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On April 24, officers were dispatched to the 3800 block of Altamesa Blvd. in reference to a shooting call.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Officers are investigating a recent shooting that left one man dead, according to the Fort Worth Police Department.
On Sunday, officers from the south division were dispatched to the 3800 block of Altamesa Blvd. because of a shooting call. This is west of Edgecliff Village and near Krauss-Baker Park.
When officers got to the scene, they found an adult male dead. No further details about his identity have been provided by Fort Worth Police as of Sunday afternoon.
The man had sustained at least one gunshot wound, according to police.
Detectives said there was a large gathering location and unknown suspects began firing weapons, hitting the man as he and others tried to run away from the scene.
Homicide detectives are currently investigating the case. | 2022-04-24T23:27:11Z | www.wfaa.com | Fort Worth officers investigating fatal shooting | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/forth-worth-officers-investigating-fatal-shooting-near-edgecliff-village/287-698134d9-64a2-490f-9720-5b064ca9c792 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/forth-worth-officers-investigating-fatal-shooting-near-edgecliff-village/287-698134d9-64a2-490f-9720-5b064ca9c792 |
The Board of Trustees is expected to have a closed session discussion about Trustee Karen Daniel and alleged breach of ethics during its April 25 meeting.
DESOTO, Texas — The DeSoto Independent School Board of Trustees is expected to discuss the possibility of censuring one of its members.
The agenda for the board’s April 25 meeting includes a closed session discussion item regarding a proposed resolution to censure Trustee Karen Daniel.
Daniel, a longtime educator, represents Place Three.
Desoto ISD board members and administrators wouldn’t go into detail about the reasons for the potential public reprimand. However, public documents on the school district’s website shed some light into the issue.
In a draft resolution, Daniel is accused of breaching the Texas Open Meetings Act and breaching her ethical duties. The document claims Daniel shared information included on a certified agenda held Tuesday, April 19, by email to an individual who wasn’t included in the executive session. It describes her alleged actions as disruptive, undermining the orderly governance of the district. It further states a public censure is the only option to make it clear, for the record, the board in no way condones her actions.
Should a resolution to censure Daniel pass, suggested punishments could include demanding Daniel abide by the board’s adopted code of ethics, demanding she participate in additional board training, and demanding she cease all actions that have negatively impacted the board, students and the community.
So far, Daniel has not responded to requests for comment.
It is not uncommon for school boards to move to censure or publicly reprimand a colleague. It’s happened in other school districts across Texas.
DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees meets Monday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. | 2022-04-26T00:17:00Z | www.wfaa.com | DeSoto ISD Board of Trustee meeting on censuring member | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/desoto-isd-board-of-trustees-discuss-censuring-board-member/287-480ffeca-522e-4287-a668-03064b91b611 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/desoto-isd-board-of-trustees-discuss-censuring-board-member/287-480ffeca-522e-4287-a668-03064b91b611 |
Johnny Cook Muhammad expressed concerns that there are just not enough people in the Fort Worth community coming forward to call for a stop to the deadly violence.
FORT WORTH, Texas — A community leader is speaking out about the rash of homicides in Fort Worth. He hopes to make a difference himself, that could lead to ending the violence.
Community activist Johnny Cook Muhammad is one of the men who regularly visits Morningside Middle School to help students stay on the right track. He believes it's more important now than ever, especially after recently seeing so much violent crime.
"We have a program called Brothers with Pride, along with another program of what we call VIP," said Cook Muhammad.
So, on a day-to-day basis, students at Morningside never know when they'll run into volunteers, like Cook Muhammad in the hallway. The principal said this partnership with community activists is priceless, giving students positive reinforcement.
"We come in and do some mentoring and working with the young men in the schools, and just seeing how we could help stop a lot of the confusion," Cook Muhammad said. "And just make it more comfortable and safe."
Cook Muhammad is deeply concerned about the recent deadly violence around Fort Worth, especially its impact on the Black community.
"I hope I don't offend nobody. But I got to be truthful. Black lives matter. If somebody doesn't look like us, kill us. But they come to each other. I don't know if Black lives really matter. We need to have rallies that are children lives matter, black children, lives matter," said Cook Muhammad.
In April alone, Fort Worth police responded twice to the Buttercup Apartments for homicides involving young people. Unfortunately, 17-year-old Roshonda Henderson did not survive a shooting on April 13. Police now have one person in custody who they suspect was involved in the young girl's shooting death.
Then on April 24, officers found a man injured by gunfire, who later passed away at the hospital. No word on any arrest in his case.
Cook Muhammad expressed concerns that there are just not enough people in the Fort Worth community coming forward to call for a stop to the deadly violence.
"This is not normal. This is not normal at all," Cook Muhammad said. "If we don't be careful, we'll be coming numb to it."
That's why Cook Muhammad said he'll walk the hallways throughout the school year, so kids know this one thing:
"The heart of the message is our love for self. And then, the knowledge of self is the heart of the message" Cook Muhammad said. "And then, just to let them know that they got value." | 2022-04-26T01:52:28Z | www.wfaa.com | Fort Worth homicides: Community activist Johnny Cook Muhammad | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-community-activist-concerned-about-homicides/287-e7e215fc-49b6-4404-9772-dc32b8f49526 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-community-activist-concerned-about-homicides/287-e7e215fc-49b6-4404-9772-dc32b8f49526 |
A fire department official tells WFAA that someone used an "incendiary device" to set fire on the first floor.
Crime scene on a rainy night with selective focus / high contrast image
DALLAS — Dallas-Fire Rescue is investigating an early-morning fire at a high-rise building in Old East Dallas as an arson case.
Firefighters went to the fire shortly before 5 a.m. Tuesday at 4144 North Central Expressway. A department official tells WFAA that the fire was mostly put out by the building's sprinkler system. Firefighters handled the remaining parts of the fire.
Putting out the fire took about 20 minutes in total. One firefighter was injured while the crew cleaned up and was taken to the hospital.
The official also said investigators believe someone started the fire on purpose. Someone allegedly threw an "incendiary device" through a window of the first-floor leasing office.
No one was in the office when the fire started.
Investigators are looking to figure out who started the fire and why, officials said. | 2022-04-26T15:56:07Z | www.wfaa.com | High rise fire in Old East Dallas neighborhood | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/old-east-dallas-building-fire-arson/287-3793c8e6-14ca-49cb-a7b0-fa4ebb052d96 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/old-east-dallas-building-fire-arson/287-3793c8e6-14ca-49cb-a7b0-fa4ebb052d96 |
The resurgence of The Bottom neighborhood seen as a template for turning around long neglected and overlooked areas.
Author: David Schechter, Jason Trahan, Chance Horner
DALLAS — Editor's note: The above video is from a story that previously aired. Be sure to watch 'Banking Below 30' tonight on WFAA at 10.
For Mekeyas Newaye, the cost of buying a first home always seemed a little too far out of reach.
“When you're in ministry and your wife's a teacher and you have kids, you're like, ‘How am I going to be able to afford this?’” he said.
But then, he and his wife found a place called The Bottom. Located east of Interstate 35 and just south of the Trinity River levee, it was first settled in 1845 as a community for newly-freed slaves. Today, it's a housing development. About 100 new homes will rise from the empty lot, with 51 of them set aside as affordable housing for families with a max income of $71,200.
“Every month you're witnessing growth, you're witnessing resurrection,” Newaye said. “You're almost drawn to saying, ‘Oh, wow, I'm a part of something.’”
Mekeyas Newaye, his wife and daughter
In our Banking Below 30 series, we've shown you how many banks avoid lending money in Dallas' Black and Hispanic neighborhoods – blocking minority families from building wealth.
Then we heard about banks lending money in The Bottom. We wondered, what would convince a risk-averse bank to lend money in a high-minority, low-income neighborhood with crumbling infrastructure where hardly anything's been built in more than 50 years?
“I see hope,” Effie Dennison, director of community development and corporate responsibility at Texas Capital Bank said. “I see a dream coming to fruition.”
In a previous story, we reported that Texas Capital participates with other banks to lend hundreds of millions of dollars to high-cost lenders that, critics say, prey on minority neighborhoods.
But here in The Bottom, Texas Capital was the first to make a loan. Though the amount is undisclosed – Dennison describes it as a line of credit in "the millions" that funds construction of new homes – Dennison says banks have an obligation to look for these kinds of deals in the minority neighborhoods below I-30 in Southern Dallas.
“You cannot do that sitting in your desk and think it's going to just come and fall in your lap,” she said.
Dennison said one reason the bank felt comfortable lending here is the city of Dallas made it attractive by pouring in its own money: $2.4 million given to developers to buy up lots and make neighborhood improvements; and $5.25 million spent on digging new sewer lines, paving roads and installing street lights.
“This investment is one that we see as good business, not a charity,” Dennison said. “This loan had to underwrite just like any other, but we knew that we had to look at it from a different lens.”
Does that mean that the bank will accept making less money in The Bottom compared to an investment in Prosper or Plano, for instance?
“We're really looking at the overall impact of what we're doing,” Dennison said. “This is our legacy, too.”
Effie Dennison
They're building about 10 houses a year in The Bottom and they are being built by small Black builders, like Calvin Berry. In his career, he’s built about 300 homes, but even someone as experienced as him struggles to find a bank willing to make construction loans.
“We have to go take a mortgage out on our home,” he said. “You mortgage your own home to go build a home … because the bank is not going to give you the money.”
Berry doesn't need a bank on this job because he's been hired as a contractor. Collecting a paycheck is much less profitable for him, but he hopes his work here will lead to better banking relationships – so he can get his own loans to build his own houses in other parts of town.
“You can't get anywhere without the opportunity,” Berry said. “Even if I have got to work a little harder… it affords me some connections that I might not have had, you know, but I'm here again."
Calvin Berry
For Newaye, it wasn't just the affordable selling price that enabled him to buy his home in The Bottom. It was also Bank of America.
Previously, we reported about how few loans some banks make in the neighborhoods surrounding their Southern Dallas branches. That includes Bank of America. Near Fair Park, it made 19 home loans over the course of two years. However, in a similarly-sized area in Dallas’ Lakewood neighborhood above I-30, it made 143 loans in that same time.
But Newaye had a different experience. For his loan, Bank of America gave him cash to meet his down payment and a discount on his closing fees.
Bank of America said this is part of an initiative to help 60,000 low- to moderate-income families buy homes by 2025, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Being able to go from renter to homeowner is life changing, Newaye said.
“I think homeowners, especially for a family, it's something deeper,” he said. “You get to say, ‘Every little bit of this home is mine, and I don't have to worry about, are we going to … move to another apartment?’”
City leaders say there is an urgent need for 20,000 units of affordable housing in Dallas. When it is built, it’s mostly apartments. But it's home ownership that truly impacts lives – sending ripples of confidence out into a community. And that kind of change doesn't happen without a bank that's willing to lend.
Feds agree Texas discriminated against communities of color when it denied Houston Harvey relief funds
Dallas to consider adopting citywide racial equity plan
Texas restarts defunct banking oversight group after WFAA investigation exposes lack of lending in minority communities | 2022-04-26T21:20:33Z | www.wfaa.com | Banks investing in South Dallas | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/i-see-hope-banks-discovering-untapped-potential-investment-southern-dallas/287-d56d57b9-3721-4695-b044-811709bf9129 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/i-see-hope-banks-discovering-untapped-potential-investment-southern-dallas/287-d56d57b9-3721-4695-b044-811709bf9129 |
The Cowboys have the 24th pick in Round 1.
(L to R) Dallas Cowboys COO, Stephen Jones, head coach Mike McCarthy, first round draft pick linebacker Micah Parsons and Owner Jerry Jones speak to the media at the Dallas Cowboys headquarters, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
FRISCO, Texas — Nothing in this world is certain except death, taxes and Jerry Jones' optimism.
The Dallas Cowboys held their annual pre-NFL Draft press conference at Cowboys Headquarters on Tuesday.
Jones, the owner of the world's most valuable sports team, spoke for the majority of the 45-minute session but was atypically guarded when asked about Kelvin Joseph.
"As you know, it’s under investigation," Jones said. "I don’t know any more than what I’ve seen you write. It’s certainly pending. I have no information that affects his status during this time of the year."
The Cowboys second-year cornerback was questioned by police earlier this month regarding a homicide that took place in Dallas on March 18. Police sources told WFAA that Joseph was in the suspects' vehicle at the time of the shooting, but police have not officially specified Joseph's possible involvement in the case.
Joseph was interviewed by homicide detectives at his attorney's office in Dallas.
"He's very active and involved and getting ready for the upcoming season," Jones added, mentioning Joseph's involvement in offseason workouts.
When asked if Joseph's situation impacts the Cowboys draft strategy or amplifies their need to draft cornerbacks early in this weekend's draft, Jones shot back, "No."
The Cowboys hold the 24th pick in the first round. As usual, they will have three options: trade up, trade down or make the pick.
After a tumultuous offseason losing playmakers Amari Cooper, Randy Gregory and La'el Collins, the Cowboys have more questions than answers.
However, Jones' son and Cowboys Vice President Stephen Jones doesn't view one position as an overwhelming need and doesn't see them having "a must" entering this year's draft.
The fact of the matter is: the Cowboys have holes and a lack of depth at multiple positions.
Defensive line, offensive line, linebacker and defensive back are the primary positions of "need" for Days 1 and 2, while wide receiver and tight end warrant consideration on Day 3.
"There are more players with draftable grades than we've ever had," Stephen Jones said, in reference to the talent expected to go in rounds 3-5. Yet, the talent in rounds one and two compared to years past is "a little more thin.”
RELATED: Opinion: Retaining RB Tony Pollard should be a priority for Cowboys
Read the tea leaves and a trade-up in the first (or second) round doesn't sound feasible. In fact, a trade down would make more sense assuming: they're on the clock at No. 24, they have a handful of viable options on their draft board and a team calls them with an offer.
Jerry Jones admitted, since most of the salary cap is tied up with a handful of players (Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Demarcus Lawrence etc.), they'll rely heavily on "immediate" performance from players on rookie contracts.
On the bright side, the Cowboys have four picks in the fifth round this year which gives them plenty of options to bolster the roster. In fact, a trade-up early on Day 3 would make sense if there's a prospect they're hyped about.
Then again, there is no way to predict how the draft unfolds. Take 2021, for example.
"We had no idea Micah Parsons would be there when we started that draft," Jerry Jones recalled. "We had our eye on cornerback. The bad thing would've been not to be flexible."
Toward the end of the press conference, Jones said, "There is probably less risk-taking in me” versus his early years with the Cowboys.
"[VP of Player Personnel] Will [McClay] puts the board together," Jones explained. "He doesn't make the call. It's not a one-person decision."
Jerry expressed his desire to empower others in the decision-making process for the sake of accountability.
"Taco [Charlton] was Stephen's call," Jerry joked.
The three-day NFL Draft starts Thursday night in Las Vegas, Nev. | 2022-04-26T21:20:45Z | www.wfaa.com | Jerry Jones answers questions about Cowboys' approach to 2022 NFL Draft, Kelvin Joseph investigation | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/jerry-jones-cowboys-approach-to-2022-nfl-draft-kelvin-joseph-investigation/287-a2ba6a2d-619c-446f-b13f-304a5ea13c4d | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/jerry-jones-cowboys-approach-to-2022-nfl-draft-kelvin-joseph-investigation/287-a2ba6a2d-619c-446f-b13f-304a5ea13c4d |
The 25-year-old guard has 119 points and only two turnovers in his last four games.
DALLAS — If it feels like Mavs Jalen Brunson is playing at another level in this year's playoffs, it's because he actually is from a historical perspective.
The 25-year-old guard has 119 points and only two turnovers in his last four games. This is the most points over any four-game span with two or fewer turnovers in NBA playoff history, according to the Mavs.
The previous record was set by former Mavericks forward Shawn Marion, who had 114 points in a four-game span with only two turnovers when he was with the Phoenix Suns in the 2006 postseason.
Jalen Brunson is one of seven Mavericks all-time to have five straight games with at least 20 points in the playoffs. The other six players include:
Josh Howard
Brunson also joins Mark Aguirre as the only Mavericks player to have at least 20 points in each of their first five career playoff starts, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
The Mavs currently lead the Utah Jazz 3-2 in a best-of-seven series after winning Game 5 102-77. The two teams will play Game 6 at the Vivint Arena in Utah on Thursday. The tipoff is at 9 p.m. | 2022-04-26T23:04:09Z | www.wfaa.com | Jalen Brunson: Mavs guard sets NBA four-game playoff record | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-mavs-jalen-brunson-sets-nba-four-game-playoff-record/287-a69175fb-686a-46a7-8b20-68aea6f2131c | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-mavs-jalen-brunson-sets-nba-four-game-playoff-record/287-a69175fb-686a-46a7-8b20-68aea6f2131c |
Ali Elbanna's family says they want the judge in this case to try the 16-year-old suspect in adult court. Police say Elbanna was killed during a crime spree.
DALLAS — The family of a man shot and killed while shopping at a Dallas Costco wants the 16-year-old accused of killing him tried as an adult.
Ali Elbanna a father of five was gunned down last November.
Four teenagers were arrested in his robbery and murder.
Police say the person who pulled the trigger is a 16-year-old male.
Now the victim's family wants him remanded to adult court.
"I feel like any judge who's looking into this case and sees that, you know my dad wasn't there buying drugs," Mary Elbanna, the victim's daughter said. "My dad wasn't doing anything that anyone else wouldn't be doing. That's perfectly normal and he lost his life and somebody took his life. And we ask the judge considers that very basic fact and sees that justice is done in this case."
They held a protest Tuesday afternoon at the Henry Wade Justice Center.
"It's a call to action that we have an active role to keeping our community safe, because right now that idea it can happen at all says we are not," said Elbanna.
Elbanna was doing what many of us do every day: shopping for groceries.
Police say the beloved father of four daughters and a son was shot and killed in broad daylight.
Police say on the day Ali was killed the suspects had robbed other people. They say the shooter was a 16-year-old male.
"Justice is knowing what happened to him isn't acceptable and that being reflected in the court system, and also knowing that this whole thing doesn't happen to someone else's mother or father," said Stephanie Elbanna, daughter.
The juvenile suspect was supposed to have a hearing Tuesday for a judge to determine if he would be tried as an adult, but the hearing was postponed.
"We are worried that, just because he's a juvenile, the crime won't carry the same weight just because he's young," said Stephanie Elbanna.
So, Ali's daughters want the judge to have the 16-year-old remanded to adult court.
"You know you are supposed to help keep us safe. So do what you can do to make sure that this person that shot and killed an innocent person for something as simple as money, we ask you help to make the world a safer place where something like this can't happen," said Stephanie Elbanna.
Ali was a pillar in his community. A humble man who spent his life giving food and money to help others.
"My dad worked every single day of his life. He wore khakis from Walmart. He drove a car that could barely start because he took everything that he made and gave it to other people," said Mary Elbanna.
The family says their father deserves justice.
They are also upset because the three other suspects in this case had their bonds cut in half, and they fear they will all be back on the streets.
So, Ali's daughters vow to fight for him.
"He was a person that gave his life to everyone else. He deserved the right to rest and to enjoy the rest of his life and be in peace. So, this is all we have left," said Stephanie Elbanna.
RELATED: 60-year-old man shot, killed outside Costco in northeast Dallas, police say | 2022-04-27T02:23:15Z | www.wfaa.com | Family of Costco parking lot murder victim wants justice | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/family-man-murdered-costco-parking-lot-want-juvenile-suspect-tried-adult/287-9785cdb6-7a65-42c3-b158-cbc890968fdf | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/family-man-murdered-costco-parking-lot-want-juvenile-suspect-tried-adult/287-9785cdb6-7a65-42c3-b158-cbc890968fdf |
According to the department, around 4:30 p.m., crews were called to a possible drowning at Little Elm Park on Lewisville Lake.
LITTLE ELM, Texas — The Lewisville Fire Department says it responded to three possible drownings, including one that ended in a woman's death Tuesday.
Around 4:30 p.m., Lewisville Fire Department was called to assist the Little Elm Fire Department with a possible drowning at Little Elm Park on Lewisville Lake.
Little Elm Fire Department confirmed the body of a 43-year-old woman was pulled from the water shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Lewisville Fire Department said crews also responded to a call that involved a man in his 20's just after 7:40 p.m. Tuesday evening. The department said the man was near a boat ramp in the popular Sneaky Pete's area when he was pulled from the water. He was transported to a local hospital. There's no word on his condition.
A dive team also responded to a reported drowning at Trinity River, just north of 380 around 1 p.m. Tuesday. Crews said the current was too rough to get into the water, and a body has not been recovered at this time. | 2022-04-27T03:57:47Z | www.wfaa.com | Possible drownings reported at Lewisville Lake Tuesday, April 26 | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/drowning-calls-womans-body-pulled-from-lewisville-lake/287-5218c073-f5ce-4557-a324-003f6c8732ec | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/drowning-calls-womans-body-pulled-from-lewisville-lake/287-5218c073-f5ce-4557-a324-003f6c8732ec |
Miro Heiskanen made the only shot in a seven-round shootout and the Dallas Stars moved closer to clinching a playoff spot.
There was a late scuffle with 2:27 left in regulation after Hintz went by the Vegas net. The Stars center was first pushed by Alec Martinez, but after he was pulled back by 37-year-old Stars center Joe Pavelski, Jack Eichel got face-to-face with Hintz. Eichel and Hintz both got roughing penalties... The Golden Knights had won the first two games against Dallas this season, and are 8-2-1 all time against the Stars. | 2022-04-27T05:33:05Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Stars beat Vegas Golden Knights in shootout | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/dallas-stars-beat-vegas-in-shootout/287-12c21797-090d-48b5-8274-e706b5863872 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/dallas-stars-beat-vegas-in-shootout/287-12c21797-090d-48b5-8274-e706b5863872 |
Police said 61-year-old Steven Aubrey was taken into custody on Wednesday, April 27, in connection to the death of Ira Tobolowsky.
DALLAS — A man has been arrested for the capital murder in the 2016 death of a North Texas lawyer, the Dallas Police Department said.
On May 13, 2016, police said Tobolowsky was preparing to leave for work from his home on Kenshire Drive in Dallas, when Aubrey allegedly assaulted him, doused him with gasoline and set him on fire.
Police said the bottle of fuel was found at the crime scene.
The medical examiner ruled Tobolowsky’s death a homicide as a result of thermal burns, smoke inhalation and blunt force trauma, according to the report.
Ira Tobolowsky was found burned to death in his garage in May
Tobolowsky was a prominent civil attorney’s lawyer.
The Dallas Police Department said at the time of Tobolowsky’s death, Aubrey was questioned and was a person of interest in the case. The department said Aubrey and Tobolowsky knew each other, saying that Tobolowsky represented Aubrey’s mother in litigation against him concerning a family trust.
RELATED: Judge recuses himself from case after lawyer's fire death
Dallas Police said over the last four years, detectives have poured over the evidence and conducted interviews – which, ultimately, led to Aubrey’s arrest.
At this time, there's no word on the bond amount set for Aubrey.
Watch the moment a Texas man learns he won't go back to prison for a crime he didn't commit | 2022-04-27T22:38:04Z | www.wfaa.com | Arrest made in 2016 murder of Dallas lawyer Ira Tobolowsky | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/man-arrested-in-the-2016-murder-of-dallas-lawyer-ira-tobolowsky/287-c526f313-584f-40d5-a285-3d1045410674 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/man-arrested-in-the-2016-murder-of-dallas-lawyer-ira-tobolowsky/287-c526f313-584f-40d5-a285-3d1045410674 |
Man arrested for capital murder after assaulting, setting Dallas lawyer on fire in 2016, officials say
Suspect faces capital murder charge in 2016 murder of Dallas lawyer, officials say
Blakemore was the head of the prostitution organization and maintained a group of 20 women and prostituted them for the group’s profit, Dallas Police said.
Head of the prostitution organization, Tremont Blakemore, 39, maintained a group of 20 women and prostituted them for the group's profit, police said.
DALLAS — A Dallas man who called himself “Macknificent” pleaded guilty today to human trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Tremont Blakemore, 42, was first arrested in September 2018 and later charged in September 2019. He pleaded guilty Wednesday to sex trafficking through force, fraud and coercion before U.S. District Judge Ada Brown.
According to Dallas police back in 2018, Blakemore's group had connections to multiple cities in Texas and throughout the country.
Officials executed a search warrant in 2018 at three locations: in the 12400 block of Yellow Wood Drive in Fort Worth; 4500 block of Marcell Avenue in Dallas and 1700 block of Overlook Drive in Lancaster.
Blakemore was the head of the prostitution organization and maintained a group of 20 women and prostituted them for the group’s profit, police said.
Blakemore systematically "brutalized his victims" and convinced them they had no choice but to live by his orders, according to U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham.
“We formed the North Texas Trafficking Task Force – a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement dedicated to ending the scourge of human trafficking – to pursue cases just like this one," Meacham said. "We hope that this guilty plea will be a balm to survivors as they work to rebuild their lives.”
In plea papers, Blakemore admitted to running a large-scale human trafficking organization, using the threat of grotesque violence to force women to engage in commercial sex acts for his financial benefit, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
“This defendant’s era of coercing and violently forcing individuals into the perils of sex trafficking is over thanks to the work of our special agents and law enforcement partners who investigated and arrested this deviant criminal,” said acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HIS Dallas Bradley Hudson. “He will soon face the harsh realities of his transgressions as he spends a good portion of his life behind bars.”
Blakemore compelled women to travel cross-country to engage in commercial sex and posted ads for them on sites like Backpage.com. He demanded that the women turn all money over to him and required them to seek permission for personal expenditures, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
Blakemore also admitted when his victims disobeyed his “rules," such as leaving the house without his permission or keeping money for themselves, he would use violence to force them into submission. According to court documents, victims told law enforcement that he slapped, punched, choked, kicked and burned them with cigarettes.
“I’m going to make an example out of someone soon,” he wrote in a group text message to victims. “I will not continue to tolerate disrespect that’s one of my biggest pet peeves.”
In an effort to appear successful in order to recruit additional victims to his trafficking organization, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Blakemore admitted that he used money from his victim’s sexual encounters to purchase luxury goods, including multiple pieces of diamond, gold jewelry and multiple Rolex watches. He used his lifestyle to impress other traffickers, and even sported multiple trophies touting his success as a “pimp," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Blakemore now faces up to 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing has been set for October 6.
Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Oakridge Police Department, the Dallas Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, and the North Texas Trafficking Task Force’s law enforcement partners. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melanie Smith and Nicole Dana prosecuted the case. | 2022-04-27T22:38:10Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas man pleads guilty to leading sex trafficking organization | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-man-macknificent-pleads-guilty-sex-trafficking-organization/287-d41ce683-8d0e-4d3a-822c-b2c26f4b4491 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-man-macknificent-pleads-guilty-sex-trafficking-organization/287-d41ce683-8d0e-4d3a-822c-b2c26f4b4491 |
FORT WORTH, Texas — A video involving a Fort Worth ISD student using “racially insensitive” language has been circulating online, and the district now says an investigation is underway.
The incident reportedly happened at Paschal High School located in the 3000 block of Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Worth.
WFAA has obtained what is believed to be the video but haven’t authenticated it at this time. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released. | 2022-04-28T03:06:17Z | www.wfaa.com | Fort Worth ISD: Paschal HS video 'racially insensitive' | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-isd-on-paschal-high-school-video-showing-student-using-racists-words/287-cf45cb7d-ed5a-45b1-bd79-b01310bf3dc0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-isd-on-paschal-high-school-video-showing-student-using-racists-words/287-cf45cb7d-ed5a-45b1-bd79-b01310bf3dc0 |
The Dallas Cowboys don’t anticipate a top-tier talent at the bottom of the first round but believe that this year’s draft class has a lot of depth.
DALLAS — The personnel and scouting departments for the Dallas Cowboys have completed their work, and in the estimation of owner, president, and general manager Jerry Jones, there are fewer players with first-round grades on their board than in recent years.
"We are going to be somewhere between 14 and 16," Jones told reporters on April 26 at The Star, citing that the number was "lower than normal."
However, just because the Cowboys don't have as many players on their board with first-round grades doesn't mean that there isn't value to be found throughout the 2022 NFL draft, which kicks off April 28 in Las Vegas for a three-day, seven-round extravaganza.
If Kenyon Green isn't there at No. 24, why not trade back? Maybe you can pick up Zion Johnson with a deeper pick in Round 1. https://t.co/BFRTCz8mgu
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) April 7, 2022
"I think with the super seniors, they got a redshirt year and a COVID year and we’re looking at some players that have been in college and playing football for six years," Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones said. "You do see that. I will say: I do think the draft’s more heavily weighted toward the middle than it is toward the top. I do think there’s more players that have draftable grades than we’ve ever had.”
Dallas picking at No. 24 overall in Round 1 also means that, by their own definition, they may not be picking a player with a first-round grade when they finally have their first crack at the draft field. Although Dallas has needs at guard, receiver, defensive end, and safety, the Cowboys have to smartly navigate the straits between choosing based on need and based on how good the available players are at No. 24.
"I think if the grades are in there very similar, then you pick what your need is," Stephen Jones explained. "I think if there’s a big disparity, you don’t go jump half a round down to scratch an itch, if you will. If they’re in there close and the grades are really close, a couple of points here or there, I think you certainly would take a look at your need over the best grade, just pure best grade.”
One of the benefits of the draft having more "draftable" players is that there could be value in signing priority free agents after the draft — players who weren't picked by any team. The Cowboys historically have found such gems in quarterback Tony Romo (2003), receiver Miles Austin (2006), safety Barry Church (2010), and recently with right tackle Terence Steele (2020).
Said Stephen Jones: “It remains to be seen, who’s left and where we have them and sometimes we have no one left on our board. That’s rarely happened, but you have just a couple. And sometimes you’ve had a lot more. We’ll just have to see how this pans out and how the rest of the league thinks of the players that we have on our board versus what’s been taken through the draft."
"I think the biggest issue was we were playing a 4-3 there with Rod [Marinelli] and Rod was concerned about how he'd hold up against the run in the 4-3, didn't have that same concern with Taco [Charlton]." -- #Cowboys COO Stephen Jones on @1053thefan https://t.co/FJ8bqUBAa6
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) December 2, 2020
The Cowboys have batted at least .667 in the twenties or later in Round 1 since 2010. In 2013, Dallas picked All-Pro center Travis Frederick No. 31 overall, Pro Bowl safety Byron Jones at No. 27 overall in 2015, and defensive end Taco Charlton No. 28 overall in 2017. Charlton was the only one who failed to play out his rookie contract with Dallas.
Do you think the Cowboys will be able to find a starting caliber player with their first round pick? Share your thoughts with Mark on Twitter @therealmarklane. | 2022-04-28T03:06:35Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Cowboys expect plenty of talent in 2022 NFL Draft | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/cowboys-expect-fewer-elite-players-plenty-talent-draft/287-cf516ffa-c9af-4af1-9fb3-81aa68ef44c0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/cowboys-expect-fewer-elite-players-plenty-talent-draft/287-cf516ffa-c9af-4af1-9fb3-81aa68ef44c0 |
Sitting at No. 24 in the first round, the Dallas Cowboys are in a position to trade down and gain more draft capital but it might not be the wisest choice.
DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys possess the No. 24 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, which kicks off April 28 in Las Vegas.
With the Cowboys on target to take a guard or receiver at No. 24, there also exists the possibility Dallas trades back from their original position to a deeper point in the draft to maximize the value for their selection.
The Cowboys at No. 24 also places them near the end of Round 1, which means a trade down club could leave them without a day one selection altogether.
One advantage to having a first-round pick is the fifth-year option that is included in rookie contracts. Standard rookie contracts last four years, but the first-rounders have a fifth-year option that allows teams more negotiating time to make a decision on a contract extension.
Stephen Jones says the fifth-year option is important when evaluation players.
For Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones, the fifth-year option is one reason why the Cowboys may want to stay around in Round 1.
"I think [staying in the first round] is especially [important] because what you want to do is sign players to that second contract," Jones told reporters Tuesday. "When you have a fifth-year option, that helps with your negotiation versus you’re going to be dealing with somebody who is going to be totally free."
A good example is quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys picked the eventual Pro Bowl quarterback in the fourth round, which meant he was ineligible for a fifth-year option. As Dallas entered the final year of Prescott's contract in 2019, the club was compelled to use the franchise tag in 2020 to buy more negotiating time rather than use a cheaper fifth-year option.
"I know I’ve heard people say it time and time again on quarterbacks," said Jones. "If you’re going to pick a quarterback top of the second, bottom of the first, you’d like to have that extra year. Those things are important. That certainly plays into it."
Since the institution of the fifth-year option on rookie contracts, the only year the #Cowboys did not have a first-rounder was 2019.
The Cowboys did not have a first-rounder in 2019 as they dealt away their top pick to the Oakland Raiders for receiver Amari Cooper. The result was Dallas' initial pick in that year's draft was defensive tackle Trysten Hill, who also won't be eligible for a fifth-year option. The last time Dallas picked in the thirties overall was in 2013 when they selected center Travis Frederick at No. 31, and the fifth-year option was included.
"Certainly, it’s something that the teams look at, and we look at from a salary cap standpoint," Jones said. "All of that gets mixed in, in terms of when you’re putting the full body of work into a decision. That’s certainly a part of it.”
Do you think the Cowboys should trade down and accrue more draft picks? Share your thoughts with Mark on Twitter @therealmarklane. | 2022-04-28T03:06:41Z | www.wfaa.com | Why Dallas Cowboys may not trade out of Round 1 of NFL draft | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/why-cowboys-may-not-trade-out-round-1-2022-nfl-draft/287-2e2ca842-69b2-4166-a1f3-5553fceaa95d | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/why-cowboys-may-not-trade-out-round-1-2022-nfl-draft/287-2e2ca842-69b2-4166-a1f3-5553fceaa95d |
The Stars are in the playoffs for the 17th time in the 28 seasons they have played since moving to Dallas from Minnesota. It's the third time in four seasons after making the playoffs only twice in the 10 years before that... Sateri started only his fourth game for Arizona since getting claimed off waivers from Toronto. He had allowed five, seven and five goals his first three. | 2022-04-28T05:06:15Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Stars in 2022 NHL playoffs | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/dallas-stars-take-final-playoff-spot/287-89c7d5e9-6463-426a-91cd-8e3a4ad5292e | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/dallas-stars-take-final-playoff-spot/287-89c7d5e9-6463-426a-91cd-8e3a4ad5292e |
Say Yes to You - Tammy Finney and the Salvation Army
Tammy Finney talks about how not loving herself led her to seek help from the Salvation Army. She is now part of their team joining their mission to help others.
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheon happens Tuesday, May 3rd. For more information, visit salvationarmyntx.org. | 2022-04-28T18:20:29Z | www.wfaa.com | Say Yes to You - Tammy Finney and the Salvation Army | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/good-morning-texas/say-yes-to-you-tammy-finney-and-the-salvation-army/287-4df6ab55-4bdb-4710-910f-21a7168e8eba | https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/good-morning-texas/say-yes-to-you-tammy-finney-and-the-salvation-army/287-4df6ab55-4bdb-4710-910f-21a7168e8eba |
Walker St. John and the Grapevine High School distance runners are some of the best in the country.
GRAPEVINE, Texas — From the beginning of freshman year, Rick Miller had an idea of what Walker St. John could accomplish.
“I knew coming in that he was a special talent,” Miller, Grapevine High School’s assistant track coach, said. “Tremendous competitor.”
This track season, though, St. John has surprised even himself.
“I kind of knew I was going to be pretty good,” St. John said. “But to win some of the meets I’ve won this year, it’s been real cool.”
St. John is a senior at Grapevine High School already committed to run at UNC. Miller told WFAA he’s capable of competing at any distance from the 400-meter quarter mile to the 10,000-kilometer 6 mile.
Right now, his 800-meter time (1:53.32) ranks eighth in the state, his 1,600-meter (4:09.24) is third in Texas and 13th in the country, his 3,200-meter (8:56.77) is second in the state and his 5K (14:30.59) is listed as the fastest in the country according to MileSplit, though few states run that distance on an outdoor track.
For perspective, that’s about the same as setting a treadmill to 13 miles per hour and running 3.1 miles.
He holds the school record in all four events.
“Whatever distance you want to race Walker St. John, he can be tough to beat,” Miller said.
It’s not just St. John, either. The distance medley relay has the 11th-fastest time in the country, and the cross country team’s 5K average of 15:12 at Garmin Running Lane Nationals is a Texas record.
“If I’m honest, the best in Texas history,” St. John said of the distance team. “Not to be too cocky or anything but the numbers don’t lie.”
“The great athletes make everybody around them better, and I think Walker is a great example of that,” Miller said.
St. John won both the 800-meter and 3,200-meter at the area meet to qualify for the regional meet in Lubbock on April 29. Regionals would qualify St. John for state. But his hope isn’t just to win, it’s to state a set a state record doing it.
“One of the very best athletes in the country,” Miller said. “This may be a once in a lifetime type of thing for me.”
St. John said his sister got him into running as a kid, and the motivation hasn’t faded. Training run for St. John can be 13 miles and longer.
“Excellence is a lifestyle,” Miller said. “If you stack great days, great weeks and great months together, it’s amazing what somebody can accomplish.”
The goal is winning state. The dream is the Olympics.
“There’s definitely the sense of personal achievement. I just want to be the best that I can be,” St. John said. “I like winning too.”
James Madison HS basketball team celebrates state title with parade | 2022-04-28T18:20:41Z | www.wfaa.com | Grapevine HS runner setting records with an eye on winning state | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/high-school/grapevine-high-school-track-walker-st-john/287-ef79af96-8ef8-4969-b55c-8cd3c99873ff | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/high-school/grapevine-high-school-track-walker-st-john/287-ef79af96-8ef8-4969-b55c-8cd3c99873ff |
One woman was injured and later taken to a Dallas hospital because of second-degree burns to her hands and face.
A Tyler man is accused of intentionally causing an April 15 house fire that injured a woman after they had an earlier argument, police documents show.
Stanley Wilson, Jr., 36, was taken into custody Wednesday on charges of arson with the intent to damage a habitation/place of worship and two counts of arson reckless damage building/recklessly cause bodily injury or death.
According to the arrest affidavit, the charges stem from a fire that burned down a vacant home on Mockingbird Lane in Tyler on April 15. One woman was injured and later taken to a Dallas hospital because of second-degree burns to her hands and face.
Fire Marshal Paul Findley said the woman has since been released from the hospital. He said the fire also damaged a neighboring house.
The burn victim told officials that Wilson started the fire intentionally to harm her because of an altercation they had earlier in the night, according to the affidavit.
In a phone call, the victim told investigators that she confronted Wilson earlier that night about taking her belongings. He was mad at her, and she said that he knew she was inside the house when the fire started, the document read.
On April 15, when firefighters while responding to the blaze, Wilson was seen walking in the area and he told police officers he was just walking around. He was not arrested at the time, the affidavit stated.
The victim said in the heavy fire, she had to get low to find her way to the front door. When she got out, her jacket that was still on fire, the document explained.
Two days after the fire, Wilson denied that he had any involvement twice to Tyler police officers. He said that he only hangs around the outside of the house at night.
In an interview with police, the affidavit states Wilson implied the burn victim was very careless and she probably started the fire. He also said he didn't know her name.
In surveillance video from a nearby store, Wilson was seen around the backyard of Mockingbird Lane residence before the house fire. Wilson had multiple fires burning in the backyard area, the affidavit read. | 2022-04-29T01:48:51Z | www.wfaa.com | Tyler man arrested for arson | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/tyler-man-held-on-nearly-2m-bond/501-b046baaf-2b76-4745-a5a2-9c5ef7233828 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/tyler-man-held-on-nearly-2m-bond/501-b046baaf-2b76-4745-a5a2-9c5ef7233828 |
Smith was a freshman All-American at Tulsa in 2020. He was a second-team All-American honoree in 2021.
If the Cowboys had any designs on drafting a wide receiver with their first pick, those thoughts went out the window quickly, as they saw six wideouts go off the board in an 11-pick span from pick eight to 18.
Dallas also saw the top few interior offensive line prospects go off the board a few selections before them, as Texas A&M's Kenyon Green went 15th to the Houston Texans, and Boston College product Zion Johnson went two picks later to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Two trades happened right in front of Dallas, with the Kansas City Chiefs trading up into the New England Patriots' slot to grab cornerback Trent McDuffie with the 21st selection. Then the Buffalo Bills traded up into the Arizona Cardinals' 23rd selection to make a pick directly in front of Dallas, selecting defensive back Kaiir Elam from Florida.
Meanwhile, over the first couple hours of the draft, the Cowboys saw their competition around the NFC East get better. The New York Giants held two picks in the top seven selections: They picked up edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux with the fifth pick, adding the Oregon pass rusher to their defensive front; then, with the seventh selection, they bolstered their offensive line, taking Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal.
The Eagles, on the other hand, entered the night with three first-round picks, and they've used them in a variety of ways. First, Philadelphia first traded up to select Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis. Then they moved another pick to the Tennessee Titans in order to acquire star wide receiver A.J. Brown. They have even reportedly already signed Brown to a four-year extension, worth $100 million.
The Washington Commanders -- you'll get used to it eventually -- have also added a wide receiver of their own, selecting a player that some had mocked to the Cowboys in Penn State wideout Jahan Dotson.
In a unique NFL Draft, no quarterbacks went off the board until Pitt QB Kenny Pickett was selected by his college team's stadium-sharing Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 20. | 2022-04-29T03:32:03Z | www.wfaa.com | Cowboys pick Tulsa OT Tyler Smith in '22 NFL Draft's first round | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/dallas-cowboys-select-tulsa-offensive-lineman-tyler-smith-with-24th-pick-in-nfl-draft/287-402deae0-45e7-4319-bdd2-b3ba5da798a3 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/dallas-cowboys-select-tulsa-offensive-lineman-tyler-smith-with-24th-pick-in-nfl-draft/287-402deae0-45e7-4319-bdd2-b3ba5da798a3 |
Angela Poen and her Bible study friends decided to build a kitchen after learning none existed
MCKINNEY, Texas — Angela Poen was completely oblivious.
She had no idea, until it came up at a Bible study, that, every day, thousands of people in Collin County go hungry.
“We started talking about food insecurity,” Poen said.
Even worse, there was no place they could go for a meal.
“And I remember when I said, ‘well, we’ll just raise the money and build it,’” Poen said. “And I just felt this shift. All of a sudden it was like, that’s what we’re supposed to do.”
So, that’s what they did.
What started in 2014 as an idea among Bible study friends is set to open its doors in the coming weeks.
It’s called Community Garden Kitchen. It’s in McKinney, and Poen, president of the kitchen, is adamant that it is not just another soup kitchen.
To reduce the stigma that sometimes comes with a free meal, her mission is to make it feel like a restaurant.
With a full-time chef and a volunteer waitstaff, diners will order from a menu and be served everything but the check, no questions asked.
Poen calls it dining with dignity.
“We just feel like, by serving people, it will maybe make their day, which may not have been very good, just a little bit better,” she said.
A garden sponsored by Globe Life is behind the building. The fresh produce will be used for meals and will also offer guests a chance to learn how to grow their own food.
Guests will also have access to other social services and opportunities that could go a long way in eliminating hunger throughout the community.
“I definitely think we are going to reduce food insecurity,” Poen said.
When Poen’s Bible study friends learned hunger was a problem, they could’ve offered thoughts and prayers. But instead, they offered the one thing guaranteed to help: doing something about it.
“We pray about it and we study and we read, but at some point in time, you got to get out of the boat,” Poen said.
Because to walk on water, you need to have courage to take the first step.
For more information on Community Garden Kitchen, visit https://communitygardenkitchen.org/. | 2022-04-29T10:49:24Z | www.wfaa.com | Collin County community kitchen opened to fight hunger | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/after-seeing-problem-north-texans-take-action-feed-community/287-fb00c507-7967-4239-a621-383829cbc9bb | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/after-seeing-problem-north-texans-take-action-feed-community/287-fb00c507-7967-4239-a621-383829cbc9bb |
DFW weather: Rain chances this weekend
The Dallas Cowboys targeted an upgrade for their offensive line but they might need to be patient with first-rounder Tyler Smith.
DALLAS — Fans of the Dallas Cowboys waited four-plus months for the team to make their move to get better. Free agency hasn’t brought much help, but the draft is where the Cowboys like to build.
One of the areas where the team needed a makeover was the offensive line, which was a unit that struggled last season and had been getting a little long in the tooth.
With the 24th pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the Cowboys took a step toward improving the offensive line by selecting Tulsa tackle Tyler Smith.
Smith can step in right away and help, and he’ll likely be competing for the starting left guard position. Although he played mostly left tackle at Tulsa, Smith’s NFL game might translate better to guard at the start and, if he develops, he could be looked at as the future at left tackle. The versatility of Smith is surely something the Cowboys liked.
#Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy says Tyler Smith has high ceiling and the penalties are of aggressive nature which he seemed to appreciate and think could coach up and utilize the playing style to their advantage
Smith’s got some of the traits that teams look for in an offensive lineman. Smith earned high marks in athleticism and strength during the lead up, and he has a nasty disposition. Those are qualities you look for in and he has the tools to grow into a dominant force.
However, Smith is also seen as a bit of a raw player who might be a project as he adjusts to the pro game. His scouting report doesn’t read like a player who should’ve been a first-round selection, but the Cowboys tabbed Smith as their man nonetheless.
At just 21 years old, there’s lots of room for improvement. During the draft process, according to Pro Football Network, one scout noted that it will take time and effort to reach his potential.
“At his peak projection, he could legitimately be a dominant player,” said the scout. “However, there’s a lot of work to do before he gets to that point.”
Smith may develop into a great piece for the offensive line, but with the expectations high for the Cowboys following a first round playoff exit, they need help right now. Taking a player who needs significant work doesn’t seem like the best way to spend a first-round selection.
There is also an issue with penalties where Smith got flagged 12 times last season.
After the Cowboys were one of the most-penalized teams in the league last year, and have talked about cleaning that up moving forward, it seems like a dangerous selection. The Cowboys moved on from left guard Connor Williams after he led the league in penalties at the position last season, after all.
Smith might be a wonderful player, but it didn’t feel like Dallas’ night. Most of the top offensive linemen who the Cowboys could have been eyeing over Smith went off the board early. Kenyon Green, Zion Johnson, and Trevor Penning were gone well before pick No. 24. Including the other three top tackles who went off the board, the team had to have felt like Smith was the best player remaining at a position they clearly marked as a need.
The same can be said at wide receiver, where six of the top options went in the first 18 picks. And instead of selecting a higher rated defensive player, the draft’s top rated center Tyler Linderbaum, or trading back, the Cowboys made their pick.
Despite the objection of almost everyone in Cowboys Nation for the pick, the scouts and talent evaluators in Dallas clearly believe in the potential of Smith. Cowboys fans who aren’t happy right now will have to hope their assessments of Smith are wrong. At this time last year, there was a high number of fans who hated the selection of Micah Parsons and he seems to have turned out OK as the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Smith will have the opportunity to prove himself, just as Parsons did. Working next to another Smith who came into the league young – All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith – can only benefit the rookie.
Tyler Smith is now a Dallas Cowboy, and his story has yet to be told. The first chapter is one of frustration from the faithful, but hopefully there’s a happy ending for Smith and the Cowboys.
Are you happy with Tyler Smith as the first round pick of the Dallas Cowboys? Share your thoughts with Ben on Twitter @BenGrimaldi. | 2022-04-29T13:00:20Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Cowboys selection Tyler Smith a talented work in progress | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-nfl-draft-tyler-smith-1st-round-analysis/287-97acea63-2657-4fa7-8604-6430667737a0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-nfl-draft-tyler-smith-1st-round-analysis/287-97acea63-2657-4fa7-8604-6430667737a0 |
Weekend storm timeline
This Week in Movies: A thief, a hitman and a ghost
"The Duke" is charming, "Memory" is a headache and "Green Ghost" is unapologetically Texan.
Credit: Sony Pictures Classics
Author: Jaime Tobias
No, this is not a movie about the college basketball team some love to hate. It's not even about a nobleman, though it is about a painting of one!
Based on a true story from the 1960s.. a retired British bus driver, Kempton Bunton, is a man with a cause. Right now, he's against paying a tax to get television service. He sees that the British government has purchased a painting of the Duke of Wellington (the same one seen in the James Bond film, "Dr. No") for the equivalent of about $3 million today. So why not steal it and apply the reward to pay for the telly licenses of the needy elderly? He can always return it! Seems like a noble enough cause! His son thinks so. Is Bunton a felon or a folk hero? He's the star of his trial, that's for sure!
"The Duke" could not be more charming, largely in part to its cast. Jim Broadbent plays Bunton. His wife is none other than Helen Mirren. She plays a domestic and is worried that her husband's constant hijinks will cause her to lose her job. A secondary story about how each handles their mutual grief creates great empathy, and there's a twist at the end that you might not see coming. This is one is a truly enjoyable little caper. And opening week, you can take a friend for free if you see it at the Angelika Film Center and buy your ticket on their website!
(Sony Pictures Classics. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 36 mins. In Theaters Only)
If my memory serves me right, Liam Neeson has been making the same type of movie for years now: the skilled agent out for revenge. "Memory" is the latest, though this time he's a career criminal.
Based on a Belgian film, his character 'Alex Lewis' is a hitman who wants out of the game when he's faced with a moral dilemma. The person ordering the hit (a high-powered Monica Bellucci) has crossed the line by wanting a young human trafficking victim killed. Alex won't do it, so he goes about killing others who want him to. Guy Pearce co-stars as an FBI agent who's also actively interested in the case. Alex also suffers from Alzheimer's, thus the film's title. He even writes reminders on his arms (a subtle nod to Pearce in "Memento," perhaps?), and he wants to accomplish his goals before it's too late.
"Memory" is directed by Martin Campbell ("Casino Royale," "The Legend of Zorro"). I went in with decent expectations and came away disappointed. It's a bit like when you have a dull headache and nothing really engages you. Another feature that caught my attention: it's set in El Paso. 'Turns out some exteriors were filmed there, but most of it was filmed in Bulgaria. Touche'!
(Open Road Films. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 54 mins. In Theaters Only.)
Now to a 100% "Made in Texas" movie!
The real-life Charlie Clark was raised in South Texas, spending much of his childhood with his nanny, whom he called 'Nana.' She shared with him the traditions from her native Mexico. Fast forward into middle age, and Clark is a successful car dealer with a fantasy, it would seem. He took his childhood story and embellished it into a feature film, "Green Ghost & The Masters of the Stone."
He plays a car dealer by day, luchador by night, "The Green Ghost," not "The Gringo," as he teases. His Nana has supernatural powers, but so does her evil sister. The Green Ghost and his best friends, Nana's real grandson and granddaughter, have to wrestle a green stone away from the sister's son and save humanity! But first he must train with a trio of masters, including Danny Trejo, who's more interested in boozing than fighting.
This movie does not take itself seriously. Clark not only stars, but also writes and executive produces this passion/vanity project which plays like a Saturday matinee B-movie of years past. Suffice it to say, Jack Black ("Nacho Libre") is safe!
(Gravitas Ventures. Rated PG-13. Running Time 1 hr 35 mins. In Theaters Only.) | 2022-04-29T17:02:01Z | www.wfaa.com | Movie reviews: The Duke, Memory, Green Ghost | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/movies/movie-reviews-the-duke-memory-green-ghost-and-the-masters-of-the-stone/287-8e644604-293a-41fe-a63b-1e30c60036ee | https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/movies/movie-reviews-the-duke-memory-green-ghost-and-the-masters-of-the-stone/287-8e644604-293a-41fe-a63b-1e30c60036ee |
The shooting resulted from a fight between two men at the bar, police said.
DALLAS — Police are investigating a shooting that happened early Friday morning outside a Dallas sports bar.
According to Dallas police, two men got into a fight at Bombshells Restaurant and Bar on North Stemmons Freeway. Allegedly, the fight turned into a "gun battle" and both men ended up shooting at each other dozens of time.
Police said one of the men was struck and went to the hospital in critical condition. Officers are now searching for a white Chevrolet Tahoe with bullet holes in the side.
No arrest have been made in this case. | 2022-04-29T17:02:07Z | www.wfaa.com | Bombshells shooting: Dallas police investigating 'gun battle' | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/bombshells-dallas-shooting-april-29/287-ba45c781-a5d0-449a-94c1-7c399d62df2b | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/bombshells-dallas-shooting-april-29/287-ba45c781-a5d0-449a-94c1-7c399d62df2b |
“With a background in public health policy, I came to medical school hoping to find an organization where I could continue that work,” Kate Russell said.
Credit: Texas Medical Association
DENTON, Texas — A North Texas college student is receiving a state award for her work in the medical field, the Texas Medical Association announced Friday.
The Texas Medical Association Medical Student Section recognized Kate Russell, a second-year medical student at the University of North Texas, with its 2022 Student of the Year award.
Russell is a part of her university's Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and is the immediate past president of the Texas Medical Association's medical student chapter. Russell said she is passionate about organized medicine and advocacy.
“I was honored when I realized that I had been selected as the Student of the Year at the TMA Winter Conference in January,” Russell said.
This organization's House of Delegates policymaking body officially announced Russell’s award in Houston during TexMed, the Texas Medical Association's annual conference.
“With a background in public health policy, I came to medical school hoping to find an organization where I could continue that work,” Russell said. “TMA provides so many opportunities for medical students to advocate for our profession and our patients, and it empowers us to become part of the policymaking process.”
Joshua Baker, a fellow Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine student, nominated Russell.
“She has truly exemplified what excellent leadership and commitment to TMA looks like as president of our chapter at TCOM this past year,” Baker said.
RELATED: 'Story of a boy who dreamed' | TCU offensive tackle's poetic journey to NFL Draft written in many stanzas
Baker also said after a year of COVID-19 limiting what the organization could do, this past year Russell “helped to cultivate the team that was able to create a slew of events” like a flu vaccine clinic for low-income Fort Worth residents.
Russell is also a regular Walk With a Doc event organizer, inviting members of the community to walk with physicians and medical students for exercise and connection with the medical community in the program backed by the Texas Medical Association.
Russell graduated with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Baylor University. She has a master of science degree in public health from Emory University and will graduate from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine with her medical degree in 2024.
Since 1998, the Texas Medical Association's Medical Student Section has recognized a member who excels in furthering the section’s goals and policies to improve Texas’ health care system. The chapter aims to engage students in organized medicine by encouraging their involvement in local county medical societies.
Biden administration considering student loan relief | 2022-04-29T18:54:38Z | www.wfaa.com | UNT student named 2022 Student of the Year by medical group | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/university-of-north-texas-2022-student-of-the-year/287-128db58c-0e82-44ff-8e61-77b2eb0db6b6 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/university-of-north-texas-2022-student-of-the-year/287-128db58c-0e82-44ff-8e61-77b2eb0db6b6 |
As of Friday at noon, the cheapest tickets for Game 3 in Dallas were going for $176 in Section 315.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are headed to the second round of the Western Conference NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2011 after beating the Utah Jazz 98-96 in Game 6 to win that first-round series 4-2.
The No. 4 seed Mavs will now take on the No. 1 seed Phoenix Suns, who had the best record in the NBA during the regular season at 64-18. The first Dallas home game at the American Airlines Center will happen on Friday, May 6 with an 8:30 p.m. tip-off.
The schedule for this series will be as followed:
Game 1: Monday, May 2 at 9 p.m. in Phoenix (TNT)
Game 2: Wednesday, May 4 at 9 p.m. in Phoenix (ESPN)
Game 3: Friday, May 6 at 8:30 p.m. in Dallas (TNT)
Game 4: Sunday, May 8 (time and TV channel TBD)
Game 5 (if necessary): Tuesday, May 10 (time TBD, TNT)
Game 6 (if necessary): Thursday, May 12 (time TBD, ESPN)
Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, May 15 (time and TV channel TBD)
The Mavs announced that home tickets to Mavs-Suns games went on sale Friday at 10 a.m. As of Friday at noon, the cheapest tickets for Game 3 in Dallas were going for $176 in Section 315.
The Suns swept the regular-season series against the Mavs, 3-0. In fact, the Suns have currently won the last nine matchups against the Mavs. The last time Dallas beat Phoenix was on Nov. 29, 2019, when the Mavs won 120-113 in the Footprint Center.
This series will also feature two players taken at the top of the same draft class. In the 2018 NBA Draft, the Suns took Deandre Ayton with the No. 1 pick while the Mavs traded up to get Luka Doncic with the No. 3 pick.
These two franchises have played each other twice in the playoffs. In the 2005 playoffs, the Suns beat the Mavs in the Western Conference semifinals, 4-2. In 2006, they played each other again the next postseason in the conference finals, this time Dallas taking the series 4-2.
Including both the regular season and playoffs since the first time they played in 1980, the Mavs and Suns have played each other a total of 180 times, with Dallas winning 80 games and Phoenix winning 100 games. | 2022-04-29T18:55:04Z | www.wfaa.com | Mavericks vs. Suns: Everything Dallas fans need to know | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/mavs-round-2-how-to-get-tickets-when-the-team-will-be-in-dallas/287-02a497a9-4ca5-40c7-8ec3-92615c2f0cd7 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/mavs-round-2-how-to-get-tickets-when-the-team-will-be-in-dallas/287-02a497a9-4ca5-40c7-8ec3-92615c2f0cd7 |
The newest Cowboys offensive linemen showed off his engaging, entertaining side in his first meeting with the Dallas media
Newest Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Smith was introduced to the Dallas media on Friday, April 29th, 2022. He will wear #73 with the Cowboys.
FRISCO, Texas — The newest Dallas Cowboy knows not to get too caught up in the opinions of others. Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Smith, the 24th selection in Thursday night's first round of the NFL Draft, received his fair share of pre-Draft criticism, because of his raw ability, and his penchant for penalties.
Very clearly, he lets that stuff roll right off his back.
"I feel like everybody has an opinion. It's like, you know, like buttholes. Everyone has one," Smith said, to a room full of laughter inside the media room at The Star.
"That was awesome," head coach Mike McCarthy said, still holding back laughter himself.
"One misconception I feel like people had was probably my maturity level," Smith said once the laughter subsided. "You know, I'm a young guy. But due to my upbringing, my mom did a wonderful job in helping me gain responsibility and a sense of work ethic at an early age. I want people to know that I'm constantly trying to improve, in everything that I do. So, I'm just scratching the surface of what I can be. So, you have to block a lot of that stuff out, because for some guys, they may look at that -- and you never want somebody else's opinion of you to become a reality. I simply won't let it. So I understand criticism, I take it well, but I'm always working to get better at the same time."
Well if that isn't quite the answer.
Smith impressed throughout his press conference, adding light moments, like his astonishment that Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is now following him on social media - "I was like, what? Like, that's really Dak, right there, showing love."
He also displayed an understanding of the expectations foisted upon him, as the first round selection of the Cowboys. And if those expectations weren't big enough to begin with, the Cowboys have tossed a little more pressure on him, giving him Cowboys legend Larry Allen's old number, 73.
"I truly want to be the greatest at what I do. I put everything I have into what I do," he said. "This is a blessing beyond my imagination, and I know there is more to do. I know there is more in me."
Smith's family was there for the press conference as well, as he embarks on an NFL career in his own backyard. Smith went to North Crowley high school, and was all-state his junior year with the Panthers. Now, he's returning home.
"Like Tyler said, we're waiting to be pinched," Smith's mother, Patricia, said. "Did this really happen? Yeah, we're still experiencing that now." | 2022-04-29T22:27:50Z | www.wfaa.com | Cowboys introduce first round pick Tyler Smith | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/cowboys-introduce-first-round-pick-tyler-smith/287-1843bfcd-6d03-4739-9461-5f75149e443d | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/cowboys-introduce-first-round-pick-tyler-smith/287-1843bfcd-6d03-4739-9461-5f75149e443d |
US COVID pandemic over? Experts warn against any early celebrations
"The explosive phase of the pandemic where we were losing literally thousands of lives every day, yes that does appear to be over for now," said Dr. Mark Casanova.
DALLAS — COVID-19 statistics are improving throughout most of the United States, leading the country's infectious disease expert to declare the pandemic over.
But others are still preaching caution even as vaccines are about to become available for children under the age of six.
For two years we've watched COVID numbers rise and fall. According to the CDC, as of this week, the U.S. has recorded 81,028,797 COVID cases with more than 990,000 deaths blamed on the virus.
The CDC says that death rate represents three out of every 1,000 Americans and that COVID is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. for each of the last two years.
But earlier this week, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, offered some very good news.
"We are certainly right now in this country out of the pandemic phase," he said on the PBS NewsHour Program.
The CDC says 82.5% of Americans over the age of five have received at least one dose of vaccine and that COVID infections and deaths are at near historic lows.
Fauci has since clarified his "end of pandemic" remark, saying the U.S. is moving “into a transitional phase from a deceleration of the numbers into hopefully a more controlled phase…”
"Well I think we need to listen to Dr. Fauci's complete statement," said Dr. Mark Casanova with the UTSW COVID Task Force. "The explosive phase of the pandemic where we were losing literally thousands of lives every day, yes that does appear to be over for now."
Also, for children under the age of six, Moderna is asking to have its vaccine approved soon, with Pfizer expected next.
"So hopefully soon we'll have a vaccine for young children maybe two different ones from two different companies," said Dr. David Winter with Baylor Scott & White Health.
But the experts still preach caution, with the pandemic still raging in other parts of the world, notably South Africa and China.
"So if you look at the global situation, there's not doubt this pandemic is still ongoing," said Fauci of a virus that is still killing more than 300 Americans a day.
"And there is some data that suggests that for every one death, there are anywhere from 3 to 5 individuals who are suffering form long term effects of COVID 19," added Casanova about the long-term impact of COVID still to be determined. | 2022-04-30T00:06:57Z | www.wfaa.com | US COVID pandemic over? Experts warn against any early celebrations | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/us-covid-pandemic-experts-warn-against-early-celebrations/287-3ceeb330-733a-469d-98ad-0ec78fd98673 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/us-covid-pandemic-experts-warn-against-early-celebrations/287-3ceeb330-733a-469d-98ad-0ec78fd98673 |
Mavs fans are fired up! They've waited a long time for another chance at an NBA Championship.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks came home with a playoff series win for the first time since 2011 after beating the Utah Jazz in Game 6 on Thursday night.
Clara Montiel was in high school when the Mavs got this far and went on to beat the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
"I did come downtown, it was packed. It was exciting that we made it through the first round and ready for Phoenix," said Montiel.
Anthony Partee says he was partying on his couch last night when the Mavs won and ran out to buy a jersey on Friday.
"Last night when we beat the Utah Jazz, I was jumping up and down for joy," said Partee.
Not only are Mavs fans buying their team gear, they started snatching up playoff tickets as soon as the game ended.
"The tickets are flying out of here. You can’t keep them on the shelves like if they were a can of produce," said Robert Lodes of Metro Tickets.
Lodes says he hasn’t seen this much excitement since 2011. And he was at the championship game when the Mavs beat the Heat.
"I was in Miami at the game that clinched the championship. There is nothing like being a fan on the road in the Miami Heat stadium and beating Lebron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. You could hear the Mavs fan walking around the arena yelling 'Let’s go Mavs!'" said Lodes.
While the Phoenix Suns do have some star power with Chris Paul and Devin Booker, Mavs fans say we have Luka and Brunson -- and they have faith that’s enough.
”We have all the all-stars and key players to make it and our head coach has really helped us and our defense,” said Montiel.
“We have all the pieces and the potential we could go all the way this year,” said Lodes.
Fans say it’s electrifying going to the games and they know it will be a tough road, but they think the Mavs will get it done. | 2022-04-30T00:07:03Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Mavs fans buying up tickets after NBA playoff series win | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-mavs-fans-buying-tickets-team-gear-first-playoff-series-win-since-2011/287-d2505e0f-ba3b-4d54-a2dc-6aa50ac7aaee | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-mavs-fans-buying-tickets-team-gear-first-playoff-series-win-since-2011/287-d2505e0f-ba3b-4d54-a2dc-6aa50ac7aaee |
A group of Black women-owned businesses will showcase their products and services at a weekend pop-up event in partnership with Deep Ellum Foundation.
DALLAS — The streets will be buzzing with energy in the Deep Ellum area of Dallas this weekend. Some local women will be setting the creative tone.
Among them are artists like Brandy Michele Adams and Jenny Lane. They’re busy creating a women’s empowerment mural near Elm and Malcolm X Boulevard, in one of Deep Ellum’s rideshare flow zones.
“To see a female presence really take share in a space that people will be walking over every day… it’s a thrilling time,” said Adams.
One block away, you’ll find Black women entrepreneurs selling a variety of goods and services in a pop-up shop at 2823 Main Street.
“We wanted to do something to support Black-owned businesses,” said Abeni Jewel Haynes, founder of West Wall Street.
West Wall Street was created for Friendship West Baptist Church as a nod to history. The initiative recognizes the impact of the once-thriving business area in Tulsa, Oklahoma known as Black Wall Street.
“It’s a good opportunity to, in a sense, give back to a community that has been marginalized a lot of the time. Also, it’s also just good to support small business,” said Haynes.
A partnership with the Deep Ellum Foundation is helping to bring the entrepreneurs to Dallas’ busy entertainment district for the weekend.
“Most of the vendors here are female-owned. We would love for you to come out and see what we have to offer and support us,” said jeweler Frances Webb.
You can find everything from clothing, accessories, hair and skin care products, childrens books, tasty treats, realtors, financial services, tutoring programs and more.
“This is a great opportunity for us to advance our summer camps,” said business owner Nikki James.
West Wall Street will open Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 2823 Main Street in Dallas. | 2022-04-30T00:07:15Z | www.wfaa.com | West Wall Street pop-up debuts in Deep Ellum | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/west-wall-street-pop-up-women-black-owned-businesses-debuts-in-deep-ellum/287-312bb028-77e9-4072-a215-0a18b2a7bb76 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/west-wall-street-pop-up-women-black-owned-businesses-debuts-in-deep-ellum/287-312bb028-77e9-4072-a215-0a18b2a7bb76 |
City of Dallas asks US Supreme Court to review case against 4 officers involved in Tony Timpa's death
16-year-old girl found dead after being held captive by mother’s boyfriend in Texas home, officials say
The suspect, 60-year-old Van Brisbon, was arrested after surrendering to deputy constables at the scene.
Family members have identified the victim as 16-year-old Lauren Juma. She was a sophomore at Nimitz High School. The family says she'd just joined the cheer squad.
"She had a beautiful soul and just wanted to go out and enjoy life," said her sister, Keryca Harmon.
This all started just after 1 a.m. when Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constables responded to a weapons disturbance when Harmon called and said her mother’s boyfriend was holding her 16-year-old sister captive inside their home. The residence is in the 20400 block of Canton Trace near FM 1960 and Lee Road.
"She just wanted to get away, that's all she wanted," said Harmon. "She just said he was being really weird and wanted me to pick her up."
He was then taken into custody and was not cooperating with deputies, HCSO said. He is now in the Harris County Jail and charged with murder.
Investigators said the mother of the victim was out of town at work when the incident happened but has since returned.
She spoke to KHOU 11 News about her daughter's murder.
"I just know my baby called me, Facetimed me and she said, 'mom, help me,'" said her mother, Laurie Young, choking back tears. "That's the last time I heard her voice."
Young says she doesn't understand how this happened. She'd been in a relationship with the suspect for five years.
"He treated Lauren like she was his baby," said Young. "I don't understand. He can rot in jail. He had no reason to take my baby's life."
If you'd like to support the family with funeral costs, they have set up a GoFundMe campaign. | 2022-04-30T01:41:56Z | www.wfaa.com | Houston, Texas crime: Teen girl found dead in Humble home | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/hcso-woman-found-dead-with-gunshot-wound-inside-of-humble-home/285-f62f1032-b848-4d84-b460-71668770e407 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/hcso-woman-found-dead-with-gunshot-wound-inside-of-humble-home/285-f62f1032-b848-4d84-b460-71668770e407 |
The Dallas Cowboys continued to line up solutions to their roster needs with Ole Miss defensive end Sam Williams getting the call in the second round.
Mississippi defensive lineman Sam Williams (7) draws bead on Texas A&M quarterback Zach Calzada (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 29-19. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys selected former Ole Miss defensive end Sam Williams with the No. 56 overall pick in Round 2 of the 2022 NFL draft.
After the Cowboys used the 24th overall pick in Round 1 to shore up the offensive line with Tulsa's Tyler Smith, Dallas used their second-rounder to address the trenches on the other side of the ball.
Part of the organization's logic in letting defensive end Randy Gregory go – or, at least the sales pitch on why they let him go – was that Dorance Armstrong had matured enough as a defensive end to match Gregory's production. Furthermore, they added an edge defender in Dante Fowler in free agency.
Fun fact: Sam Williams is the seventh Ole Miss product the #Cowboys have drafted. The last was DB Alundis Bryant in the fourth round in 1995.
If Armstrong and Fowler take Gregory's place, who takes Armstrong's place as the developmental player in the pecking order?
Enter Williams. The 6’4”, 265-pound defensive end tallied 12.5 sacks, 15.0 tackles for loss, 57 combined tackles, a pass breakup, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery – which was returned for a touchdown – in his redshirt senior season at Ole Miss.
What may have impacted Williams' draft stock is his tumultuous 2020. In July 2020, Williams was arrested and charged with sexual battery, but the charges were dropped in September 2020 by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department. Until the arrest and the charges dropped, Williams was suspended from the team's football activities.
Williams ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and had a 32.5 vertical with a 123 broad jump. Williams has the athleticism to develop into an effective edge rusher, possibly in the mold of Gregory, who left for the Denver Broncos after a combative end to his tenure in Dallas.
The Montgomery, Ala. native will have to deal with the spotlight that comes with playing for the Cowboys. If Williams can keep the focus on football, he should be able to develop into a serviceable starter with the Cowboys coaches surely anticipating even more if all goes well.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will no doubt have use for Williams, as the first team All-SEC performer is decent in space and can also get into the B-gap to provide a different look. As Fowler and Armstrong have their chances to shine, Williams can work in the background on some of the technical aspects of his game. Where Williams may be a problem for the Cowboys defense throughout his tenure with the team is his run defense.
Sam Williams is the third Ole Miss defensive end drafted since 2010.
2010 — Greg Hardy
2018 — Breeland Speaks
2022 — Sam Williams
Given where the Cowboys were picking, the value for Williams is not too bad and he had been an obvious target for the team leading up to the draft. With the selection, Dallas seemingly addresses a need with Williams that will allow them to explore other areas as the draft progresses.
However, to make good on the pick, the Cowboys will need the Ole Miss product to become a contributor at some point along his four-year rookie contract — one that seizes the starting job, not one that becomes the last defender standing due to salary cap or depth issues.
Are you happy to see the Cowboys address the pass rush early in the draft? Share your thoughts with Mark on Twitter @therealmarklane. | 2022-04-30T03:21:17Z | www.wfaa.com | Sam Williams bolsters pass push for Dallas Cowboys | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/analysis-second-rounder-sam-williams-bolsters-dallas-cowboys-pass-rush/287-b9863a6f-821e-4a92-97e9-94026492edaf | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/analysis-second-rounder-sam-williams-bolsters-dallas-cowboys-pass-rush/287-b9863a6f-821e-4a92-97e9-94026492edaf |
The Cowboys selected the wide receiver out of South Alabama with the 88th pick.
FRISCO, Texas — The first two days of the NFL Draft are in the books for the Dallas Cowboys. With their third round selection, the Cowboys have taken South Alabama wide receiver Jalen Tolbert.
Tolbert had eight touchdown receptions in each of his last two years at South Alabama. He caught 82 passes for 1,474 yards last year. He caught 64 passes for 1,075 yards in his junior season.
He had one of his most impressive performances against SEC talent, when he put up seven receptions, 143 yards, and a touchdown against Tennessee in his penultimate college game, last November.
Tolbert is the 15th wide receiver taken in this draft, in the first 88 picks of the annual event. There were six wideouts taken in the first round, seven more in the second round, and Tolbert was the second receiver taken in the third round.
The Cowboys have a fourth round pick, three fifth round picks, and a sixth round pick on Saturday's final day of the draft. | 2022-04-30T03:21:23Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Cowboys pick WR Jalen Tolbert in 3rd round of NFL Draft | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-jalen-tolbert-third-round-nfl-draft-2022/287-ac3f80ee-6020-4421-9e2a-280b52d5bb6f | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-jalen-tolbert-third-round-nfl-draft-2022/287-ac3f80ee-6020-4421-9e2a-280b52d5bb6f |
Sources tell WFAA the two people killed were teenagers.
DALLAS — Two people are dead, and three others are injured after a crash caused by a driver going the wrong way in the Far North Dallas area on Friday night, police said.
Police said they responded to the two-vehicle crash just after 9 p.m. in the 13900 block of Esperanza Road, near Spring Valley and Coit roads.
According to police, investigators believe a pickup truck was going south in the northbound lane of Esperanza Road when it struck an SUV head-on.
Police said two people were transported to a hospital, where they died. Three others were also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Police did not specify which vehicles the victims were inside.
According to police, a suspect fled the crash scene and is currently at large. Additional details were not immediately released.
Sources told WFAA the two victims who died were teenagers. | 2022-04-30T17:57:54Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas crash: 2 dead, 3 injured after driver goes wrong way | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/two-dead-three-injured-head-on-crash-dallas-suspect-at-large/287-02e69a11-5972-4dda-8dbc-497e84713ee4 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/two-dead-three-injured-head-on-crash-dallas-suspect-at-large/287-02e69a11-5972-4dda-8dbc-497e84713ee4 |
The Dallas Cowboys took a gamble on injured LSU linebacker Damone Clark in Round 5 of the NFL Draft but they hope it pays off sooner rather than later.
DALLAS — Stephen Jones was asked point blank after Day 3 of the 2022 NFL draft if the Dallas Cowboys expected fifth-round linebacker Damone Clark to play his rookie season.
"Absolutely," Jones told reporters at The Star.
Of course, the Cowboys' confidence in Clark's availability for his upcoming rookie season is reminiscent of another linebacker coming off a serious injury to start his career in Jaylon Smith. The Cowboys used their second-round pick in 2016 to take the Notre Dame linebacker who tore his ACL in his last collegiate game. Throughout Smith's rookie season, the Cowboys kept the possibility of Smith playing alive, even though it befuddled the media and earned scorn and derision.
Jerry Jones clarifying Jaylon Smith's tweet, which I'm sure he doesn't know about: pic.twitter.com/Q8kiSecD0s
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) October 4, 2016
It was a game of semantics. Jerry Jones wasn't saying that Smith would absolutely play, only that there was a chance he could play.
For Clark, like Smith before him, to have a shot at playing during his rookie season, he would need to start the year off on the physically unable to perform list, which nixes a player for at least the first six weeks to start the season. Teams have another five-week window after the initial six weeks to decide if a player is able to practice.
Once the player practices, then begins a 21-day window to either activate the player or place them on injured reserve. It wasn't until Dec. 13 that the Cowboys had to officially announce the end of Smith's rookie campaign.
"The price you would have had to pay is during those last three weeks of the season you wouldn't have had a roster spot that you think you need to use," Jerry Jones told "Shan & RJ" on 105.3 "The Fan" [KRLD-FM] on Dec. 13, 2016. "So that's a long-winded way of saying we had to fish or cut bait today. We decided to go ahead and put him on reserve."
The Cowboys are using a similar strategy with Clark six years later after the 2021 All-SEC performer received spinal fusion surgery when an MRI revealed a herniated disc at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.
#Cowboys LB Damone Clark's high school alma mater is Southern University Laboratory School, which just sounds like he attended high school at Dexter's Laboratory.
"I think he’ll definitely, at a minimum, be a PUP guy," Stephen Jones said. "So he’ll miss six months from his time in surgery. This is a guy who works, works, works. Football is very important to him; very committed to getting back, and he’s going to work through his injuries. If anything, he’s going to be one of those guys who’s ahead of schedule.”
The Cowboys' linebacking corps can afford to wait for Clark to get back into football shape with Jabril Cox working his way back from an ACL injury and the addition of sixth-round linebacker Devin Harper from Oklahoma State. In the meantime, the Cowboys will continue to keep the hope alive that Clark will play a down in his rookie season.
Do you anticipate seeing Damone Clark play with the Cowboys in 2022? Share your thoughts with Mark on Twitter @therealmarklane. | 2022-05-02T21:54:01Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Cowboys believe LB Damone Clark will play in 2022 | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/rookie-nfl-season-questionable-for-lb-damone-clark-despite-dallas-cowboys-assurances/287-edbb66ac-f275-48c7-82f5-bcc2b7de78d7 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/rookie-nfl-season-questionable-for-lb-damone-clark-despite-dallas-cowboys-assurances/287-edbb66ac-f275-48c7-82f5-bcc2b7de78d7 |
Around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, a man was murdered after getting into a fight with a group of people on the southbound side of Cedar Station, DART says.
DALLAS — Throughout the weekend, DART police have been investigating a murder at the Cedars Station near downtown Dallas.
This is the second murder at a DART station in a matter of one month.
Around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, a man was murdered after getting into a fight with a group of people on the southbound side of Cedar Station, according to DART officials.
“There was a disagreement with a series of about four individuals there on the platform, and led to a shooting,” said Gordon Shattles, from DART.
The shooting happened around the corner from the Dallas Police Department headquarters.
“It happened at a very dense part of Dallas, very important station for Dallas. Of course, making sure it’s safe for our passengers,” said Shattles.
Investigators are combing through hours worth of video from the platform. They’re also going around to several businesses and gathering surveillance video.
“One of the really important parts of this is, what was the cause of the argument. Witnesses we spoke to do not know,” said Shattles.
This comes one month after another man was killed at the Ledbetter train station.
Authorities were handing out a poster looking for the suspect.
“We’re asking the public, if you see this individual, do not approach this individual, please contact us directly,” said Shattles.
Authorities told WFAA, they haven’t been able to notify the victim’s families in both of the cases. They’re having a hard time identifying them. They’re asking witnesses to please come forward with any information about the victim’s or the suspects involved. The number to call DART Police is 214-749-5900.
'Gun battle' outside Bombshells sports bar sends 1 to hospital, Dallas police say | 2022-05-03T00:03:45Z | www.wfaa.com | DART Police investigate homicides at Cedar and Ledbetter stations | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dart-police-investigating-2-murders-in-less-than-1-month/287-0679d4fb-e375-4b49-bb20-3bffbbde9197 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dart-police-investigating-2-murders-in-less-than-1-month/287-0679d4fb-e375-4b49-bb20-3bffbbde9197 |
The Department of State offered discouraging news for the couple stuck in Warsaw, Poland and unable to bring home two Ukrainian brothers they planned to adopt.
WARSAW, Poland — Brad and Lisa Mills hoped that when the awoke in Warsaw, Poland on Monday morning that they would finally receive word of a compromise that would allow them to return home to Prosper, Texas with their two new adoptive sons.
Instead, Ukrainian officials remained firm in their final requirement to finalize the adoption which puts the Mills in limbo -- three weeks and counting.
Their two-year journey to adopt two Ukrainian orphans came down to one final signature. Artem, 14, and Max, 13, were evacuated from their orphanage in Vinnytsia at the start of the war and transferred safely to a refugee camp in Poland.
The Mills say all of their documentation, including travel visas issued for the boys, were in order. Coordinated by the Dallas adoption firm Hope International, they traveled to Warsaw to pick up the boys, make final arrangements and return home with them the second week of April.
But Ukrainian officials demanded they cross the border, make the 465 mile drive from Warsaw to Vinnytsia to the orphanage to sign a final "transfer of custody" document in person.
Last week they received word that a compromise might be in the works; perhaps being allowed to meet the appropriate Ukrainian officials at a border checkpoint and sign the necessary document there.
But on Monday, Brad and Lisa Mills told WFAA that Ukrainian officials are standing firm, requiring the Mills and the two boys travel back to the orphanage to finalize the adoption.
"To ask us to come back into a war zone with the kids doesn't seem the right thing to be doing at this point," Brad Mills told WFAA last week.
A Department of State spokesperson responding to WFAA's request for information on the case said that the Ukrainian government has stated that at this time, "adoptions are not possible." That "it can be extremely difficult in circumstances like the current conflict in Ukraine to determine whether children who appear to be orphans truly are eligible for intercountry adoption and immigration under U.S. laws."
As for potentially entering Ukraine to finalize the adoption, a Department of State spokesperson said their general guidance is that they "strongly encourage prospective adoptive parents to defer travel to Ukraine at this time and for those currently in Ukraine to depart immediately if it is safe to do so using any commercial or other privately available ground transportation options."
Meanwhile, the Mills have been told that they might have to wait for Ukrainian legislators to change the law about that final signature -- a process that could take months, if not years, due to current circumstances and it would require them to leave the boys behind in Poland until then.
Meanwhile, the Department of State offers the resources of the Office of Children's Issues which prospective parents can contact directly at Adoption@state.gov. Also the Department of State's adoption info and guidance can be found at travel.state.gov.
The Mills are still trying to determine their next course of action. A GoFundMe site is being used to help defray the costs of continuing to stay in Poland as they further negotiate any options that surface to bring the boys home. | 2022-05-03T02:05:10Z | www.wfaa.com | North Texas couple stuck in Poland trying to adopt | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/adoption-impasse-north-texas-couple-stuck-in-poland-third-week/287-b564ce7c-7376-46b4-afd2-b496069ed41d | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/adoption-impasse-north-texas-couple-stuck-in-poland-third-week/287-b564ce7c-7376-46b4-afd2-b496069ed41d |
Tune into WFAA News 8 at 10 tonight to see the full story.
The Department of Justice report that was released after Bearden was sentenced in 2021 says that he eventually pleaded guilty to possessing firearms as a felon as well as to additional charges of coercion, enticement and aiding and abetting.
"It's in plain sight," Perez said of the signs of sex trafficking that exist all around our daily lives. "You see it every day. You just don't know what you're looking for."
There were about two dozen. The paintings are all on large canvases, and they featured images of different aspects of what Perez describes as a trafficking culture.
Each of these details references specific slang terminology in the world of sex trafficking.
During his investigation, Perez said he learned that Bearden's victims said they "chose" him because he was less abusive than their previous traffickers who raped or severely beat them when they didn't make their quota.
“If you had talked to me back then, I would have said, This is my choice,''" Charleston said. "I blamed myself for everything that was happening to me."
The customers identified during various investigations of theirs come from all across the board.
Also among the customers Perez said he came across was a University of Texas at Arlington professor and multiple attorneys who'd worked as defense attorneys for traffickers.
These days, though, officials are also changing the way they approach their investigations.
As was the case in Charleston's arrest, victims of trafficking are often labeled as prostitutes -- a designation that comes with stigma that makes it difficult for victims to come forward and also blocks the lens needed to get justice for them. | 2022-05-03T02:05:22Z | www.wfaa.com | Sex trafficking in North Texas: How it hides in plain sight | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/sex-trafficking-in-north-texas-in-plain-sight-the-impact-the-stories-and-even-the-artwork-that-reveals-the-depths-of-the-problem/287-3e6141bd-f9a2-4397-b394-a3458bd70dc6 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/sex-trafficking-in-north-texas-in-plain-sight-the-impact-the-stories-and-even-the-artwork-that-reveals-the-depths-of-the-problem/287-3e6141bd-f9a2-4397-b394-a3458bd70dc6 |
SmartCity says Texans are typically used to seeing rent rise anywhere from 3-5%.
DALLAS, Texas — SmartCity, a nationwide apartment locator service founded in Dallas in 2013, told WFAA Monday that rent is rising on average 10-15% across the metro.
This all coming as homeowners begin protesting soaring property appraisals thanks to a red-hot housing market in Texas.
For weeks, WFAA has been receiving emails from renters saying their rent renewal offers are increasing anywhere between $200 and $400.
Sandy Rollins, the Texas Tenants' Union executive director, told WFAA on Monday that her office is currently helping a 66-year-old man from Garland who saw his rent increase by $800.
"His rent went from $1,000 to $1,800," Rollins said. "The rent is so outrageous right now, and it's leading to a rise in evictions too. They're not unrelated. And people who start looking for a new place are running into the same problem."
Rollins, who has advocated for rent control in Texas, says tenants don't have many options.
No statewide rent control means landlords can raise rent however they want and as often as possible.
Local governments can pass rent control measures during a housing emergency due to a disaster -- but the governor has to sign off on it.
"That's except for subsidized housing," Rollins said. "There is no cap on rents. Nothing says it has to be tied to the consumer price index, and nothing says it has to be linked with what you can afford, no matter how long you might have lived there. There's nothing that says they can't displace you if you can't afford it."
Tim Page, a D-FW market leader for SmartCity, told WFAA that folks in the metro have typically seen their rents increase between 3% and 5%.
"It's absolutely crazy right now," Page said. "In some cases, it's going up 20%."
Page has helped out hundreds of people relocate to Texas or a new apartment if they don't want to overpay anymore.
He says there are a lot of things driving the spike.
"D-FW has become a more desired location, so rent naturally increases," Page said.
From July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex was estimated to have added about 97,290 people to the area. According to the Census Bureau, this was the most significant increase in the country.
The increase in people moving here has contributed to a booming housing market statewide. Home prices are soaring due to a limited supply of housing -- and as valuations increase, so do property taxes which landlords pass on to renters.
"A couple of years ago, our starting point was $900 for a one-bedroom apartment, and now it's at $1,200," Page said.
"We don't have a magic wand to make this better -- but we do the homework for clients and show them what will be the best bang for the buck."
And the homework -- seemingly will keep piling up. | 2022-05-03T03:57:19Z | www.wfaa.com | Apartment rent rising in D-FW by 10-15% | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/apartment-locator-rent-rising-average-10-15-percent-across-dfw/287-645a8f12-2f5e-4ae6-a6d3-10c9a98625a5 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/apartment-locator-rent-rising-average-10-15-percent-across-dfw/287-645a8f12-2f5e-4ae6-a6d3-10c9a98625a5 |
Meet the McKinney insurance agent who laced up his skates as the backup goalie in Dallas Stars win against the Ducks
Dallas went to a 5-out lineup, with Dorian Finney-Smith playing center, during the 4th quarter of Game 1. And it worked. But will it work again?
PHOENIX — For the first three quarters of Monday night's Game 1, the Dallas Mavericks got torched.
The Phoenix Suns introduced the Mavs to the realities of playing in the second round, and dominated Dallas, in building, and sustaining, a double-digit lead.
But over the final 10 minutes of the game, the Mavs may have found something.
"I mean, that's how we should've started the game," Mavs guard Jalen Brunson said during the Mavs practice on Tuesday. "We played a lot harder. Played with better pace. That's just how we have to start, plain and simple."
The Mavs employed a small ball lineup, with Dorian Finney-Smith playing center. Dallas had five smaller players on the floor -- Finney-Smith, Brunson, Luka Doncic, Reggie Bullock, and Spencer Dinwiddie. That personnel spaced the Suns defense out, and the Mavs capitalized.
Dallas outscored Phoenix 31-17 during those final 10 minutes, including a 29-13 stretch for the Mavs, to narrow the margin from Phoenix's largest lead of 21, all the way down to five points.
"I think we can play that lineup," Finney-Smith said. "We just gotta [sic] rebound. Rebound and play fast."
Now, it's possible this was fool's gold. The game was well in hand, and the Suns appeared to be napping their way through garbage time, while Dallas made this run. But the Mavs need to find a way to slow down Suns center DeAndre Ayton, and Finney-Smith playing center might be the way.
"Yeah, I thought Doe was great at the 5," head coach Jason Kidd said. "He's showing that he's not just a wing player, but that he can also be a big. And we're going to continue to put that lineup out there."
And Dallas feels they can improve upon what they did, as well, by being more aggressive.
"We've got to attack more paint. A little too much stepbacks from me," Doncic said. "Attacking the paint is our lethal weapon. I think when we do that, we can score easily. Especially five-out, they have a big rotating, and we have to attack more of the paint."
But it wasn't just who was on the floor, during that stretch, that made the difference for Dallas. It was also a drastic change in mentality and approach, as compared to the opening minutes of Game 1.
"We played with a lot more tenacity and fight that fourth quarter," Finney-Smith said. "So we just gotta be that way, the whole game." | 2022-05-04T02:48:24Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Mavericks small line-up against Phoenix Suns | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/can-the-mavs-small-ball-lineup-be-the-difference-in-their-series-against-the-suns/287-b6582a57-8bb1-4c3e-8297-b569fbfa368e | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/can-the-mavs-small-ball-lineup-be-the-difference-in-their-series-against-the-suns/287-b6582a57-8bb1-4c3e-8297-b569fbfa368e |
A leaked draft opinion shows a majority of justices are ready to overturn the landmark decision.
DALLAS — Meagan Gross is now 30 years old.
But she clearly remembers being a scared, pregnant 20-year-old with no support and no money.
But she did have a choice.
“I had an abortion,” Gross said.
“Having that choice was paramount for me. If I were to have had a child back then, I don’t think I would have been able to give my child or myself the future that we both deserved to have.”
Gross became more comfortable opening up about her abortion in the last couple of years as she felt access to abortions was being cut, particularly in Texas.
She lives in North Texas and her abortion was performed in Texas in 2012.
Roe v. Wade, the 49-year-old U.S. Supreme Court case that originated in Dallas, gave Gross the legal right to choose.
But that case could be in its final weeks or even days.
A draft opinion written in February and leaked to the online publication Politico this week shows a majority of justices support overturning the case.
Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the draft is authentic.
The leak was called a “stunning breach,” by republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a former Supreme Court clerk himself.
“Very little renders me speechless,” Cruz said of the leak. “I was flabbergasted.”
The leak angered him, but the draft opinion did not.
“The fundamental obligation of government, I believe, is to protect people’s rights and in this case that includes the rights of the unborn child,” Cruz said.
If the final opinion from the court mirrors the draft, abortion will not suddenly become illegal, Cruz said.
“Rather the consequences will be that each state will decide. For the first 185 years of our country’s history that is how questions of abortions were decided,” he said.
The draft indicates conservative members of the Supreme Court believe elected lawmakers of individual states should decide abortion access, not justices sitting on the highest court in the land.
Gross is now mother to a 21-month-old child.
Of the abortion she had a decade ago she said, “It’s not a decision any woman wants to make.”
But she believes it’s a decision all women should be able to make.
While she believes the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade will hurt women, advocates for an end to abortion say women have more options now than ever.
“This is not our mother’s 1973 or our mother’s Roe,” said Chelsea Youman, Texas State Director and National Legislative Advisor for the Human Coalition.
“We're talking about very robust infrastructure in place for this moment in time,” Youman said. “Society is ready to protect innocent life in the womb - humans in the womb - who are growing and developing. They're just really small humans, and so we're ready for this.” | 2022-05-04T04:22:28Z | www.wfaa.com | Texans react to possible end of Roe v. Wade. | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texans-react-over-possible-end-to-roe-v-wade/287-c41e5098-57f7-4d6c-9d99-2367f54f00e0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texans-react-over-possible-end-to-roe-v-wade/287-c41e5098-57f7-4d6c-9d99-2367f54f00e0 |
There are watch parties scheduled in Dallas for games one and two, as well as pre-game festivities for games three and four at home.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks take on the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. It is the first time the Mavs have advanced past the first round since 2011, when the team won the championship.
The No. 1 seeded Suns hold the homecourt advantage, so they're hosting the first two games of the series. Even though Dallas won't host a playoff game in the series until games three and four, there are watch parties in place for MFFL fans to cheer on the Mavericks for the first two games.
Here is the information on those watch parties:
Game 1 (May 2): The Factory in Deep Ellum, starting at 8:30 p.m.
Game 2 (May 4): American Airlines Center, doors open at 8 p.m.
Admission and parking (Lexus Garage) are both free
As mentioned before, Dallas will host Phoenix for games three and four, but there are still pre-game festivities for Mavs fans to enjoy:
Game 3 (May 6): Party on the Plaza – starts at 6:30 p.m.
Want to attend all round 2 home games for free? You can audition with full face paint, Mavs swag, and ManiAAC-level energy on the South Plaza with Chris Arnold and the ManiAACs! The 20 best MFFLs will be selected for our Rowdy, Proud, and Loud section.
Game 4 (May 8): Party on the Plaza – starts at 12:30 p.m.
For more Dallas Mavericks playoff information, visit their website here. | 2022-05-04T16:59:58Z | www.wfaa.com | Mavericks vs. Suns: Watch party information in Dallas | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dallas-mavericks-watch-parties-dallas-texas-round-2/287-5be2c343-0283-4409-90f2-0548a92eac52 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dallas-mavericks-watch-parties-dallas-texas-round-2/287-5be2c343-0283-4409-90f2-0548a92eac52 |
Dallas mom who faces manslaughter charge in son's shooting death has bonded out, officials say
According to an arrest affidavit, she told her husband that she was shooting back at a road rage suspect and then discovered that her 3-year-old son was shot.
DALLAS — Editor's note: The above video is from a previous story after the child's father was charged in the case.
The mother of a 3-year-old who was shot and killed in late March has bonded out of jail after turning herself in back in early April, according to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office.
Lacravivonne Washington, 26, had been out of jail on bail for previous charges filed in the death of her son, Jalexus Washington Jr. WFAA reported in early April that Lacravivonne Washington turned herself into jail after police said she faced a manslaughter charge in the case.
The sheriff's office told WFAA on Wednesday that Lacravivonne Washington was transferred from the jail to be fitted for an ankle monitor for release. Lacravivonne Washington bonded out of Dallas County jail Wednesday morning at 8:12 a.m., according to court records.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit released in April, Lacravivonne Washington told her husband that she was shooting back at a road rage suspect and then discovered that her 3-year-old son, Jalexus, had been shot. While police have said there was no evidence of a road rage shooting, investigators determined that she "recklessly killed [Jalexus] and has committed the offense manslaughter," according to the affidavit.
Dallas mom who faces manslaughter charge in son's shooting death is back in jail, police say
Father arrested, charged in connection to 3-year-old son's death, Dallas police say
Four children removed from home of mother charged in her 3-year-old son's death in Dallas
Police said in April that Washington’s husband, 27-year-old Jalexus Washington Sr. was arrested for tampering with evidence in connection to their son’s death.
According to the Dallas Police Department, officers responded to a local hospital after receiving a call that 3-year-old Jalexus Washington was taken to the emergency room with a single gunshot wound to the face on Monday, March 28.
During the investigation, police received conflicting reports from the mother about what led to the shooting death of Jalexus. She initially told police that she was involved in a road rage incident, but police found no evidence of that.
Lacravivonne and 3-year-old Jalexus Jr. were seen at a donut shop on Walnut Street about 20 minutes before the deadly shooting, police said.
During the search of her vehicle, police said there was a gun found in the glove compartment and another found with her husband, Washington Sr. He told police that his wife gave him the gun while they were at the hospital where their son died, the affidavit said.
As the investigation continued, four children were removed from Lacravivonne’s home. She was arrested on March 30 for three counts of child endangerment and a charge of tampering with physical evidence, police said. | 2022-05-04T20:43:44Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas PD: Mom bonds out amid manslaughter charge in kid's death | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/dallas-mom-road-rage-shooting-out-on-bond/287-5b8bfcfa-5148-40b6-a1aa-a25f369c017a | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/dallas-mom-road-rage-shooting-out-on-bond/287-5b8bfcfa-5148-40b6-a1aa-a25f369c017a |
$15. That’s what it cost Linda Coffee to file Roe v. Wade in Dallas in 1970.
MINEOLA, Texas — $15. That’s what it cost Dallas attorney Linda Coffee to file Roe v. Wade in 1970.
“Now they keep raising the cost of filing things,” Coffee said laughing.
Coffee, 79, was born in Houston but grew up in Dallas, attending Woodrow Wilson High School.
She later graduated from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Coffee clerked for federal judge Sarah Hughes, who famously swore in Lyndon B. Johnson as president on Air Force One after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Coffee later teamed up with fellow UT law school grad, Sarah Weddington, to challenge abortion laws in Texas.
“She was going to bring an abortion challenge," Coffee said. “I don’t know how she was going to do it, because she didn’t have a client."
Coffee said a friend from church introduced her to Norma McCorvey, who was pregnant and wanted an abortion.
McCorvey became known as “Jane Roe” in Roe v. Wade, the Dallas District Attorney.
RELATED: Did you know? Old Dallas courtroom still exists where Roe v. Wade was argued
“Henry Wade was really a very excellent prosecutor,” Coffee said.
Coffee and Weddington argued the case in a Dallas courtroom, which still exists on Ervay Street downtown. The three judges who heard the case agreed with Jane Roe’s attorneys. But the case was appealed to the Supreme Court.
“I was kind of nervous anyway because I never -- this is the only time I've ever addressed the United States Supreme Court,” Coffee said.
Coffee still has her quill pens, a traditional souvenir given to lawyers who argue in front of the Supreme Court.
“There were so many people, and we noticed that there were a lot of the wives of the justices on the Supreme Court were there,” Coffee said.
The Supreme Court ruled in their favor, legalizing abortions in 1973. But now, the future is uncertain after a leaked draft opinion shows a majority of U.S. Supreme Court Justices are ready to overturn Coffee’s case.
RELATED: Texans react with everything from joy to anger over possible end to Roe v. Wade
“I'm sure that's what we're going to be fighting over state by state in the future,” Coffee said. “I think people will go places where they can get an abortion.”
Her advice to the younger generation?
“Keep participating,” Coffee said. “Do the best you can to try to make things better.” | 2022-05-05T00:11:52Z | www.wfaa.com | Roe v. Wade attorney on leaked Supreme Court draft opinion | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-attorney-linda-coffee-paid-15-to-file-roe-v-wade-in-1970-comments-on-leaked-supreme-court-draft-opinion/287-ae15bd35-00b9-4608-9b67-f2a4f66a05ae | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-attorney-linda-coffee-paid-15-to-file-roe-v-wade-in-1970-comments-on-leaked-supreme-court-draft-opinion/287-ae15bd35-00b9-4608-9b67-f2a4f66a05ae |
Don Moser was a career firefighter and former mayor of Argyle. For years, he fought cancer, likely caused by his job as a firefighter. Moser was 56.
ARGYLE, Texas — On Friday, former Argyle mayor and retired firefighter, Don Moser, died at 56 years old from cancer.
WFAA has been following Moser's battle against cancer since 2019. He said back then doctors believed it was caused by his occupation as a firefighter, being exposed to carcinogens for decades.
Moser started as a volunteer firefighter in Colleyville when he was 16 years old. He worked at the Bedford Fire Department for most of his career, 17 years, and retired at Westlake Fire Department in 2005.
Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health concluded that firefighters face a 9% increase in cancer diagnosis, and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general U.S. population.
"He was a firefighter during a time when awareness wasn't there," said Terry Moser, his wife.
In June 2017, Don Moser was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. Over the years, it spread to his sacrum, lungs, liver, brain and spinal cord.
Moser was retired as a firefighter when he was diagnosed. He tried filing worker's compensation claims, but they were automatically denied. His appeal was denied too. Retired firefighters are not covered under worker's compensation laws in Texas.
"It shouldn't be that way. They put their lives on the lines every day. They were willing to die," said Terry.
She said treating cancer is expensive, and many retired firefighters have to choose between paying for medication or a mortgage. She wants all firefighters to be protected under the law.
SEE MORE: A new Texas law helps firefighters pay for cancer treatment. But, not everyone is eligible.
"He didn't go easily. He fought until the very end, to the last breath," Terry said. "Don would like to see that retired firefighters be included, and be recognized in the ability to claim workers comp when they develop certain cancers."
Even though Moser's fight against cancer is over, his battle for retired firefighter rights continues through his story.
Moser's memorial service will be on May 20 at Well Community Church in Argyle.
140-mile walk in North Texas completed to support firefighters with cancer
Proposal would aid firefighters for job-related illnesses
Lancaster firefighter dies of cancer at 31 years old | 2022-05-05T00:12:04Z | www.wfaa.com | Retired firefighter Don Moser dies of cancer at 56 | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/former-argyle-mayor-retired-firefighter-don-moser-dies-of-cancer/287-7f163560-9e59-4b9d-9c75-faef197a4c1c | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/former-argyle-mayor-retired-firefighter-don-moser-dies-of-cancer/287-7f163560-9e59-4b9d-9c75-faef197a4c1c |
TxDOT and Collin County will host both an in-person and virtual public meeting on May 10 and May 11 to gather input on the Highway 380 project.
COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — Michael and Lori Swim knew instantly they had found their forever property more than a dozen years ago. They live in the Collin County extraterritorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, and have settled on 24 acres.
"It is beautiful up here isn't it? It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears over time," said Michael Swim.
Over 12 years, they've built a home, a ranch, a place for their children and grandchildren and enough land for the horses they rescue. Now, when the couple looks out, they see what they could potentially lose.
"We've been going through this for five years. We're tired," said Lori Swim.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has plans to build a Highway 380 bypass.
Two of the four proposed options run right through their land, which is also known as Route C.
Route C would take out two barns and the home where the Swims' daughter and grandson live. The route could take about eight to ten acres, and to do that, the state would have to exercise eminent domain.
"It's the right of the state to take property from a private individual and convert it to a public use," said Clint Schumacher, who is an attorney with Dawson & Sodd.
The Dallas-area law firm exclusively deals with eminent domain cases. The firm does not represent the Swims but has clients fighting eminent domain involving the Highway 380 bypass project.
RELATED: Two Collin County cities formally oppose proposed Highway 380 bypass routes
The Swims built the ETJ to get away from development, and just last month the couple held a wedding in their backyard. For Michael, it was a bittersweet moment.
"My son is married here, and we have the specter of potentially not being on the property anymore," he said.
Once the state decides a 380 bypass route, it will start negotiating "just compensation" with property owners. This clinical approach to valuing property is what leads to court. Schumacher told WFAA that there two ways to challenge possible eminent domain: politically and legally.
"At the end of the day, fair market value doesn't give you value for those intrinsic things that have real value to you but may not have value in the marketplace," said Schumacher.
For example, the value of raising children in a home, while important and valuable to us, carries no value on the market.
Schumacher told WFAA that generally single-family residential property is the least expensive to the state, also possibly least disruptive. Then, it's multi-family residential and industrial property. The most expensive is commercial property.
The fair market value is based on a number of factors, but one of the largest factors is the value of similarly situated properties adjacent to the property in question.
And the value of the property will be different now, compared to three to four years from now when the condemnation occurs. But it is safe to assume that Collin County property values have trended higher in the future.
"One of the most intrusive things our government does to an innocent person is take their land," said Schumacher.
Every proposed route will affect someone. It's the state's job to find the route with the least impact and public comment is a big part of that. The attorney says the best thing is to stay informed, talk to your local representative and make your voice heard at public meetings.
TxDOT and Collin County will host both an in-person and virtual public meeting to gather input on the Highway 380 project. The in-person meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, at the Rock Hill High School Cafeteria, located at 16061 Coit Road in Frisco. If you plan to attend, officials said you can arrived at any time during the two-hour timeframe -- you don't need to register.
The virtual meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 and will remain open through Wednesday, May 25 at www.keepitmovingdallas.com/US380ProsperFriscoWidening.
"The one that affects fewer residences, less grass-land, and less timber-land is Route D. These are small farms and small ranches that are directly impacted," said Michael.
TxDOT said it will take until the beginning of next year to narrow down the route choice. After that, it could take up to three to four years until condemnation happens.
Closures planned for Central Expressway in Richardson until late July
Say goodbye to 'Shale Mountain,' the 22-acre gravel pit off this North Texas highway
Construction begins Monday on three-year project to improve traffic, safety on US 380 | 2022-05-05T05:08:48Z | www.wfaa.com | Highway 380 bypass: Collin County property owners weigh options | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/collin-county-property-owners-eminent-domain-cases-over-highway-380-bypass-project/287-c1d9c18d-6c6d-4408-9661-e67ec564ca0e | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/collin-county-property-owners-eminent-domain-cases-over-highway-380-bypass-project/287-c1d9c18d-6c6d-4408-9661-e67ec564ca0e |
Coyote shot in Dallas believed to be the same that attacked 2-year-old
Police found over 30 rounds from two different weapons, though officers were still investigating how the shooting unfolded.
DALLAS — Detectives are investigating a shooting that sent a man to a hospital and flooded some apartments in Dallas' Design District on Wednesday night, police said.
Officials told WFAA that it happened on the fourth floor of an apartment building in the 100 block of Turtle Creek Boulevard.
One man was hit by a stray bullet while he was in his apartment. He was taken to a hospital and was expected to recover, police said.
Another bullet hit a water pipe, causing several apartments to flood. Police did not have any information on how many apartments were affected or how badly they were damaged.
There was also no information early Thursday morning on any suspects or what led up to the shooting.
A man is struck by a stray bullet in his own apartment after multiple rounds are fired in his Design District Apartment building. Dallas Police investigating. pic.twitter.com/tJUlGNXiVj
— Mike Forbes (@mikeforbeswfaa) May 5, 2022 | 2022-05-05T12:44:50Z | www.wfaa.com | Man hit by stray bullet at Dallas Design District apartment | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/dallas-design-district-apartment-shooting/287-8dd3fc53-d9e2-4371-a8ee-15d60d2758db | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/dallas-design-district-apartment-shooting/287-8dd3fc53-d9e2-4371-a8ee-15d60d2758db |
Police said they believe the shooting also caused an "injury accident" and the passenger was transported to a local hospital.
FORT WORTH, Texas — One person has died and another was injured in a shooting that happened in Fort Worth Thursday morning, police said.
Officers responded to a shooting call on Eastland Street and found a person at the scene with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fort Worth police also said they believe the shooting caused "an injury accident," and the passenger of a vehicle was transported to a local hospital.
Details for this incident are limited and police are still investigating. Fort Worth homicide unit has been notified, the department said.
There were no further details available Thursday.
FWPD: Off-duty Fort Worth officer arrested in Benbrook, facing multiple assault charges | 2022-05-05T14:49:48Z | www.wfaa.com | Fort Worth shooting: 1 killed, 1 injured | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/fort-worth-shooting-eastland-street/287-72e20e3d-4a62-4191-8129-faa7394f36b3 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/fort-worth-shooting-eastland-street/287-72e20e3d-4a62-4191-8129-faa7394f36b3 |
Caught on cameras: Wanted suspects try to break into two Fort Worth homes
Police say both attempts happened on April 27 within 30 minutes. One suspect can be heard shouting "police" while trying to kick down the door at one house.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Police are looking for two suspects that can be seen on camera trying to break into two homes in Fort Worth. They released photos and a video taken by security cameras on Wednesday, April 27.
The video shows the suspects in front of both homes. According to police, both attempts happened within 30 minutes.
At the first house, one of the men yells "police" as he tries to kick the door open. Fort Worth PD say this was on Thornhill Drive close to I-35 W.
The second house is on Schwartz Avenue, about 15 minutes north of their first attempt.
According to police, the suspects went to the back door first, then the front. One of them broke a latch on the back door and went to the porch, pointing an AR-style pistol into the house.
Police say both suspects knocked on the front door at different times within five minutes before eventually going away.
They believe they were trying to invade the two homes, but they're currently wanted for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.
Police think the suspects are in their early to late 20s. One of the men is seen knocking on doors in both cameras. Photos & videos show his longsleeve Nike shirt and what looks like a tattoo on the left side of his neck.
Anyone with information about this should call Fort Worth police at 817-392-4222.
Surveillance footage of suspects - also potential Home Invasion suspects. One suspect can be heard yelling, “Police!”as he attempted to kick in a front door.
817-392-4469. https://t.co/rieX787NK7 pic.twitter.com/SZ3Ji5Karj | 2022-05-05T18:37:49Z | www.wfaa.com | Two suspect try breaking into homes in Fort Worth, Texas. | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/fort-worth-texas-wanted-suspect-attempted-break-in-robbery-home-invasion-security-video/287-edc733b5-aa54-421c-b390-7e40299d4e34 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/fort-worth-texas-wanted-suspect-attempted-break-in-robbery-home-invasion-security-video/287-edc733b5-aa54-421c-b390-7e40299d4e34 |
TPWD says coyotes have adapted easily to the expansion of human communities into their habitat and can occasionally be found in urban and suburban neighborhoods.
TEXAS, USA — After a 2-year-old child was attacked by a coyote in the northeast Dallas area, there has been a heightened awareness of wild coyotes in higher-populated areas.
A 2-year-old child was also recently attacked by a coyote in southern California.
These wildlife sightings have become more common as urban expansion increases. But it's no surprise to wildlife officials that coyotes are found in urban areas, amid rapid population growth. Dallas Animal Services said there were 14 calls for coyote sightings from the area prior to the Dallas attack.
Where do coyotes live?
Coyotes have adapted easily to the expansion of human communities into their habitat and can occasionally be found in urban and suburban neighborhoods, TPWD says on its website. Coyotes have an extensive range across the United States. They have "slowly filled the void left by the declining population of wolves throughout the country." In Texas, they range throughout the state, according to TPWD.
"The adaptability of the Coyote and its acute sense of survival make it difficult to identify preferred habitat, although they most typically are associated with open plains in the West and brushy areas in the East," TPWD says online. "Their opportunistic nature has provided them the full advantage of surviving in a rapidly changing environment."
RELATED: Condition of child attacked by coyote in Northeast Dallas improving, coyote shot
Interaction with humans
Coyotes are "very wary of humans, however they can become accustomed to humans especially if they are fed," TPWD says. In the Dallas attack, officials said that, during the investigation into the attack, it was clear that the coyote was well-known in the neighborhood and that residents were routinely handfeeding and petting the coyote due to its lack of fear of human contact. Neighbors who reached out to WFAA, though, denied that they'd seen anyone actively feeding the coyote.
TPWD says on its website coyotes are "opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything, alive or dead, garbage, meat, fish, vegetables, berries or whatever they can find easily."
Doorbell camera footage shared with WFAA by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department shows a coyote – reportedly the same one that injured the child – stealing a DoorDash order off another nearby neighbor's porch.
A man on Nextdoor said their dog was attacked and killed by a coyote who jumped over their fence. TPWD says on its website that "hungry coyotes may occasionally take small domestic animals or poultry."
TPWD also says they may live alone or in "small packs" of up to six. Breeding season for coyotes lasts from mid-January to early March, and they can have litters of five to seven pups.
Coyotes do hunt at all times of the day, but are more commonly seen more often in the early morning or just before sunset.
Texas Parks and Wildlife threatens to euthanize deer at North Texas ranch over chronic wasting disease | 2022-05-05T22:11:21Z | www.wfaa.com | Coyotes in Texas: Here's what you need to know | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/life/animals/coyotes-texas-guide-parks-wildlife/287-59a62edd-e04c-4ad8-a17c-9bfe65f843a9 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/life/animals/coyotes-texas-guide-parks-wildlife/287-59a62edd-e04c-4ad8-a17c-9bfe65f843a9 |
'The residents are being abandoned' | These North Texas homeowners don't know what county they live in
Property owners don't know what county they are a part of as six-mile border is taken to court
'It's dangerous' | Texas counties dispute part of border, landowers don't know which county they are in
Both counties refer to the area being taken to court as "the notch." It is a stretch of land along the border between Kaufman and Henderson Counties.
KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — As a portion of a North Texas border will be disputed in a nearby district court, the homeowners who live in the area still don't know what county they live in.
There are more than 180 properties in an approximately six-mile-long path between Kaufman County and Henderson County that are currently in limbo, thanks to a land agreement made more than 100 years ago.
The stretch of land is along County Road 4044 in Kemp, southeast of Dallas.
The 1,200-foot-wide area will be taken to the Van Zandt County District Court as the nearby county judge attends to the case filed by Kaufman County's District Attorney's Office. The argument in the lawsuit revolves around which county the stretch of land belongs to.
Both counties refer to the area being taken to court as "the notch," because there is a stretch of land along the border between Kaufman County and Henderson County that pokes out from the rest of the border.
The area in dispute is referred to by Kaufman County and Henderson County as "the notch."
But residents who live in the notch remain uncertain about which county they call home.
Mike Webb's family has lived in Texas since the 1800s, and they've lived in the notch since the 1960s.
"This is my home," Webb said. "This is my territory."
Webb said he and his family have always paid taxes in Kaufman County and considered the notch to be Kaufman County. He said it wasn't until a couple of years ago he started to hear local leaders say that the border was a straight line.
Webb said County Road 4044 hasn't been properly cared for in decades and that it has been ignored the past few years because Kaufman County leaders are telling the property owners it's illegal for them to fix a road that is not in their county.
"The cars are just getting destroyed," Webb said. "Absolutely, it's a safety issue."
Webb said the potholes in this road are causing damage to cars driving on it and that he frequently has to move left-behind car parts off the road.
"The residents are being abandoned here, and it's becoming a dangerous situation," Webb said. "I don't think anybody's going to get thrown in jail for repairing a road that they've been maintaining."
However, Webb said he expects the long-term repairs on this road will be costly for whichever county it is decided it's a part of.
"They're going to be strapped with a huge bill to try to bring the road up to any sort of acceptable standard," Webb said. "It has to be fixed. It's dangerous."
Richards called County Road 4044 "disintegrated."
"The road was and is such a mess," Richards said. "It's not patchable at this point."
When driving along County Road 4044 in Kemp, drivers will find many deep potholes on both sides of the road.
Since WFAA went out to this area, Ken Cates, who is the Kaufman County Commissioner for Precinct 4, posted on Facebook that "interim repairs" on this road had started to provide support during the "pending lawsuit." Photos were included that show some potholes being covered.
In his post, Cates also said this area is in Henderson County and that the temporary work is being done to improve the situation until "Henderson County accepts its responsibility for this area within its geographic boundaries through the lawsuit filed by the Kaufman County DA’s Office last fall."
Precint 4 has begun the interim repairs to County Line Road authorized by the full Kaufman County Commissioners Court to...
Posted by KEN CATES -Kaufman County Commissioner-Precinct 4 on Wednesday, April 20, 2022
The reason the line is drawn that way goes back to a deed filed with Kaufman County on May 13, 1891, according to Henderson County attorney Clint Davis.
There was a portion of land called the "Baker tract" that was a large portion of land with a sliver of it that was in Henderson County, owned by one property owner.
This landowner deeded Kaufman County the land that inevitably made County Road 4044, which Davis said is the road that acts as the legitimate county line between the two counties.
"In 1891, they created the notch that has been followed for the last 131 years," Davis said. "The census has followed this notch. Kaufman County is using it today in redistricting. It has been the boundary line between these counties for all purposes for the last 131 years."
Henderson County attorney Clint Davis holds the deed from the late 19th century that he says extended part of Kaufman County into Henderson County.
RELATED: 2 North Texas counties fighting over six-mile-long border that includes nearly 200 properties
Kaufman County Judge Hal Richards has a different perspective, saying the border should be a straight line between the two counties with no notch.
Borders between Texas counties need to be determined by official state surveyors, according to Richards.
"Nobody intended for this to happen," Richards said. "It was just some unsophisticated people in the late 1800s that said we'll just make this deal and move the county line. Not being educated or sophisticated to realize that the only way that line can be changed is for the state legislature to change it."
Davis said Henderson County has maintained the same stance in wanting to stick to Texas Local Government Code Chapter 72, which is when a county court or a commissioner of the state's General Land Office appoints a registered land surveyor to make and establish boundary lines of a county border that is "not sufficiently definite."
"So Henderson County is saying to Kaufman County: We need to go in, hire the surveyors, have it surveyed and then we will agree to whatever line the survey is," Davis said.
So that process is now in the works as Van Zandt County Judge Chris Martin from the 294th District Court will act as a third party in this situation and help establish where the border is. However, there is no clear timeline as to how long this will take.
"We're in a blind box as far as knowing when it could actually come before the district court there," Richards said.
RELATED: Caught on camera: Waxahachie police say man shot during argument over parking space
While this process is happening, though, Webb and all the rest of the homeowners from these 180 properties are left with some lingering issues beyond the road.
Webb said on multiple occasions that when he has had to call 911, he's been transferred back and forth between Kaufman County and Henderson County, both telling him he's a part of the other county and delaying a response from anyone coming out to the area.
"Calling 911 does not need to be a question," Webb said.
David Webb's family first bought land in "the notch" in 1961. Since they moved there in 1970, Webb has lived there ever since.
Webb also said issues connected to vehicle registration, insurance and other day-to-day aspects of his life have become confusing.
"There are lots of issues revolving around this that the Kaufman County Commissioner's Court did not take into account," Webb said. "They just assumed they would just stop all services and just say, 'Here Henderson County, you take this.' And it didn't work."
Richards said he also wants this issue resolved, pointing to voting as a key concern.
"They are still registered to vote in Kaufman County, but that's a big question and that's really one of the very biggest concerns that we have," Richards said. "Taxes and voting are probably the two biggest things. Those people that live there, they should be clear about where they live. It should be clear to who they're supposed to be paying their taxes to."
Webb said he has been paying his taxes in Kaufman County up to this point.
So what county would Webb prefer to live in?
"I honestly don't care," he said. "There are just a lot of issues that need to be resolved, and Kaufman County has just had a very callous attitude towards the residents in this area."
For the birds: Why Reunion Tower is going dark for a few weeks
Residents, city leaders share hope for Fort Worth's new crime reduction plan, as chief releases strategy to target hot spots | 2022-05-05T22:11:34Z | www.wfaa.com | These Texas property owners don't know what county they live in | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/county-border-dispute-kaufman-henderson/287-4fdde9dc-270a-4f37-a7e1-09cfd4ccf9e5 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/county-border-dispute-kaufman-henderson/287-4fdde9dc-270a-4f37-a7e1-09cfd4ccf9e5 |
“To us, doing Cinco de Mayo, it’s not just a parade. It’s coming back home,” said Las Estrellas de Tejas director and creator Jose Álvarez.
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Every year, when Grand Prairie’s Main St. shuts down, vibrant parade floats line up and uplift the community as a part of an annual Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Last Saturday, the community’s Cinco de Mayo parade drew hundreds to the city’s downtown area. It’s a 34-year tradition organized by the Hispanic Association for Culture and Education.
At this year’s parade, ballet folkloric (Mexican Folk Dance) group Las Estrellas de Tejas brought downtown to life with its traditional Mexican dances.
Jose Álvarez, the creator of the dance group, started the group for both high school students and those who have graduated. Álvarez described the annual parade as a highlight in his community.
“This parade is very huge,” Álvarez said.
Clara Chairez, a dancer in the group, decided to continue dancing after she graduated high school.
“They’re family,” Chairez said.
For the tight-knit group, showcasing the bright costumes and dances is more than just a hobby.
“I see a lot of Mexican pride," Chairez said. "I see it in myself too, now, and I feel happy."
Another dancer, Grelda Garcia, described it as her passion.
“I do it a lot here to honor my traditions back home,” Chairez said.
It’s a tradition that’s helping Grand Prairie High School Senior Michael Cortina overcome some of life’s more difficult obstacles. Everything from depression to the recent loss of his grandpa who lived in Mexico and never got to see him dance.
“I’m fighting tears, because I miss him,” Cortina said. “Dancing helped me a lot, so it’s not as bad as it used to be.”
Every movement brings him closer to healing.
“I feel like his spirit is just right here next to me right now,” Cortina said.
Álvarez wanted to start the group to provide young adults with the opportunity to continue dancing beyond high school.
“I want it to be a lifestyle," Álvarez said. "I really wanted them to live it."
RELATED: Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Most of his dancers are first-generation students. Some of them were born in Mexico, while others hope to honor their parent’s home country.
Las Estrellas, which was formed less than five years ago, has quickly found success. For many of the dancers, it’s a side gig. They perform on weekends at events, restaurants, and festivals. A couple of months ago, the group represented the Professional Bull Rider’s Team Mexico on center stage at AT&T Stadium.
Together, they perform some of the dances that tell the story of Mexico's 31 unique states.
“Everybody’s just looking at the pretty costumes, the dancers, because that’s their culture,” Álvarez said. “That’s what they know. When they see that, it lights up their world.”
The dance group, which identifies with both American and Mexican cultures is keeping a tradition alive with each dance.
“To us, doing Cinco de Mayo, it’s not just a parade. It’s coming back home,” Álvarez said.
WFAA breathes new life into La Vida | 2022-05-05T22:11:46Z | www.wfaa.com | Texas ballet group honors Mexican roots through dance | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/grand-prairie-ballet-group-mexican-roots-dance/287-8b51cba5-1c8b-4ef8-976b-05a342bc36d3 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/grand-prairie-ballet-group-mexican-roots-dance/287-8b51cba5-1c8b-4ef8-976b-05a342bc36d3 |
North Texas Mom raises awareness after daughter was killed by alleged drunk driver
At 25 years old, Leslie Mandujano was a junior at Texas A&M. She was also a painter, a fanatic for Korean food and wanted to be an educator one day.
GARLAND, Texas — A local mother in Garland just lost her daughter to someone who police say, was a drunk driver.
Rosario Saenz said her 25-year-old daughter, Leslie Mandujano, had so many dreams. She said she is now motivated to send out a warning to people as North Texans head into the summer months—please don’t drink and drive.
“She was always singing in her room,” Saenz said.
Mandujano was killed 2 weeks ago, after having a movie night with her cousin.
“She went to drop off her cousin on her way back is when the accident happened,” Saenz said.
Police said Jerald Komahcheet was driving drunk and high when he slammed into Mandujano's car and killed her on Highway 66 in Garland.
“She had so many dreams,” Saenz said.
At 25 years old, Mandujano was a junior at Texas A&M. She was also a painter, a fanatic for Korean food and wanted to be an educator one day.
“First she wanted to be a history high school teacher, then she said she would do little kids,” Saenz said. “He destroyed our family. We will never be the same."
Saenz said she wants lawmakers to enforce harsher penalties for those accused of drinking and driving.
“Keep him in longer than 20 years," Saenz said. "He needs to suffer the way we are suffering. If parents can talk to their kids and let them know it’s not OK for them to drink and drive. There is Uber, Lift or a taxi."
With that same message in mind, Garland police said the DWI task force is out in full force.
“Their sole job is to go out there and look for people that are driving under the influence,” said Lt. Pedro Barineau with the Garland Police Department. | 2022-05-05T23:51:10Z | www.wfaa.com | Texas Mom raises awareness after daughter killed by drunk driver | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/garland-mom-raises-awareness-daughter-killed-by-drunk-driver/287-8f09a967-3a3c-45fe-96b6-c24579f9473b | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/garland-mom-raises-awareness-daughter-killed-by-drunk-driver/287-8f09a967-3a3c-45fe-96b6-c24579f9473b |
The oversight group uncovered quality of life issues surrounding criminal justice, health and even housing to name a few.
FORT WORTH, Texas — During the many protests in Fort Worth after the murder of George Floyd, director Kim Neal was just a few months into her job as Fort Worth’s first police monitor.
It's a position created amid ongoing discussions and actions focused on improving the community police relationship after an incident in 2016.
Neal relocated to Fort Worth from Cincinnati, Ohio, bringing many years of experience on police accountability. The monitor director's position stems directly from a city-created task force on race and culture made up of 23 people from across the Fort Worth area.
"So, for the community, it means transparency and accountability," said Neal.
The responsibilities for Neal and her staff include hearing community complaints and making sure there is officer accountability. The Office of Police Oversight Monitor is also wanting to hear good things about officers, as well, which helps add balance.
Neal said, "So just like we want to hold the police department accountable for what they do in our community, we also want to be accountable to the community."
The office started in February 2020 and has just released its first official report on many of their findings and recommendations to the Fort Worth Police Department, which also includes recommendations that have been accomplished and others still in progress.
Oversight group surveys uncovered quality of life issues surrounding criminal justice, health and even housing to name a few.
Neal wants every citizen in Fort Worth to feel their voice is heard.
Neal is no stranger to police accountability. As a citizen she has worked closely with the members of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Doing so has helped her refocus her career path.
"Now that I've focused my career primarily on police," said Neal, "it's more about really ensuring that policing is equitable and fair. I really want to make sure that we have the best practices that we possibly can in Fort Worth."
"Well, I take it very seriously. I'm very passionate about what I do. I've been doing it for a long time. My background is compliance and equity across the government. I worked at federal, state and as well as at the local level," Neal said, "and we really want to reach out to our more marginalized neighbors who feel that policing is not as fair and equitable."
While the oversight report also reveals progress addressing things like traffic stop reviews and the department's de-escalation policy, their use of force policy is still a work in progress -- including rules for officers in a foot pursuit.
Neal believes they're making progress despite many hurdles.
Neal said, "I think our biggest hurdle is there's so much work to do and such a big city to do it."
Neal purposely ended the oversight report with a community mural snapshot located at 200 Carroll Street in Fort Worth. The mural contains words about facing change.
"It means that we all have to work together to solve the problem," said Neal.
Neal and her staff have scheduled ongoing community meetings for public input. OPOM will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 5, 2022, and on June 9, 2022, at Fort Worth City Hall.
Both meetings are open to anyone interested in observing or participating in dialogue about the community-police relationship in Fort Worth.
The report from the Office of Police Oversight Monitor is available to the public. | 2022-05-06T01:31:37Z | www.wfaa.com | Fort Worth police accountability group releases official report | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-police-accountability-group-first-report-findings-recommendations/287-015ddc3c-5038-4ad0-9e8a-df04b6a826ee | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-police-accountability-group-first-report-findings-recommendations/287-015ddc3c-5038-4ad0-9e8a-df04b6a826ee |
There would be no strings attached.
Author: KVUE staff, Matt Fernandez
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin City Council on Thursday approved on consent a program that would identify dozens of families in the city and give them $1,000 per month, no strings attached. A memo sent to city council members outlines more details of the proposed pilot.
Councilmembers discussed the pilot program on Thursday, April 21, at a meeting. According to the item on their posted meeting agenda, the vote would authorize the negotiation and execution of a contract with UpTogether, a nonprofit out of California.
According to a report from KVUE's news partners at the Austin American-Statesman, the council declined to authorize the plan in April and instead elected to accept a two-week delay to again consider it on May 5.
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The Statesman reported that the money would come from taxpayer dollars and would be distributed to 85 families on a monthly basis. As opposed to programs like SNAP benefits, the families would be able to spend it how they wish, whether that be food, housing or child care.
The Statesman reports that the program would likely begin in the summer. Of the total cost, the Statesman said $1.02 million would go to the 85 families and $160,000 would go to the nonprofit for their work.
Households with a pattern of missed utility bill payments
People experiencing homelessness who have been identified for supportive housing
Financial stability: The ability of a household to cover a $400 emergency bill and the ability to pay bills on time
Health and wellness: Improvement in stress levels and the ability to receive preventative care, as well as food security
Increase in work shifts, participation in workforce or education programs, or other income changes
Whether funds are used for things like food, transportation and housing
The ability to pay bills without having to borrow from friends or relatives
"Ability to live fully," measured by things like being able to cook more meals or pursuing hobbies and interests
The equity officer stressed that programs like this are money well-used and help lift people out of financial struggles.
"Studies and program evaluations have shown that one of the most effective and efficient methods to assist households in advancing economic development, public health, and public safety is the use of direct cash assistance programs which put the decisions for utilization of funds into the hands of those directly impacted," the memo said.
In fact, the memo went on, when the City of Austin distributed tens of millions of dollars to community members impacted by the pandemic in 2020, more than 90% of that money went to the basic needs of the households.
The city council vote comes as a lack of affordability continues to plague Austin and its residents.
The pause on evictions in Austin ended in March, and one tenant advocacy organization said they're seeing evictions rise to pre-pandemic levels.
In a recent report from the personal finance website, MoneyGeek, experts took a look at changes in homeownership costs and median incomes from 2019 to 2022. On the list, 26 counties throughout the U.S. were revealed as no longer having an affordable housing market. Travis and Williamson counties made No. 3 and 4 on the list.
Lana Gibson Alexander is a mother of four, and grandmother of six. She has lived in Austin for 33 years. She took part in pilot program last year with UpTogether, where she received $1,000 for a year. She said it really helped as she was facing eviction.
"There is an increase in gas prices, rent, cost of living and itself has increased,” said Alexander.
She said with this funding, she was able to get by and also support her two sons who are in their 20s who are living with her. They faced eviction.
Alexander believes the funding will help others like it did her.
"I know for a fact it’s going to be life changing, its going to have a huge positive impact,” said Alexander.
Central Texans open up about the affordability crisis in Austin
Say hello to Austin's new Moody Center | 2022-05-06T03:06:40Z | www.wfaa.com | Austin City Council approves plan giving $1,000 per month to families in need | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/austin-city-council-payment-families-1000/269-70df748c-e5d4-4d5c-b6b9-1f49f61f52a5 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/austin-city-council-payment-families-1000/269-70df748c-e5d4-4d5c-b6b9-1f49f61f52a5 |
"I hear this a lot, 'We are replacing their homes.' I'd like to say that coyotes are adapting to ours," said Sam Kieschnick of Texas Parks and Wildlife.
DALLAS — Coyotes have a long-standing history in the state of Texas. A species that is native to prairie land now has healthy populations across the United States.
Coyotes are as elusive as they are mysterious, so any data on population numbers is hard to find.
Humans and coyotes have millions of interactions yearly but we're mostly reminded of them when there's an attack, like what happened to a 2-year-old in Dallas.
Sam Kieschnick, an urban biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, told WFAA that coyotes are some of the best at living on the margins, but in the region.
"I hear this a lot, 'We are replacing their homes.' I'd like to say that coyotes are adapting to ours," said Kieschnick.
Back in the day Texas had a number of apex predators: mountain lions, bears, wolves and coyotes. And when people settled here and development started many species were extirpated, leaving the resilient coyote to survive among us.
Kieschnick said that still doesn't mean coyotes are the top of the food chain in Texas. They are simply a prairie species that has adapted well.
The state does not track coyotes. But an app called iNaturalist does track sightings, and by the looks of dense plots points around D-FW, it has a healthy population.
Nationwide, only 23 states had coyotes before the 1900s. Now they're in every state but Hawaii.
"They're resilient, they are opportunistic, and almost perfectly adapted to living with us," he said.
Kieschnick took WFAA to a park in Grand Prairie, which has a greenbelt that runs alongside a creek. Coyotes use those greenbelts as corridors to move around.
Marcia Foster, formerly of Frisco, remembers taking an early morning jog with a friend when she was attacked.
"The coyote came from behind blindsided me from the back. I can't believe it's been four years," Foster said.
Foster has the scars to prove it. There are scars near both her calves. She says it took her a year to heal, and she had to have rabies shots and antibiotics long-term. Foster said she still doesn't run early mornings alone.
Kieschnick reminded residents that negative interactions are very rare, but are still scary.
In response to the attacks that have been highly publicized, he says, "This is an unhealthy coyote. This is a coyote that has been habituated. It's either been fed directly or indirectly."
The short answer is yes, we've encroached on coyote habitats. But instead of the species leaving or being eradicated, they've adapted to live among us. | 2022-05-06T03:06:46Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas coyote attack is reminder that species lives among us | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-coyote-attack-reminder-species-adapted-live-among-us/287-d8785f68-b3d9-492d-988a-b811bcb9c27e | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-coyote-attack-reminder-species-adapted-live-among-us/287-d8785f68-b3d9-492d-988a-b811bcb9c27e |
The SMU football commit holds this year's fastest 100-meter time in the country.
DUNCANVILLE, Texas — It's a question that gets different depending who you ask.
Let's start with the unquestionable: Duncanville senior Pierre Goree is a freak athlete and one of the fastest sprinters in the country.
Standing 6'1" at 220 pounds, Goree's size is unmistakable when he lines up on the track next to kids usually dozens of pounds smaller.
Goree has the speed to match.
He's run the 100-meter this year in 10.08 seconds, 10.09 and 10.10.
However, the official state record is still 10.11 by Houston Strake Jesuit's (and now All-American at Georgia) Matthew Boling.
Goree's times were considered wind-aided and to break the record, the wind cannot play that large of a factor.
He'll get another chance to break the record next weekend when he runs in the 100-meter at the state meet.
Goree's 10.08 second 100-meter ranks as the fastest time in the nation.
Unless his shoes are untied, he should stand atop the podium when the the near-10 seconds are over.
The state meet will be Goree's final track event for the foreseeable future.
The three-star safety is committed to play college football at SMU.
One small problem: SMU does not have a men's track team, since the program was dropped in 2004.
Goree committed to SMU as a high school junior before his 100-meter times made a giant leap as a senior.
"I've actually known Pierre since he was 12 years old," recalled Duncanville boys track coach Clayton Brookins, whose son ran hurdles with Goree when they were younger.
Goree intends to also run track in college but his options are limited.
He can compete in events as "unattached" -- meaning he would run without a school affiliation.
Or, he can transfer.
"I'm gonna stay with [SMU] and see if I can work something out with them or not," Goree said before Wednesday's practice. "And if not, God got me."
Goree, who grew up idolizing Usain Bolt, has Olympic dreams as well.
"I absolutely believe he has Olympic potential," asserted Brookins, a TCU All-American in 1998.
Brookins is in his first year as head coach of the Duncanville boys track team, and he has a loaded squad.
Besides Goree, the boys team boasts Division I commits to Arizona (Evan Simmons), Memphis (Garik Brooks) and Texas A&M (Christian Simmons).
"I will go on record and say this is one of the deepest track and field teams Texas has had in years," Brookins says, on record.
It's no surprise the boys 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams are among the best in the state. Both of which include Goree.
Duncanville will be a strong contender for the state title at next weekend's state meet.
After winning the Class 6A Region II title like the boys, the girls team is headed to the state meet, as well.
Unlike the veteran boys squad, the girls team is small in numbers and loaded with underclassmen.
"Aaliyah is my little quiet firecracker," smiled Duncanville girls track coach Yvette Green.
Duncanville sophomore Aaliyah Gipson will compete in the 200-meter at state after qualifying in the regional race.
"Praying -- I pray before every race to make sure I do good and that's really my secret," said Gipson.
The boys team has not won the state team title since 2000.
The girls team has not won it since ever.
"Oh, that's always the goal," said Green. "And not only get there, we're trying to win state." | 2022-05-06T04:42:26Z | www.wfaa.com | Duncanville track star Pierre Goree the fastest kid in Texas? | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/is-duncanville-track-star-pierre-goree-fastest-kid-in-texas/287-66891d6a-b4d0-4794-869d-529ff6254266 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/is-duncanville-track-star-pierre-goree-fastest-kid-in-texas/287-66891d6a-b4d0-4794-869d-529ff6254266 |
Child killed in accidental shooting in Dallas, police say
A 39-3 record – good enough to secure the No. 2 overall seed in the NCAA tournament – is already quite the accomplishment for a program that just started in 2015.
FORT WORTH, Texas — You will not find a beach anywhere near North Texas. Yet, that has not stopped TCU from putting together one of the top beach volleyball teams in the country.
On Wednesday, the team won their first ever NCAA tournament match and head into the weekend as one of the “Elite 8” teams left vying for an NCAA national title. A 39-3 record – good enough to secure the No. 2 overall seed in the tournament – is already quite the accomplishment for a program that just started in 2015.
“At first, we would go to Hawaii or UCLA or USC and get smashed,” said senior Caroline White. “But over the years, we have gotten closer and closer and this year we are going to take it all.”
Building a contender is the job of head coach Hector Gutierrez, and he has looked both near and far to bring the best volleyball players to Fort Worth. Coming from a national championship-winning program at Florida State where he served as assistant coach, Gutierrez knew what it took to build a winner.
“I wanted to combine the talent from Texas and talent from overseas and that is how we got competitive right away,” said Gutierrez.
Recruiting the best beach volleyball players to a relatively new program deep in the heart of Texas was not nearly as hard as it may seem. Gutierrez said the support of the athletic department and everything else the Fort Worth/TCU community has to offer is the ultimate recruiting tool.
“At the end of the day, you can play this sport anywhere. You just need sand and a net,” he said. “You can put a good team together if you have the support of the school and have players believing in the coaches’ message.”
The team is a healthy mix of players from around the state, country and even the world. In addition to the nine Texans of the team, there are multiple Californians, Floridians, and Arizonians.
“We are like a motely crew,” said senior Kaylie McHugh, a Florida native. “The first thing (Gutierrez) asked us is ‘do you want to win a national championship,’ and of course, that is a ‘yes.'”
There are also four players from Gutierrez’s native country of Spain, including Tania Moreno, who has played the sport since the age of 4 growing up in Madrid.
“My first impression of Texas was the boots and hats and horses, like in the movies basically” said Moreno. “But it is cool to have these facilities on campus and this team is just amazing.”
Ye of little faith!@MarcIstook and I won not only 1, but 2 points in our scrimmage with @TCUBeachVB!
Yes, one was an unforced spike out-of-bounds and the other an unconventional “bump kill,” but hey, they count.
The #2 “Sandy Frogs” play in the Elite 8 today at 11.#IAmUp pic.twitter.com/bM0yoBz5d4
— Chris Sadeghi (@chrissadeghi) May 6, 2022
But Gutierrez said selling players overseas on the chance to move across the world and attend college at TCU is the easy part.
“For the Spanish girls, it is an easy sell because we do not have this in Spain. The biggest selling point we can offer them is for the experience and their future after they are done playing with us.”
TCU will play Georgia State at 11 a.m. on Friday in the double-elimination “Elite 8” round of the NCAA tournament. | 2022-05-06T13:53:44Z | www.wfaa.com | TCU beach volleyball becomes one of best programs in US | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/tcu-beach-volleyball-elite-eight/287-6382cddd-2ac8-4590-bbc3-e68280621382 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/tcu-beach-volleyball-elite-eight/287-6382cddd-2ac8-4590-bbc3-e68280621382 |
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World!
"Spidey," eat your heart out! You're not the only one operating in a multiverse, and if there's anything better than one Benedict Cumberbatch, it's two or three. That's what we get in the latest Marvel adventure.
It's been nearly six years since were met the sorcerer, Doctor Strange, in his origin story. When he enters this time, it's in another universe where he encounters a young superhero, America Chavez, who can teleport through the multiverse. She's trying to keep a book of evil spells known as "the Darkhold" from the grips of a monster.
Also wanting her paws on that book is Wanda Maximoff, or "Scarlet Witch," Strange's major nemesis in the film, played by Elizabeth Olsen. She's desperate to get back to her children. If you watched "WandaVision" on Disney+, you know what that's about. (In fact, it's almost required viewing to make sense of this.)
And the story goes on from there. Strange's love interest, played by Rachel McAdams, returns. There's a wedding in the trailer. Is it theirs? My lips are sealed.
And by now, you've heard about the high court of superheroes, "The Illuminati," assembling. They gather to judge Strange and make for some awesome cameos. A new character drew an audible gasp from the audience.
You think the multiverse is layered ... the entire MCU has so many layers now. While it's a feast for fanboys, it's nearly impossible for the casual moviegoer to step in and understand what's going on. At one point, Strange gets the Darkhold, breaks through the mulitiverse and inhabits a corpse. Say whaaaat? Exactly!
The movie is directed by Sam Raimi, who brought us the first "Spider-Man" trilogy. Some suggest this could be the first MCU horror movie. I wouldn't call it that, though it has some elements and is plenty dark. One of the more pleasant aspects: it clocks in at just over two hours. So, compared to other MCU movies, it might actually leave you wanting more.
Doctor Strange keeps asking: "are you happy?" If you want to leave happy, stay for the credit roll. We see fabulous casting of a new Marvel character. The scene at the very end, though, a letdown.
(Disney/Marvel. Rated PG-13. Running Time 2 hrs. 6 mins. In Theaters Only.)
With 'The Lost City' and 'Infinite Storm,' two women, two very different adventures | 2022-05-06T15:54:28Z | www.wfaa.com | Review: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/movies/doctor-strange-in-the-multiverse-of-madness-review/287-b8bf702a-2281-46e2-964b-c93fd2e06b4d | https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/movies/doctor-strange-in-the-multiverse-of-madness-review/287-b8bf702a-2281-46e2-964b-c93fd2e06b4d |
Rodeo organizers are helping domestic violence survivors by drawing attention to the issue at its popular events held in North Texas multiple times a year.
DALLAS — You would never know by the smile on her face, but at one point in her life Carrie Dixon thought she would be dead by now. She is a survivor of a violent relationship that almost cost her life.
"I was living in West Virginia, and an ex-boyfriend quite literally tried to kill me," said Dixon, "I didn't think I was going to survive."
Dixon's fear of not surviving a violent relationship is far more common now than ever before. Domestic violence advocates across North Texas are seeing so many more cases that shelters are at capacity. That first step of leaving an abuser is critical for people like Dixon.
"I had no choice but to get out of there. I came back home to Texas. I didn't really know what to do or where to go," she said.
Dixon is not alone when it comes to survivors looking for a place of refuge in North Texas. Right now, Domestic violence advocates like Dorothy Greene shared that most of the shelters in the D-FW area are full.
Greene also stressed in many cases the hotel vouchers granted to survivors are all issued to people who have turned to shelters for help. That is another indicator that domestic violence cases are up in North Texas.
A recent National Coalition study shows in 2018, domestic violence accounted for 20% of violent crime, and 1 in 3 women reported domestic abuse. The same holds true for men, with 1 in 4 men reporting some level of abuse from their partner or family member.
Margo Wade-LaDrew serves as the Bill Pickett National marketing director. The long-time entertainment company is now working to help raise awareness to domestic violence.
Rodeo organizers are helping break the silence by drawing attention to the issue at its popular events held in North Texas multiple times a year. The Bill Pickett Rodeo events are attended by thousands and have become a popular family event around the country.
"We felt that it was time to deal with the stigma and to be able to open the doors and to provide resources," said Wade-LaDrew.
For the first time ever, part of the proceeds from rodeo ticket sales will help One Safe Place offer more survivors the help they gave Dixon.
"They helped me get housing," said Dixon. "They helped me with referrals for counseling, they helped me with police follow-up."
"Because one of the things that we have found, and I've found in work that I do in community outreach, is when people are in a safe place, when they feel comfortable," said Wade-LaDrew, "they tend to open up more, and they receive information that is provided to them easier than they would."
Survivors also learn what happens when their abusers go before a judge. One Safe Place facilitators help survivors practice what they will experience in court should their abuser face charges.
Jessie Rixie serves as the One Safe Place client director. Part of her responsibility is to make sure survivors are matched up with the right services they need to get on their feet or sustain independence for themselves and their families, especially children.
Many times, survivors may suffer guilt and blame from their abuser, who accuses them of the behavior being their own fault. Rixie believes knowing what to expect in court is a key step to remaining on the right track after escaping an abusive relationship.
"We have a courtroom here on-site at One Safe Place. We provide court prep, which will walk somebody through what to expect when they go to court," said Rixie.
But taking the first step is always the hardest step for people living in a domestic violence situation. Sometimes advocates can spend weeks, months and even years trying to convince victims to make the first move.
"There are people with open arms waiting to help you," said Dixon.
One Safe Place is a non-profit organization open to helping women, men, and children.
"We provide walk-in services. So, anybody that's experiencing domestic violence, whether that's currently happening, or it's happened in the past, they are welcome to walk in and meet with an advocate to talk about their story and their history," said Rixie, "and our advocate to kind of navigate their situation and help them find whatever they're looking for, whether that's counseling, spiritual support, help with legal services."
Now, some of that help will come from organizers of the Bill Pickett Rodeo events thanks to proceeds from ticket sales. Donations can be made through the Bill Pickett Rodeo Ticket sales here.
Click here for more information on the rodeo.
Child welfare monitors say there’s “ample evidence” kids were abused at Bastrop foster care facility, disputing Texas Rangers
Domestic violence shelters across North Texas are full, in need of donations for hotel vouchers and supplies | 2022-05-06T22:56:11Z | www.wfaa.com | North Texas rodeo raising funds for domestic violence survivors | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/bill-pickett-rodeo-events-raising-funds-domestic-violence-survivors/287-13e53a06-7615-4344-b212-dd668aa6e1f0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/bill-pickett-rodeo-events-raising-funds-domestic-violence-survivors/287-13e53a06-7615-4344-b212-dd668aa6e1f0 |
The league says players and a staff member stepped onto or near the court during play "on multiple occasions" during Wednesday's game in Phoenix.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks have been fined by the NBA due to actions by the bench during Wednesday night's loss to the Phoenix Suns in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.
In a news release, the league announced that the Mavericks were fined $25,000 for violating rules on "team bench decorum."
According to the NBA, some players and a member of the coaching staff stepped away from the Mavs bench and onto or near the court during play "on multiple occasions" during Game 2. The league did not elaborate further.
Dallas lost to the Suns 129-109 in Phoenix on Wednesday, setting up for a critical Game 3 at the American Airlines Center on Friday night.
The Mavs will look to bounce back as they're down in the series 2-0. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. CT. | 2022-05-06T22:56:29Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Mavericks fined by NBA for bench activity in Phoenix | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dallas-mavericks-fined-nba-bench-activity-game-2-loss-suns/287-09ecc334-7814-4d28-a84a-f87b70bbc44f | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dallas-mavericks-fined-nba-bench-activity-game-2-loss-suns/287-09ecc334-7814-4d28-a84a-f87b70bbc44f |
Jalen Brunson finally awoke in this series, scoring 28 to help Luka Doncic down the Suns in Game 3.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates a score against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, Friday, May 6, 2022, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
DALLAS — It’s amazing what the Dallas Mavericks can do when Luka Doncic gets a little help.
The Mavericks got back into their Western Conference semifinal series with the Phoenix Suns, thanks to a 103-94 win at the American Airlines Center, cutting the Suns series lead to 2-1.
Doncic scored his fewest points of the series so far, but was able to distribute the ball more effectively. He finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists.
And welcome to the series, Jalen Brunson.
The Mavs hero from the opening series against the Jazz, Brunson had been largely absent through the first two games of the series, but scored 10 points in the first quarter, and added 10 more in the third quarter. He turned in a 28-point performance to lead the Mavs in scoring -- and finally give Doncic a reprieve from carrying the entire team on his shoulders.
"It was awful," Brunson said of what it was like to have to sit with his Game 1 and Game 2 performances over the last 48 hours. ""But I can't be just satisfied with this. Sunday I've got to bring the same intensity, the same energy."
The Mavs defense finally showed itself in Game 3. After getting roasted by the Suns tremendous shooting in the first two games of the series, Dallas held Phoenix to – a still impressive, but less literal-face-of-the-sun scorching – 44.7 percent.
"Energy, man," Doncic said was the difference in Game 3. "I think the energy was insane.
"Reggie and DoDo [Finney-Smith], those guys were incredible all year on the defensive end, they showed it today once again."
Bullock, who played through a rib injury in the second half, played exceptional defense on Suns superstar Chris Paul. Paul committed seven turnovers on the night, all of them in the first half. The Mavs spoiled his 37th birthday by holding him to just 12 points on the night.
"Happy birthday, CP," Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said with a good-natured laugh.
Bullock denied Paul the basketball at multiple points in the game, forcing the Suns to filter their offense through someone else.
Doncic was also much more pleased with his own defensive effort.
"I knew I had to do better. That was really poor, that second half [of Game 2, on defense]," Doncic said. "I knew I had to get back with my team, and play better defense."
And the Mavs were far more balanced offensively, getting 28 from Brunson, 26 from Doncic, 15 from Reggie Bullock, 14 from Dorian Finney-Smith and 14 more from Maxi Kleber.
The Mavs fell in an early 9-3 hole, as Devin Booker hit a pair of threes, and Jae Crowder buried a triple as well. But Brunson finally got something going for the first time in the series, scoring on three successive Mavs possessions, rounding it out with a transition layup plus a foul on Chris Paul. The free throw gave him seven points in 59 seconds, and the Mavs had cut the Suns lead to one, at 13-12.
Brunson would keep it going, burying a 3-pointer to give him 10 points in the opening quarter. He had averaged 11 points per game in the first two games of the series.
The starkest way to illustrate how different this first quarter was from any other in the series – Doncic tallied his first bucket of the game at the 4:10 mark of the first quarter, to give the Mavericks a 20-13 lead.
But Doncic was absolutely distributing the basketball, tallying five assists in the first ten minutes of the basketball game.
And the Mavs defense, largely absent through Games 1 and 2, finally reared it’s head in the first quarter of Game 3. The Suns shot 47.1% in the first quarter – still rather good, but a drastic departure from their penchant for 60% or better, in the first two games of the series.
The Mavs finished the first quarter on a 22-5 run to lead 29-20 after the opening period.
The Mavs defense, a later arrival to the series, finally showed itself in the first half of this game. The Suns turned the ball over seven times in the first 14:04 of the game, including six of them by Paul. And through that point, the Suns were shooting 39.1% from the field.
The Mavs didn’t take much advantage in the opening stretch of the second quarter though, merely outscoring Phoenix 4-2 over the first four minutes of the period.
Brunson made a couple more big buckets to keep the Mavs in control until Doncic returned. And then Luka went to work on the offensive end.
Working primarily against Mikal Bridges, who is one of the premier defenders in the NBA, Doncic heated up, hitting three shots in close succession over Bridges, helping Dallas extend the lead to 11 and looking down at Bridges on the floor, after the third bucket.
Spencer Dinwiddie hit a triple, and the Mavs extended the lead to 14, before a Suns run cut that advantage in half at 48-41.
Doncic scored another bucket over Paul, drawing the foul, and extending the Dallas lead back to 10, but missing the free throw. Crowder would hit a three to establish the halftime margin, as Dallas led 51-44.
Dallas started the second half strong. After a Bridges jumper cut the Mavs lead to five, Dallas initiated an 8-0 run, to build the lead to 13 at 59-46. Two Dorian Finney-Smith three-pointers, and a Doncic lob to Dwight Powell forced the Suns to call a timeout 2:15 into the period.
Doncic and Brunson led the charge, as the Mavs took firm control of the basketball game. A three from Doncic built the lead to 18 at 69-51. And Brunson had ten points in the quarter, just like he did in the first period, to help Dallas keep the Suns at arms length throughout the period. Dallas led by 15, 82-67, going to the fourth quarter.
The Mavs had some very tenuous moments in the fourth quarter, when Doncic tallied his fifth foul of the game. The Mavs second unit did an admirable job of keeping the Suns from feasting while he was gone, going from the 8:07 mark to 4:39 left in the period, and only allowing the lead to drop from 17 to 11. | 2022-05-07T05:26:23Z | www.wfaa.com | NBA Playoffs: Dallas Mavericks beat Phoenix Suns in Game 3 | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dallas-mavericks-beat-phoenix-suns-game-3-nba-playoffs/287-eef88bba-d1cb-4601-9ef2-1c2a055470c5 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dallas-mavericks-beat-phoenix-suns-game-3-nba-playoffs/287-eef88bba-d1cb-4601-9ef2-1c2a055470c5 |
3 people shot overnight in Dallas, police say
The shooting happened at approximately 12:28 a.m. Saturday near Meyers Street and Al Lipscomb Way, according to police.
DALLAS — Three people have been hurt after an overnight shooting in Dallas, according to police.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:20 a.m. Saturday near Meyers Street and Al Lipscomb Way. An assist officer call also came out at the location from DART Police.
DART officers were flagged down about a body on the ground. The DART officers located two victims: a 20-year-old male and a 19-year-old female. Both victims were transported to Baylor Hospital. The male was in critical condition and the female in stable condition. Another victim, a 22-year-old woman, was also transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound.
Police said that during their investigation, officers discovered that the 22-year-old female victim was arguing with a known 30-year-old female suspect when the suspect pulled out a gun and started shooting at the 22-year-old.
The gunfire struck the all three victims.
The 20-year-old male and 19-year-old female were waiting on a ride nearby and not a part of the disturbance, according to police.
No arrests have been made and an investigation is ongoing, police said.
There was no further information available. | 2022-05-07T16:01:40Z | www.wfaa.com | 3 people shot overnight in Dallas, police say | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/dallas-texas-triple-shooting-overnight/287-3f42bd7e-e631-4454-a45d-a7f5735c7677 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/dallas-texas-triple-shooting-overnight/287-3f42bd7e-e631-4454-a45d-a7f5735c7677 |
The investment fund will be managed by JP Morgan Chase and will be accessible to the 2022 graduates in 10 years, school officials said in a release.
DALLAS — The 2022 class of Paul Quinn College received quite the surprise during Saturday's commencement ceremony: a $250,000 investment fund from Alfred Street Baptist Church.
Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, president of Paul Quinn College, said the gift is part of an initiative to fight intergenerational poverty.
“We are truly grateful to Alfred Street Baptist Church and my friend, Dr. Wesley. The vision needed to make this type of investment is as uncommon as it is generous,” said Sorrell. “With this gift, we will be establishing a trust fund for the Class of 2022. In doing so, we are making available the type of wealth management/building tool that is not commonly available to first generation college graduates and Pell Grant recipients. The number one tool in the fight against poverty is access to capital. Together, Alfred Street and Paul Quinn are making sure that PQC’s class of 2022 begins their post-college lives on the right foot. We can never say ‘thank you’ enough to Dr. Wesley and his extraordinary congregation.”
Paul Quinn College officials also said their goal is to build Street’s gift by securing additional contributions and increasing the fund’s value. The fund will provide a tangible, monetary gift that will go directly to students and grow as the students continue in their educational or professional pursuits. officials said.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2022! This graduating class has spent at least half of their college career in a global pandemic navigating an immense amount of stress and hardship" said Revered Dr. Howard-John Wesley, senior pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church. "We know the impact this has had on our mental and physical health and especially the impact it has had on the Black community. These resilient students deserve to be celebrated in a one-of-a-kind way and I, along with the incredibly giving community of Alfred Street Baptist Church, am excited to bless these bright young leaders who have the brightest future ahead. Our hope is that this gift will sow a seed into Paul Quinn students, allowing them to become all that God has called them to be."
Paul Quinn’s 145th graduating class was its largest since 2008 and has been on a “steep upward trajectory” in recent years, the school said.
Paul Quinn College surprises Lancaster ISD students with college acceptance notices
Paul Quinn College surprises 6th, 7th grade students with college acceptance letters
Paul Quinn College celebrates campus transformation with community tours, open house | 2022-05-07T21:19:08Z | www.wfaa.com | 2022 Paul Quinn College class surprised with $250K gift | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/paul-quinn-college-grads-receive-250k-investment-fund-wfaa/287-d59689bd-04b1-4150-9b72-77713c531b10 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/paul-quinn-college-grads-receive-250k-investment-fund-wfaa/287-d59689bd-04b1-4150-9b72-77713c531b10 |
The Dallas Cowboys targeted and selected players that fit their mold at the NFL Draft as they continued to stay true to form this offseason.
DALLAS — There are many ways to win in the NFL, which is something Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and CEO Stephen Jones is quick to tell everyone.
Last season, the Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl by pushing all their chips into the middle of the table, signing the best free agents and trading most of their draft picks for top-of-the-line talent.
The Cowboys do it the exact opposite way: they rarely invest heavily in free agency and love to use the NFL Draft to build the team. The edge currently goes to the Rams, since they recently enjoyed the success that the Cowboys have been striving to attain.
Yet the Cowboys continue to plug away using their strategy. Using the draft to build their team isn’t the only prong of the plan, as Dallas also wants to pick their type of players, and it was seen once again at this year’s draft. Team building for the Cowboys is all about constructing an identity.
This year’s first round pick, offensive lineman Tyler Smith, is a great example. Smith wasn’t a popular selection, and although there were a few teams who reportedly had Smith as a first-round talent, to many it seemed a little rich to select the Tulsa standout 24th overall.
However, Dallas won’t be worried about the perception. They built their own rankings of the available talent and listened to their talent evaluators. It’s how Smith came to be listed as a top 16 player in the now famously leaked draft board.
They liked the player and drafted him, much like they did when they drafted center Travis Frederick in 2013. That pick was second-guessed by fans and draft experts all the way up until Frederick quickly proved why he was worthy of his first round selection.
Just as Frederick did, Smith fits the identity of who the Cowboys want to be on offense. Dallas wants to be a team that physically dominates and can run the ball; they are designed to run to set up the pass more than most of today’s NFL teams. Fans may not like that strategy, but the team stayed true to who they are.
Tyler Smith might not be a fan favorite for where he was picked, but the Cowboys know who they are and drafted accordingly.
Dallas wants to win in the trenches, be a physical football team and run the ball. Regardless of what you think of that, they drafted to their identity!
— Ben Grimaldi (@BenGrimaldi) May 6, 2022
Being true to who you are isn’t easy these days, but the Cowboys had the fortitude to trust that Smith brings to table a lot of what the team is looking for. Smith’s a mauler. He’s physical and nasty in the running game. That fits Dallas’ philosophy to a T.
The same can be said about second-round pick, defensive end Sam Williams. Most draft experts had players, and pass rushers, ranked higher than Williams, but the Cowboys took their guy. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn worked Williams out during his pro day and saw enough to support the selection.
Dallas hired Quinn and put their faith in him to lead the defense, so allowing him to help pick a player he believes in is a smart way to get everyone to buy in on what you’re trying to build.
New Cowboys DE Sam Williams on @1053thefan: "I told (Dan Quinn before the draft) I want to be a Cowboy. Being worked out by him was a huge honor ... I told my agent (after my 30 visit) I don't want to leave. I told them I'm gonna miss my plane on purpose b/c I don't wanna leave."
Selecting players with strong athletic traits is something that can be seen throughout the Cowboys’ draft. One glance at any of the Cowboys’ draft picks or players added as undrafted free agents and you’ll find it’s a common theme, they all tested well athletically or fit what the team is looking for.
Drafting excellent athletes or relentless performers is a philosophy that team Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay pursued throughout the draft process. McClay wants big, strong, fast athletes on both sides of the ball to keep up with the ever-expanding amount of athletic talent that every NFL team now possesses. With the players only getting bigger and stronger, the Cowboys seek to be on the forefront of keeping up with that trend.
Armchair evaluators might have had other players in mind, but the Cowboys were smart enough to know their identity and had the fortitude to draft the players that they felt fit their profile.
The Cowboys want to be a physically dominating team on offense, and a play-making unit on defense. Their draft reflects who Dallas aspires to be, and everyone working towards a set philosophy is always better than having no identity at all.
Do you think the Cowboys are making the right moves to move forward in 2022? Share your thoughts with Ben on Twitter @BenGrimaldi. | 2022-05-07T21:19:20Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Cowboys built upon team identity at NFL Draft | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-draft-selection-true-to-identity/287-d882177d-01b4-4d4d-8cad-12aa9f5fd192 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-draft-selection-true-to-identity/287-d882177d-01b4-4d4d-8cad-12aa9f5fd192 |
Officials at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas said they typically deliver on average 11 babies per day. But in the past 72 hours, they delivered 65.
DALLAS — Sunday marks the day to celebrate all the moms out there.
Right before Mother's Day, 65 women at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas alone became moms, hospital officials told WFAA. The labor and delivery team at Baylor University Medical Center is one of the busiest in North Texas, they said, typically delivering 11 babies on average per day.
However, in the past 72 hours, the Baylor University Medical Center team delivered 65 babies, nearly double their daily average.
Post-Partum Nurse Britney Waisner has been with the hospital for five years and said she has not seen this type of increase in some time.
"I can only think of one other time something like this has happened," Waisner said. "Definitely pretty crazy."
One of those 65 new moms, Mesquite native Jennifer Terry, will celebrate Mother’s Day at home with her new baby boy, Lincoln, who was born on May 5.
Credit: Baylor Scott & White Health
"Baby Lincoln wasn't supposed to be here until the 17th, but he is now considered a Cinco de Mayo baby," Terry said. "The way it all happened was a surprise, but I mean, being here from start to finish has been one of the best experiences by far."
Lincoln is the third child for Terry and her husband, Reginald Terry. All three of their children have been delivered at Baylor University Medical Center, she said.
"It's definitely been a blessing throughout," said Terry. "God's timing is perfect."
Next year, the day will go back to what feels more normal: May 14, 2023. | 2022-05-07T23:34:50Z | www.wfaa.com | 65 women from Dallas hospital give birth days before Mother's Day | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-texas-babies-born-before-mothers-day/287-3a8d0698-7ad1-4304-b87f-33d1bb1a15e2 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-texas-babies-born-before-mothers-day/287-3a8d0698-7ad1-4304-b87f-33d1bb1a15e2 |
The Mavs head back to Phoenix for Game 5 after tying up the series on Sunday afternoon.
The Dallas Mavericks took the lead in the first quarter and never looked back, beating the Phoenix Suns 111-101 at the American Airlines Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Mavs now head to Phoenix for Game 5 on Tuesday as they look to get ahead in the series.
Luka Doncic, though a rather rough shooting day, led the charge with 26 points. Dorian Finney-Smith added 24 on 8-12 shooting from the 3-point line.
The Mavs bench also contributed, with Davis Bertans scoring 12 points (4-6 from the 3-point line) in 13 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie added 10 points.
It was a rough outing for Suns veteran guard Chris Paul, who fouled out with 8:58 left in the fourth quarter. He picked up his fourth foul with just a second left in the first half.
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday at 9 p.m. CT. | 2022-05-08T22:22:41Z | www.wfaa.com | NBA Playoffs: Dallas Mavericks beat Phoenix Suns in Game 4 | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dallas-mavericks-tie-up-series-win-over-phoenix-suns-game-4-nba-playoffs/287-9ee1c2b2-6665-4571-b646-3e72755ff161 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dallas-mavericks-tie-up-series-win-over-phoenix-suns-game-4-nba-playoffs/287-9ee1c2b2-6665-4571-b646-3e72755ff161 |
Police say the victim was sent to a hospital in critical condition.
Police investigate a shooting off Ledbetter Drive in Dallas.
DALLAS — Police are looking for a suspect in a shooting that left someone in critical condition in southeast Dallas on Monday morning.
Police said officers responded to the shooting at 7:43 a.m. Monday in the 2900 block of East Ledbetter Drive, near Sunnyvale Street and Bonnie View Road.
Police said a male was shot and taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Officers were still searching for a suspect, and a police helicopter was helping look for the shooter.
More information about the shooting was not being released by police.
Several police vehicles were seen parked outside of a gas station, and crime scene tape was surrounding a parking lot across the street. | 2022-05-09T17:10:47Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas shooting: One man critical near Ledbetter and Bonnie View | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/police-in-east-ledbetter-drive-dallas-texas-shooting-suspect-wanted/287-a407b214-3734-4a2f-83e6-350e88f73e2d | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/police-in-east-ledbetter-drive-dallas-texas-shooting-suspect-wanted/287-a407b214-3734-4a2f-83e6-350e88f73e2d |
The company is looking to hire 150 full-time employees for their facility on Sandy Lake Road. The positions come with medical coverage and tuition assistance.
COPPELL, Texas — FedEx Supply Chain is looking for about 150 employees to work in their Coppell facility as soon as possible.
The company is hosting a hiring fair in the city for two days to look for full-time workers. They'll be at the Fairfield Inn & Suites at 1150 Northpoint Drive on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Face masks will be mandatory at the fair.
This FedEx Supply Chain Facility is on 840 West Sandy Lake Road, near the hiring fair.
Based on the job openings online, the company is mainly looking for Warehouse Workers that'll help load and unload products. There are morning, evening and weekend shifts available, and the starting pay rate is $15.50 per hour.
There are openings available for Maintenance Technicians, Electronic Technicians and more. The facility is also looking for Forklift Operators, but applicants have to have prior experience.
All full-time employee will get vision and dental benefits, tuition assistance, training opportunities and other advantages. Medical coverage will be available after the end of the eligibility period.
All applicants are required to have a high school diploma or an equivalent. Applicants will also need to bring two forms of valid ID and have to go through a criminal background check and drug screening. | 2022-05-09T19:01:18Z | www.wfaa.com | Two-day FedEx job fair in Coppell, TX | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/events/fedex-supply-chain-job-fair-hiring-event-coppell-texas-may-10-11-2022/287-ce905555-8b60-46cc-a5ec-bbab147da0ce | https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/events/fedex-supply-chain-job-fair-hiring-event-coppell-texas-may-10-11-2022/287-ce905555-8b60-46cc-a5ec-bbab147da0ce |
Officers arrested the suspect after she led them through a residential neighborhood, driving over several lawns and destroying property, police say.
GARLAND, Texas — Garland police arrested a woman Sunday after she reportedly crashed an ambulance stolen from Baylor Hospital earlier that day and leading them on an erratic chase through a neighborhood, police say.
Officers received a hit-and-run call involving the ambulance around 4:50 p.m. Sunday, police say, and later learned it was a Wilmer Fire Department ambulance which had been stolen from the Dallas hospital.
The ambulance was found and officers tried to stop it by turning on their lights and sirens but the driver refused to stop, police say. The driver also turned on its lights and sirens, leading the officers on a chase and driving erratically through a residential area, running over many lawns and damaging property, according to police.
Police say the driver eventually drove through a metal guardrail, causing the ambulance to become disabled — after which, officers were able to take the driver into custody.
The driver, a 34-year-old woman, is a resident of Austin and was believed to be under the influence of an illegal drug, police say. Police charged her with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, driving while intoxicated, evading arrest and failure to stop and leave ID.
Police are still investigating. The suspect is in the Garland Detention Center and no bond has been set at this time. | 2022-05-09T22:37:40Z | www.wfaa.com | Ambulance thief leads Garland police on chase, police say | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/woman-leads-garland-police-chase-stealing-ambulance/287-13106e6c-af36-4528-bb32-3af9d4424607 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/woman-leads-garland-police-chase-stealing-ambulance/287-13106e6c-af36-4528-bb32-3af9d4424607 |
In a statement, the Mavs said the two fans "attempted to give unwanted hugs" to members of Chris Paul's family at the American Airlines Center.
Credit: Instagram/@b214mac
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul argues with a Dallas Mavericks fan being escorted from the American Airlines Center after allegedly harassing Paul's family during Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Western Conference Semifinals.
DALLAS — Two Dallas Mavericks fans who were involved in an incident with the family of Suns guard Chris Paul during Sunday's playoff game have been banned from the American Airlines Center until 2023, the Mavs said in a statement.
During the fourth quarter of Sunday's semifinal game, a fan was "swiftly removed" from the AAC following the incident, according to an initial statement from the Mavs.
After an investigation, the Mavs released a follow-up statement, saying the incident involved "two unruly fans" and that it happened in a public concourse at the arena.
The Mavs said the two fans "attempted to give unwanted hugs and have conversations with members of the Paul family."
"AAC security responded immediately once notified by the family and the fans were swiftly ejected from the game," Monday's statement read.
The team added that the fans involved will not be allowed at the American Airlines Center until 2023.
According to a report by ESPN's Dave McMenamin after the game, a source said the family, which included Paul's children, felt unsafe.
Paul took his frustration to Twitter following the game. "Wanna fine players for saying stuff to the fans but the fans can put they hands on our families... f*** that," he said in a tweet. | 2022-05-09T22:37:46Z | www.wfaa.com | Chris Paul family incident: Two Mavs fans banned from home games | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/two-fans-incident-family-chris-paul-banned-mavs-home-games/287-ddbaf698-2531-4e8a-9248-78b6fee7d246 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/two-fans-incident-family-chris-paul-banned-mavs-home-games/287-ddbaf698-2531-4e8a-9248-78b6fee7d246 |
"With congressional support, why, of course we can achieve our goal," John "Lucky" Luckadoo told WFAA.
DALLAS — John "Lucky" Luckadoo has always balked at the idea that he is an American hero, even though he survived one of the most dangerous bombing campaigns of WWII.
He is a bit closer, however, to getting millions of his fellow Americans recognized as the heroes he has always believed them to be.
The last time we talked with Luckadoo, at Presbyterian Village North where he lives, was on his 100th birthday two months ago. We returned on Monday, where a crowd ushered into the same auditorium to surprise him for reaching one more big milestone.
He is the last surviving member of the Bloody 100th: a name unfortunately earned because so few survived dangerous daytime bombing runs over Germany. Luckadoo defied the odds and returned after more than his fair share of missions, once with his boots frozen to the controls of his B-17.
But on Monday, true to humble form, he gave the same heartfelt speech he's done so many times before.
"I shudder to think that you're trying to paint me as a hero. Because I ain't no hero," he said. "The real heroes are those who did not come home. And the real heroes are also those who stayed home and outproduced the world."
Which is why for years now he's pushed for a national 'Home Front Heroes Day': a Veterans Day of sorts to recognize 'Rosie the Riveter' and other Americans who helped support the war effort from home.
And today Congressman Colin Allred showed up, a bi-partisan resolution in hand, expressing support for designating May 9th as 'Home Front Heroes Day' on a national level. Allred introduced the resolution along with Rep. Jake Ellzey, a Republican from Texas' 6th district.
Allred also praised Luckadoo for his recent biography in print called "Damn Lucky." And for the fact that Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks are working on a Bloody 100th documentary.
"You know, that's something," Allred said in his remarks to Luckadoo and the crowd assembled in the auditorium. "But creating a national holiday, that's also something. What a life! What an incredible life of service you've led Major!"
"I am proud to join my colleague Rep. Allred in submitting H.R. 1088 to designate May 9th as 'Home Front Heroes Day,'" said Ellzey in a written statement. "The brave men and women that serve in our nation's military would be unable to do their jobs without the love and support of those back at home. Our country is strong because of the sacrifices of our citizens. It is only fitting that we take a day to honor those sacrifices."
The resolution now goes to the U.S. House for consideration.
"With congressional support, why, of course we can achieve our goal," Luckadoo told WFAA.
Because, 100 or not, Lucky isn't done fighting for his country just yet. | 2022-05-10T00:15:56Z | www.wfaa.com | Veteran's quest for Home Front Heroes Day headed to Congress | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/veterans-quest-home-front-heroes-day-on-way-congress/287-fafc6a77-eab1-4977-8286-ca426c059f43 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/veterans-quest-home-front-heroes-day-on-way-congress/287-fafc6a77-eab1-4977-8286-ca426c059f43 |
Kelly Masten's family said police told them she'd be taken to the hospital. Instead, she spent 10 days in jail repeatedly having seizures.
Author: William Joy (WFAA), Ryan Osborne
FORT WORTH, Texas — A 38-year-old woman with severe intellectual disabilities has been hospitalized and on a ventilator in intensive care for nearly three weeks after a 10-day stay at the Tarrant County Jail, her family said.
The Tarrant County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Kelly Masten was booked at the county jail on an assault charge from April 12 to April 21 and that officials are investigating what happened during her time there.
“She is fighting for her life right now in ICU on a ventilator,” Kristina Salinas, Masten’s sister said. “She has never been institutionalized, in jail, never been in any type of facility.”
Masten suffers from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a rare epilepsy disorder causing her to have seizures nearly every day. On April 11, her grandmother called 911 after Masten bit her.
Officers took Masten into custody on a charge of assault-bodily injury and told her grandmother that Masten would be taken to jail and then to the mental health unit at JPS. That didn’t happen.
The sheriff's office in a news release said Masten, who was housed in a single cell, had "at least 20 interactions" with the jail's medical staff and that detention officers also checked her regularly.
“She was just left seizing in a cement jail, continuously injuring herself to the point that she is covered head to toe in bruises,” Salinas said.
Citing privacy laws, the sheriff's office did not provide information about her health condition, though officials said "there is no indication of a criminal offense" happening against Masten at the jail.
The Tarrant County District Attorney’s office dropped the charge against Masten.
The jail has struggled with inmate safety issues over the past
In three years from 2016 through 2018, the Tarrant County jail recorded three in-custody deaths.
From 2019 through 2021, though, the jail has recorded 36 deaths, according to data from an open records request.
Masten was taken to JPS, but Salinas says her name and birthday were both recorded wrong at the jail, meaning medical records weren’t found.
Police documents showed Masten's name spelled "Maston." The 38-year-old has the mental capacity of a 5-year-old. As a result, she was sent back to the jail, where she remained until her family could post bond for her on April 21. The family said her clothes were soaked in urine.
“She cannot read or write. She cannot spell her name,” Salinas said. “She only knows her first name. Besides that, she cannot relay any type of vital or important information.”
Her father visited her in jail and watched her have a seizure, but the jail said they couldn’t do anything because they can’t force inmates to take medication.
“We don’t know how our baby is going to come out of this now,” Danny Masten said. “Is she going to be able to function at all? Maybe she won’t be. We don’t know that yet.”
Salinas says Kelly has now developed pneumonia at the hospital and her condition is trending worse, not better.
On the day she as supposed to be released, Masten's family said they waited for her outside of the jail. She never came outside.
When the family asked jail officials, they were told she has already been taken to JPS.
"I don’t know what policy and procedure they go by, but it obviously does not work,” Masten said. “It was the wrong facility. Other actions should’ve been taken but it’s a little too late for that now because my sister is still fighting for her life.”
On Tuesday morning, there will be a protest at the jail over Masten’s treatment and the jail’s handling of mental health inmates. | 2022-05-10T00:16:02Z | www.wfaa.com | Family says daughter wasn't cared for at Tarrant County Jail | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/woman-hospitalized-ventilator-family-says-wasnt-cared-for-tarrant-county-jail/287-2c8f1206-3dcd-4c34-9576-8962a54de587 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/woman-hospitalized-ventilator-family-says-wasnt-cared-for-tarrant-county-jail/287-2c8f1206-3dcd-4c34-9576-8962a54de587 |
Two Mavs fans were removed from Sunday's game at the American Airlines Center after an incident involving Chris Paul's family, according to the team.
DALLAS — Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams on Monday addressed an incident that happened in Dallas involving two Mavericks fans and the family of veteran guard Chris Paul.
Williams suggested it may be time to reconsider where the families of players sit during games.
During the fourth quarter of Sunday's semifinal game, a fan was "swiftly removed" from the American Airlines Center following an incident with Paul's family, according to an initial statement from the Mavs.
The Mavs said in a statement Monday that the incident involved two fans who "attempted to give unwanted hugs and have conversations with members of the Paul family" in a public concourse at the AAC. The two fans were ejected from the game and were also banned from the AAC until 2023, according to the Mavs.
On Monday afternoon, the Suns head coach was asked about the incident during the team's practice in Phoenix.
Williams said more should be done to protect the families of players.
"I really feel like families who are in to support their loved ones need to be protected a bit more," he told reporters. "Whether or not we have to give our family members a section or suite, something has to be done."
"We can't wait for it to get to a level or too high before we do what we need to do," Williams added.
According to a report by ESPN's Dave McMenamin after the game, a source said that the family, which included Paul's children, felt unsafe.
Paul tweeted out his frustration following the game. "Wanna fine players for saying stuff to the fans but the fans can put they hands on our families... f*** that," he said in a tweet. | 2022-05-10T01:57:48Z | www.wfaa.com | Mavs fan incident: Suns coach says families may need own sections | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks-fan-incident-suns-monty-williams-suggests-families-own-sections/287-f9493f16-5309-4929-859f-30b8ff066e99 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks-fan-incident-suns-monty-williams-suggests-families-own-sections/287-f9493f16-5309-4929-859f-30b8ff066e99 |
It's not clear what led up to the shooting, police said.
DALLAS — One man was injured, and a high-rise building was struck by a bullet in a shooting in downtown Dallas on Monday night, police said.
Officers early Tuesday were still investigating what happened.
Police told WFAA that someone opened fire near the 7-11 on Ross Avenue and Griffin Street and that one man was shot.
The shooting happened around 10:30 p.m.
The victim's condition was not known.
Police said one of the bullets from the shooting also struck the One Main Place high-rise building on Main Street. No one in the building was hurt.
More information about the shooting was not released. | 2022-05-10T12:12:24Z | www.wfaa.com | Downtown Dallas shooting: Man injured, One Main Place hit | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/downtown-dallas-texas-shooting-may-10-2022-one-main-place/287-8bdb6647-92e2-43f4-ae4d-ec720bc560b6 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/downtown-dallas-texas-shooting-may-10-2022-one-main-place/287-8bdb6647-92e2-43f4-ae4d-ec720bc560b6 |
Ben Cromwell was hospitalized with COVID when blood clots forced his legs to be amputated. As he learns life on prosthetics, he's getting a help with a power knee.
FORT WORTH, Texas — The last two years have been the most challenging years of Ben Cromwell's life. In July 2020, he was hospitalized with COVID-19.
"I had severe clotting from COVID," said Cromwell. "It was resistant to medicine, and it took them 11 surgeries to try to save my legs, and they ended up having to amputate both legs in order to save me."
He was amputated below the knee on his right leg and above the knee on his left leg. He remembers the pain.
"At a certain point, I was in so much pain that I was asking them to take my legs."
With two prosthetics after surgery, Cromwell knew he needed to learn how to move again. He set goals for himself.
Basic movements like standing up, walking or climbing stairs were no longer simple for him.
Cromwell's physical therapist, Shannon O'Neal with Fort Worth Physical Therapy, has watched him struggle and grow. She said the last few months, he's accomplished a lot with the help of a new Power Knee.
"This is a total game changer," said O'Neal. "The Power Knee gives some energy back to him."
Cromwell received Ossur's new motor-powered bionic prosthetic knee, which recently launched in the United States. It's designed for above-the-knee limb loss patients, and has advanced algorithms to detect movement and patterns. The Power Knee can adjust to the patient's speed and cadence.
"I've never gotten up the stairs with the other knee," said Cromwell, referring to his previous microprocessor knee.
He's excited for this new technology. "There's been several times that I've stumbled and it stopped me from falling." Cromwell hopes the Power Knee will take pressure off his right knee and prevent future knee replacement surgeries.
Cromwell was introduced to Ossur's Power Knee by Cody Longenbaugh, a Certified Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant at Baker Orthotics and Prosthetics in Fort Worth.
Longenbaugh, also an amputee, was the first non-military person in the United States to be fitted with a Power Knee.
"Once I wore this, I knew I had something that needed to be shared with the world," said Longenbaugh.
Even though their stories of limb loss are different, they both have the drive to keep moving, and are seeing major benefits from the Power Knee.
"I want to be able to be that person that's helping, and the only way I'm able to do that is to get on my feet and get going," Cromwell said.
With the Power Knee, there's still a learning curve, and it will continue to take practice and daily physical therapy. But it gives Cromwell a new sense of hope.
"When you see something that gives you hope to be able to resume your regular life, that's pretty exciting." | 2022-05-10T14:23:09Z | www.wfaa.com | Texan double amputee gets bionic Power Knee | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-double-amputee-covid-19-bionic-power-knee/287-4a0ea0fb-0ebf-499d-8d95-bafcdc9d508f | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-double-amputee-covid-19-bionic-power-knee/287-4a0ea0fb-0ebf-499d-8d95-bafcdc9d508f |
As a team located far away from their divisional opponents, the Dallas Cowboys are always sure to rack up travel miles, but they won’t get the worst of it in 2022.
DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys' 2022 schedule release is May 12, the same as the rest of the NFL, but the distance the reigning NFC East champions will have to travel has already been determined.
The Cowboys' home and away opponents were settled with the conclusion of the 2021 season. With Dallas' same-place finishers identified in the NFC South, NFC West, and AFC North, the scheduled combatants are locked into place as it was already in the formula for the Cowboys to face the AFC South and NFC North.
According to Bookies.com, the Cowboys will have the 12th-most travel miles in 2022 as they will log 19,566 miles covering 14 time zones.
Fun fact: this is the third straight year the #Cowboys will have a road game in the Pacific Time Zone.
The furthest the Cowboys will travel is to California when they take on the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Dallas' shortest distance road game will be when they take on the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
The Cowboys also have the benefit of going on the road three times in the Central Time Zone — Green Bay, Minnesota, Tennessee. In 2021, the Cowboys also had three games in the Central Time Zone as they played in Minnesota, Kansas City, and New Orleans.
Fun fact: this is the second straight year the #Cowboys will have three road games in the Central Time Zone.
What the NFL schedule will reveal for the Cowboys is how much of that distance they get to nibble and which parts they have to lump. Going out to Los Angeles isn't so bad if Dallas is coming off a home game. If Dallas has to play the Rams just after a visit to the East Coast to play the Jacksonville Jaguars, it could be a difficult stretch.
In 2011, the Cowboys opened up on Sunday Night Football at the New York Jets and then played the San Francisco 49ers on the road in week two. The Cowboys repeated the feat in 2012 when they played the New York Giants home in the Thursday night opener and then headed off to play the Seattle Seahawks in week two 11 days later.
The Seahawks top the list with a whopping 29,446 travel miles and 34 time zones visited. The Seahawks routinely are in the top-five annually due to their location in the Pacific Northwest.
The shortest distance will be enjoyed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are also generally in the bottom-5 due to their divisional opponents being in relative driving distance in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Baltimore. All of the Steelers' road games in 2022 will be in the Eastern Time Zone, the same time zone as the Steel City.
Do you think the Cowboys have an advantage or disadvantage when it comes to travel wear and tear? Share your thoughts with Mark on Twitter @therealmarklane. | 2022-05-10T14:23:34Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Cowboys will incur 12th-most travel miles in 2022 | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-2022-season-road-miles-traveled/287-515a1b6d-948d-4b67-ac43-4c0218acd39a | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-2022-season-road-miles-traveled/287-515a1b6d-948d-4b67-ac43-4c0218acd39a |
On Tuesday, May 10, Salinas and her family, along with people they've never met, held a march at the Tarrant County courthouse to protest Masten's treatment.
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — Kristina Salinas is on a mission to get answers about what happened to her sister, 38-year-old Kelly Masten while behind bars at Tarrant County Corrections Center. Salinas said her sister ended up with life threatening injuries while in custody.
"I want accountability," said Salinas.
Last month, Salinas drove 11 hours to Fort Worth from her home located outside of Jackson, Mississippi to help her sister get the care she needed.
On Tuesday, May 10, Salinas and her family, along with people they've never met, held a march at the Tarrant County courthouse to protest Masten's treatment at the jail.
Masten suffers from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a rare epilepsy disorder causing her to have seizures nearly every day. She also has severe intellectual disabilities and her family says she has the mental capacity of a 5-year-old.
On April 11, her grandmother called 911 after Masten bit her. Officers took Masten into custody on a charge of assault-bodily injury and told her grandmother that Masten would be taken to jail and then to the mental health unit at John Peter Smith Hospital.
But instead of ending up in the hospital, Masten spent 10 days in jail. During that time Salinas's father said he watched Masten have a seizure while in custody, all while trying to explain her illness.
"She was alone, fallen in a cell, that there was no one cleaning up after her when she was, you know, urinating on herself and pulling out her hair, and making sure she got in the bed and wasn't just lying on the cold floor," said Salinas.
Masten’s family shared photos of bruises all over her body. They said she’s now on a ventilator in intensive care.
Credit: Kristina Salinas
Masten's family says despite the injuries to her body, Tarrant County Corrections told them jailers followed policy and procedure.
The organizer for Tuesday's protest, Tamera Hutcherson is starting a coalition for jail accountability. She's inviting anyone concerned about the care and treatment of people behind bars to join the TCSO Accountability Coalition.
"This continues to happen, and nobody is being held accountable. So, the whole purpose of this coalition is to continue to apply pressure and to hold the sheriff's office and county officials accountable," Hutcherson said. "What I would say to Sheriff Bill Waybourn is that enough is enough. We don't want another person dying on our watch or suffering on our watch in Tarrant County jail."
Salinas went before the Tarrant County Commissioners Court to fight for change. During her appearance, commissioners allotted her more time to speak about the changes she would like to see to keep others from suffering a similar fate as her sister.
"No one knows her like I do. She's just she's a child. She's so innocent," Salinas said. "So, to know that for the first time in her life she was away from family she was probably scared, confused, obviously very injured, and there was no one there to help her, furious." | 2022-05-10T23:30:41Z | www.wfaa.com | Woman in hospital after stay at Tarrant County Jail; protest held | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/family-wants-tarrant-county-corrections-center-to-be-held-accountable-after-woman-ends-up-in-hospital/287-3d9e23da-0251-4159-98eb-23b5baef17e7 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/family-wants-tarrant-county-corrections-center-to-be-held-accountable-after-woman-ends-up-in-hospital/287-3d9e23da-0251-4159-98eb-23b5baef17e7 |
Getting involved in the classroom, Stafford Middle School Principal Robin Scott has been a student in the clarinet class all year, leading by example.
FRISCO, Texas — In Mrs. Laura Bell's second period class at Stafford Middle School, her 6th graders have a routine. They take a seat, set up their clarinets and get ready to play.
The kids also know their class attendance isn't full until a standout pupil walks in the door.
"She's just being like a regular student, like all the other sixth graders," said Christopher Contreras Ruelas, a student.
His school principal, Robin Scott, has been a part of the clarinet class all school year as a student.
"That's my bestie, Miss Scott," said 6th grader Brynnlee Wormer with a smile.
In the beginning, she said, "It was pretty nerve-wracking, like you didn't want to mess up because she is there, but then you see her make mistakes and you feel better."
Principal Scott's daily presence in the music class teaches the students it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them. She also teaches them it's never too late to learn something new.
"I didn't even know how to read music. I mean, I truly went in as a beginner," said Scott.
She's always wanted to learn an instrument and asked Mrs. Bell for the opportunity to do so.
"I full expected she'd be in a class one or two days a week, and then it would fizzle out as the year went on. And that absolutely has not been the case. If she has been on campus, she has been in class," said Bell.
While Scott has many administrative duties, she finds time to keep up in class. She does the homework, assessments and tests like the 6th graders.
"The most joy of my day is being in that class alongside them," said Scott.
She's developed stronger relationships with her students, and has become more involved.
Scott hopes to continue learning the clarinet, even after the school year is over. | 2022-05-10T23:30:47Z | www.wfaa.com | Frisco middle school principal learning clarinet with students | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/i-truly-went-in-as-a-beginner-frisco-middle-school-principal-has-been-learning-clarinet-all-school-year-with-6th-graders/287-fda2d06d-d40d-4129-a57f-8e884b8fe0a2 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/i-truly-went-in-as-a-beginner-frisco-middle-school-principal-has-been-learning-clarinet-all-school-year-with-6th-graders/287-fda2d06d-d40d-4129-a57f-8e884b8fe0a2 |
The move from Las Vegas to Fort Worth brings one extra challenge: Between performances, Sir Paul McCartney will need a clean place to play.
"It's our Super Bowl of bull riding and it's exciting," PBR chief marketing officer Kosha Irby told WFAA as he helped coordinate the set up at the arena that can take 48 to 72 hours to complete. "It never gets old, right? It never gets old."
The two weekend event is expected to draw as many as 100,000 people. Fort Worth officials have estimated the potential economic impact to be as much as $28 million a year for the city.
"What we're seeing is the promise that Dickies Arena has presented for us," Visit Fort Worth president Bob Jameson told WFAA a few weeks ago.
"I would spin that around," said Kosha Irby. "I would say I love what Fort Worth is doing for PBR. They have rolled out the red carpet for us. Everybody has done a phenomenal job to assist us in making this a success."
But as far as the dirt goes, Kosha Irby and his team get to do this twice!
The PBR World Finals start this weekend. The first three rounds of the 2022 PBR World Finals take place May 13-15. But the Paul McCartney concert at Dickies Arena is Tuesday May 17th. All the dirt, and whatever the bulls leave behind, has to leave so Sir McCartney has a clean place to play. Then, they get to bring all the dirt and other infrastructure back into the arena for the final five rounds held May 19-22.
"Split over two weekends with a concert in the middle. But at the end of the day we're here to try to create great experiences for our fans and riders and we're gonna do it," Irby said. "We like to say we come to your city, raise hell, and leave. And this is no exception here."
Except this time, they promise not to leave Fort Worth, bringing all that red Texas dirt and a lasting economic impact for years to come. | 2022-05-10T23:30:53Z | www.wfaa.com | PBR prepping for first rodeo finals in Fort Worth | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/pbr-event-big-they-install-texas-dirt-twice/287-4cf8509b-45ff-46ec-92a0-45122850d906 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/pbr-event-big-they-install-texas-dirt-twice/287-4cf8509b-45ff-46ec-92a0-45122850d906 |
It's Police Memorial Week, when fallen officers are remembered. Noel Penton shared her story for the first time about her husband who was killed.
DALLAS — It’s a day of mourning and remembrance for Dallas officers who died in the line of duty.
”In life, there is no escaping grief. It comes for us all,” said Mayor Eric Johnson, City of Dallas.
For Noel Penton, grief came on February 13, 2021, when she got a call from her father-in-law.
”He said you need to wake up and get out of bed, something has gone wrong,” said Noel Penton, widow.
As she was driven by officers to Baylor Hospital, she prayed for her husband, Officer Mitchell Penton.
She saw her father-in-law at the hospital first.
”I just got to him and my legs gave out and I said you just have to tell me he’s ok.”
Dallas Police say Officer Penton was hit by a drunk driver.
”The doctors came in and said your husband came in with severe injuries and we have done all we could do, and that’s all I heard and I was just screaming and crying," she said.
Noel was five months pregnant when her husband was killed and he was the stepfather to her other little boy.
“We just stood next to the bed and cried,” said Noel Penton.
Months later on Father’s Day, Noel’s water broke. 24 hours later, baby Riggs was born.
”I think I was scared to have him and see his dad in him but not get to see his dad, but I honestly say it’s the biggest blessing," she said.
Noel says she and Mitchell’s love story was a fairy tale from the night they met country and western dancing. She recalls their first meal together at Whatabuger. She asked him to bring extra ketchup. She meant for her French fries. He thought it was for the burger.
“The burger had so much ketchup I couldn’t eat it. So we joked about it and he gave me a Whatabuger charm for my bracelet."
”His wedding ring was actually engraved with ‘always come home.’"
So on this Police Memorial Day, she wants people to remember the sacrifices her husband made, and the 91 other DPD officers who never made it home.
Four new names were added this year to DPD's memorial wall of officers who died of COVID: Reserve Officer David Ruiz, Sr. Cpl. Arnulfo Pargas, Ofc. Scott Harn and Ofc. Christopher Gibson.
It was the first in-person ceremony in 2 years.
"Life is precious and fragile and tomorrow is promised to no one," said Chief Eddie Garcia, Dallas Police Department. | 2022-05-11T02:48:07Z | www.wfaa.com | Widow of fallen Dallas officer tells her story | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/widow-fallen-dallas-officer-5-months-pregnant-when-he-killed-she-tells-her-story/287-a17b5b4f-2bbe-41d9-b453-ce16bb64cd35 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/widow-fallen-dallas-officer-5-months-pregnant-when-he-killed-she-tells-her-story/287-a17b5b4f-2bbe-41d9-b453-ce16bb64cd35 |
Adolescent and family psychologist Dr. Adolph Brown says kids are losing faith in their future.
"Most people assume that the future will be better than the past, and especially young people," Dr. Brown said. "And that's not necessarily the case today. There are many young people who have a gloom-and-doom attitude regarding our future – whether it's climate change, whether it's continuous fallout from the pandemic, whether it's the polarization that's occurring in our society, both politically, culturally and racially. So there are many variables that are contributing to the rise in mental health issues for teens today."
RELATED: After tempting fate many times, an Austin teen hopes to use her story of recovery to help others | 2022-05-11T04:22:10Z | www.wfaa.com | Teen mental health: Hopelessness, isolation leading to depression | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/teen-mental-health/269-8656b29d-4f77-4109-a915-4ad5e39dd6ab | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/teen-mental-health/269-8656b29d-4f77-4109-a915-4ad5e39dd6ab |
Texas gas prices higher than ever
Mavs, Suns in a tight one at halftime of Game 5
Dallas came out hot, but the Suns have answered back to lead by three at the break
PHOENIX — The Dallas Mavericks have availed themselves far better through the first 24 minutes of Game 4 than much of what we saw in Games 1 and 2 in Phoenix, but they still trail by three at halftime, 49-46. The Western Conference Semifinal series is tied, 2-2.
Luka Doncic started the game scorching hot, cooled slightly, but has played a strong first half, tallying 18 points, 7 rebounds, and a pair of assists. Jalen Brunson, who was a no-show in Games 1 and 2, has come to play tonight, putting up 9 first half points.
The Suns have been led by an even-hotter-than-Doncic Devin Booker, who hit seven of his 11 first half shots, to post 16 in the opening half, pushing Phoenix to the lead at the break. Mikal Bridges chipped in 10 for the Suns.
The start of Game 5 was vastly different from what we saw in Games 1 and 2 in Phoenix. Instead of a 9-0 Suns lead, the Mavs came out as the hot-shooting team, making four of their first five field goal attempts, and jumping out to a 10-3 lead in the first 2:44 of the game. Doncic hit a floater to open the scoring, and then matched his three-point output from Game 4 with his first three-point attempt of the night, hitting a step-back to put the Mavs up 7-3. He hit his first three shots, backing down Paul to hit a 12-footer, and give the Mavs a 15-9 lead. Jalen Brunson got involved early, getting into the post to notch his first two points of the night. And Dorian Finney-Smith hit a pair of threes in the opening four minutes, continuing his torrid pace from Game 4.
Doncic opened the game hot, hitting four of his first six shots of the game, posting 11 points in the first eight minutes of the game. The Mavs built the lead to 24-16, thanks to a three-pointer from Maxi Kleber.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker was tremendous to start the game as well, scoring 12 of the Suns' first 22 points, to help cut the lead to two, late in the first quarter.
The Mavs finished the opening stanza with a three-point lead, 26-23.
The opening five minutes of the second quarter were back and forth, with neither team developing any significant momentum. The most impactful sequence was Davis Bertans hitting two three-pointers in a 26-second span, the second of which coming along with a foul on Jae Crowder. Bertans scored seven points in less than half a minute, to help Dallas lead 37-30.
After a Jalen Brunson free throw gave Dallas a 38-30 lead, the Suns would engineer a 10-2 run to tie the game. Ayton scored the first four points of the run, before Booker went back to work. Booker had 16 points in the first 20 minutes of the game, hitting 7 of his first 11 shots, to help Phoenix tie the game at 40.
Doncic made a couple tough shots, including an and-one over Cam Johnson, to help keep the Mavs in touch. But the Suns would continue their onslaught, finally taking their first lead since 3-2, on a Mikal Bridges bucket that made it 44-42.
A Cam Johnson three-pointer and a tough fadeaway by Chris Paul helped push the Suns halftime lead to three, at 49-46. Phoenix outscored the Mavs 26-20 in the second quarter. | 2022-05-11T04:22:41Z | www.wfaa.com | Mavs, Suns back and forth at halftime in game 5 | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/mavs-suns-in-a-tight-one-at-halftime-of-game-5/287-4fca6219-e211-4d78-a701-3014d59d7dff | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/mavs-suns-in-a-tight-one-at-halftime-of-game-5/287-4fca6219-e211-4d78-a701-3014d59d7dff |
Euless police had tried to stop a vehicle that was heading east on Euless Boulevard, but the suspect drove away.
Police investigate a fatal crash in east Fort Worth.
FORT WORTH, Texas — A person died after a driver who was eluding police crashed into their vehicle in Fort Worth late Tuesday night, officials said.
The crash happened shortly before midnight at the intersection of Trinity Boulevard and South Main Street, just south of Euless in far northeast Fort Worth.
Euless officers had tried to stop a vehicle that was heading east on Euless Boulevard, but the suspect drove away, police said.
The suspect then crashed into another vehicle on South Main Street, police said. The suspect tried to get away on foot but was arrested by police at the scene.
The driver of the other vehicle suffered serious injuries and died, police said. They have not yet been identified.
More information about the crash was not yet available Wednesday morning. Police were still investigating.
The name of the suspect has not been released. Police said he was taken into custody on a charge of evading arrest. | 2022-05-11T11:57:06Z | www.wfaa.com | Fort Worth chase crash: Person killed by suspect near Euless | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/euless-south-main-boulevard-driver-killed-chase-suspect-crashes-into-them-fort-worth-texas/287-8a5ee100-9bf8-4ab8-a9a0-af85210b3727 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/euless-south-main-boulevard-driver-killed-chase-suspect-crashes-into-them-fort-worth-texas/287-8a5ee100-9bf8-4ab8-a9a0-af85210b3727 |
Tuesday, Tarrant County commissioners approved $45 million of federal funds to support child care businesses and expand infant and toddler care.
Credit: Adriana De Alba
FORT WORTH, Texas — Every day, Felicia Davis fulfills her life’s passion.
Davis, the owner of Ready Set Jump Early Childcare Learning Center in Fort Worth, has served children in Fort Worth for five years. She calls it her mission.
“We need childcare like we need air. We need quality child care,” Davis said.
But the child care industry is facing a national crisis due to low wages and staffing issues.
“Right now, a lot of programs have closed classrooms because they can’t hire the educators,” said Kara Waddell, the CEO of Child Care Associates, one of the largest child development programs in North Texas.
Like many early child care learning centers, Davis’ center stayed open throughout the pandemic, but the problems persist.
“A lot of centers have closed, so now we’re faced with a lot more kids,” Davis said. “We need staff. We’re losing teachers left and right.”
Now, help is on the way.
On Tuesday, the Tarrant County Commissioner’s court offered a lifeline.
County leaders approved a $45 million investment for child care and early learning. The federal funds come from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The county and Child Care Associates will work together to determine the community’s needs and distribute funds.
Of the $45 million, $2 million will go toward strengthening child care businesses and quality, $15 million will go toward stabilizing quality child care and increase whole child supports and $28 million will be used to expand infant-toddler access and infrastructure for highest need families.
“This is a critical investment, not just in our families, but in our early educators,” Waddell said. “Our community took public funds and really took an innovative solution, one that’s child-centered and family centered… and took a chance to expand our infant- toddler care access in the community, it’s the most expensive care… it’s more expensive than attending a public university in Texas.”
Davis, whose center received COVID relief funding, said the newly-approved funding is a critical step toward solving staffing challenges.
“I’m excited," Davis said. "Cause we can do so much for the staff. We’ll be able to give them pay raises so that they’ll stay at our center.”
Her hope is to continue serving the children in her community and watch them grow.
“These kids will become our leaders for tomorrow,” Davis said. They need to know that they’re loved.” | 2022-05-11T13:59:16Z | www.wfaa.com | Child care in Texas: Tarrant County makes $45 million investment | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-daycare-tarrant-county-commissioners-just-approved-a-45-million-investment-in-child-care/287-c7c97e0f-d38e-4fe5-a533-3f752f10c0c2 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-daycare-tarrant-county-commissioners-just-approved-a-45-million-investment-in-child-care/287-c7c97e0f-d38e-4fe5-a533-3f752f10c0c2 |
KELLER, Texas — History will be made this Friday for a North Texas native when she walks across the stage to graduate as the youngest law student at Southern Methodist University ever. She’s also set to become the youngest African American to graduate law school in the United States.
At 19, Haley Taylor Schlitz says her path to SMU’s Dedman School of Law was non-traditional. When she was in the 5th grade, she told SMU she struggled with not being acknowledged as a gifted student. Her parents noticed that she was beginning to act out and after seeing a pediatric psychologist, it was revealed that Taylor Schlitz needed to skip several grades after scoring extremely high on an intelligence test. | 2022-05-11T21:18:18Z | www.wfaa.com | 19-year-old youngest African American law student graduate at SMU | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/19-year-old-north-texas-native-haley-taylor-schlitz-youngest-smu-law-student-to-graduate/287-87455dd0-732c-4322-b6ea-6db75ec6952c | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/19-year-old-north-texas-native-haley-taylor-schlitz-youngest-smu-law-student-to-graduate/287-87455dd0-732c-4322-b6ea-6db75ec6952c |
Police say Gabrielle McDonald, 15, ran away from home April 27. Her family fears the missing teen could be in danger.
DALLAS — A mother in Dallas is asking for the community’s help in locating her missing daughter. Brendetta McDonald has been placing fliers in areas across Dallas and posting her daughter’s photo on a variety of social media sites.
McDonald said her 15-year-old daughter has been missing since April 27.
“Just come home baby," McDonald said as she cried. "Do whatever you’ve got to do to get home. I miss you."
The emotional mom said her daughter, Gabrielle McDonald, left the house after getting in trouble at school. Now the teen’s family is concerned about her safety since having no contact for two weeks.
McDonald and her family believe the teen may be trying to get home.
This is among 70 runaway and dozens of missing persons cases the Dallas Police Department is currently investigating. Detectives said they’ve been running Gabrielle’s name through different databases, trying to track her down.
In addition to the department's investigation, the family has also been doing some footwork of its own, trying to find leads.
McDonald said her family received tips Gabrielle has been spotted in several locations around Downtown Dallas and South Dallas.
McDonald also said running away is unlike her daughter. She said she is worried her daughter could be in danger.
“My biggest concern is that she’s held against her will, and she wants to come home, but she can’t come home," McDonald said. "She wants to come home. I know my baby wants to come home."
The family is asking anyone with information on Gabrielle McDonald and her whereabouts to call Dallas Police at 214-584-4255. | 2022-05-11T22:59:44Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas mother asks for help finding missing 15-year-old daughter | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-mother-help-finding-missing-daughter/287-71e15c0b-8cc1-4d21-ab35-0e212542b2b0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-mother-help-finding-missing-daughter/287-71e15c0b-8cc1-4d21-ab35-0e212542b2b0 |
Seyoum says last year one egg cost $0.18, and today it's $0.27. At the Original Pancake House, they serve up to 9,000 eggs at one location per week.
DALLAS — The restaurant industry has been handed a full plate lately. They've already been dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages and now add food inflation.
"It's one of the most challenging times we've seen in history," said Jonathan Seyoum, a part owner of The Original Pancake House.
WFAA met with Seyoum at the Addison location. Seyoum has been looking at profit and loss sheets for nearly three decades.
"I have never seen so many different things happening all at the same time," said Joe Monastero, chief operating officer of the Texas Restaurant Association.
Monastero said the confluence of factors has made it a very difficult climate for restaurants.
According to the National Restaurant Association, the wholesale cost to restaurants for every major food group has risen, and especially, compared to last year. The wholesale cost of butters, fats and oils is up 60%. Poultry is up 28%, fish and milk costs are up 21%, beef is up 16%, and fresh vegetables is up a staggering 99% from last year.
Seyoum told WFAA that lately, every restaurant manager has been faced with the decision of having to increase menu prices.
Monastero said restaurants are having to use QR codes to adjust to the changing landscape of food and product offerings. He wants to remind the public that these are not easy decisions for restaurants to make, especially when you realize the margins for profit are already slim coming out of the pandemic.
Seyoum told WFAA the regulars notice when the prices go up immediately, but they're also understanding.
"For every dollar I increase or every penny increase...who is not going to be able to afford it? Who is not going to come back? It's a balancing act," Seyoum said.
He told WFAA that their customers come for the food and the environment and some things just can't be sacrificed.
Seyoum really sees food inflation in the wholesale purchase of eggs and bacon. When you're running a morning and lunch spot, eggs and bacon are important products to have. He said last year one egg cost him $0.18 and today it's $0.27.
At the Original Pancake House, they serve up to 9,000 eggs at one location per week. According to the latest consumer price index for April, eggs saw some of the largest price surges at 10.3%.
"The numbers, they're unprecedented. There are restaurants continuing to fight every day to stay open," said Monastero.
Seyoum said raising menu prices is a last resort but a necessary one. He said they can't cut short on quality or portions, because those kinds of changes customers really notice.
Gas, groceries and rent: North Texans trying to stay afloat with inflation that's higher than the national average
Analysis: The price gap between organic and non-organic food is narrowing. But organic still costs much more overall | 2022-05-12T03:49:27Z | www.wfaa.com | Inflation: Texas restaurants impacted by high food prices | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/money/food-inflation-costs-really-impact-profit-margins-for-texas-restaurants/287-7b3cc9dd-b534-4da9-acad-cb59bd7331bc | https://www.wfaa.com/article/money/food-inflation-costs-really-impact-profit-margins-for-texas-restaurants/287-7b3cc9dd-b534-4da9-acad-cb59bd7331bc |
The Flames took the game in the third period, scoring three goals to overtake the Stars' 1-goal lead.
CALGARY, AB — Mikael Backlund, Andrew Mangiapane and Trevor Lewis all scored in the third period, leading the Calgary Flames to a 3-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night to take a 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Scheffler, Spieth will tee off in front of sold-out gallery at the AT&T Byron Nelson | 2022-05-12T05:25:13Z | www.wfaa.com | Flames take 3-2 series lead against Dallas Stars | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/flames-use-3-goal-third-period-to-top-stars-3-2-in-game-5/287-33b26a10-460d-4527-8207-41d02780f469 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/flames-use-3-goal-third-period-to-top-stars-3-2-in-game-5/287-33b26a10-460d-4527-8207-41d02780f469 |
Federal officials say the 45-year-old pleaded guilty on May 10 to multiple charges. Two other defendants have also pled guilty for their involvement with the leader
DALLAS — A Dallas man has pleaded guilty this week to running a sex trafficking ring for nearly two decades, according to federal officials.
Anthony Johnson, 45, pleaded guilty on May 10 to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion, and sex trafficking.
“Like Tremont Blakemore, a north Texas trafficker who pleaded guilty just two weeks ago, Anthony Johnson systematically tormented his victims, convincing them they had no choice but to bend to his will,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham. “It’s difficult to fathom that human trafficking happens on the streets of Dallas, but it does, every day. If you or someone you know is being victimized, reach out for help. As impossible as it may seem in the moment, there is a way out.”
Johnson, aka “Macc Bucc,” admitted he forced numerous women to engage in commercial sex acts and turn the proceeds over to him. Details from Johnson's plea paper stated that he set "quotas," compelled the women to work for hours on end, and brutally beat them with an extension cord when they came up short, “disrespected” him, or did not follow his rules.
The plea papers also stated that Johnson required the women to steal from commercial sex customers by searching through customers’ pockets for cash or jewelry and check their cars for valuables.
One of Johnson's victims, identified in court documents as "Adult Victim 7" (AV7), said she was recruited by Johnson and his second-in-command, Demetrice Deckard, took her to Harry Hines to teach her how to solicit sex from people. Federal officials said AV7 was forced to travel cross-country to engage in commercial sex and was routinely beaten when she tried to leave.
Prosecutors said that while Johnson was in jail, he obtained a contraband cell phone and used it to continue running his sex trafficking operation.
The prosecutors said text messages from the cell phone showed Johnson continued to tell women where to go, which hotels to use, how to steal from customers, and when they could be done for the night. He also told the women to send him videos of themselves having sex with customers, officials said.
It wasn't the first time he'd run the sex trafficking operation from behind bars, either. According to his plea papers, Johnson admitted to running his trafficking operation from behind bars from 2014 to 2019, where he was serving time for a conviction on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Deckard pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to engage in trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion and faces up to life in federal prison.
Another co-defendant, Ashley Neice, pled guilty to conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and admitted to conspiring with Johnson to contact a victim in the criminal case in order to tell her not to cooperate with law enforcement, federal officials said.
Both Johnson and Deckard face up to life in federal prison. Neice faces up to 20 years in federal prison. | 2022-05-12T14:14:56Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas man pleads guilty to running sex trafficking operation | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/dallas-man-sex-trafficking-prison-guilty-plea/287-74399cf2-3852-42d5-8261-e6813dc2f064 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/dallas-man-sex-trafficking-prison-guilty-plea/287-74399cf2-3852-42d5-8261-e6813dc2f064 |
The chief said another driver was trying to pass a semi and saw another semi coming towards him. The second semi ended up veering off and striking the 19-year-old.
FARMERSVILLE, Texas — A teenage driver was killed in a head-on crash with an 18-wheeler Wednesday, the Farmersville police chief said.
Chief Mike Sullivan told WFAA that there were four vehicles involved in the accident.
The crash happened around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 78 and County Road 556.
Three of the vehicles were going south of the highway in the following order: a semi-truck, a car, and another truck.
The car went in the northbound lanes to pass the semi-truck, but the driver then realized another semi-truck was coming at him head-on. The driver tried to go further left, but he clipped that 18-wheeler and ended up against a power pole.
The clipped semi-truck then veered into the southbound lanes, hitting the truck head-on and killing the driver. The truck driver hasn't been named, but the Farmersville chief said he was 19.
According to Sullivan, all of the other drivers involved have been cooperating with the investigation and told the same story of what happened.
The crash shut down the highway while officers and paramedics responded to the scene. Several vehicles could be seen badly damaged, including the car leaning upward against a power pole. | 2022-05-12T14:15:09Z | www.wfaa.com | Farmersville, Texas: Driver killed in crash on SH 78 | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/farmersville-car-crash-18-wheeler-driver-killed-state-highway-78/287-2d4a2922-95d5-49af-972c-8360c15b189d | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/farmersville-car-crash-18-wheeler-driver-killed-state-highway-78/287-2d4a2922-95d5-49af-972c-8360c15b189d |
The suspects' names and their charges have not been released by police, but officials were expected to give an update on the case later Thursday.
Author: Rebecca Lopez, WFAA Staff
DALLAS — Two people have been arrested in the shooting at a concert and trail ride in southern Dallas last month that left one man dead and injured 16 others, police officials announced Thursday.
Astonial Calhoun, 25, and Devojiea Givens, 26, face charges of felony deadly conduct, according to a police news release.
Police said Calhoun and Givens both fired handguns after a fight broke out at the event at 5050 Cleveland Road, between Bonnie View and Lancaster Hutchins roads.
Investigators learned that Calhoun and Givens fired into the crowd, police said.
They were taken into custody Wednesday and booked into the Dallas County jail.
Their arrests are the first developments in the case in several weeks, though police this month have called for a crackdown on large permitless events, similar to the concert where the shooting happened.
The concert shooting happened just before 12:15 a.m. on April 3.
Upon arriving at the scene, police said they found a 26-year-old man, identified as Kealon Dejuane Gilmore, lying near a stage with a gunshot wound to his head. Police said Gilmore was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police also said that an additional 16 victims of the shooting -- including three juveniles -- were transported to an area hospital by either ambulance or private vehicle.
RELATED: 24-year-old Dallas concert shooting victim was left nearly paralyzed
According to police, the concert had about 2,000 people in the field, yet it had no permit and no emergency plan. The event was billed as the Second Annual Epic Easter Bike Out & Field Party.
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said someone fired a gun into the air, then a fight broke out and another person fired shots into the crowd.
Sources told WFAA the crowd was restless because the rapper who was headlining didn't show up and people were angry.
Internal police review
Along with the criminal investigation into the shooting, there is also an internal review into why a sergeant and six other Dallas police officers were working the event.
The event was held on the outskirts of town, and the promoter didn't have a permit; although they did have some security, including the six off-duty Dallas police officers and a sergeant.
Garcia said they should not have been given permission to work that event. Sources told WFAA those officers were only paid to be there until 11 p.m., so they left before the shooting started a couple of hours later.
RELATED: Dallas concert shooting victim’s attorney files a $1M lawsuit against promoter and entertainers
But, the question is why supervisors were not notified there might be a crowd control issue so they could have sent on-duty officers to assist.
Garcia said the department is looking into that, but added the real issue was that the concert was not permitted.
Dallas police said part of their investigation into the shooting involves looking into the owners of the property where the unpermitted event at its center was held.
In August 2021, Dallas police raided the property located at 5050 Cleveland Road as part of a raid in which officers confiscated 22 stolen vehicles and a machine that was being used to crush them. Detectives said they believe the scrap from these cars was being sold for cash.
Police did not make an arrest in the wake of that raid, but said they did have a suspect.
Police also noted that the property where the mass shooting took place is owned by St. John's Missionary Baptist in Dallas, a church pastored by Bertrain Bailey.
Sources say the church allowed for the use of the property for the party, which was held by promoters who did not have a permit to host an event on this scale.
Dallas Police Department shares crime plan data, addresses staffing issues after recent wave of violence across city | 2022-05-12T14:15:15Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas concert, trail ride shooting: 2 arrests made | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/trail-ride-shooting-2-arrests-made-in-deadly-dallas-concert-shooting-that-killed-1-injured-16-others-sources-say/287-540945ae-c526-43b5-aa3d-d112f07818a8 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/trail-ride-shooting-2-arrests-made-in-deadly-dallas-concert-shooting-that-killed-1-injured-16-others-sources-say/287-540945ae-c526-43b5-aa3d-d112f07818a8 |
Officers say the girl was crossing the street when she was hit. The driver remained at the scene.
MESQUITE, Texas — A tragic accident led to a little girl's death Wednesday evening in Mesquite, according to police.
They say officers got the call around 7:45 p.m. and were dispatched to Feather Crest Lane in the Quail Hollow area.
The 8-year-old ran in the street in front of a van while she was trying to get to a waiting vehicle, police say. She was taken to a hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
The little girl will not be identified.
According to police, the driver of the van wasn't hurt and stayed at the scene until paramedics arrived. That driver is not facing criminal charges at this time.
The Mesquite Police Department released the following statement:
"This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and the condolences and prayers of the department and city are with the families of everyone involved." | 2022-05-12T17:12:08Z | www.wfaa.com | Young girl hit by van in Mesquite Texas | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/girl-dies-hit-by-van-mesquite-texas/287-92bae828-853d-479d-903f-c70909615e64 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/girl-dies-hit-by-van-mesquite-texas/287-92bae828-853d-479d-903f-c70909615e64 |
The Bill Pickett Rodeo will be when fans in Fort Worth can be the first to experience the traveling museum.
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Bill Pickett Rodeo in the month of May is happening during one of the busiest rodeo weekends in North Texas.
It's also when Fort Worth rodeo fans can be the first to experience the Bill Pickett traveling museum.
"There's never been a museum that we know of that's been done like this," said Margo Wade-Ladrew, "and it's covering 38 years of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, which is the only nationally recognized black rodeo in the world."
Margo Wade-Ladrew serves as the Bill Pickett national sponsorship director. Not even she had seen the finished traveling museum before its debut in Cowtown.
Wade-LeDrew has been part of the team to help make it a dream come true. Bill Pickett Rodeo partnered with PBR to feature the traveling museum outside the Cowtown Coliseum.
What started as a bucket list idea years ago is now a real-life education project on wheels.
Wade-Ladrew said, "It's about preserving culture and giving families and kids something that they can be proud of."
One of Pickett's sponsors is also behind them getting the history on the road across the country. When Toyota heard about the dream, the big automaker stepped in right away.
It comes as no surprise to Jim Austin of North Texas. He is all about western culture history.
As the co-owner and operator of the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum located in the Stockyards, Austin hopes it's just the beginning of people around the United States learning about cowboys and cowgirls of color.
Austin believes the traveling museum helps highlight the western history already on display in Cowtown, especially for children.
"Me, as a little boy growing up, we played cowboys and Indians," said Austin, "And I always thought the West and cowboys was all white. And it wasn't until I turned 45 years old and discovered and found out that the West was multicultural."
Although the traveling museum starts in Fort Worth, it's scheduled to roll into other major cities around country.
"We'll be in Oakland, Los Angeles, we go to Atlanta, and then we go to D.C.," said Margo Wade-Ladrew.
You can see the exhibit in the Fort Worth Stockyards starting Friday. More details are provided here.
The BPIR is also hosting shows Friday night and Saturday night. Tickets can be purchased.
Rodeo fans can see the exhibit in the Fort Worth Stockyards starting Friday. | 2022-05-13T00:48:31Z | www.wfaa.com | Bill Pickett Rodeo: Traveling museum makes debut in Fort Worth | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/bill-pickett-rodeo-traveling-museum-fort-worth/287-f6c56335-6450-4a14-b557-157b1a4e74ad | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/bill-pickett-rodeo-traveling-museum-fort-worth/287-f6c56335-6450-4a14-b557-157b1a4e74ad |
Nikita Derevianko, 11, escaped from Kyiv at the end of March by train with his mother. He was on track to compete at a high level in Ukraine before the war began.
FORT WORTH, Texas — When 11-year-old Nikita Derevianko arrived in Texas, his mother said the young boy would constantly walk outside and look into the sky.
The reason? Ensure that no Russians were here.
Nikita and his mother, Yevheniia, escaped war-torn Ukraine on March 23 and now live in Fort Worth. The Sokol there is working to prepare the two for the next chapter of their lives by raising money for Nikita to compete in the USA Gymnastics circuit.
The organization is also trying to raise money for the two to obtain an immigration attorney to live in the United States permanently.
"All the people that we meet here are trying to help us and always say something to us about Ukraine. We are very thankful for everybody," Yevheniia Derevianko said.
Credit: Josh Stephen
Nikita and his mother talk during a gymnastics break.
The pair lived in Kyiv and fled the city by train in the middle of the night after Russia launched an all-out assault on the country.
Their 14-hour ride from Kyiv to Lviv was not an easy one. It was met with echoes of war and death in the distance that came along for the ride.
"All these planes, rockets, and bombs were horrible sounds," Derevianko said.
"It was scary. There were no lights on the train, and all the windows were closed. They asked people to lie down because the Russians could shoot us. I was afraid for him, not myself because I had to protect him."
Derevianko has a childhood friend from Ukraine who is now an American in Fort Worth. She told Derevianko that if she could get to Poland, her husband would escort them to America.
Once they arrived in Poland, the group made it to Finland and then traveled to Spain. From Spain, they flew to Mexico and were accepted into the U.S. under a temporary humanitarian protected status.
Even with her mother and brother still in Kyiv, Derevianko plans to stay in America with her son and start over.
She's now living with her Ukranian childhood friend in Fort Worth with Nikita.
The two are slowly getting back to normal. For Nikita, doing gymnastics at the Sokol helps with that process.
In Ukraine, he trained six days a week for four hours a day. His mother says he was on track, for his age, to compete at a high level in the country.
"He's very good, and our coaches there thought so," Derevianko said. "He doesn't love school so much--but he loves gymnastics."
Nikita and his mother speak with WFAA.
Derevianko doesn't have a car, so the Sokol community and friends help get her and Nikita to the Sokol for training when they can.
Officials and coaches at the Sokol agreed and told WFAA they couldn't provide a higher level of training for Nikita. They started a GoFundMe to send him to gymnastics camps, and hopefully, that will lead to him competing nationally.
The fundraiser is also to help with any expenses Derevianko and Nikita may need to help them stay in the U.S. permanently as they work towards citizenship.
Nikita doesn't speak English very well, but through his mother, he told WFAA it would be a dream of his to compete in gymnastics in the U.S.
Despite leaving most of their possessions behind, it's one thing that survived: a dream that can come true with help.
"Everybody here is amazing people," Derevianko said. "This is his big wish." | 2022-05-13T04:55:33Z | www.wfaa.com | Young Ukrainian gymnast safe in Fort Worth after fleeing war with mother; local gym raising funds to help him compete in USA | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/young-ukrainian-gymnast-safe-fort-worth-fleeing-war/287-52220408-146a-4d0d-a73e-a83a9306b387 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/young-ukrainian-gymnast-safe-fort-worth-fleeing-war/287-52220408-146a-4d0d-a73e-a83a9306b387 |
The playoff series heads to Phoenix for Game 7 on Sunday.
DALLAS — Facing playoff elimination against the NBA's number one team in the regular season, the Dallas Mavericks had two options: win or stay home.
Home has been the key word in the Mavs' second round playoff series against the top-seeded Phoenix Suns.
The home team has won every matchup so far with seven points being the smallest margin of victory (Game 1).
The trend continued in Dallas on Thursday night as the Mavericks fended off elimination in Game 6, 113-86.
Before this spring, the Mavericks had not won a home playoff game since 2015. They've won five in the last three weeks.
As usual, 23-year-old wunderkind Luka Doncic led the way with 33 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. He turned the ball over once -- his fewest number of turnovers in a game since March 29 vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.
Doncic's shooting efficiency continues to be a storyline this series, as the Suns boast one of the premier defensive units in the league. He made 11 of 26 shots (42%) in Game 6, while going 2-for-8 from beyond the arc.
Doncic averaged 35% from three-point range during the regular season.
Through the last four games, he's made seven of 33 shots from downtown (21%).
The Mavericks won three of those four games.
To win the series, the Mavs will have to beat the NBA's only 60-win team a fourth time in five games.
The Suns haven't lost four games in a five-game stretch since the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks won Games 3-6 in last year's NBA Finals.
Similar to Games 3 and 4, a collective effort spurred the Mavs to victory in Game 6.
Reggie Bullock erupted for 19 points including five crowd-raising three-points. Jalen Brunson remained bullish (18 points) and Spencer Dinwiddie got his groove back off the bench with 15 points.
On Thursday morning, Doncic said the Mavericks had to "push the pace" to prevent the Suns from setting up their half-court defense.
From Luka's lips to the Mavericks feet, Dallas outscored the Suns in fast break points 21-8 thanks to winning the turnover battle 22-7.
Phoenix sharpshooter Devin Booker was held to 19 points (35% shooting), while Chris Paul scored just 13 points.
Doncic's 33 points outscored Booker and Paul combined.
It was a complete performance on both ends of the floor by the Mavericks in their biggest game of the year.
Next up: Their biggest game of the year.
Game 7 in Phoenix on Sunday. The time is to be determined.
To win the series, the Mavs will have to go on the road and defeat league's top home team (32-9 home record).
But, at least they're not staying home. | 2022-05-13T04:55:39Z | www.wfaa.com | NBA Playoffs: Dallas Mavericks beat Phoenix Suns in Game 6 | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/luka-doncic-mavericks-force-winner-take-all-game-7-vs-suns/287-209650dd-87e3-4a77-944f-b54f633af150 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/luka-doncic-mavericks-force-winner-take-all-game-7-vs-suns/287-209650dd-87e3-4a77-944f-b54f633af150 |
DALLAS — Two people were killed and three others injured in a shooting in Deep Ellum early Friday morning, and everyone involved in the shooting has been taken into custody, police said.
The shooting happened in the 2800 block of Elm Street around 2 a.m. as clubs and bars were letting out for the night, executive assistant chief Albert Martinez said in a news conference.
Police believe an interaction happened between about four people; shots were then immediately fired, Martinez said.
Five people were shot, and two were killed, according to preliminary information gathered by police at the scene.
Martinez said no suspects were at large, though it was unclear who were the shooters and the victims. No arrests had been announced, but Martinez said everyone involved in the shooting was in custody.
"We believe this incident is isolated here," Martinez said.
Israel Herrera, the police division chief over Deep Ellum, said investigators are still trying to figure out what started the initial interaction that led to the shooting. Herrera said officers were stationed in the area as part of their regular duties in Deep Ellum and that police responded to the shooting within seconds. | 2022-05-13T12:56:44Z | www.wfaa.com | Dallas Deep Ellum shooting: 5 shot, 2 killed early Friday, May 13 | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-shooting-2-killed-3-others-injured-in-deep-ellum-shooting-victims-early-friday-2800-elm-street/287-b306171b-ad25-4046-a773-c57a6b65acb6 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-shooting-2-killed-3-others-injured-in-deep-ellum-shooting-victims-early-friday-2800-elm-street/287-b306171b-ad25-4046-a773-c57a6b65acb6 |
The Professional Bull Riders World Finals makes its debut at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, the event's new home after years in Las Vegas.
FORT WORTH, Texas — The best bull riders in the world have descended on Fort Worth. And they're bringing the party with them.
The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Finals makes its debut at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, the event's new home after years in Las Vegas and a one-time stop at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
The PBR's Cowtown debut is going big, spread out across two weekends, beginning Friday, May 13, and wrapping up Sunday, May 22.
And a host of concerts and other festivities will be features along with the rodeo action.
When is the PBR World Finals?
Here's the competition schedule, all at a Dickies Arena:
Friday, May 13 - 6:45 PM CDT
Saturday, May 14 - 6:45 PM CDT
Sunday, May 15 - 1:45 PM CDT
Thursday, May 19 - 7:45 PM CDT
Sunday, May 22 - 8:45 AM CDT
Who's competing in the PBR World Finals?
There will be plenty of local flair to the competition, with a strong contingent of Wise County-based riders competing in the World Finals, including last year's champion, Jose Vitor Leme, originally from Brazil.
When is the PBR World Finals on TV?
CBS Sports Network will carry each night of the PBR World Finals, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, May 13.
PBR World Finals tickets
Tickets through the PBR website are sold out this weekend, but a few remain for next weekend's action, starting at around $53 through Ticketmaster.
Concerts at PBR World Finals
The PBR World Finals Concert Series will feature several big names in country music:
Charley Crockett (Friday, May 13)
Travis Tritt (Thursday, May 19)
Leann Rimes (Friday, May 20)
Robert Earl Keen (Saturday, May 21)
Here's the schedule and how to buy tickets for each concert.
Where is Dickies Arena?
Dickies Arena, which opened in 2019, is located at 1911 Montgomery Street in the Will Rogers Memorial Center, where the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is held.
While Dickies has hosted an array of events, from the NCAA tournament to professional lacrosse and concerts, the building was constructed with a primary purpose: Rodeo.
Bill Pickett Rodeo
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, which celebrates Black cowboys and cowgirls, is also being held during the PBR World Finals. The Bill Pickett runs Friday, May 13-14, June 18 and August 20 at the Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Visit their website for more information and how to buy tickets.
The best Brazilian bull riders in the world call this small Texas town home
PBR World Finals move to Dickies Arena in Fort Worth starting in 2022 | 2022-05-13T15:19:18Z | www.wfaa.com | PBR World Finals 2022: Schedule, tickets, TV, concerts | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/pbr-world-finals-tv-schedule-concerts-dickies-arena-fort-worth-texas-rank-bulls-and-champion-cowboys-everything-you-need-to-know/287-c56e0cf4-76e3-4c73-9a16-5041a72a63d0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/pbr-world-finals-tv-schedule-concerts-dickies-arena-fort-worth-texas-rank-bulls-and-champion-cowboys-everything-you-need-to-know/287-c56e0cf4-76e3-4c73-9a16-5041a72a63d0 |
Morris joined the Allen Eagles football program in the Spring of 2021, and he led the team to an 11-3 record.
ALLEN, Texas — Allen High School announced Friday that its head football coach, Chad Morris, will be stepping down after one season with the Eagles.
Morris joined the Allen program in spring of 2021. He led the Eagles to an 11-3 record and an appearance in the quarterfinals of the UIL Texas playoffs.
“I am so thankful to Allen ISD for the chance to work with an amazing group of student-athletes and a dedicated coaching staff,” Morris said. “Allen is a top-notch school system that prioritizes students above all else. I want to thank Superintendent Dr. Robin Bullock, the Board of Trustees, Administration, and Athletic Director Kim Garner for their unwavering support over the past year.”
RELATED: Allen Eagles hire Chad Morris as new head football coach
According to the school, Morris has an opportunity to return to college football. It's unclear where Morris might be headed in the college football ranks.
Before leading the Eagles football program, he coached at numerous Division I universities, including Tulsa (offensive coordinator), Clemson (offensive coordinator), SMU (head coach), Arkansas (head coach) and Auburn (offensive coordinator).
Prior to his collegiate coaching career, Morris coached for numerous Texas high schools, including Eustace High School (1994-97), Elysian Fields High School (1998-99), Bay City High School (2000-02), Stephenville High School (2003-07) and Lake Travis High School (2008-09).
“I want to thank Coach Morris for the passion he brought to the Allen Eagles football program,” Bullock said. “Coach Morris has an amazing ability to connect with student-athletes on a personal level, and I wish him all the best in his return to college football.”
Allen ISD officials said the athletics department will immediately begin searching for candidates to fill the head coach position.
“The chance to serve as a head coach in Allen is a premier opportunity throughout the state of Texas,” said Kim Garner, Allen ISD director of athletics. “Coach Morris did an outstanding job of leading the Allen football team this past year and pouring his heart and soul into our student-athletes and program. Now, our attention turns to finding a coach who will continue to build upon our winning tradition, instill a positive family culture, and inspire our young athletes to find success on the field and in the classroom.”
UIL Realignment: Districts revealed for Texas high school football. Who will your school play in 2022 and 2023?
Georgetown father and son share final high school football game together
Allen High School football's 84-game winning streak snapped after loss against Atascocita | 2022-05-13T15:19:31Z | www.wfaa.com | Chad Morris stepping down as Allen Eagles head football coach | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/high-school/hs-football/allen-eagles-football-coach-chad-morris-stepping-down/287-5fa86af8-32f8-46a4-8528-e2d7db95585f | https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/high-school/hs-football/allen-eagles-football-coach-chad-morris-stepping-down/287-5fa86af8-32f8-46a4-8528-e2d7db95585f |
Author: Associated Press, OLEKSANDR STASHEVSKI, RICHARD LARDNER
KYIV, Ukraine — A 21-year-old Russian soldier went on trial Friday in Kyiv for the killing of an unarmed Ukrainian civilian, marking the first war crime prosecution of a member of the Russian military after 11 weeks of bloodshed in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Yavorskyy, the coordinator at the Center for Civil Liberties in Kyiv, said activists will monitor the Russian soldier’s trial to ensure his legal rights are protected. It can be difficult, he said, to maintain the neutrality of court proceedings during wartime.
The Security Service of Ukraine, known as the SBU, posted a short video on May 4 of Shyshimarin speaking in front of the camera and briefly describing how he shot the man. The SBU described the video as “one of the first confessions of the enemy invaders."
A Bosnian Serb soldier, Borislav Herak, was imprisoned by Bosnian army soldiers in November 1992 after inadvertently straying from Serb-held territory. During his interrogation and three-week March 1993 trial, he confessed to 35 killings and 14 rapes and ultimately was convicted of genocide and crimes against civilians. | 2022-05-13T17:32:37Z | www.wfaa.com | Russian soldier on trial for Ukraine war-crimes | wfaa.com | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/russian-soldier-on-trial-for-ukraine-war-crimes-case/287-0cda7d0a-c906-42b4-8e01-eeaaf80e6807 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/russian-soldier-on-trial-for-ukraine-war-crimes-case/287-0cda7d0a-c906-42b4-8e01-eeaaf80e6807 |
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