UP AND Down Magazine

Upcoming Games: - Preseason Games: - *August 9*: Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, 6:00 PM CDT - *August 16*: Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium, 6:00 PM CDT - *August 22*: Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium, 7:00 PM CDT - *Regular Season Games:* - *September 4*: Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles, 7:20 PM CDT (Thursday Night Football) - *September 14*: Cowboys vs. New York Giants at AT&T Stadium - *November 27*: Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day, 4:30 PM ET Team News: - *Micah Parsons Situation*: Micah Parsons has requested a trade from the Cowboys, citing his desire to leave the team due to contract disputes. The team and Parsons' camp have been negotiating, but they are still far apart on contract numbers. - *La'el Collins Signing*: The Cowboys have signed veteran offensive tackle La'el Collins, who played for the team from 2015-2019 and again in 2021. - *George Pickens Trade*: Th...

A 25-story Class AA office tower in Dallas' Uptown area, known as The Link at Uptown, has sold for a whopping $218 million, setting a new record for office sales in the city. This significant transaction showcases the resilience and attractiveness of Dallas' premium office real estate marke DETAILS OF THE SALE - *The Link at Uptown*: This 292,000-square-foot office tower is located in the heart of Dallas' Uptown area, boasting stunning views of the city skyline. - *Record-Breaking Price*: The $218 million sale price translates to a 4.7% cap rate, highlighting the market's willingness to pay a premium for high-quality assets with strong tenant credit and modern infrastructure. - *Tenant Roster*: The building is 93.6% leased to top-tier tenants, including Houlihan Lokey, PMG, and McGuireWoods, who signed leases post-pandemic, signaling confidence in the building's value proposition. MARKET TRENDS - *Dallas Office Market*: The city's office market has outperf...

The Texas redistricting process has ignited a political firestorm, with lawmakers facing criticism for allegedly concealing draft maps and limiting public input. The controversy centers around accusations of partisan gerrymandering, with Democrats arguing that the proposed maps unfairly benefit Republicans. The Controversy: - *Gerrymandering accusations*: Democrats claim the maps were drawn to benefit Republicans, diluting minority voting power and violating the Voting Rights Act. - *Lack of transparency*: Critics argue that lawmakers kept proposed maps under wraps, hindering meaningful public review and comment. - *Limited public input*: Public hearings were allegedly held at inconvenient times and locations, limiting participation. Reactions: - *Democratic opposition*: Democrats have expressed strong opposition, signaling potential walkouts during special sessions to disrupt the process. - *Republican support*: Republicans, who control the state legislature, have pushed for t...

TEXAS GOVERNOR GREGG ABBOTT HAS SIGNED SENATE BILL 10 INTO LAW, REQUIRING ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOMS IN TEXAS TO DISPLAY THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. THE LAW, WHICH GOES INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2025, MANDATES THAT EACH CLASSROOM DISPLAY A DURABLE POSTER OR FRAMED COPY OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS THAT MEETS SPECIFIC SIZE AND LEGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS DETAILS OF THE LAW - *Display Requirements*: The poster or framed copy must be at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall, and include only the text of the Ten Commandments. - *Funding*: Schools are allowed to use district funds to purchase the posters or copies, and must accept privately donated posters or copies that meet the requirements. - *Effective Date*: The law will go into effect on September 1, 2025, and applies to all public elementary and secondary schools in Texas ¹ ². REACTION TO THE LAW - *Support*: Proponents of the law argue that the Ten Commandments have historical value and are core to U.S. history, and that displaying the...

SEAN "DIDDY" COMBS IS FIGHTING TO OVERTURN HIS CONVICTIONS UNDER THE MANN ACT OR SECURE A NEW TRIAL. HIS LEGAL TEAM ARGUES THAT THE LAW WAS MISAPPLIED IN HIS CASE AND THAT THE VERDICT WAS "LEGALLY UNSUPPORTED AND CONSTITUTIONALLY FLAWED". KEY POINTS: - *Mann Act Convictions:* Diddy was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act, a law that prohibits the interstate transport of individuals for "immoral purposes". - *No Financial Gain:* Diddy's lawyers claim that he didn't profit from prostitution, didn't have sex with the alleged prostitutes, and didn't arrange their transportation, making his conviction under the Mann Act unjust. - *First Amendment Protections:* Diddy's team argues that his "freak-off" events, where he watched and recorded women having sex with hired guns, constitute "amateur pornography" and are protected under the First Amendment. - *New Trial Req...

ERYKAH BADU AND THE ALCHEMIST ARE TEAMING UP FOR A 10-CITY TOUR ACROSS NORTH AMERICA, STARTING ON AUGUST 8 IN SEATTLE AND WRAPPING UP ON AUGUST 24 IN AUSTIN. THE TOUR WILL FEATURE BADU'S LIVE BAND, THE CANNABINOIDS, AND WILL PREMIERE THEIR JOINT ALBUM "ABI & ALAN" BEFORE ITS RELEASE ON AUGUST 29. TOUR DATES: - *August 8:* Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo - *August 10:* Aspen, CO - Belly Up Aspen - *August 11:* Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre - *August 13:* Minneapolis, MN - Fillmore Minneapolis - *August 15:* Toronto, ON - History - *August 17:* Silver Spring, MD - Fillmore Silver Spring - *August 19:* Miami Beach, FL - Fillmore Miami Beach - *August 20:* Orlando, FL - House of Blues Orlando - *August 21:* Charlotte, NC - Fillmore Charlotte - *August 24:* Austin, TX - ACL Live at The Moody Theater ABOUT THE ALBUM: ABI & ALAN" IS THE LONG-AWAITED COLLABORATIVE PROJECT BETWEEN ERYKAH BADU AND THE ALCHEMIST, MARKING BADU'S FIRST FULL-LENGTH STUDIO ALBUM IN...

A FORT WORTH WOMAN IS FACING CHARGES AFTER ALLEGEDLY ATTACKING HER BOYFRIEND WITH A KNIFE AND THEN TAKING A HAMMER TO HIS CAR, ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE FORT WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT. WHILE THE SPECIFIC DETAILS OF THIS INCIDENT ARE NOT AVAILABLE, A SIMILAR CASE IN FORT WORTH INVOLVED A 42-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOR ALLEGEDLY MURDERING HER DAUGHTER'S BOYFRIEND USING BLEACH AND A HAMMER DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATION - THE FORT WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT IS HANDLING THE INVESTIGATION AND HAS URGED ANYONE WITH INFORMATION TO COME FORWARD. - THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS A PUBLIC SAFETY MEDIA PORTAL WHERE AUTHORIZED MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA CAN ACCESS INFORMATION. - THE FORT WORTH OPEN RECORDS CENTER ALSO PROVIDES ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS. *FORT WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT'S ROLE* - THE DEPARTMENT IS INVESTIGATING THE INCIDENT AND IS WORKING TO DETERMINE THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE ATTACK. - THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ASKING FOR THE PUBLIC'S COOPERATION AND SUPP...

Willie Nelson, the legendary country music icon, recently delivered a heart-wrenching performance at his Virginia Beach concert, leaving the audience in tears. The 92-year-old singer-songwriter performed Tom Waits' "Last Leaf on the Tree" with raw emotion, showcasing his remarkable longevity in the music industry. *The Performance* Nelson's rendition of "Last Leaf on the Tree" was a poignant reflection on his own life and career, with lyrics that spoke to perseverance and survival. The song's themes resonated deeply with the audience, who were visibly moved by the performance. Fans praised Nelson's authenticity, vulnerability, and dedication to his craft, calling him a "living national treasure" and a true icon. *Fan Reactions* Fans were left in tears, overcome with emotion by Nelson's powerful performance. - Many praised Nelson's ability to find songs that speak to his current life stage, making the performance feel sacred and...

The Fort Worth Zoo is offering half-price admission every Wednesday, making it a great opportunity for Tarrant County residents to visit the zoo without breaking the bank. With over 7,000 animals from 500 species, the zoo is a popular wildlife attraction in Texas. *Admission Prices on Wednesdays Adults (13-64 years)*: $9 - *Children (3-12 years) and Seniors (65+ years)*: $7 - *Children under 3 years*: Free admission *Why Visit the Fort Worth Zoo?* The zoo features various animal exhibits, including the African Savanna, Texas Wild!, and the World of Primates. Visitors can also enjoy additional attractions like: - *Safari Splash*: A 14,000 square-foot water park with stingrays and sharks ($4 per person) - *Yellow Rose Express Train*: A train ride through the zoo ($4 per person) - *Tasmanian Tower*: A 7.6-meter tall rock climbing wall ($4 per person) *Plan Your Visit:* The Fort Worth Zoo is open 365 days a year, with varying hours depending on the season. To avoid long lines, co...

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S IMMIGRATION POLICIES HAVE SPARKED WIDESPREAD CONCERNS ABOUT THE IMPACT ON UNDOCUMENTED RENTERS AND THE HOUSING MARKET. WITH INCREASED IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT, UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS ARE FACING DEPORTATION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO EVICTIONS AND FURTHER STRAIN ON THE HOUSING SUPPLY. THE IMPACT ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY* THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, WHICH RELIES HEAVILY ON IMMIGRANT LABOR, IS PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THESE POLICIES. WITH NEARLY 13% OF THE U.S. CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE CONSISTING OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS, THE REMOVAL OF THESE WORKERS COULD RESULT IN COSTLY DELAYS AND LABOR SHORTAGES. ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS, OVER 25% OF THE CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE COMPRISES IMMIGRANTS. *THE EFFECT ON HOUSING SUPPLY* THE REDUCED LABOR POOL AFFECTS NOT ONLY NEW CONSTRUCTIONS BUT ALSO RESTORATION AND RENOVATION PROJECTS VITAL TO MARKET VIBRANCY. THIS COULD LEAD TO: - *DECREASED HOUSING SUPPLY*: WITH FEWER WORKERS AVAILABLE, CONSTR...

The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the 2025 NFL preseason with a significant amount of salary cap space, approximately $38.5 million, according to Over The Cap. This boost in cap space will give the team flexibility to make strategic moves and strengthen their roster. Key Factors Affecting Cap Space:* - *Quarterback Dak Prescott's Contract*: Prescott's restructuring has created more than $57 million in cap room, with his current cap hit standing at $52,974,313. - *Micah Parsons' Deal*: Parsons' $24,007,000 cap hit might decrease with a potential new contract extension. - *New Signings*: The Cowboys have added 10 new players, including Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Kenneth Murray Jr., with Murray's $7,660,000 cap hit being the largest among the newcomers ¹. *Top Cap Hits for the Cowboys:* - *Terence Steele*: $18,125,000 - *CeeDee Lamb*: $15,332,353 - *Trevon Diggs*: $12,647,060 The Cowboys' COO, Stephen Jones, has stated that the team will take a...

The City of Fort Worth is hosting a "Court in the Community" event, providing residents with an opportunity to resolve outstanding warrants and access various legal resources. As a Safe Harbor Court, Fort Worth Municipal Court ensures that individuals visiting to resolve warrants won't face arrest. Event Details:* - *Warrant Forgiveness*: Residents with outstanding Class C warrants can address their issues without fear of arrest and potentially reduce fines and fees. - *Legal Resources*: Onsite services will include assistance with rent, past due rent, utilities, and job skills training and employment assistance for eligible participants. - *Community Partnerships*: The event is made possible through partnerships with the City of Fort Worth EnVision Center and Community Action Partners. *How to Participate:* Residents can visit the A.D. Marshall Public Safety and Courts Building or explore virtual options to resolve their warrants. For more information or to confir...