News from the Lone Star State

[TexasStooge]

Body found at newly-opened Oak Cliff store

DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A body found in a recently-opened convenience store in Oak Cliff could be that of the owner or a clerk, police say.

The man's body was found at the Morrell Food Mart on South Denley Drive by a customer this morning.

"She went into the store to get a packet of cigarettes but didn't see anyone behind the counter. When she walked down through the store, she saw a man on the floor," said the customer's neighbor.

Police are on the scene but say, at present, there are no witnesses or suspects.

They have not yet identified the man.

"This store only opened two weeks ago. It is new to the neighborhood," said Dallas Police deputy chief Vincent Golbeck.

[TexasStooge]

Barricaded man fires shots in Plano

By JENNIFER EMILY / The Dallas Morning News

PLANO, Texas — A man barricaded inside a Plano home since Friday morning has fired at least two shots, police said.

The man, who has not been identified, may have fired one shot in the direction of his mother, said Detective Jerry Minton. It was unclear whether the mother was still inside the home in the 1100 block of Acadia Drive, near the intersection of Alma Drive and West Parker Road.

The man has shouted at officers.

Police were called to the home around 11:20 a.m. by a man working on yards in the area.

[TexasStooge]

Mansfield mom charged with drowning son

By YOLANDA WALKER / WFAA ABC 8

MANSFIELD, Texas — The mother of a one-year-old boy was scheduled to be arraigned on Saturday in connection with his drowning death.

Police said Valeria Maxon, 31, drowned her son Alex in the family's backyard hot tub. By the time emergency personnel arrived, it was too late to save him.

Police were still at family's home late Friday night gathering evidence.

Neighbors consoled the child's father, Michael Maxon, after he made a harrowing 911 call—telling dispatchers his baby son was dead.

"I am so sorry for him," said neighbor Imogene Gideon. "This is such a tragedy for his family."

The Maxons had reportedly lived in the house on River Crest Court for a couple of years after moving from Florida. Neighbors said they thought it was strange that Valeria Maxon had been very stand-offish over the past year.

"She did seem that way in the last few months, I think, after the birth," neighbor Judith Field said. "So we thought maybe post-partum syndrome."

Neighbors said the tragedy is bringing them closer together so they can be a comforting force after the ordeal.
_____________________________________________________________

Looks like we have the next Andrea Yates here.

[TexasStooge]

Barricaded man in Plano surrenders to police

By Bob Greene, WFAA ABC 8

PLANO, Texas — A man barricaded inside a Plano home since Friday morning fired shots, forcing the evacuation of a whole neighborhood, before he eventually surrendered to police at about 6 p.m.

"The emergency unit had set up upon the house - they had deployed some gas into the structure... the emergency unit went inside, found the man hiding and took him into custody," said Rick McDonald from the Plano Police Department.

The man, who has not been identified, may have fired one shot in the direction of his mother, said Detective Jerry Minton. It was unclear whether at the time the mother was still inside the home in the 1100 block of Acadia Drive, near the intersection of Alma Drive and West Parker Road.

The man, 39, had shouted at officers who continued to negotiate with him. He had fired a second shot when officers arrived at the scene.

"I went out to take my trash... a policeman said, 'go back inside your house and stay there,'" said Kathleen Becherer, an evacuated neighbor.

Police were called to the home around 11:20 a.m. by a man working on yards in the area.

Police worked with electricity workers to cut off power to the house.

The Dallas Morning News contributed to this report.

[TexasStooge]

Mansfield jail escapees captured

MANSFIELD, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Three prisoners who escaped from a Mansfield jail were captured Friday evening following an extensive search.

U.S. Marshals Assistant Chief Deputy David Davidson said two of the inmates were found together around 5:30 p.m. The third was captured about 2½ hours later. All were found in Fort Worth.

Carlton Dwayne Keeble, 47; Carlos Ruben Zuniga, 32; and Emilio Edenilson, 32, escaped sometime between 10 a.m. and noon, authorities said. Mr. Keeble was being held for a felony possession of weapons charge, and Mr. Zuniga and Mr. Edenilson were being held for illegally entering the U.S.

All three men were being held by the U.S. Marshals Service and were cellmates, Chief Deputy Davidson said. The prisoners escaped by cutting a hole through the roof of a structure in the recreational yard of the facility.

[TexasStooge]

Baby found dead at Saginaw daycare center

By JAY PARSONS / The Dallas Morning News

SAGINAW, Texas - Five-month-old Zachary Cook was found dead Friday afternoon in a playpen at a Saginaw daycare center. Police said there were no signs of trauma, and no one has been arrested.

Zachary’s mother arrived at the home-site daycare facility shortly before 4 p.m. to pick up the infant, according to police accounts. The operator’s teenage daughter went to get Zachary from another room, where he was supposed to be napping.

The girl ran back into the foyer, yelling, “There’s something wrong with the child; he’s not breathing,” police said.

The infant’s mother hurried to the playpen while the teenager called 911. Rescuers found no signs of life in Zachary and pronounced him dead at 4 p.m.

The Tarrant County medical examiner’s office hadn’t determined the cause of death as of Saturday afternoon.

Saginaw police Capt. Nancy Wright said Zachary “had no health problems we know of.”

Capt. Wright said the daycare facility, located in the 400 block of Norfolk Drive, was operating legally under a license. She said she does not know of any past problems with the daycare center.

Investigators contacted the state’s daycare licensing office, but Capt. Wright did not know if the center would be shut down.

The daycare operator could not be reached Saturday.

[TexasStooge]

Suspects nabbed in Rowlett murder case

ROWLETT, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Rowlett police arrested a suspect Friday night in the murder of 18-year-old David Irlanda.

Irlanda was found shot and killed after his car crashed through two backyards Thursday afternoon.

Rowlett police Lt. David Nabors said 18-year-old Remy M. Ingram of Rowlett was arrested for the crime and charged with capital murder. He was held on $1 million bond.

Police also arrested another Rowlett teen, Skyler Slider, 18, for tampering with evidence and failure to report a felony.

Nabors said it all started on Thursday afternoon when Irlanda was eating at a local restaurant. Nabors said Irlanda was approached by Ingram and Slider for a ride home.

Irlanda took the two to Rowlett's Mariner Park subdivision, where Ingram reportedly directed Irlanda to an alley behind the 5400 block of Somerset Drive.

Police said Ingram exited the car and demanded Irlanda's property. Irlanda was shot as he tried to drive away.

After arraingment Friday night, Nabors said Ingram and Slider would be transferred to Lew Sterrett Justice Center in Dallas.

Earlier Friday night, the restaurant where Irlanda had worked was the scene of a vigil for the slain teenager.

Irlanda's grieving mother was joined by friends of her son who paid tribute to the recent Rowlett High School graduate.

"He was one of the special ones; somebody who could have made a difference in the world," one person said. "He was a 'band kid' through and through. That child loved to march. He bought these black shoes that curled up at the toes. I said, 'David, why'd you get these shoes?' He said, 'The toes make it look like my feet go higher than they already are."

Friends also released balloons in Irlanda's honor and they planned a candlelight vigil later Friday night.

[TexasStooge]

Mother charged with capital murder

By JAY PARSONS, HOLLY YAN and PAUL MEYER / The Dallas Morning News

MANSFIELD, Texas - A Mansfield woman was charged today with capital murder in the drowning of her 1-year-old son.

Valeria Maxon, 32, was placed in isolation - a confinement typically reserved for people with suicidal tendencies - inside the Mansfield Jail on a $1 million bond.

Police said Ms. Maxon drowned her son, Alex, in a backyard hot tub Friday afternoon while her husband, Michael Maxon, was running an errand. Mr. Maxon, 52, called 911 when he returned to the home on River Crest Court near the Walnut Creek Country Club.

Mansfield police spokesman Danny Baas would not say what Ms. Maxon has told police.

[TexasStooge]

Four-car crash shuts down Central

By JAY PARSONS / The Dallas Morning News

DALLAS, Texas - A four-car crash led to the temporary closure of northbound Central Expressway near Knox Street shortly after midnight Saturday morning. At least three people were taken to area hospitals, but none of the injuries appeared fatal.

A witness told investigators the pileup began when the driver of a black 2005 Nissan Altima, “traveling over 100 mph,” slammed into a black Acura, police said. The Acura rolled over and burst into flames. Two occupants suffered second-degree burns and were taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital. The Altima then caromed off the median into two other vehicles.

Rescuers found one person inside the Altima, who said he was a passenger and that the driver had run off, police said. The passenger was taken to Baylor University Medical Center for observation. Police are looking for the driver and could charge him with failure to stop and render aid, a spokeswoman said.

[TexasStooge]

Cell phone call 'vital clue' in Rowlett murder

By CAROL CAVAZOS / WFAA ABC 8

ROWLETT, Texas - A call made from the cell phone of a Rowlett teen shortly before he was murdered provided a vital clue in the case, police say.

"There was a break in the case when we realized that the victim's cell phone had been used by one of the suspects prior to the murder," said Chief Matt Walling, from Rowlett police.

David Irlanda, 18, was found shot and killed after his car crashed through two backyards Thursday afternoon.

Remy M. Ingram, 17, of Rowlett was arrested for the crime and charged with capital murder. He was held on a $1 million bond.

Police also arrested another Rowlett teen, Skyler Slider, 17, for hiding the automatic pistol used in the murder and for failure to report a felony.

Police said it all started on Thursday afternoon when Irlanda was eating at a local restaurant. They said Irlanda was approached by Ingram and Slider for a ride home.

"Ingram had approached him and said he had car trouble. David had let him use the cell phone and then Ingram had asked for a ride," Walling continued.

The gunman and victim knew each other from school.

"You have a good Samaritan who was taking time out of his day to help a friend... and it cost him his life," Walling added.

Irlanda took the two to Rowlett's Mariner Park subdivision, where Ingram reportedly directed Irlanda to an alley behind the 5400 block of Somerset Drive.

Police said Ingram exited the car and demanded Irlanda's property. Irlanda was shot as he tried to drive away.

On Friday, the restaurant where Irlanda had worked for two years was the scene of a vigil for the slain teenager.

Irlanda's grieving mother was joined by friends of her son who paid tribute to the recent Rowlett High School graduate.

"He was one of the special ones; somebody who could have made a difference in the world," one person said. "He was a 'band kid' through and through. That child loved to march. He bought these black shoes that curled up at the toes. I said, 'David, why'd you get these shoes?' He said, 'The toes make it look like my feet go higher than they already are."

Friends also released balloons in Irlanda's honor.

"We're so happy [they've arrested the suspects]," said Jolee Cook, a co-worker at the restaurant where Irlanda worked.

"I think that will help with the grieving process knowing that the guys are caught."

Police say the judge set Ingram's bail at a $1 million because he thought it was such a heinous crime, striking at the heart of the community.

[TexasStooge]

2 officers on leave after death of man in custody

DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Two Dallas officers were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation after a 51-year-old man died while in police custody.

The officers were taking the man, who had apparently been beaten up, to Parkland Memorial Hospital when he became unconscious.

Officers pulled over and performed CPR until paramedics got to the scene. The man later died at the hospital.

[TexasStooge]

Woman killed in carjacking

DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A woman was killed during an attempted carjacking early this morning in East Dallas.

Police said the crime happened around 1:30 a.m. in the 500 block of South Carroll Ave. near Interstate 30. The unidentified victim was shot during an attempt to forcibly steal the SUV in which she was riding. Police said that the victim's husband was driving the car and was attempting to escape from the carjackers when one of the men apparently fired, striking the woman.

The victim subsequently died at nearby Baylor University Medical Center.

Police suspect the same group of three unidentified men tried to carjack three other vehicles in the downtown Dallas area before the deadly attack.

[TexasStooge]

Dining on Dallas ISD's dime: Indulge and charge

Credit card-toting employees spent millions on rewards

By TAWNELL D. HOBBS, KENT FISCHER and MOLLY MOTLEY / The Dallas Morning News

DALLAS, Texas - Dallas school employees like to use their district-issued MasterCards to reward students and staff with catered meals, "incentive" gifts and other awards – to the tune of $2.7 million over two years. The Dallas Morning News reviewed thousands of Dallas Independent School District transactions made from Jan. 1, 2004, to March 28, 2006, and found:

•Employees spent $1.5 million at restaurants and on caterers.

•They spent $1.26 million with companies that specialize in giveaway items, such as T-shirts, trophies, retirement gifts and trinkets stamped with district and school logos.

The purchases are among thousands – totaling about $20 million a year – made by employees on district-issued MasterCards, called procurement cards, or P-cards. More than 1,200 employees can have active cards at any one time.

While P-card users receive individual, monthly statements, they do not pay the bill. The district does – in one large payment every month to cover the MasterCard charges.

For restaurant spending, Jason's Deli was the most popular spot, with cardholders spending $214,454 there during the period reviewed by The News. Chandler's Cuisine, a catering company in Dallas, also was popular, with $125,761 in sales.

The News found that the credit cards were used at many kinds of restaurants, from close-by destinations like White Rock Yacht Club, where an executive director spent $555 on one day, to a high school teacher's bill of $101 at the House of Blues in Orlando, Fla.

Charges also included the absurd – 22 cents at the Baby Back Shack in Dallas.

In a district struggling to balance its budget, school trustee Jerome Garza said cardholders must not make frivolous purchases for food or any other commodity.

"Maybe what we need to do is have the checks and balances on the front end, not the back end," he said. "I'm really disappointed."

$1,000 limit

DISD rules do not prohibit employees from using the cards for restaurants or caterers at school or district events. District officials said last week they do not scrutinize where food is bought, but card users are not supposed to spend more than $1,000 per event.

Some cardholders explained why they were making large food purchases that do not appear to be directly related to educating the district's 161,000 students. Some wanted perks to boost morale or provide incentives to staff members and students.

That was Roosevelt High School principal Leon Dudley's reason for the $903 steak dinner he bought his basketball players and cheerleaders in Austin in March.

"Hey, man, they just won a state championship," Mr. Dudley said. "It was all about the kids."

Schools and departments holding staff functions or faculty meetings made some of the more costly food purchases.

Bryan Adams High School paid $2,290 for food (including a $344 gratuity) from On the Border to be delivered for the school's "end of semester training" in 2004. An agenda for the meeting listed five items, including the recognition of staff members with perfect attendance, a first-year teacher singalong and the announcement of successes at the school.

Cary Middle School spent $2,475 at Trail Dust Steak House for an annual Christmas luncheon for 120 employees. Cary principal Santiago Camacho bristled when asked about the event, saying only that he "reported all that" to the district.

Joan Bonner, the parent of a recent DISD graduate, watches district finances closely. A resident of the old Wilmer-Hutchins school system, which was closed for financial and academic problems, she wants to make sure Dallas schools operate efficiently. She says the kinds of perks and incentives some people bought with procurement cards should be forbidden.

"If a school district can afford all these perks, maybe their budget should be cut," she said.

Spending on the cards may soon be reined in. DISD planned to implement new rules targeting card misuse and impulsive buying last weekend.

The new rules require cardholders to receive pre-approval from their supervisors before making purchases, said Sherri Brokaw, DISD's director of Financial Control and Card Services. The district also is looking at limitations on using caterers, she said.

"We're going to try and put as many controls in ... as possible," Ms. Brokaw said. "The rules will be spelled out and the punishments."

Spending limits depend on the type of account a person is using, and whether it's funded by local, state or federal tax dollars or from donations and fundraisers.

$1,000 limit

Credit card purchases for restaurants and caterers cannot exceed $1,000, while charges paid for with money from student fundraisers must not exceed $40 a year per person, district officials said.

Ms. Brokaw said cardholders are warned about inappropriate purchases and are told: "Don't spend this money any differently than you'd spend your own family's money."

Three employees in the district's Financial Control and Card Services Department, including Ms. Brokaw, monitor the card purchases. Under the new rules, more employees will do that work.

Food wasn't the only commodity cardholders buy to reward good work and provide incentives. The district also spends a lot on trinkets.

Bullet-shaped flasks

One principal, who is no longer with the district, spent $1,552 on stainless steel flasks shaped like bullets. He imprinted the flasks with his school's logo and gave them out to teachers at the start of the school year. In a note to the district, the principal said the flasks were to get teachers thinking about "Biting the Bullet," to crack down on discipline problems in the coming year.

The Area 1 office manager spent $199 in moisturizer from Bath and Body Works. A note scribbled on the receipt says the lotion was an "incentive" given out at an annual staff meeting.

At the end of last school year, one principal bought $3,800 in key chains, watches, portfolios and travel bags, all of them emblazoned with the school's logo. High-achieving kids got the watches and key chains, staff and parents got the portfolios, and teachers who did not miss a day of work got the travel bags.

Those trinkets, however, are just the beginning. Card users spent $256,470 at T-shirt shops. They also spent $39,044 on movie tickets, $22,543 at doughnut shops, $9,972 on party rentals and $4,125 on pro-sports tickets.

The district's Area 6 and Area 1 offices spent $4,055 on embroidered polo shirts, denim shirts and cardigan sweaters from Lands' End. According to a memo, the purchase was necessary so that staff and principals would be identifiable at district activities, such as the superintendent's leadership training.

[TexasStooge]

Long-term rail plans clash

DART, Dallas council split on high-priority projects, suburban transit for 2030

By TONY HARTZEL / The Dallas Morning News

DALLAS, Texas - Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and the city of Dallas have recently unveiled competing long-term visions for rail transit in North Texas – visions that probably will pit a proposed rail line along LBJ Freeway against a southern Dallas rail extension called Southport.

Those proposed rail lines would be built and open around 2025 to 2030. But transit and city officials already have started airing their cases to the public.

In addition, DART and Dallas city government differ over what type of rail service to run along a proposed east-west rail line through suburbs north of LBJ Freeway.

Suburban cities will get a chance to weigh in on Dallas Area Rapid Transit's proposal soon. The agency's board of directors should make a final decision on the 2030 plan this fall.

"We have to be very, very vigilant," said Dallas Mayor Laura Miller in advance of a unanimous City Council vote last week to endorse the city's priority list. "Not everything that we've asked DART to do [before] gets done."

A day earlier, DART board members wrestled over comparisons between DART's projects and Dallas' priorities.

"All of us are political animals," said DART board chairman Mark Enoch of Rowlett. "We understand what we need to do politically. But we also represent the people of our cities, not just the city councils."

At the crux of the debate: A three-mile, $180 million proposal for a blue line light-rail extension to a planned freight distribution center near the intersection of Interstates 20 and 45.

DART planners predict that the proposed rail line, known as the Southport extension, will carry about 800 to 1,000 riders a day two decades from now.

DART says those ridership projections do not meet its minimum standards.

Dallas leaders see the truck and rail freight distribution center, coupled with a rail extension from the University of North Texas' new southern Dallas campus, as a key to economic development. The Southport extension is such a high priority to Dallas that city leaders ranked it above all other rail projects on the long-range 2030 plan.

"It's critical to our economic development efforts to get the priorities that are listed in this resolution," Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill said.

With Southport as a priority, Dallas ranked a proposed $828 million LBJ Freeway rail line and tunnel seventh on its list of 10 possible projects.

But DART planners have ranked the LBJ project among its top four priorities, setting up the conflict between DART and the city.

The LBJ line could carry about 9,800 riders a day, and it exceeds the transit agency's minimum standards for ridership and cost.

"Most folks thought the LBJ route was an excellent alignment, but it was going to be very expensive. Therefore, not many projects on our priority list would be accomplished," said Dallas council member Linda Koop, chairman of the council's transportation and environment committee.

The LBJ line would stand a much better chance than the Southport line of getting federal funding for construction, DART officials said. Federal funding is important because it could free up local revenue to build other projects.

Dallas and DART did agree on prioritizing other projects, including a $249 million rail extension in southeast Dallas, a $120 million red line extension in west Oak Cliff and a $500 million West Dallas rail line.

The two sides also disagreed on what type of trains to run along the Cotton Belt. The rail line could offer service from Plano, through Richardson, Far North Dallas, Addison and Carrollton before reaching the north entrance of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Dallas council members stood behind a Cotton Belt plan developed by colleagues Ron Natinsky and Ms. Koop and approved by most area homeowner associations.

The plan approved by the council features several design elements that helped get political support from neighborhoods.

The plan calls for electric-powered light rail instead of diesel-powered commuter rail – but only between Plano and Carrollton. DART officials estimate it would cost $792 million. Service from Carrollton to D/FW Airport would be built later.

Dallas officials also want Cotton Belt trains to run in a three-mile, open channel below ground level to minimize noise. Their plan also calls for existing freight lines to be removed, and installation of hike-and-bike trails and enhanced landscaping.

DART officials have balked at the request for an open channel. The agency builds sound walls to reduce noise. They say the channel would cost an extra $255 million. They fear it would set a bad precedent when it comes time to build lines in other neighborhoods, planners said.

But neighborhood proponents believe the channel could be built for as little as $20 million.

DART faces a large challenge from the surrounding neighborhoods if the city's requests aren't met, said Jan De Meulder, president of the Prestonwood Homeowners Association, which includes 1,027 homes.

"We are not opposed to trains or DART or what makes sense for Dallas," he said. "But our message is clear to DART: We are not going away."

DART officials say they can build the Cotton Belt line much cheaper than the $792 million plan approved by Dallas.

DART has proposed running a $465 million express rail service with fewer stops along the Cotton Belt, but running all the way from Plano to D/FW Airport. Trains would run less frequently than light rail.

Dallas made the Cotton Belt line its No. 2 priority as a nod to its suburban partners in DART. Support from the suburbs will be crucial for Dallas' vision for a Southport rail line.

DART policies require that at least 10 out of 15 board members approve new expansion plans. Dallas has eight full members and the suburbs have six members. One member is shared between Dallas and the suburbs.

"We understand that many suburban members want the Cotton Belt. That's why we put it in our top two projects," Ms. Koop said.

[TexasStooge]

Baby thrown from burning Dallas building

DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A woman threw a baby from the second floor of a burning building then jumped herself, officials said on Monday.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the two-alarm fire at Lafayette and Haskell (near Central Expressway) around 8 a.m. this morning.

The woman and infant were reported to have been injured.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

[TexasStooge]

New fireworks venue sparkles

Dallas: Better views touted as celebration returns to Fair Park

By JON NIELSEN / The Dallas Morning News

DALLAS, Texas - Organizers say crowds at Sunday's Dallas Booms made it clear this year's Independence Day celebration was not another Dallas dud.

By show time Sunday, organizers estimated 40,000 people were gathered at Fair Park.

"We had no idea. It's way, way beyond any of our expectations," said Steven Flores, Fair Park special events coordinator.

The celebration returned to Fair Park after several years of sub-par events in the downtown area, which have progressively dwindled in attendance. The Fourth of July event had not been held at the park since the early 1990s.

In 2002, the inaugural Trinity Fest attracted a healthy crowd of between 200,000 and 300,000. But the event was marred by a fireworks show that was delayed 45 minutes and spectators who jammed streets and clogged DART light-rail systems, which were unprepared to handle such a mob.

The second Trinity Fest attracted 80,000 guests in 2003, but the Trinity Festival Corp. ran an $80,000 debt, which ended the fledgling extravaganza. Trinity Fest was replaced by the "Big Oooh-Aaah" celebration in 2004 at City Hall, which was attended by 7,000 people. The "ooohs" and "aaahs" were traded for "ugghs" as the Dallas skyline blocked out the view of the fireworks, sending people scrambling for a better view.

In 2005, only 4,000 gathered for the second "Big Oooh-Aaah" celebration. But again, many people didn't have a clear view of the show and either left early or rushed to get a quick glimpse.

So can Dallas have an Independence Day celebration with more pomp and less negative circumstance? Dallas Booms coordinators thought so Sunday night.

Mr. Flores said the layout of the park gave everyone a good view of the fireworks display.

The only call security personnel received was a report of a lost dog, Mr. Flores said.

"We have created a family event," said Ann Pomykal, president of Friends of Fair Park. "We've got 277 acres out here to bring people into one of the most beautiful landmarks in Dallas. We have the right place and now I think today we've proved that."

Crowds began arriving early in the day, and by 6 p.m., lines had formed at the Fair Park museums, which were open free from 6 to 8 p.m.

"This is a really what the park should look like all the time," said Daniel Huerta, executive general manager of Fair Park, who praised the work of museum workers and volunteers who made the extravaganza possible. "This is everyone coming together for a festive, wonderful day in the park to honor America and our freedom."

The free event attracted a variety of people. There were symphony aficionados who came to listen to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra; picnickers munching on nachos and hot dogs and sipping cold drinks; and of course, the fireworks fanatics.

Some got there early to scout a good spot. Seated under a shade tree at the esplanade, Tony Gottlieb wondered why Independence Day wasn't celebrated at Fair Park every year.

"I think it's the smartest thing Dallas has done in a long time," said Mr. Gottlieb, a Lake Highlands resident.

"It shows off the premier thing Dallas is about: Fair Park. It's a ready-built venue for all this stuff," he said, pointing to the murals that grace the art deco buildings. "I've always maintained that using Fair Park just for the fair is a mistake."

Jodi Mottwiler of Garland brought her family out to listen to the symphony. It was also a chance to renew the tradition that she says every Dallas resident should try.

"If you're a native Dallasite, like I am, it's a tradition to come out here."

Others, such as Christina Poluru, a newlywed who recently made Dallas her home, said she was impressed with the park, but was more excited about showing her in-laws from India an American tradition.

"We want to show them what it's like in America on the Fourth of July," Mrs. Poluru said.

[TexasStooge]

Convicted felon charged in tot's death

DALLAS, Texas (The Dallas Morning News) - A convicted felon faces a capital murder charge in the death of a 6-month-old child over the weekend, police said.

James Felton Williams, 21, was being held in the Dallas County Jail on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest, capital murder and injury to a child. His bonds totaled $826,000.

Six-month-old Roderic Holland died Saturday at a local hospital of blunt force injuries, according to the Dallas County medical examiner’s office.

Mr. Williams was released from prison about eight months ago after serving three years for assault on a public servant in Brownwood County.

[TexasStooge]

As potshots fly, Plano keeps stiff upper crust

By LEE POWELL / The Dallas Morning News

PLANO, Texas - The opening of a fancy-schmancy Wal-Mart in western Plano has left reporters ogling over organic offerings, gasping at the gussied-up retail concept.

They've also relished describing fair Plano. A stack of news accounts pricks at Plano pride:

Plano is a "McMansionised suburb of Dallas" (The Economist of London), "a very upscale Dallas suburb" (Chicago Tribune, previewing a Texas Monthly account), "there's no upper crust like Plano's. Here in the Dallas uber-suburb, where shoppers at one mall are greeted by doormen ..." (Texas Monthly).

Welcome to Plano, y'all.

A Washington Post writer parachuted in, gave the place a look-see, then wrote about beautiful box stores and development nodes – Plano is "all node."

All winding up to this closing kicker: "It was the nicest noplace we've seen in a long time," Hank Stuever wrote.

Take your shots, big-shot reporters, city backers say. Then prepare for the Plano pitch: 250,000 people and a slew of major corporations have plopped down here. Did we mention the stellar schools, the sterling streets?

"I smile like the Cheshire cat and say thanks so much for talking about Plano," says Brad Shanklin of the Chamber of Commerce. "You're going to poke fun at a city that's got so much going for it?"

You know what they say about Washington...

[TexasStooge]

New laws make it tougher for less advantaged to get care

By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8

He is homeless, says his name is Ken Hicks, and he's 58. His identification was stolen in Fort Worth.

Without the right I.D., he won't be able to apply for, or receive Medicaid benefits, even though he's an American.

Hicks is among the 50-million indigent, mentally ill, and poor that'll be required to prove they're citizens before they can get Medicaid benefits. Those currently in the system will have to reapply.

A new law also requires either: a birth certificate -- plus government issued photo I.D., a U.S. passport, certificate of U.S. citizenship, a U.S. naturalization certificate, or a driver's license issued in a state where citizenship is required to drive.

Many organizations worry all that paperwork will create legal delays for the neediest of people.

"If that interrupts care, that could be life-threatening for a person with a mental illness or any other illness," said Janie Metzinger, public policy director.

Ken Hicks says he won't be able to re-apply for Medicaid in time to get his next batch of medication.

For now, he's grateful for the lunch provided at a homeless shelter. He hopes medical care will be as charitable after Saturday.

[TexasStooge]

Woman shot in carjacking attempt

DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A woman was shot during an attempted carjacking early this morning in East Dallas.

Police said the crime happened around 1:30 a.m. in the 500 block of South Carroll Ave. near Interstate 30. The unidentified victim was shot during an attempt to forcibly steal the SUV in which she was riding. Police said that the victim's husband was driving the car and was attempting to escape from the carjackers when one of the men apparently fired, striking the woman.

The victim is 'not expected to survive', and is at nearby Baylor University Medical Center.

Police suspect the same group of three unidentified men tried to carjack three other vehicles in the downtown Dallas area before the deadly attack.