas-OU, the Longhorns could have a long afternoon at the Cotton Bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jerry Jones has been fined $250,000 for the middle finger he directed at fans during the Cowboys-Jets game over the weekend, a league spokesperson told The Dallas Morning News on Tuesday. In other news, the architect of Texas’ mid-decade redistricting plan said on Tuesday he did not use racial data to design the map that could net Republicans five seats in Congress. Adam Kincaid, the executive director of the National Republican Redistricting Trust, said he drew “most” of the 2025 map that targeted five congressional seats held by Democrats in the Dallas, Houston, Central and South Texas regions; singer Leon Bridges stood at the corner of Calhoun Street and Daggett Avenue in Fort Worth Tuesday, tugging on a rope that uncovered a newly-minted sign bearing his name; and Dallas-based Chili’s Bar and Grill removed its longtime Skillet Beef Queso and White Skillet Queso in favor of a new cheese dip called Southwest Queso. Unlike the Skillet Beef Queso, the Southwest Queso is vegetarian. Chili’s was once a single location on Dallas’ Greenville Avenue that opened 50 years ago, in 1975. It now operates 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Intersections podcast hosts Kyle Waldrep and Tom Leppert discuss New York City socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and different generations' views on economic systems and innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was feeling good about his team after a dominant 37-22 victory against the Jets on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Jones was apparently feeling saucy during the game as well. Jones was caught on video giving the middle finger to Jets fans from his suite at MetLife Stadium. In other news, U.S. bank Fifth Third agreed to buy Dallas-based regional lender Comerica in an all-stock deal valued at $10.9 billion, aiming to expand its presence in key growth markets. The deal will create a lender with combined assets of about $288 billion, making it the ninth-largest U.S. bank. Comerica shares jumped 12% before the bell; Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday that Texas National Guard troops should “stay the hell” out of his state after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott approved President Donald Trump’s request to send troops to other states; and former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and television personality Melissa Rycroft Strickland was arrested recently in Southlake on suspicion of drunken driving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dallas Stars have begun to seriously consider leaving Dallas with an uncertain future at American Airlines Center beyond 2031. The Stars have been in discussion with Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington and Fort Worth as potential destinations to build a new arena. In other news, look close at the men serving barbecue in an upcoming episode of Season 2 of Landman. They’re real Texas pitmasters, called up for their first acting gigs. A few months ago, the owner of Hurtado Barbecue, Brandon Hurtado, and three of his employees spent a day on the set of Landman, acting as extras; also, the Texas Rangers' managerial search didn’t last long, and the team didn’t have to look far. Skip Schumaker will move from the front office, where he served as senior advisor to President of Baseball Operations Chris Young, to the dugout. Schumaker signed a four-year deal through the 2029 season; and Dallas is the fourth most expensive rental market in Dallas-Fort Worth. That’s according to a Wednesday report. The report, published by rental marketplace Zumper, analyzed active listings from the last month to rank cities by how expensive they are now and how fast their rents are growing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John and Evan discuss the season’s end and the decision for Bruce Bochy and the Rangers to split up. Evan breaks down the challenges the new manager faces and the list of guys not named “Skip Schumaker” who might be candidates. The guys discuss Bochy’s place among Rangers managers. Then Robbie Grossman joins the guys to pay tribute to what Bruce Bochy meant to the 2023 World Champions and give his favorite BBQ recommendations for Houston. Finally, John cracks open the archives to revisit the start of the 2023 playoff run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What new foods are worth the coupons at the Texas state fair? The Dallas Morning News food team has some thoughts. The team was joined by chefs Tiffany Derry and Dino Santonicola this year, and they tried everything (so you don't have to). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gateway Church founder Robert Morris pleaded guilty Thursday to five counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child. The former pastor, who founded the Southlake megachurch in 2000, agreed to a plea deal during a hearing. Morris agreed to a 10-year suspended sentence and will serve six months in jail. In other news, Dallas will delay its first installment of an $8.7 million payment to Dallas County for jail services by at least a month after council members raised concerns about the contract and persistent problems at the downtown detention facility; allas-based Chili’s Bar and Grill is removing its longtime Skillet Beef Queso and White Skillet Queso in favor of a new cheese dip called Southwest Queso; and five former Dallas Cowboys players, including three with Dallas-area high school ties, were among 52 players nominated Thursday by the Seniors Screening Committee for election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the seniors category. Those under consideration are cornerback Everson Walls, Defensive Lineman Harvey Martin, Quarterback Don Meredith, linebacker Lee Roy Jordan and defensive tackle Ed “Too Tall” Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With mounting repair costs that could top $100 million, Dallas’ City Hall is at the center of what likely will be a public and emotional conversation about whether to salvage the brutalist building or tear it down. City Hall’s problems go beyond faulty wiring and a leaky parking garage. In other news, a Southlake woman accused of trafficking women to a New York City financier’s “sex dungeon” worked as a substitute teacher for Carroll ISD. In a page-long statement Tuesday, Carroll ISD school board president Cam Bryan acknowledged that 45-year-old Jennifer Powers worked at the district but did not say how long. Bryan went on to say that “the individual in question is no longer employed by Carroll ISD, has been fully removed from all roles, and no longer has any access to our campuses or facilities.” Also, the stadium arms race in North Texas has cooled drastically. Why? And, for the second time in two years, Dallas has delayed its plan to end alleyway trash and recycling pickup for thousands of households after strong resident opposition. City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert announced Wednesday that the phaseout, originally set for January, is now on hold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SportsDay Insiders Kevin Sherrington, Evan Grant and Calvin Watkins discuss [00:25] the Cowboys’ 40-40 stalemate with the Packers and what it means in the big picture. Calvin says it won’t matter how well Dak Prescott plays if the defense doesn’t improve, and he doesn’t see that coming. [23:29] Kevin and Evan analyze Bruce Bochy’s departure from the Rangers, his culpability in their two-year funk and what Chris Young does next, after he officially names Skip Schumaker manager. [46:18] And the guys consider whether Rhett Lashlee would be smart to leave SMU for Arkansas, his alma mater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A raid by Homeland Security at a Dallas adult entertainment club last week ended with the arrests of 41 people during a human trafficking and unlawful employment investigation. ICE officers, federal agents and local Dallas officers, descended on Chicas Bonitas Cabaret in the 11000 block of Harry Hines Boulevard Friday night, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office. In other news, a second detainee shot in an attack on a Dallas immigration field office last week has died. 31-year old Miguel Ángel García Medina died early Tuesday morning after he was removed from life support; the Texas Stock Exchange announced on Tuesday it had won regulatory approval, achieving a major and long-awaited milestone in its quest to operate as a national exchange alongside the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq; and the Dallas Wings fired head coach Chris Koclanes after just one season. The Wings finished 10–34 and last in the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Intersections podcast hosts Kyle Waldrep and Tom Leppert on intergenerational differences in higher education, confronting different opinions and how different age groups consume news and information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Federal prosecutors say 45-year old Jennifer Powers harbored a dark and sordid secret from her past. On Monday afternoon, Powers made her first court appearance — in a Fort Worth federal courtroom on charges that she helped sex traffic women for her millionaire boss, a New York City financier who tortured them in a “sex dungeon” in his Midtown Manhattan penthouse apartment. In other news, a nonprofit that backed a Dallas charter amendment meant to boost police hiring, benefits and starting pay has vowed to “hold city leaders accountable” after the City Council approved a budget that raises starting police pay by nearly 8%, but leaves Dallas ranked 12th in the region; “What is going on with the U.S. 75 construction where the HOV ends in North Richardson? Curious Texas has the answer and some good news; and after three seasons, the Texas Rangers decided to part ways with manager Bruce Bochy. Despite winning the World Series in his first season with the club, the hangover left the organization with blurred vision about how to move forward. He was offered an advisory role within the organization, but it’s uncertain if he will pursue another managerial opening elsewhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement office will remain closed Monday in the aftermath of last week’s shooting at the site. The closure means migrant check-ins will not take place, an ICE spokesperson confirmed Sunday. A new date for the check-ins has yet to be determined. In other news, Dallas-Fort Worth is in the midst of a data center boom driven by artificial intelligence ― and everybody’s talking about it. The spaces that house computer systems, servers, tech equipment and the infrastructure to support it all have existed for decades; Fair Park in South Dallas holds a history of segregation, exclusion and injustice. Its blighted past is continuously highlighted in efforts to rebuild the community into a prosperous neighborhood after land was taken and families displaced. The 139-year relationship between the State Fair of Texas and the largely Black community that surrounds it is complicated; and a second half shootout between the Cowboys and Green Bay Packers resulted in a 40-40 tie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Puppies and pizza are among some of the newest offerings at restaurants and cafes in North Texas. But even as the area welcomes more eateries, a handful of closures have been announced too. Plus, in honor of the start of the State Fair of Texas, the Dallas Morning News food team walks through the Big Tex Choice Awards-winning foods they're excited to try. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John and Evan put a failed season to rest, bemoaning the lack of offense and wondering about what exactly Bruce Bochy meant when he questioned the team's "intensity" and "focus." Then, Rangers postseason pitching hero (at least pre-Nathan Eovaldi) Colby Lewis joins the show to talk about chemistry, having been a rookie on one of the most dysfunctional Rangers teams of all-time and a veteran on two of the most tight-knit. When John cracks open the archives, we find ourselves considering other great performances by other starting rotations in Rangers history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Collin County man has been identified as the shooter alleged to have fired “indiscriminately” at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement office building this week, leaving one detainee dead and two others critically injured. Twenty-nine year old Joshua Jahn of Fairview, acted alone when he targeted ICE agents with a long-range rifle early Wednesday, and was not intending to harm any detainees. In other news, as I mentioned earlier, opening weekend of the State Fair of Texas is expected to be temperate and sunny, but it may not stay that way over its entire 24-day run. The Dallas Morning News spoke with Fair officials about what attendees can expect should inclement weather rain out the fun; Dallas has ended relationships with sister cities in Russia and China to comply with a new state law banning such agreements with countries deemed foreign adversaries. The Dallas City Council on Wednesday approved ending the city’s connections with Tianjin, China, and Saratov, Russia, after Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 128 into law in June; and Six Flags Over Texas visitors, prepare to meet Tormenta Rampaging Run. On Thursday, Six Flags revealed the details of Tormenta, the world record-breaking roller coaster coming to Arlington for the park’s 65th birthday next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dozens of law enforcement officers descended about 6:40 a.m. on the building in the 8100 block of North Stemmons Freeway in the Stemmons Corridor. Homeland Security officials confirmed three detainees were shot. One died at the scene, while the remaining two victims were hospitalized in critical condition. Their identities were not released. ICE said in a post on X that the detainees were shot while inside a transport van. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to The Dallas Morning News that one of the people who suffered serious injuries is a Mexican national. In other news, celebrity television psychologist Phil McGraw began testifying Tuesday in the weekslong hearing over whether he filed for bankruptcy for his Fort Worth-based Merit Street Media in “bad faith.” The family of one of the 67 people killed when an airliner collided with an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., sued the government and the airlines involved on Wednesday. Other families are expected to join this first lawsuit that seeks to hold the Federal Aviation Administration, the Army, Fort Worth-based American Airlines and its regional partner, PSA Airlines, accountable for the deadliest U.S. plane crash since 2001. And the winning bid for a viral Southlake estate topped $14.2 million. Concierge Auctions announced Friday that a sale is pending for the 31,000-square-foot home at 1469 Sunshine Lane following a live auction at The Upper House in Hong Kong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SportsDay Insiders Kevin Sherrington, Evan Grant and Joe Hoyt discuss [00:57] the Cowboys’ awful performance in a loss to the Bears. Joe calls Matt Eberflus’ defense a “disaster” and wonders what changes are forthcoming. He adds that the offense will need to average 30 points a game just to remain competitive. [27:17] Kevin and Evan give their thoughts on an up-and-down Rangers season, what Chris Young needs to do to the lineup and whether Bruce Bochy returns. [45:00] Kevin offers a quick take on Mike Gundy’s exit at Oklahoma State, and Evan says he’ll be happy if this season is anything like last year, when you never knew who’d come out on top. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices