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05/13/2008
Talking race: A historical unease in each other's company
 TOM FOX/DMN Dallas Morning News columnists Steve Blow (left) and James Ragland are discussing racial issues in a series of jointly written columns. In the third column of a four-part series, Dallas Morning News columnists Steve Blow and James Ragland talk about what James describes as a mutual distrust.
 Video: Racial bias claims in Allen cheerleader tryouts
 Tell us: Friends of other races?
 Chat: Live at 11 a.m. Wednesday | E-mail advance questions
Tip from passerby helps end manhunt in Melissa 2:37 PM CT
A police officer found Bobby Lynn Haliburton, 29, behind a house in a residential area shortly before noon, Melissa Police Chief Duane Smith said. Mr. Haliburton surrendered without incident.
Highland Park officials approve measure requiring fire sprinklers in homes 1:16 PM CT
The ordinance is similar to one approved in January in University Park. That city’s ordinance requires all new homes, as well as homes that undergo major additions, to have fire sprinklers. It goes into effect Aug. 1, while Highland Park’s requirement begins Oct. 1.
Dallas County officials enact outdoor smoking ban at Founders Plaza 12:08 PM CT
Although there is no scientific evidence that walking by someone who's smoking outside creates a health hazard, some cities have enacted outoor smoking bans to discourage loitering. In Dallas County, it's for different aesthetic reasons: employees are littering the plaza with cigarette butts.
Work starts on Trinity Strand Trail in Dallas 12:25 PM CT
Early this decade, Dallas’ Trinity Strand Trail was little more than an unfunded idea floating amid the minds, and dancing on the sketchpads, of a few dedicated disciples.
Man uses gun for backscratcher, shoots himself
Jorge Espinal, 44, was drinking beer and playing poker around 3 a.m. Sunday in his home in the 3500 block of Montague Street, when he got up from the table and walked into another room, said Fort Worth police Lt. Kenneth Dean.
Teen accused in cheese heroin death of girlfriend's brother
Deleon Vanegas faces a charge of delivering a controlled substance to a minor and causing his death.
Storms hit Dallas-Fort Worth, tornado watch issued 2:12 PM CT
Tuesday’s high temperatures will reach the lower 80s with winds at 15 mph to 20 mph. The forecast also calls for more than 70 percent humidity, the National Weather Service said.
German textbook with nude images comes under scrutiny in Allen
Student Joshua Sabik said classmates discovered revealing adult magazine images that can be seen in a photo of a newsstand in their textbook, Deutsch Aktuell. The magazine images are large enough for the reader to see the titles.
05/12/2008
Dallas Zoo's elephant KeKe dies
 Dallas Zoological Society KeKe, a 39-year-old African elephant, suffered from intestinal problems. The death of KeKe marks the Dallas Zoo’s third significant loss in less than a year, and the area’s second elephant death. Boris, the Dallas Zoo’s only lion, died last month. Hildy, who was the world’s oldest giraffe, died in September.
05/13/2008
Man who evaded state trooper in Sherman still at large
A state trooper fired on a 29-year-old man wanted on drug charges as he drove toward the officer Monday afternoon along Highway 75 in Sherman, police said. Bobby Lynn Haliburton and his female passenger were apparently uninjured.
05/12/2008
Some gas pumps cheat customers in Dallas-Fort Worth area
Sometimes pumps short customers. Sometimes, they don’t work at all. Since Sept. 1, 2007, Texas Department of Agriculture inspections found problem pumps at more than 2,000 Texas fuel stations. The TDA monitors the state’s weighing and measuring devices.
 Interactive map: Problem pumps.
Drivers seeing red over altered citations from Dallas police
A Dallas assistant city attorney documented about a dozen cases over an 18-month period where officers added or changed the charges on a citation after giving it to the person. Few Dallas officers are disciplined for such acts, and none are known to have been fired.
Richardson council bans smoking in most businesses
Richardson City Council members unanimously approved a smoking ban Monday, but one that's narrower than a proposal they agreed to in principle last week.
05/13/2008
Woman arrested in Dallas accused of training girl to be dominatrix
Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment Monday accusing a woman arrested in Dallas of training her child to be a dominatrix, selling her sexual services and photographing some of the acts.
05/12/2008
Man accused of killing ex-wife threatens to jump off overpass
At about 9:30 a.m., a motorist notified police to say a man standing on the George Bush Turnpike overpass looked like he was about to jump, Carrollton police Sgt. John Singleton said.
05/13/2008
For first time, J.D. Tippit's widow sees his name on officers' memorial
Marie Tippit often thinks of her first husband, fatally shot in Dallas within an hour of John F. Kennedy's assassination.
Regional Roundup
A 26-year-old man was shot in the head Sunday in an attack police say was drug-related.
Seeds of change planted at Dallas school
For years, a depressing mix of dying trees and dirt patches have greeted students and teachers at the entrance of James Madison High School near Fair Park.
Texas Syndicate defendants plead guilty in North Texas
Three members of the Texas Syndicate gang who faced trial Monday on federal racketeering charges alleging murder, robbery and drug dealing signed last-minute plea deals.
Audit finds former Smirnoff Music Centre operator owes city thousands
The entertainment management company that operated the former Smirnoff Music Centre in Dallas' Fair Park owes City Hall nearly $850,000 in back lease payments, according to a city audit released Monday.
05/11/2008
Steve Blow and James Ragland: Getting an insight into black culture
TOM FOX / DMN Dallas Morning News columnists Steve Blow (left) and James Ragland are discussing racial issues in a series of jointly written columns. Barack Obama's March speech on race inspired us to go public with some frank and friendly discussion.
Video: Discussing mixed marriages
Tell Us: What influenced your attitudes?
Chat: Live Wednesday at 11 a.m. | E-mail advance questions
05/12/2008
Analysts see benefits in Hewlett-Packard's purchase of EDS
Hewlett-Packard Co. could have a tough time integrating Plano-based computer services company EDS.
J.D. Tippit's widow sees his name on officers' memorial for first time
More than four decades have passed since Marie Tippit lost her husband to John F. Kennedy’s assassin on that fateful November day in Dallas, and on Monday, she got to see J.D. Tippit’s name etched alongside those of thousands of other fallen police officers.
Austin man charged after refusing to hang up cellphone during Southwest Airlines flight
A Southwest Airlines passenger flying from Austin to Dallas Love Field on Monday morning was met by law enforcement officials after he refused to stop using his mobile phone during the flight.
Richardson to consider stricter smoking ban
After making a few tweaks, Richardson City Council members are expected to vote today on an ordinance that would force all but a few businesses to go smoke-free.
Man killed during Grand Prairie police standoff
The incident in the 500 block of Westchester Parkway began shortly after 4 a.m. when police received reports of a man shooting a weapon in his apartment.
Highland Park to consider sprinklers in new homes
Under the proposal, sprinklers would be required in new homes, as well as those that undergo renovations that add 50 percent or more to their square footage. If approved, it would go into effect Oct. 1.
05/11/2008
Mariachi bands celebrate culture, mothers in emotional performances
Greeting cards and flowers are always nice. But for many Hispanic families, the best way to say "Happy Mother's Day" is to sing it – with a serenading, guitar-strumming band of mariachis.
05/12/2008
ATM thieves strike again in Dallas
Dallas police were investigating another attempt to steal an ATM machine Monday morning.
Dallas police open fire on man during pursuit
Two Dallas police officers opened fire and struck a 24-year-old man during a pursuit that started in Old East Dallas and ended in University Park.
15-year-old girl killed in collision with train near Fort Worth
Residents of a small Johnson County community were grieving Sunday after a Chicago-bound Amtrak train hit an SUV, killing a 15-year-old Rio Vista girl.
05/11/2008
Idea to name Industrial Boulevard for congresswoman Johnson is a live one
If Industrial Boulevard becomes Eddie Bernice Johnson Parkway, Dallas will be breaking with precedent in at least one significant way: Ms. Johnson, a Democratic congresswoman, is very much alive.
Carrollton's new mayor says top priority is ridding city of illegal immigrants
Look for the fight against illegal immigration to intensify in Dallas' northwest suburbs. Carrollton's next mayor, Ron Branson, said Sunday that he'll begin working immediately to rid the city of illegal immigrants.
05/12/2008
Demand for teachers sparks hiring war in Dallas-Fort Worth
Teachers who complain about being underpaid may need to find another beef. How does $50,000 a year for a newly minted teacher sound?
Dallas hotel report draws scrutiny
Behind closed doors, Dallas city officials have reviewed reams of documents that they say show a city-owned convention center hotel will produce enough revenue to pay for itself.
Vietnam 'Ghost' vets honored after years of secrecy
For more than 30 years, members of the clandestine Naval air squadron VO-67 could not talk about their role in the Vietnam War. Now, they will receive the presidential unit citation, but they find the recognition bittersweet.
Video: Dallas-area Vietnam vets talk about their top secret mission
Even in Dallas Stars country, Wings fans paint town red
When it comes to rooting for his favorite hockey team, Tom Jaconette of Carrollton says his heart and head aren't always in the same place.
Burmese congregants in Dallas worry
Eight days after a cyclone killed tens of thousands in Myanmar, Karo Taw still has no idea whether her grandparents survived.
Duncanville business owners feel alienated by downtown redevelopment plans
A redevelopment plan for Duncanville's downtown area envisions a pedestrian-oriented district populated with a mix of retail, housing and commercial businesses.
Joyce 'Dottie' Rambo: An 'earth angel' to the gospel music industry
Joyce "Dottie" Rambo, an influential gospel singer and songwriter, died early Sunday when her tour bus ran off the highway and struck an embankment. She was 74.
Regional Roundup
A 30-year-old man was found shot to death Sunday morning in the parking lot of an auto parts store. Oluwasanmi Ikotun of Dallas was found lying on the pavement along S.M. Wright Freeway at Overton Road, said Dallas police Sgt. Gene Reyes.
05/10/2008
Voters approve Dallas ISD bond issue
 SONYA N. HEBERT/DMN McKenzie Lubs, 10, writes returns on a white board during the Dallas ISD bond supporters' election watching party Saturday night. Less than 5 percent of eligible voters cast ballots, but support for the bond issue was evident when early returns favored approval.
Becky Miller loses Carrollton mayor's race
Suburban voters OK school bonds
O'Hare wins in Farmers Branch
Collin County elections
 Link: Full results
Steve Blow and James Ragland: We're discussing race openly – care to join us?
TOM FOX/DMN Dallas Morning News columnists Steve Blow (left) and James Ragland are discussing racial issues in a series of jointly written columns. For the next four days, we'll be a couple of East Texas guys sitting around talking about race. Nothing is off limits. We want to put some questions to each other about things normally not discussed in racially mixed company.
Video: Debating 'black' names
Tell us: Obstacles to black progress
Chat: Live at 11 a.m. Wednesday | E-mail advance questions
05/11/2008
Large fire closes Frisco highway
A large fire fueled by a stack of hay bales has closed a one mile strip of FM3537, East Main Street, between Independence and Custer roads in Frisco.
Gang racketeering trial set to begin Monday
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in the federal case involving three Texas Syndicate gang members charged with racketeering and accused of being involved in murder and drug dealing.
05/10/2008
Frisco mom works to save defective hearts
When Sheila Elliott took the physical agility test to be a paramedic, she had much more at stake than securing a spot. It was about saving a life – her son's.
Video: Relying on faith
 Photos: The Elliott family
Challenger Ron Branson ousts Becky Miller in Carrollton mayor's race
 LOUIS DeLUCA/DMN Carrollton Mayor Becky Miller talked on a phone as the city's election results came in Saturday night. Mrs. Miller had led by 9 percentage points in early voting, but those ballots were cast at least a day before a Dallas Morning News story delved into her background.
Dallas ISD bond issue passes
Suburban voters OK school bonds
Voters mostly reject anti-immigration candidates
Collin County elections
Link: Full results
05/11/2008
Dallas County suburban voters pick mayors, councils
In Dallas County suburban races, voters were poised to elect a new mayor in Lancaster, while keeping incumbents in Mesquite and Duncanville. Meanwhile, voters in Hutchins and Wilmer appeared to split on alcohol sales.
05/10/2008
Collin County elections: Frisco voters reject extended alcohol sales hours for restaurants, bars
Frisco voters on Saturday defeated a measure to extend last call in city restaurants and bars, a decision that could bring an end to a months-long battle over alcohol sales.
05/11/2008
Denton County elections: Lewisville council veterans win easily amid light turnout
One of Lewisville's most contentious City Council races in recent history failed to draw much attention from voters, with two incumbents winning easily under weak turnout.
05/10/2008
Adam Medrano scores decisive win, keeps Dallas ISD board seat
Mr. Medrano easily held onto the District 8 seat, in the city's northwest corner, that he filled two years ago after the sudden death of former trustee Joe May.
05/11/2008
Highland Park, Lewisville, Plano school bonds approved
Highland Park ISD voters were considering a $75.4 million bond measure, the district’s first in almost 10 years. Lewisville ISD voters will consider two measures totaling $776 million, and Plano ISD voters were deciding whether to borrow almost a half-billion dollars for what would be the district’s largest-ever bond issue.
05/10/2008
Tarrant County elections: Voters reject Southlake civil service proposition
Southlake voters overwhelmingly rejected a civil service plan Saturday that police officers and firefighters championed but the mayor said would erode local control.
05/11/2008
Rockwall Mayor Pro Tem Straughan loses seat
Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Straughan lost his seat on the Rockwall City Council, but incumbent Margo Nielsen fended off a challenger.
Dallas County sheriff seeks funding for supervisory positions to oversee new guards
Now that Dallas County's guard-to-inmate ratio is finally up to state standards, another ratio is out of whack.
05/10/2008
Police: Convicted rapist charged in SMU co-ed's 1984 slaying showed little remorse
When Dallas police investigators finally came face to face last month with the 300-pound convicted sexual predator who they say brutally killed an SMU coed more than 23 years ago, the state prison inmate's reaction was telling.
Grand Prairie AirHogs' new ballpark pulls out all the stops
Mark Schuster isn't shy when boasting about QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie.
Grand Prairie AirHogs must draw fans to new stadium – and keep them there
With only days left until the first pitch in the AirHogs' home opener Friday, the team's front office is making a pitch of its own.
Couple slain in Dallas motel room
Friday night in Fite Barnes and Sonia Samuel's West Dallas motel room was no different than others since the couple moved in about a month ago, neighbors said.
05/11/2008
Regional Roundup
The American Red Cross invites people to trade a pint of blood for a chance to win $1,000 worth of gas.
05/09/2008
Travelers feeling weighed down with airline fees
 MICHAEL AINSWORTH / Special to DMN Brothers Mark (left) and Bill Shaw attempt to check in more than one bag at the American Airlines terminal at D/FW Airport on Wednesday. Starting Monday, most major airlines began charging $25 for a second checked bag to domestic passengers who aren't elite frequent fliers or sitting in premium class. American Airlines added a similar fee that begins next Monday.
Police seize vehicles from Dallas towing company
Seven automobiles that had been reported stolen were seized from a Dallas towing company's lot Friday after investigators determined that the company had been towing vehicles without proper licensing.
05/10/2008
Immigration raids catch citizens and legal residents
Two U.S. citizens and one legal permanent resident were among those arrested last month in Mount Pleasant, Texas, during a federal immigration crackdown targeting identity fraud at poultry giant Pilgrim's Pride.
05/09/2008
DWI blood testing sticks in North Texas
What started as a way to combat drunken driving on certain holiday weekends is becoming a more permanent practice in many North Texas communities. Officials hope "no refusal" will reduce accidents and deter drunken driving.
Texas Syndicate gang members reach plea deals
Three Texas Syndicate gang members will go on trial Monday on federal racketeering charges involving murder and drug dealing. The case marks the first time that federal RICO statutes, designed to bring down mafioso, will be used in a North Texas federal court against a gang.
Richardson City Council considers raising water rates
Water bills in Richardson could jump nearly 16 percent – $104 a year for the average resident – under a proposal the City Council will consider Monday night. It would be the first increase since late 2005. If approved, the rate hike would go into effect in time for June bills.
McKinney putting money, hope into StarCenter
The city of McKinney and its community development corporation are paying $12 million to bring a Dr Pepper StarCenter to town, complete with a world-class track and track training facility.
'05 double-murder case inches forward in Hunt County
More than two years after his parents were killed, Brandon Dale Woodruff remains in the Hunt County Jail with no date set for his capital murder trial. The case has been delayed after a judge found in September 2007 that Hunt County prosecutors had violated Mr. Woodruff's Sixth Amendment rights.
05/10/2008
North Texas voters head to polls today
 BEN TORRES / AL DIA Four school districts are each asking voters for millions of dollars for campus construction, improvement and expansion projects. North Texas voters will cast ballots today in city and school elections across the area. Several high-profile city races have featured heated debates, personal attacks and criticisms of incumbents.
Voter Guide: Compare candidates
Polling places
Recap: Read about the races
05/09/2008
Former Balch Springs city manager files breach of contract lawsuit
Former Balch Springs City Manager Kandi Hubert has filed a lawsuit accusing the city of breach of contract and violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Coppell canine officer Max wins at police dog regionals
Max is heading to nationals. The 3-year-old canine officer for the Coppell Police Department just took first place in the U.S. Police Canine Association Region 25 Narcotic Detector Dog Trials in Burkburnett.
U.S. Justice Department to observe Farmers Branch, Irving elections
The department will ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act during Saturday’s municipal elections. Federal officials didn't immediately say why they took the action.
Voter Guide: Compare candidates
Polling places
Recap: Read about the races
05/10/2008
Oak Cliff woman knew the score from age 6
Mabel Robertson took a lesson in learning at the tender age of 6 and turned it into lesson planning for life.
McKinney putting money, hope into StarCenter
The city of McKinney and its community development corporation are paying $12 million to bring a Dr Pepper StarCenter to town, complete with a world-class track and track training facility.
Welcome mats are in place for East Dallas home tours
Each April and May, property owners in sought-after East Dallas communities open their doors, welcoming thousands to tour their homes.
Regional Roundup
The troupe of young Chinese acrobats who were stranded in Dallas will be performing two area shows this weekend.
05/09/2008
Robber threatens woman with bat along Greenville Avenue
Dallas police are looking for suspects in two robberies of young women along Greenville Avenue early Thursday morning.
Neighbor fatally shoots man attacking doughnut maker
Chong "Angel" Randle" said she and her mother were getting ready to make donuts at about 1:30 a.m. when a man broke into the store and attacked her. As the man threatened to kill her, she said, "If you shoot me, I will go to heaven."
05/08/2008
Dallas City Council looks to fill possible gaps in next budget
This much is certain: The economy is squishy, tax revenue is lousy and more than a few Dallas officials are nervously wondering whether they'll find themselves raising taxes, or cutting services, to balance City Hall's next budget.
 Blog: City Hall
14-year-old accused of selling heroin in South Dallas
A 14-year-old boy accused of dealing heroin was arrested Wednesday night after Dallas police raided his home and found the drug — as well as several handguns, a rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
TAKS scores up for Dallas ISD eighth-graders, but district still trails state
Dallas ISD eighth-graders posted significant gains on state exams this spring, bringing a bit of good news to a public school system that often seems mired in problems.
Duncanville officials bolster sex club ban adopted in response to Cherry Pit case
The city adopted the ordinance in November to close down the Cherry Pit, a swingers club where guests can mingle, dance and have sex. Residents Jim Trulock, 59, and Julie M. Norris, 30, operate the club in their home.
Amazon shoppers may have to pay sales tax soon
Texans who shop Amazon.com to avoid paying sales taxes may not have that luxury for long. The Texas Comptroller's Office is investigating whether the Internet retail behemoth, with sales last year of $14.8 billion, owes Texas possibly millions of dollars in uncollected sales taxes on purchases made by its customers in the state.
Home prices up overall, but not in all areas of Dallas
Tax values of Dallas-area homes have jumped about 70 percent since the early 1990s. But the recent increases differ dramatically by area of town.
Interactive map: Dallas-Fort Worth home sales and prices
Experts: Market recovery to be slow
Steve Brown: Area Housing values are slow to rise, slow to fall
Video: Dallas Zoo throws birthday party for Jenny, world's oldest captive gorilla
Jenny ate a special "cake" made of frozen treats while keepers, visitors and media celebrated the occasion with birthday cake. Jenny was born in the wild but has lived at the Dallas Zoo since 1957.
05/09/2008
Dallas council member García considering run for county Commissioners Court
As Dallas City Council member Elba García considers a run for county Commissioners Court after her final term ends next year, her likely opponent envisions a spirited race because of their shared political credentials.
DISD teachers, officials want students punished for false accusations
Dallas public school trustees and teacher representatives want to amend the district's student code of conduct to allow schools to punish students who falsely accuse teachers of inappropriate behavior.
Bond panel comes up with $350 million wish list for Allen schools
An Allen school district bond committee has come up with a list of $350 million in projects deemed "critical" to district operations.
Brother, sister team from Greenhill School in Addison compete in national debate competition
It's 2:45 a.m., and you've just won the Tournament of Champions national debate competition. What do you do to wind down?
Estimates for expansion projects at two Irving high schools exceed budget
Major expansion projects are set to begin at two Irving high schools this month, but cost estimates are running over budget.
University of North Texas conference deals with how schools can help children following immigration raids
The morning that immigration enforcement agents raided a meatpacking plant in Cactus, Texas, a carpool of teachers called their superintendent to say they'd be late to school. A convoy of black Suburbans with flashing yellow lights was blocking their path.
05/08/2008
Dallas teen hit by SUV after exiting DART bus
A teenager on her way to school was struck by a vehicle after exiting a DART bus Thursday morning. The 14-year-old girl was unconscious at the scene and was rushed to Children's Medical Center Dallas, where she was reported in serious but stable condition at noon. Witnesses said the girl was clipped by the rear-view mirror of a passing sport utility vehicle.
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