The Dallas Morning News

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

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

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

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

Less than a week after late-night star Jimmy Kimmel was abruptly suspended by ABC over comments related to the death of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the comedian was back on the air last night. But not on more than 30 ABC-affiliate stations around the country controlled by Nexstar. The Irving-based broadcasting group will continue to show other programming as it “monitors the show.” In other news, shareholders of the DallasNews Corporation have voted to approve a merger with Hearst, uniting two storied brands in journalism. An overwhelming percentage of DallasNews stockholders endorsed the union with Hearst, which in July entered into a definitive merger agreement with the public parent company of The Dallas Morning News and integrated creative marketing agency Medium Giant. More than 260 people are being laid off across Dallas-Fort Worth, according to WARN notices filed with the state. Workers at Hill and Smith, a local manufacturer of traffic safety products, and Amazon logistics contractor Accelore have been notified and will begin separation starting in November. And the Texas Rangers were mathematically eliminated from postseason contention after their eighth straight loss. Manager Bruce Bochy, in a rare critique of his team's effort and intensity, declared that the club “looked dead” in their 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins Tuesday night at Globe Life Field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Executive Chairman of Capital Markets Americas at JLL on the state of commercial real estate, from office to industrial markets, and how the sector is positioned to withstand potential economic downturns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump and other federal officials on Monday linked the country's rising autism rates to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and announced the federal government is changing the label for products such as Tylenol. Other research studies found no link between Tylenol and autism. Medical experts say the recent research review could be a reason for further investigation, but is not evidence of a definitive link. In other news, a mysterious fireball tore through the Texas sky Sunday, prompting confusion, awe and a flurry of speculation on social media about what the object was. Sky gazers reported seeing the fiery orb, described as bright red, orange or green and eerily silent, around 8:30 p.m. Some reported pieces of the object were visibly breaking off; Dallas officials say Oak View Group is withholding key financial records after ending its management role at Fair Park last week, leaving the city without critical booking and deposit data as it takes over the historic South Dallas venue; and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters on Monday that he doesn't plan to honor Parsons with a tribute. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Strong winds left a trail of damage, mostly in Denton County, as severe weather moved through North Texas Sunday evening, sending at least one person to the hospital and flipping three tractor-trailers. The storms brought winds of up to 70 mph to parts of Dallas-Fort Worth, along with small-sized hail and heavy downpours. Authorities with the Denton County Office of Emergency Management said they received calls of possible tornadic activity at 5:25 p.m. The National Weather Service has not confirmed reports of a tornado as of Sunday night. In other news, the State Fair of Texas kicks off on Sept. 26th but a pair of Big Tex's boots are more than 1,000 miles away from Dallas' Fair Park in Washington, D.C. Two of the larger-than-life mascot's size 96 shoes are currently on display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery as part of an exhibition highlighting the relationship between craft artists and fairgrounds; the Dallas Cowboys dropped to 1-2 on the season after a disappointing 31-14 loss on the road at Chicago yesterday. and the Texas Rangers now exist on the terrible end of the sport's dichotomy. They were swept this weekend by the Miami Marlins, capped by Sunday's 4-2 loss at Globe Life Field, and have lost seven consecutive games at the most important juncture of their season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another tasting menu restaurant is slated for Dallas-Fort Worth, and it comes with a unique spin. The Dallas Morning News food team also discusses their favorite happy hours across North Texas right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the Rangers were swept in Houston, John and Evan try to pick up the debris. Is there still a glimmer of hope over the final nine-game stretch of the season? John, as always, has the sunny disposition. Evan, maybe not so much. Then Mitch Moreland joins the guys to reminisce over how he was once a version of a "Little Rascal" in 2010 and how guys like Prince Fielder and Adrián Beltré empowered him to become one of the leaders on the 2015-16 Rangers AL West champs. Mitch is also the fellas' first Savannah Banana guest, having now appeared twice in Banana Ball games. And he shares with the guys his route to becoming a first-year high school head coach. Finally, Sunny John remembers some crazy final flurries to seasons that resulted in the Rangers' making the postseason because, in his words, "There's always hope." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Texas Workforce Commission has settled a Fair Housing Act complaint against the developers of EPIC City, a planned Muslim-centric community northeast of Dallas. In other news, The Dallas Morning News got an exclusive two-hour sneak preview of the newly renovated Cotton Bowl Wednesday. The overall effect is, in a word, transformative. The wow factor is palpable. Adjectives that haven't described the Cotton Bowl's concourses in decades — spacious, convenient, aesthetically pleasing — now apply; and Texas' first Prince St. Pizza is expected to open on Dallas' Henderson Avenue in mid-October. The restaurant will replace Dallas' original Fireside Pies, a catalyst on Knox-Henderson that helped the neighborhood become a dining destination 20 years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dallas Love Field and DFW International Airport ranked among the top five airports in North America for their respective categories in J.D. Power's annual survey of airport satisfaction. DFW Airport moved up one spot to be named the fourth-best airport in the mega airport category. Love Field, the home base of Southwest Airlines, finished third in the large airport category. In other news, a second man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting last month in northwest Dallas. Dallas police officials announced Wednesday that 23-year old Jeremiah Grice was booked into the Dallas County jail on Sept. 4 in the death of 34-year-old Juan Hernandez Esparza. The Texas Rangers whiffed on an opportunity to win the Silver Boot Series for the first time in nine seasons. Their playoff chances might've gone out the window with it. The Rangers were swept by the Houston Astros capped off by a 5-2 loss Wednesday night, to drop the season series against their in-state rival. And the Conquistador, a popular ride at Arlington's Six Flags Over Texas, is going away after more than 40 years. The ride was one of the cornerstones of the Spain section of the park, which has been closed since last year due to construction of a “record breaking dive coaster” slated to open in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SportsDay Insiders Kevin Sherrington, Evan Grant and Calvin Watkins discuss [2:30] the Cowboys' OT win over the Giants. Dak Prescott's resolve to run this year after the Cowboys put him on a leash last year has made a big difference on offense, restocked by the likes of George Pickens and Javonte Williams. But the defense? Big problems. [25:48] Evan is in Houston for one of the season's biggest series, and Kevin says [42:12] Texas A&M's win over Notre Dame in South Bend doesn't rise to the level of Johnny Football's upset of top-ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa, but it sends a similar message. Plus: What's up with Arch Manning? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dallas County is poised to become the largest jurisdiction in the U.S. to hand-count paper ballots as the local Republican Party has decided to manually tally election day ballots during its March primary. In other news, for the third time, Robert Roberson III is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection next month in Texas. The 58-year old Roberson was convicted of capital murder in 2003 for reportedly shaking his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki, to death.; the McKinney City Council abandoned plans Tuesday for a deck park meant to reconnect the city's east side to its historic downtown after losing $15 million in federal funding as a result of President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act; and SMU had been quietly conducting a rebrand until Board of Trustees Chair David Miller made a bold statement to an arena full of SMU fans Friday night. Miller said “‘Pony Up' has died a natural death.” It led to an outpouring of frustration from fans on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CEO of the Baylor Health Care System on leveraging AI to transform a legacy system, empower people and drive the future of healthcare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dallas-Fort Worth hasn't seen a drop of rain since the first weekend of the month, but shifting air masses will bring a new pattern to North Texas at the end of the week. That's according to the National Weather Service's Fort Worth office. Rain chances are highest on Thursday, with a 40% probability of precipitation, but are expected to continue through Sunday. In other news, years into its famous growth story, North Texas has notched another distinction — the country's top large metro area for attracting workforce talent. for nearly 90 years, Oak Cliff's Glendale Park has served as a gathering place for the Black communities that surround it. For years, Dallas city leaders have promised to invest in it. Residents are still waiting, but the city is slowly moving forward; Collin County Animal Services paused dog adoptions as it investigates a possible disease outbreak, according to a social media post by shelter officials Sunday. The post did not disclose which disease or when adoptions might resume. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Autonomous trucking companies have been strategically relocating their headquarters to Texas to test driverless long-haul trucks across the region. State lawmakers have recently signaled they're paying more attention to the flock of driverless trucks that increasingly traverse Texas roadways — and changes are coming. In other news, the senior pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church has announced a temporary leave of absence after a medical diagnosis, according to a news release Sunday from the church. Frederick Douglas Haynes III has served at the church in Dallas for over 40 years; the Dallas Cowboys beat the New York Giants 40-37 in overtime after Brandon Aubrey booted a 64-yarder to force OT and a 46-yarder to win it; and Scottie Scheffler closed with a 5-under 67 to win the Procore Championship for his sixth PGA Tour victory of the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John and Evan introduce us to the Legend of Michael Helman and continue to fumble for words on the Rangers rebound. David Murphy drops by to help them out, explaining how he came up with “The Little Rascals” description of the team, what he's liked about watching them, his initial bitterness about analytics and how he's transitioned into broadcasting. Finally, John explains how he manipulated an MLB record for a Ranger and the guys remember 9/11 with the team in San Francisco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lab-grown meat is now banned in Texas. So what's the deal and why? The Dallas Morning News food team discusses that intersection of dining and politics, along with recent restaurant openings and moves. They also talk about the new "straight to jail" social media trend in which folks share their absolute must-orders at iconic restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday sparked an outpouring of shock, fear and mourning from local religious leaders. Leading Christian, Jewish and Muslim voices grieved and condemned the murder of the 31-year-old activist. In other news, Irving-based subprime auto lender and dealer Tricolor Holdings filed for bankruptcy Tuesday and plans to liquidate its assets, according to court filings. The case comes after allegations of “significant fraud.” Also, a motel manager was attacked and decapitated by an employee following an argument Wednesday. And UT Southwestern scientist Steven McKnight won the 2025 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hemp-based THC products such as gummies and drinks infused with the cannabis compound will be restricted to adults age 21 and older while state alcohol regulators study how to further regulate the burgeoning industry, under an executive order issued Wednesday by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. In other news,Texas lawmakers offered an outpouring of prayers and condemnation after learning that popular conservative activist Charlie Kirk had been killed at an event in Utah; a former Texas Christian University student filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against the school, arguing its sexual assault policies do not protect students from rape and seeking $100 million in compensatory and punitive damages; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit riders will feel service cuts aimed at saving the agency $24 million per year early next year. Approved by the transit agency's board Tuesday, the changes include frequency reductions on many buses, weekend peak frequency changes from 15 to 20 minutes on light rail and the discontinuation of seven low-performing routes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SportsDay Insiders Kevin Sherrington, Evan Grant and Joe Hoyt discuss [00:13] the Cowboys' near-miss against the Eagles, the elite play of Dak Prescott and what difference Micah Parsons would have made if Jerry Jones hadn't sent him to Green Bay. They also look at the shifting landscape at the top of the NFC and Parsons' role in shaping that. [24:50] Evan shares his thoughts on what the Rangers' reserves have done to spark a late surge into contention and gives us a rundown on who's coming back and when, as well as what it'll mean for the spark plugs. [41:36] Kevin breaks down the big Texas A&M-Notre Dame game this week as well as the state's other big college stories. But he can't make sense of Steve Sarkisian's comment in response to a question about Arch Manning.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Efforts to open Dallas' first H-E-B store are drawing… opposition. A move to rezone the property to pave the way for the popular store is turning into a familiar zoning fight between neighbors who would like to see the grocery store and those who worry the new development will increase flooding and traffic on the already congested roads. In other news, sprawling across nearly 27 square miles, DFW International Airport is one of the largest in the world. It is serviced by 34 airlines that provide nonstop flights to more than 250 destinations, including domestic and international. That includes the newest, Royal Jordanian Air, which announced at the beginning of September it would start flying to Jordan's capital, Amman, next May; Eddie García is taking a five-figure pay cut to return to North Texas and head Fort Worth's police force; and Plano leaders voted unanimously Monday to raise the city's tax rate for the first time in 16 years, anticipating increased costs amid slowing growth and adopting a nearly $800 million budget. The city's tax rate has held steady at 41.76 cents per $100 of assessed property valuations for three years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Constitutional law expert and antitrust lawyer Rob Walters speaks about different contexts and perspectives in law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Citing safety concerns and dedicated school days, the State Fair of Texas will not offer free admission to high school students this season. One free ticket will still be offered to pre-K through eighth grade students and all teachers within a 100-mile radius of Fair Park. In other news, OSHA called Union Pacific a “serial violator” of the Federal Railroad Safety Act, citing 20 past violations.  A Texas railroad engineer was awarded more than $300,000 in back wages, damages and attorney's fees after a federal investigation found Union Pacific unlawfully fired him. Also, Grocery Connect, a program started by Bonton Farms partnering with Kroger in late 2023, is expanding its pickup locations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Climate Prediction Center, a branch of the weather service, is currently forecasting below-average precipitation chances for the middle of the month. The end of September currently has average rainfall chances, giving little insight into just how many days of rain North Texans can expect. In other news, for the first time in 16 years, Plano leaders could soon raise the city's property tax rate, citing slowing growth and the higher costs of maintaining its infrastructure and quality of life;  the Texas M&A landscape continues to defy economic headwinds in what has proven to be an uneven deal environment. The third quarter kicked off with a handful of transactions valued at a billion dollars or more, including a few involving notable brands headquartered in North Texas; and Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won the nearly $1.8 billion jackpot on Saturday, overcoming astronomical odds to end the lottery game's three-month drought without a big winner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actress and coffee entrepreneur Sofia Vergara shares some of her favorite Texas things with the Dallas Morning News food team. And burgers, burgers and more burgers seem to be popping up across North Texas, and the team gets into some of the biggest news between two buns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After stumbling all year over how to explain the Rangers' stumbles, John and Evan stumble over how to explain an illogical hot streak and tales of travel woes. The former Rangers ace Cole Hamels joins the guys to recall his unexpected trade to the Rangers, the run to 2015 AL West title and if there is anything these Rangers can take from that. And he reminisces about the day of two Coles, when the Rangers asked him to chaperone first-round draft pick Cole Ragans around spring training. Finally, when John cranks open the Archives in Arlington, out tumbles the tale of the Ranger who played all nine positions - in five innings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices