Major stories from the week included the McKinney mosque vote and its aftermath, the death of former U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, Dallas public-safety developments, Jeff Metcalf’s new foundation and DXSN coverage from Cowboys training camp. | Images by City of McKinney and source-provided email; Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives; Canva; The Dallas Express; and The Dallas Express Sports Network; compilation by DX.
From a 7-0 McKinney mosque vote that drew more than 150 speakers to an internal email in which the city manager said he was “disgusted” by some of the conduct he witnessed, the week put political Islam, religious liberty and public accountability at the center of North Texas debate.
Former U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) died at 83, Dallas confronted a brutal homicide and a string of officer-involved shootings, and _The Dallas Express Sports Network_ went one-on-one with key Cowboys while the Wings announced a move to American Airlines Center. _DX_ also followed Jeff Metcalf’s new mission, tested a Talarico campaign narrative against public records and turned to Jerry Reynolds for practical car-buying advice.
Here are the stories and updates that helped shape the week.
McKinney mosque, political Islam and public accountability
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**Why It Matters:** McKinney’s 7-0 vote showed how a legally compliant site-plan case can become a much larger fight over political Islam, religious liberty and the limits of city power. More than 150 people signed up to speak, police intervened during a confrontation, and McKinney City Manager Paul Grimes’ internal response became a story of its own after _DX_ obtained his email. Senate scrutiny of EPIC City and a broader Republican policy push showed the issue moving from warnings toward proposals involving foreign funding, land ownership, financial practices, private tribunals and terrorism laws.
Dallas budget, crime and public safety
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**Why It Matters:** Dallas residents got an early look at the choices City Hall will make this fall. The proposed $5.6 billion budget would eliminate 296 positions, propose no property tax rate increase and increase spending on police and fire. Public safety remained urgent: a missing Dallas man was found shot four times and burned in Oklahoma, Dallas police handled a murder-charge upgrade and multiple officer-involved shootings, and Dallas ISD Officer Justin Jones was shot while helping a person in crisis.
Public service, political credibility and North Texas jobs
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**Why It Matters:** Granger’s death closed a historic chapter in Fort Worth and Texas politics. She served as Fort Worth’s first female mayor, the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Texas and the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. Elsewhere, _DX_ tested campaign imagery against public records, finding that women presented as “Republican moms” for state Rep. James Talarico (D-District 50) had Democratic primary or donation histories. In the week’s most-viewed feature, U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) joined _Let’s Talk Local_ to discuss DFW growth, Texas’ economic advantage and job creation, while her North Texas job fair brought more than 670 employers and 68,000 openings.
Families, schools and institutional accountability
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**Why It Matters:** Jeff Metcalf turned grief into a new mission, launching a foundation focused on conflict resolution, impulse control and de-escalation, then outlining a 2027 legislative push to let families sue when school district negligence contributes to a student’s death. The Texas Children’s agreement added another accountability story, pairing a $10 million payment with the creation of a detransition clinic. With school starting, _DX_ also gave parents a practical guide to new rules on parental rights, cellphones and Ten Commandments displays.
DXSN, the Cowboys and women’s sports
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**Why It Matters:** _DXSN_ showed its reach through both access and local impact. The Wings confirmed a 2027 move to American Airlines Center, nearly tripling the seating available at College Park Center. At Cowboys training camp, DeMarvion Overshown discussed his return from major injuries, while Quinnen Williams laid out championship expectations for a rebuilt defense. The week’s women’s-sports debate also intensified when two former NBA players declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft and challenged the league to define eligibility.
Consumer choices, technology and Texas culture
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**Why It Matters:** Consumers got a mixed week of practical advice, new technology and cultural controversy. Jerry Reynolds explained how to evaluate service contracts, GAP coverage and other products before signing in a dealership finance office. Waymo opened its driverless ride-hailing service to the Dallas public, though airport and freeway rides remain unavailable. Coca-Cola faced backlash after viral tests showed its customization tool accepting phrases praising Satan while blocking phrases about Jesus, and a Texas appeals court upheld the State Fair’s gun ban at Fair Park.
That was the week. If you missed it, now you are caught up.
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