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A good sign from the Dallas permitting office

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A good sign from the Dallas permitting office


There was some good news from the long-troubled Dallas permitting office recently. Every step of improvement there is worth noting, and just as we criticized the failures, we are ready to celebrate signs of success.

A city memo from Nov. 1 said the Planning and Development Department has cut the time it takes to issue commercial construction permits in half. It used to take more than 300 days. In October, it was down to 122.

The department has also resolved half of the 9,800-case backlog of stale or inactive permits.

We’ve heard from too many developers over the last few years that it’s too hard to build in Dallas. Suburbs are attracting homes and businesses away from the core city, partly because permitting is easier there.

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Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert has pushed resources toward the problem. This summer, she combined two departments with responsibilities related to planning and development in an effort to streamline operations. She also launched a public dashboard to track commercial permitting metrics and make that information easily accessible to the public. Now, she has commissioned Assistant City Manager Robin Bentley to pull together a team of representatives from various city departments, working with a contractor, to shorten wait times.

“The goal of this work is to reduce the number of days it takes to issue commercial permits, improve process efficiency, and enhance the customer experience,” Bentley wrote in the memo.

Two days before, Tolbert said, “As a city, we needed to learn how to be more customer-centric.”

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That’s the right message, and this seems like the right way to get there.

It’s too early to declare victory, though. The Nov. 1 report dealt only with October’s data. The trendline over the past few months has been erratic, not steadily improving as we’d like to see. The average wait time for commercial permits issued in September was a whopping 827 days.

It remains to be seen if this is a fluke or the beginning of real change, but this is a positive move. Builders will be glad to see progress, as will the people who some day live, work or shop in the places they build. Dallas was once a “can-do” city resolved to keep the dirt flying. We won’t get back to that growth without a similar “can-do” attitude on Marilla Street.

We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at letters@dallasnews.com



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All Dallas restaurants firing up specials for July 4th and America’s 250th

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All Dallas restaurants firing up specials for July 4th and America’s 250th


Restaurants across Dallas-Fort Worth are doubling down on their patriotism for the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday, firing up limited-time deals and celebratory menus that range from elevated, reservation-only experiences and skyline dinners to casual fast-food specials, family meal packs, and grab-and-go treats designed for star-spangled celebrations. Special props to those that have found a way to work in “1776” and “250.”

Here are the DFW spots offering patriotic specials and deals. (Note: This list will grow as more are announced closer to the holiday.) For a list of top 4th of July events and fireworks, go here.

Black Sheep Coffee is celebrating America’s birthday over Fourth of July weekend with $4 matcha drinks from July 3-5. The special is good for small Iced Vanilla Matcha, Iced Blueberry Matcha, and Iced Strawberry & Cream Matcha drinks, with a $1 upgrade to a 16-ounce medium. The offer is available in-store and through the app at all four DFW locations.

Cantina Laredo is bringing back its patriotic USA ‘Rita for the Fourth of July weekend. Available July 3-5 at the Addison and Frisco locations, the festive frozen cocktail puts a red, white, and blue spin on the restaurant’s signature Casa ‘Rita with layers of Blue Curaçao and strawberry purée.

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USA ‘Rita at Cantina LaredoPhoto courtesy of Cantina Laredo

El Chico is spicing up Independence Day weekend with Family Meal Packs available July 4-5 at its Rockwall location only (503 Interstate 30, Rockwall). Options include Family Fajitas ($73.99) with chicken, steak, or both; Family Tacos ($47.99) with 12 tacos and sides of rice and refried beans; and Family Enchiladas ($49.99) with a choice of beef, cheese, spinach, or chicken enchiladas, all serving six to eight people.

Ford’s Garage, the Plano burger and craft beer restaurant inspired by the heritage of the Ford Motor Company, is celebrating America’s 250th with a patriotic meal deal available July 1-4: an American Standard Burger, fries, and select draft beers or a soft drink for for $17.76, in tribute to the nation’s founding in 1776.

HTeaO tea shops are celebrating the Fourth of July with a pair of patriotic summer specials. Through Labor Day, the tea chain is serving a limited-time Blue Razzler Energy Refresher topped with vanilla cold foam and red, white, and blue sprinkles in a commemorative America’s 250th cup. From July 1-4, participating locations will also offer three gallons of freshly brewed tea for $17.76, a nod to the year the United States declared its independence.

JD’s Chippery is celebrating Independence Day with festive Fireworks Cookie Cakes, available in a variety of sizes and cookie flavors with hand-decorated patriotic designs. The bakery’s Preston Royal location is also hosting a daily Cookie Happy Hour through July 31 from 5-7 pm, featuring a buy-one, get-one-free cookie deal.

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JW Steakhouse at the JW Marriott Dallas is marking Independence Day with a four-course dinner for two on July 4. Priced at $195 per couple, the menu includes buffalo bison cigars and shrimp ceviche tostadas, a toasted farro salad with Fredericksburg peaches, a pepper-crusted tomahawk steak with charred cipollini onions and black garlic truffle purée, and chipotle chocolate cake with Garrison Brothers bourbon cherry sauce. Optional wine pairings are available for an additional charge.

Kessaku will offer a Fourth of July experience with limited window seating atop The National in downtown Dallas. Guests can reserve exclusive window tables with a $250 deposit, securing panoramic skyline and fireworks views from one of Dallas’ highest dining destinations.

Luckys Diner on Oak Lawn Avenue is celebrating Independence Day with a Stars, Strips & Sausage special available July 1-4. The $10.49 meal includes a grilled sausage plate with potato salad and pinto beans, with the option to add a slice of apple pie.

Monarch is marking Independence Day with Stars, Stripes & Skyline, a Fourth of July celebration atop The National on July 4. The experience features a prix-fixe dinner priced at $150 per person (with a $55 children’s menu), served from 5:30-10 pm, along with optional window seating for fireworks views. The menu will include dishes such as wagyu filet, wood-grilled branzino, hamachi crudo, hearth-grilled lamb ribs, and a shared s’mores dessert. Monarch is also offering a limited-time gift card promotion over the July 4 weekend: purchase a $250 gift card and receive a $50 bonus card for a future visit, available July 4-5.

Nothing Bundt Cakes is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a lineup of festive cakes and patriotic-themed desserts. Seasonal offerings include a patriotic decorated cake, Fireworks and Freedom Bundtini toppers, and the return of S’mores Made With Hershey’s through July 19, featuring chocolate cake with milk chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham streusel. From July 3-5, Bundtastic Rewards members can earn 250 bonus points on any purchase as part of the holiday promotion.

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Nothing Bundt Cakes Nothing Bundt Cakes are getting patriotic for the 4th.Photo courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cakes

Sonic is celebrating America’s 250th with a limited-time America $2.50 Menu available through July 12. Participating locations are offering fan favorites for $2.50 each, including the returning Red, White & Blue Slush Float, Jr. Double Cheeseburger, All-American Hot Dog, and medium onion rings. The chain is also serving drinks in limited-edition commemorative cups.

The Statler in downtown Dallasis celebrating Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday on July 4 with all-day dining, drink specials, and rooftop festivities across its venues, including Overeasy, Scout, and Waterproof. Overeasy is offering breakfast specials like BBQ Brisket Benedict, Red, White & Blue Pancakes, and Firecracker Omelets from 7 am-2 pm. Later in the day, Scout and Waterproof will serve classic American fare such as burgers, ribs, and smoked sausage alongside themed cocktails like Uncle Sam’s Punch, Star Spangled Spritz, and The Patriot. The celebration culminates at Waterproof with a rooftop pool and fireworks watch party from 7 pm-1 am, featuring a $35 cover charge, live entertainment, and patriotic frozen treats and cocktails.



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Australia advances at World Cup, how to buy Australia soccer tickets

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Australia advances at World Cup, how to buy Australia soccer tickets


Editor’s note: See World Cup standings and scenarios updated in real time

The Socceroos live on at the 2026 World Cup.

Australia and Paraguay played to a 0-0 draw on Thursday night, which was good enough for Australia to secure second place in Group D and advance to the knockout stage of the tournament. Paraguay is likely to advance as a high-ranking third place team, but nothing is confirmed at the moment.

SHOP: Australia round of 32 World Cup tickets

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Australia will head to Dallas where they will play their first elimination match on Friday, July 3 against the second-place team from Group G.

While we don’t yet know Australia’s opponent, we know the location, date and time of the match, which means tickets are already available. Here is everything you need to know in order to buy Australia World Cup tickets in Dallas.

Shop Australia Round of 32 tickets

Australia round of 32 World Cup tickets

As of publication, the cheapest round of 32 ticket to see Australia in Dallas on Friday, July 3 is $937. Any ticket for less than $1,000 at this point in the tournament is a steal considering most other prices.

Australia Round of 32 opponent

As the runner-up of Group D, Australia will take on the second-place finisher from Group G. Australia’s opponent will be finalized on Friday, but given the current standings it could be any of the following four teams:

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  • Egypt
  • Iran
  • Belgium
  • New Zealand

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Australia World Cup schedule

  • Australia vs. Turkey – WIN 2-0
  • Australia vs. United States – LOSS 2-0
  • Australia vs. Paraguay – DRAW 1-1
  • Friday, July 3 – Australia vs. Group G runner up at AT&T Stadium in Dallas (round of 32) – Shop tickets

World Cup Group D Standings

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Ivory Coast advances at World Cup, how to buy Ivory Coast tickets

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Ivory Coast advances at World Cup, how to buy Ivory Coast tickets


Editor’s note: See World Cup standings and scenarios updated in real time

Ivory Coast is headed to the knockout round at the 2026 World Cup.

With everything on the line Thursday afternoon, the Ivory Coast played perhaps its best match of the tournament so far to lock down second place in Group E and advance to the knockout stage of the tournament. Ivory Coast will head to Dallas where they will play their first elimination match on Tuesday, June 30 against the second-place team from Group I.

SHOP: Ivory Coast round of 32 World Cup tickets in Dallas

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While we don’t yet know Ivory Coast’s opponent, we do know that it will either be France or Norway, meaning either way the African squad will have to defend against one of the best goal scorers in the world.

Here is everything you need to know in order to buy Ivory Coast World Cup tickets in Dallas.

Shop Ivory Coast Round of 32 tickets

Ivory Coast round of 32 World Cup tickets

As of publication, the cheapest round of 32 ticket to see Ivory Coast in Dallas on Tuesday, June 30 is $895, making this one of the cheapest tickets for the round of 32.

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Ivory Coast Round of 32 opponent

As the runner-up of Group E, Ivory Coast will take on the second-place finisher from Group I. Ivory Coast’s opponent will be finalized on Friday, but given the current standings it will be either France or Norway.

Shop Ivory Coast Round of 32 tickets

Ivory Coast World Cup schedule

  • Sunday, June 14 – Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador – WIN 1-0
  • Saturday, June 20 – Ivory Coast vs. Germany – LOSS 2-1
  • Thursday, June 25 – Ivory Coast vs. Curacao – WIN 2-0
  • Tuesday, June 30 (Round of 32) – Ivory Coast vs. Group I runner up at AT&T Stadium in Dallas – Shop tickets

World Cup Group E standings

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