AI chatbots are back in court-this time accused of harming kids’ mental health. A lawsuit in East Texas targets Character.AI, while OpenAI, facing its own wrongful death case, now promises parental controls for ChatGPT within a month. The update will let parents link to their teens’ accounts and get alerts if the bot detects signs of “acute distress.” Critics say the tech was dumped on the world with more hype than safety checks, and now the cleanup looks a lot like trial by lawsuit.

Sunday morning drivers in Rockwall got an unwelcome surprise when a crash shut down both directions of I-30 at the Lake Ray Hubbard bridge. Traffic crawled to a halt as investigators worked the scene, with police urging commuters to detour onto Highway 66. Details of the wreck remain under wraps, but by late morning all lanes were finally reopened. For frustrated motorists, it was one of those classic Texas traffic jams-unexpected, exhausting, and thankfully temporary.

Turns out your kid’s back pain isn’t always about that monster-sized backpack-you might actually need a doctor for that one. Still, TikTok’s Dauer has some survival tips: make kids use "both" straps (yes, apparently one-strap swagger equals one-shoulder pain), go for chest or belly clips to spread the load, and stash heavy books closest to the spine instead of dangling off like bricks in a sack. Oh, and if the backpack is wider than the kid or dragging behind their knees, maybe it’s not “extra roomy”-maybe it’s just wrong. Pro tip: the thing shouldn’t weigh more than 10% of your child’s body weight, unless you’re secretly training them for boot camp.

The State Fair of Texas is back Sept. 26-Oct. 19, but this year high schoolers won’t be getting in for free. While younger kids and teachers still score complimentary tickets, grades 9-12 are being cut off-officials cite rising costs, unused tickets, and, yes, rowdy teen behavior. High school students can still grab weekday discounts online, but the fair has made it clear: family fun doesn’t come cheap, especially if you’re old enough to cause “disturbances.”

Dallas transit riders, brace yourselves: starting January 2026, DART is slashing seven bus routes and cutting peak-hour rail service in a bid to save \$18 million. Officials blame ballooning costs and tight budget rules, but critics warn the cuts will hit minority and low-income riders the hardest-a concern even DART’s own equity review confirmed. The agency is dangling a couple of shiny distractions-pilot shuttles in Addison and Plano-but for many regular riders, the “budget fix” feels more like being left at the curb.

The Fort Worth Zoo has double the reason to roar-two African lion cubs were born this summer to proud parents Saba and Jabulani. The pair, a feisty female named Imara (“strength”) and her gentler brother Tamu (“sweet”), are already showing off their personalities-one bold, the other more of a mama’s boy. For now, the cubs are sticking close to mom in their newly “baby-proofed” habitat, complete with logs and stepping stones, until they’re ready for the big stage. The zoo calls their arrival a win for lion conservation; the cubs, meanwhile, just call it nap time.

Kids today don’t just scroll past memes and dance challenges -they’re also stumbling across graphic videos of murders on their feeds. Experts warn that by middle school, the average child has already seen thousands of violent acts on screen (so much for “PG-13”). Doctors advise parents to actually ask their kids what they’ve seen - and brace for answers that may require more than “just ignore it.” From teaching kids to say “I can’t unsee that” to suggesting puppies, prayer, or paintbrushes as mental detox tools, the message is clear: violence online is inevitable, but how parents help kids process it can make all the difference.

Texas kids are about to get a whole lot more Texas in their textbooks. The State Board of Education narrowly approved a plan to beef up lessons on Texas and U.S. history-while trimming back world history and geography-because apparently the globe can wait. Conservatives praised the “chronological, story-based” approach, while educators complained it sidelines context, continuity, and, well, the rest of the planet. The board insists everyone’s story will eventually be told, but critics worry students won’t see themselves-or the wider world-in the material until much later. In short: more Alamo, less Amazon.

A Texas suburb has a new gang problem - only this one has four legs and a tail. In Godley, residents say packs of abandoned dogs, sometimes as many as 40, are roaming neighborhoods, even showing up during school drop-off and pickup. Families describe being chased into their homes and cars, while city leaders scramble for solutions since shelters are already full. A proposed ban on animal dumping is on the table, but for now, parents are walking kids to school with one hand on a backpack and the other hovering near a firearm - because nobody wants their child mistaken for kibble.

Drama, TDs, and last-second heroics: the Cowboys beat the Giants 40–37 in overtime, extending their NFC East streak to nine wins. Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson turned the fourth quarter into a highlight reel, trading go-ahead touchdowns like it was a video game. Brandon Aubrey tied the game with a 64-yard field goal at the buzzer, then iced it in OT with a 46-yarder. Wilson threw for 450 yards and three TDs, but a risky deep pass in OT sealed New York’s fate. Prescott keeps his perfect run against the Giants alive-14 straight wins since his rookie missteps.

The University of Texas at Arlington just hit a record 42,710 students, thanks to its biggest freshman class ever-5,100 wide-eyed first-years ready to discover ramen diets and overdue essays. Enrollment is up across several colleges, with nursing and science leading the surge. UTA’s president says everyone wants to be a Maverick, and apparently employers agree. The school also touts being in the top 5% of research institutions-because nothing says “future job security” like a fancy Carnegie stamp of approval.

Two coyotes in Arlington decided patio furniture was better than the wild, curling up for a backyard nap like they owned the place. Homeowner Clark was less than thrilled-especially with a baby in the house-and has since armed her yard with Amazon’s finest solar-powered repellents and a sturdier fence. Wildlife officials say coyotes (along with foxes, skunks, and even feral hogs) are practically neighborhood regulars, but that’s not exactly comforting when they’re lounging by your sliding door. For Clark, one furry squatter was already too many-two was the last straw.

The humble book report is officially dead, and AI killed it. Teachers say sending students home with essays is now basically an invitation to let ChatGPT do the work, and they’re scrambling to redefine what counts as “cheating.” Some schools are banning AI, others are weaving it into lessons, and students are left wondering whether asking a bot for help is collaboration or corruption. Universities are drafting guidelines, but no one seems to agree-except on one thing: expecting teenagers to resist the shiny shortcut of AI might be the biggest fantasy assignment of all.

In Godley, Texas, neighbors are begging city leaders to do something about a pack of wild dogs that’s been terrorizing their streets for years. Residents say the animals are bolder than ever-charging at people in broad daylight and making it unsafe for kids to play outside. City council members are now weighing options like trapping the dogs or teaming up with county officials, but for frustrated locals, the message is simple: enough talk, just fix it before someone gets bitten.

Plano firefighters just scored a new schedule-and a lot more sleep. After decades of grueling 24/48 shifts, the city council unanimously approved a switch to 24/72, meaning crews get three full days off after a day on duty. Union members even accepted a four-year pay freeze to make it happen, because apparently rest and sanity are worth more than raises. The change comes as call volumes climb 30% in ten years, fueling fatigue, PTSD, and cancer risks. For firefighters, it’s fewer hours on the clock and more time with family; for Plano, it’s a shiny new badge of “we care.”

Two struggling Tarrant County school districts are racing the clock as Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath weighs whether to strip their boards of power after five years of poor performance. Lake Worth ISD brought in ex-Dallas superintendent Michael Hinojosa’s firm to revamp leadership and curriculum, while Fort Worth ISD is pushing low-performing schools onto a priority list and scrambling to recruit stronger teachers. Parents are holding town halls to plead for mercy, but Morath has made it clear: the options are either shut campuses down or replace elected boards with state-appointed managers. In other words, both districts are studying hard for a test where failure means losing control.

Dallas is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup not just with stadiums, but with nightlife. The city’s \$15-billion evening economy is being polished up through its Nighttime Economy & Responsible Hospitality Division-yes, that’s a real department-to keep visitors entertained and safe after dark. Officials say it’s about boosting revenue and preventing rowdy headlines, though recent club closures in Deep Ellum prove that’s easier said than done. Still, with the world watching, Dallas clearly wants to prove it can party hard "and" responsibly-at least on paper.

Travel chaos hit North Texas Friday after an equipment failure at Dallas TRACON forced the FAA to halt or slow flights into DFW and Dallas Love Field. More than a thousand flights were affected, with some passengers diverted to Austin or Oklahoma City - cue birthday parties missed and plenty of grumpy tarmac tales. The outage, which knocked out communications for a time, had delays stretching toward 10 p.m. before restrictions were finally lifted at Love Field. Airlines like American and Southwest are waiving change fees (a rare act of kindness), but most travelers are stuck with the usual “sit tight and refresh the app” routine.

Dallas just gave the 95-year-old Cotton Bowl a \$140 million facelift, and it’s ready to show off at the State Fair of Texas. The overhaul added 14 escalators, new elevators, wider concourses, upgraded restrooms, and even luxury suites - basically everything short of air-conditioning the Texas heat. Fans will also find rooftop-style terraces with skyline views, plus concessions that don’t feel stuck in 1930. Designers say the goal was to preserve nostalgia while finally making the place competitive with modern venues. Translation: same historic charm, but now you won’t break a sweat just climbing the stairs.

Plano is lighting up the skies this weekend with its annual hot air balloon festival - a four-day mashup of glowing balloons, fireworks, funnel cakes, and family chaos. Visitors can catch the evening balloon glows at 7 p.m. (or sunrise ones if you’re an overachiever), shop from 35 local vendors, and let the kids loose on inflatables while parents test-drive BMWs - because why not? Tethered balloon rides are on offer, but don’t expect to drift off into the sunset. Tickets run \$10 for adults, \$5 for kids and seniors, and are free for military, first responders, and toddlers too short to ride.

Caleb Williams finally looked like the No. 1 draft pick the Bears hoped for, torching Dallas with four touchdown passes in a 31-14 win - and giving rookie coach Ben Johnson his first career victory. Chicago’s offense racked up 385 yards, while Dallas’ defense looked like it missed the memo entirely, especially under ex-Bears coach Matt Eberflus. Dak Prescott piled up completions but little danger, tossing one TD and two picks, while CeeDee Lamb limped off early with an ankle injury. For Chicago, it was a badly needed rebound after last week’s Detroit disaster; for Dallas, it was a reminder that looking good against the Giants doesn’t count as momentum. Next up: the Cowboys face Green Bay, and good luck with that.