For decades, Candace Wicks has seen the good the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center can do.
Some of her first memories of the 10.5-acre South Dallas campus are volunteering with her church to hand out free meals to the area’s unsheltered community — a service she says is “just one of the many” examples of the center’s critical work.
But she said she has watched the center also make do with limited resources.
“I like to say — and it has been quoted several times — that ‘we make bricks out of straw’ here,” said Wicks, a vice chair appointed to the center’s advisory board, which she has served on for nearly 10 years. “This is one of the most underappreciated locations in the city.”
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Wicks thinks that is starting to change: On Thursday, she joined a crowd on the campus to celebrate a $2.5 million earmark to benefit the center — federal funding that will go toward improving the facility and kickstart work before a forthcoming renovation approved by Dallas voters this spring as part of a $1.25 billion bond package.
The campus, originally called the Crossroads Community Center, opened its doors in February 1969 as the city’s first multi-service community facility. The Dallas City Council renamed the facility after Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1975.
Since then, the center has become a hub for services and educational and cultural enrichment in South Dallas. It was the venue for nearly 30 events and hosted nearly 200,000 visitors last year, according to a report from the center’s advisory board.
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U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, paved the way for the $2.5 million earmark. The earmark to the South Dallas center was the largest allocation the first-term representative directed as part of the fiscal year 2024 Appropriations Bill.
Crockett, whose district includes South Dallas, said her office received requests for more than 70 projects seeking funding in fiscal year 2024. Her staff reviewed the proposals and made recommendations based on the parameters set by the Republican-led House.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazaldua (left) reacts towards towards Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, during an event, on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, at Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Dallas. Rep. Crockett presented a check representing $2.5 million to Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Dallas as part of the Community Project Funding her office secured within the Appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2024.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
The bill passed earlier this year.
“I looked for spaces in which I felt, ‘if we don’t do this, I don’t know that this gap will get filled,’” Crockett said in an interview. “The MLK center is kind of one of those that falls into a bit of a unique category … I was concerned the gap may not get filled.”
Wick said that upcoming improvements to the center include accessibility enhancements.
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Nearly four years ago, Wicks fell ill with a life-threatening sickness that resulted in sepsis. She survived, but the harsh treatments took a toll on her body. She now uses an electric wheelchair — something that has changed her perspective using the center.
“Not to say that I wasn’t already aware, but it’s changed how I view it,” she said. She added that she saw the $2.5 million earmark as “a prayer answered.”
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazaldua, who represents District 7, where the center is located, described the earmark as “more than an investment in a building.”
“It’s an investment in the future of South Dallas,” he said.
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As week five of the NFL season approaches, discussion of which NFL head coaches are on the hot seat is trending. One big name is Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy. Why is McCarthy on the hot seat? McCarthy’s 1-3 NFL playoff record with Dallas leaves much to be desired. He is on the final year of his contract with the Cowboys.
One college football coach to keep an eye on is USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley. Coach Riley’s name is already in discussion to be a top candidate, along with legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick.
On the first Sunday of the 2024 NFL season, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott signed a four-year extension. This contract makes Prescott the Cowboys quarterback for the foreseeable future. If there is one coach that can bring out the best in Prescott it is Coach Riley. He has coached several NFL quarterbacks, including Caleb Williams, Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray, and Baker Mayfield.
Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Utah State Aggies during the first quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb also signed a four-year extension with the Cowboys in September. This keeps Prescott and Lamb together. With the top offensive pieces already there, Coach Riley would be coming into a team with some elite talent.
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The Cowboys are 2-2 coming off of an NFC East win against the New York Giants. Dallas lost to the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens.
So far, Prescott has thrown for 1,072 passing yards and six touchdowns, with two interceptions and has been sacked 10 times this year. There has been little to no run game for the Cowboys offense. They have a total of 301 rushing yards this year. The leading rusher is running back Rico Dowdle with 134 yards.
Aug 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy on the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
McCarthy was hired as the Cowboys head coach in January 2020. The 2020 season was the worst by the Cowboys under McCarthy’s reign only winning six games. From 2021 to 2023 the Cowboys ended the regular season with a 12-5 record. The issue has not been in the regular season as much as it has been in the playoffs.
The Cowboys have not made it past the divisional round with McCarthy as the coach. Dallas lost in the wildcard round in 2021 and 2023 and lost in the divisional round in 2022. The wild card loss from the 2023 season was a blowout by the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys were the number two seed, and the Packers were the seventh.
Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Utah State Aggies during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Even if McCarthy and the Cowboys turn it around in the regular season, it is the playoffs that matter. If they lose in playoffs early again, it is expected that this is the end of Coach McCarthy’s time in Dallas.
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Throughout Coach Riley’s career, he has not yet made the move to the NFL. There is no indication of if he would be interested in the job yet. He is currently focusing on the 2024 USC season. Riley is a constant name brought up during NFL coaching changes though, and this could be the year he does move to the league.
Before the Cowboys hired McCarthy in 2020, Riley was the name to watch during that time as well. Considering Coach Riley’s name has been involved with the Cowboys since the 2019 season if McCarthy does lose his head coaching job, Coach Riley’s name will be one to watch.
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Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City are 4-0 after beating the Los Angeles Chargers with a four-quarter … [+] drive. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Then there were two. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are one of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL, although it has not been easy getting there
The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs are seeking their first 5-0 start since 2018 after a slew of tight wins, and they move on with a newish cast — top receiving threat Rashee Rice suffered a knee injury in a 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers last week, when running back rejoined the team Kareem Hunt.
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Minnesota, the more surprising 4-0, with make its prime debut Thursday, Oct. 24.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will attempt to rebound from their first loss when they host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Tampa Bay and Atlanta open the prime time with an NFC South clash Thursday.
THURSDAY NIGHT
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) at Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
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How to watch: Prime Video, 7:15 pm ET
Key matchup: Baker Mayfield vs Kirk Cousins
After being seemingly left for the scrap heap two years ago, Bucs quarterback Mayfield has continued his remarkable resurgence by throwing for 984 yards and eight touchdowns against two interceptions this season. He has been sacked 15 times, but eating the ball is much better than an ill-advised throw.
Baker Mayfield finds a throwing lane in Tampa Bay’s 33-16 victory over Philadelphia last week. (AP … [+] Photo/Jason Behnken)
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Rookie halfback Bucky Irving has worked his way into the Bucs’ game plan, and the offense chewed up Philadelphia with 445 yards in a 33-16 victory last week after beating Super Bowl contender Detroit two weeks before.
The Falcons could consider this a mini-revenge game. Tampa Bay beat them 29-25 on Mayfield’s touchdowns pass with 31 seconds remaining in Week 14 last season, a victory that pushed the Bucs toward the division title and significantly hurt Atlanta’s chances.
The Falcons acquired Kirk Cousins to correct a sluggish offense, but he has yet to throw for as many as 250 yards his four starts.
Linebacker T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh defense have had reason to celebrate this season. (AP … [+] Photo/Adrian Kraus)
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SUNDAY NIGHT
Dallas Cowboys (2-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
How to watch: NBC/Peacock 7:20 pm ET
Key matchup: Dak Prescott vs Pittsburgh D
This is an intriguing matchup on several levels. Pittsburgh has jumped to the AFC North lead by using coach Mike Tomlin’s old-school approach — run the ball and play defense. Steelers’ opponents are averaging only 261.3 yards and 13.3 points per game, both in the top four in the league.
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At the same time, this is the most explosive offense the Steelers have faced, although the Cowboys with quarterback Prescott are quite one-sided. Prescott averages 268 passing yards per game, but the Cowboys’ running game has been non-existent. The defense has not been any better. Dallas ranks No. 26 in total defense and No. 27 in rushing defense.
Dak Prescott (4) has provided most of the offense for the Dallas Cowboys this season. (AP Photo/Adam … [+] Hunger)
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Justin Fields, who became the Steelers’ starting quarterback when Russell Wilson was injured before the opener, has accounted for six touchdowns — three rushing and three passing. Baltimore attempted only 12 passes in a 28-25 victory over Dallas two weeks ago. This game looks to have a similar feel.
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MONDAY NIGHT
New Orleans Saints (2-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
How to watch: ESPN, 7:15 pm ET
Key matchup: Mahomes vs Derek Carr
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Squint at the game film, and these teams’ records could be reversed. Such is the NFL. Atlanta’s Younghoe Koo made a 58-yard field goal as time expired to beat the Saints 26-24 last Sunday, the week after the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley scored on a 4-yard run with 1:01 remaining for a 15-12 victory.
Xavier Worthy beats his defender for the Chiefs’ only passing touchdown against San Diego last week. … [+] (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
The Chiefs have won their four games by a total of 20 points, and they needed Harrison Butler’s 51-yard field goal as time expired to beat Cincinnati 26-25 in the second week.
Mahomes and Carr have thrown for about the same amount of yardage — Mahomes is averaging 20 more per game — but Mahomes has thrown five interceptions, one short of the league high.
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The Chiefs traded up in the draft to acquire wide receiver Xavier Worthy, and he has two long touchdown receptions this season. Hunt returned to replace injured Isaiah Pacheco.
Kareem Hunt was thrown right into the game plan in his first game back with Kansas City last week. … [+] (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Nashville-born Hattie B’s Hot Chicken would like to reintroduce itself to Dallas.
Hattie B’s owners closed the first-in-Texas restaurant in Deep Ellum in early August 2024 after two and a half years. It’s now back open in another part of Dallas, near Oak Lawn and Lemmon avenues, as of Oct. 2, 2024.
Designers got creative at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken on Dallas’ Lemmon Avenue, with chicken wallpaper on the ceiling. The restaurant opens Oct. 2, 2024. (Joseph Woodley)
The former IHOP — pitched roof and all — has been splashed in Hattie B’s signature fire-engine red, with diner-style black and white tiles inside.
“It’s a nod to those classic Americana chicken and burger joints,” said Hattie B’s creative director Michael Carpenter in a statement.
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We can see it.
Hattie B’s is known for its hot chicken laced with cayenne. The Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich comes with the option of adding American cheese or bacon pimento cheese. Purists might opt for a half bird (breast, thigh, leg and wing) with sides like crinkle-cut fries, black-eyed pea salad or bacon cheddar grits.
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While Hattie B’s is most famous for its Hot! level chicken, customers can pick one of six levels, starting with no heat at all and ending with Shut The Cluck Up!!!, which your doctor surely wouldn’t recommend.
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Hattie B’s Hot Chicken opens at 3827 Lemmon Ave. in Dallas on Oct. 2, 2024. The Deep Ellum restaurant by the same name closed two months prior. (Joseph Woodley)
The Nashville-based restaurant developed international acclaim a decade ago when Bizarre Foods America and Food & Wine took notice of the family-owned restaurant. Since then, Hattie B’s has expanded its reach from Nashville to Atlanta, Memphis, Austin and even Las Vegas.
Hattie B’s entry into Texas was a calculated effort for co-founder Nick Bishop Jr., who saw the potential for his family’s Nashville business to reach across the United States.
Bishop said he loves the Lemmon Avenue location’s on-site parking — noteworthy, because parking can be a struggle in Deep Ellum.
“Guests will experience the same delicious hot chicken, cold beers and great tunes they’ve come to expect at Hattie B’s,” Bishop said in a statement.
Hattie B’s is at 3827 Lemmon Ave., Dallas, and is open for lunch, dinner and late-night seven days a week. It opened Oct. 2, 2024.
For more food news, follow Sarah Blaskovich on X at @sblaskovich.
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