Shorthorn News
- Texas proposed congressional map affects Tarrant County, targets Democratic seatsTexas Republican lawmakers released their first draft of the state’s proposed congressional map Wednesday, which looks to fulfill the plan to flip five seats to Republican control in the 2026 midterm elections. House Bill 4, introduced by Texas Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, includes a potentially revised map that targets Democratic congressional members in Austin, Dallas, Houston and South Texas. The draft will likely be changed before the final version is approved by both chambers and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. A public hearing on the proposed map is set for Friday at the Texas Capitol. The mid-decade redistricting effort follows a campaign by President Donald Trump's administration to expand Republicans’ majority in the House — five of which would come from flipping Democratic seats. The midterm elections typically favor the president’s opposing party, and Trump needs to maintain a U.S. House of Representatives majority to successfully push through his policies. Currently, Republicans hold 25 Texas congressional seats and Democrats have 13. Republicans have a 219-212 advantage in the U.S. House, with four seats vacant. Several states led by Democrats, including California, have stated their intention to begin the redistricting process in retaliation. The map immediately faced backlash from Democrats, who have been criticizing the redistricting process as racist and diluting voters of color. Democrats have also threatened to stall the process by fleeing the state. “Let’s be clear — this map is racist, it’s illegal, and it’s part of a long, ugly tradition of trying to keep Black and brown Texas from having a voice,” U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, said in a statement. “What Donald Trump and Greg Abbott are doing isn’t about democracy — it’s about consolidating power.” Under the proposed map, Veasey’s district, which is currently split across Tarrant and Dallas counties, would remain solidly Democratic but drop all of Fort Worth — his hometown and political base. His district was one of four specially mentioned in a letter from the Department of Justice as “unconstitutional ‘coalition districts.’” A coalition district is one predominantly made up of minority voters who tend to vote together. Gov. Abbott added redistricting to his agenda for the special session, which started July 21, following the Department of Justice’s letter. The proposed map splits Tarrant County voters among multiple neighboring Republican districts and would go from having seven representatives to five. UTA, currently represented by U.S. Rep Roger Williams, R-Willow Park, would be represented by U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Waxahachie. Hundreds of Tarrant County residents attended a packed public hearing at UTA on Monday, where speakers and lawmakers criticized the proposed map’s absence. Other regional hearings were held across the state. The proposed map was shared two days after the hearings. Republicans have said publicly that the current map, drawn in 2021, did not violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965. However, in an interview with FOX 4, Gov. Abbott defended the redistricting effort and said he’s not worried about criticisms, saying that he lets Trump dictate the process. “We want to make sure that we have maps that don't impose coalition districts, while at the very same time ensuring that we will maximize the ability of Texans to be able to vote for the candidate of their choice,” he said. Other targeted areas include: 9th Congressional District: U.S. Rep. Al Green, D-Houston 28th Congressional District: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo 32nd Congressional District: U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Farmers Branch 34th Congressional District: U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen @DangHLe news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- UTA hires new vice provost for online learning and academic innovationOn July 23, the university announced Patrick Wilson as the new vice provost for online learning and academic innovation. UTA serves more than 12,000 online students, including undergraduate and graduate students, according to a UTA press release. “My goal is to position UTA as a national leader in online education — deeply connected to labor market needs and powered by academic innovation,” Wilson said in the release. Prior to this role, Wilson served as the executive director of online learning at New Mexico Highlands University and associate vice president for the Division of Digital and Distance Education at Tennessee Technological University. “UTA’s mission and momentum immediately resonated with me,” Wilson said in the release. “As a university with a strong research profile, a diverse Student Body and deep ties to the economic and workforce needs of North Texas, UTA is uniquely positioned to expand the reach and impact of online education.” His work focuses on the intersection of technology and student success and he will assume the new position Aug. 1. “I am particularly drawn to strategies that enhance student engagement and persistence in virtual environments, as well as innovative uses of data to inform institutional decision-making,” he said in a press release. @tay._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Shorthorn Sports
- Dallas Wings lose 4th consecutive match against Indiana Fever 88-78Musician and actor Miles Caton, middle, smiles with Natalia Bryant, left, NBA star Kobe Bryant’s daughter, during a Dallas Wings game against the Indiana Fever on Aug. 1 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Caton was recently casted as Sammie Moore in the film “Sinners.”
- Dallas Wings fall in tightly-fought game against Atlanta Dream, 88-85Despite efforts, the Dallas Wings (8-20) came up short in a tightly contested 88-85 loss against the Atlanta Dream (16-11). Wings guard Haley Jones made her second appearance in the starting lineup since rejoining the team earlier in July, and did not disappoint. She recorded three assists, three rebounds and 12 points, including a 37-foot 3-pointer with the shot clock expiring to put the Wings ahead during the final stretch. Wings rookie guard Paige Bueckers said since the all-star break, the Wings have improved their offensive movement and changing sides of the floor, which helped the team get open looks and read defenses. The game was back-and-forth from beginning to end and physical throughout. Dream center Brittney Griner was ejected one minute into the third quarter, which would only heighten the intensity of the game. Dream guard Allisha Gray scored 15 points and seven assists. Dream forward Naz Hillmon also came up big time for the team with 21 points, shooting 5-7 from range. To top off her performance, Hillmon sealed the game with a 3-pointer to put the Dream ahead with 2.6 seconds left in the game. The Wings faced a seven-point deficit late in the third, when the game started to get away from them. Despite their resilience, the team could not claw its way back into the game. The Wings’ defense was somewhat disorganized down the stretch which led to multiple 3-point attempts for the Dream. “In defense we need to be tougher, especially in the final stretch when it’s a tight game, but also the first half was not our best defensive half,” Wings Luisa Geiselsolder said. “I think we need to start more aggressive and not just wait for them to be aggressive.” In the fourth quarter, Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale hit a mid-range shot to tie the game at 85 apiece, sending the crowd into a frenzy with 21 seconds left on the clock. As a team, the Wings made 50% of their field goals and shot 50% from three. Bueckers led the team in scoring with 21 points and seven assists. She took over late, electrifying the arena with multiple shots made while being fouled and adding a 3-pointer in the final minutes of play. Head coach Chris Koclanes said he was proud of the team’s growth and resilience but knows they need to capitalize more. The offense is in a better place, and they need the defense to match the standard, he said. The Wings look to bounce back as they return to the American Airlines Center to host a home rematch against the Indiana Fever at 6:30 p.m. Friday in Dallas. The game will be available to stream on ION and League Pass. @tdreevess sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Shorthorn Life & Entertainment
- 10 things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth on a budgetWhether Mavericks are filling time between classes, planning weekend outings or looking to explore beyond the classroom, Dallas-Fort Worth offers plenty of options. The areas around UTA provide a variety of student-friendly activities, from parks and theaters to indoor adventures and hidden local gems. Here are some affordable things to do nearby: Alley Cats, 2008 W. Pleasant Ridge Road From bowling to rock climbing, Alley Cats has many activities to enjoy. Prices vary by activity, with bowling costing $30 per hour on weekdays and arcade game cards starting at $5. The cards can be used for all activities except bowling. Coyote Drive-In, 223 NE Fourth St., Fort Worth Coyote Drive-In offers a movie night under the stars. Tickets start at $8 for children ages 5 to 12 and $11 for adults; children 4 and under get in free. Arlington Skatium, 5515 S. Cooper St. Residents can lace up and skate at one of the largest roller skating facilities in Texas. Admission is $14 during regular public skating hours, with half-price tickets available Wednesdays. Arlington Skatium hosts theme nights, parties and open skate sessions throughout the week. Bolder Adventure Park, 2324 W. Warrior Trail, Grand Prairie With over 66,000 square feet of indoor adventure, including archery, a jump pad, tubing slides and a free fall experience, Bolder Adventure Park at EpicCentral offers many activities. Full day tickets start at $10 per person. International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, 621 Six Flags Drive The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame provides the history of some of the greatest bowling legends and of the game itself, which dates back 5,000 years. Admission starts at $7.50 for children 4 to 18 and $9.50 for adults. Top O’ Hill Terrace, 3001 W. Division St. Residents can go to Arlington Baptist University and tour Top O’ Hill, a former casino turned Baptist seminary. Once a hidden gambling hot spot disguised as a tea room, it was opposed by a gospel preacher who later helped transform it into a university. Tours are $10 per person by appointment. The Cozy Catfe, 740 SW Green Oaks Blvd. At The Cozy Catfe, residents can spend time with adoptable cats for $13 per person. Two membership levels are available at $40 and $60 a month. Both include complimentary beverages and unlimited visits. Cidercade, 500 E. Division St. Cidercade offers over 275 arcade games, from retro classics to modern hits and dance-offs. Patrons pay a onetime admission of $12, no coins or game cards required. The Parks Mall at Arlington, 3811 S. Cooper St. Residents can ice skate, explore a variety of shops and enjoy an IMAX movie experience at the AMC Theatres at The Parks Mall at Arlington. Crystal Canyon Natural Area, 1000 Brown Blvd. Crystal Canyon Natural Area is free to explore and features a diverse geological landscape, offering evidence of a onetime nearshore marine environment. Residents can enjoy hiking and biking trails surrounded by natural history in North Arlington. @tay._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Book festival, Texas Rangers and canine fun featured in this week’s To-Do ListFrom a Texas Rangers game to a Paul McCartney tribute, residents have plenty to choose from in Dallas-Fort Worth this week. Music Celebrate the music of Paul McCartney at “Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney,” a tribute concert at 8 p.m. Friday at Arlington Music Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets start at $46.38. Entertainment Experience the rich cultural heritage of Latin America with the opening of Create Texas at Wellspring’s “Beyond Borders: Contemporary Visions of Latin America” from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Wellspring on Main. The contemporary art exhibit will be on display until Aug. 28. The exhibit includes works from 12 local artists and spans topics such as landscapes, iconic figures, current events and soccer’s cultural significance. Residents can take their furry friends to the Canines and Coffee event from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Downtown Arlington Doggie Depot for coffee, community and canine fun. The free event is designed for dog lovers and their pets to socialize and enjoy fresh air at the dog park. Meet Texan writers at the fourth annual Texas Author Con and Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. The free event will feature authors from a variety of genres, including romance, fantasy, thriller and children’s books. Enjoy book signings, readings, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and more. Celebrate National Moth Week at the fourth annual Arlington Citizen Science Program’s Moth Night at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Webb Community Park pavilion. Residents can observe and identify moths in their local habitat at the viewing stations along the trails and learn about their role as pollinators in North Texas. Sports See the Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers bat it out at 6:10 p.m. Sunday at Globe Life Field. Tickets start at around $18, and the doors open at 4:10 p.m. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
