Last week’s Did You Miss It? ended with McKinney’s recall campaign underway and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport canceling a proposed Islamic foot-washing project. This week brought new developments in both stories.
U.S. Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) signed the McKinney petition, organizers alleged interference, recall opponents packed City Hall and an unrelated realtor video highlighted concerns beyond the mosque vote. At DFW, workers told an undercover reporter for The Dallas Express to use ordinary restroom sinks for wudu before Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) asked the Justice Department to investigate what he described as religious favoritism.
Retired District Judge Michael Chitty denied Karmelo Anthony a new trial, leaving his murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence intact. North Texas also saw a reported $1.3 billion Morgan Stanley expansion, lower State Fair prices, Coyote Drive-In’s announced closure, tax and jobs debates, major fraud allegations and a $500,000 Cowboys penalty after a joint practice devolved into repeated fights.
Here are the stories and updates that helped shape the week.
McKinney recall battle expands
- McKinney Recall Fight Escalates As Congressman Keith Self Backs Effort
- McKinney Recall Organizers Allege Interference As Petition Fight Intensifies
- McKinney Recall Opponents Pack City Hall As Political Fight Intensifies
- Realtor Video Undercuts Claim McKinney Recall Is Only About Mosque
Why It Matters: Self’s endorsement gave the recall campaign national-level backing, but organizers still need 5,805 valid signatures by September 26. The week also showed that McKinney’s political fight extends beyond the mosque vote to growth, spending and airport expansion.
DFW Airport, Dallas growth and North Texas landmarks
- ‘Just The Sink’: Workers At DFW Direct Reporter To Restroom Sinks For Muslim Foot Washing
- Abbott Compares DFW’s ‘Muslim-Only’ Spaces To ‘White-Only Bathrooms’ In DOJ Letter
- Morgan Stanley Reportedly Picks Dallas For $1.3B ‘Y’all Street’ Expansion
- State Fair Of Texas Lowers Admission And Parking Costs For 2026 Season
- Coyote Drive-In Fort Worth Closing Permanently After 14 Years: Last Movie Sept. 7
Why It Matters: DFW workers directed a DX reporter to restroom sinks for wudu before Abbott asked the Justice Department to examine alleged religious favoritism. The same week brought a reported $1.3 billion Morgan Stanley expansion, cheaper State Fair admission and Coyote Drive-In’s planned closure.
Karmelo Anthony loses new-trial bid
- No New Trial For Karmelo Anthony. What Comes Next?
- Karmelo Anthony Recusal Hearing Begins As New Defense Seeks New Trial
- Why Karmelo Anthony Never Took The Stand At His Murder Trial
Why It Matters: The denial leaves Anthony’s murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence intact. His direct appeal now continues in the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas.
Taxes, jobs and foreign influence in schools
- Texas Trounces California In Nationwide Jobs Race
- Frisco Eyes First Tax Hike Since 2017 While Dallas Cuts Again: What Does The Gap Mean?
- O’Hare’s $1.1B Tarrant Tax-Cut Playbook Wins Abbott’s Praise
- Abbott Proposes Ban On H-1B Workers And Foreign Funding In Texas K-12 Schools
Why It Matters: Texas led the nation in year-over-year job growth while North Texas leaders debated sharply different approaches to property taxes. Abbott also proposed restricting H-1B workers and foreign funding in public schools, a move that would require legislative approval.
Crime, fraud and public safety
- Dallas Security Guard Remains In Critical Condition After Rake Attack By Illegal Alien
- Dallas Man Accused In 561-Loan, $11M PPP Kickback Machine
- Indian National Accused In $7.5M Elder Fraud Scheme Nabbed At Airport During Escape Bid
- Ex-Substitute Teacher Busted Over Five-School Shooter Hoax
Why It Matters: Dallas faced a critical assault case and an alleged $11 million PPP fraud operation. Federal authorities also pursued an alleged $7.5 million elder-fraud courier and a former substitute teacher accused of five school-shooting hoaxes.
Cowboys and women’s sports
- NFL Slaps Cowboys With $500K Fine After Saints Practice Turns Into ‘Fight Club’
- Dallas Rally Backs Sophie Cunningham’s Stand On Women’s Sports
- Ken Paxton, Daughter Send Clear Message At Wings-Fever Game: ‘Keep Men Out Of Women’s Sports’
Why It Matters: The NFL’s $500,000 fine put the Cowboys’ joint-practice brawls under league scrutiny. In Dallas, activists and Attorney General Ken Paxton kept the debate over biological males in women’s sports in the spotlight.
That was the week. If you missed it, now you are caught up.
