Dallas

Bubble tea chain Gong cha has signed an exclusive area development agreement with franchise operator Bakers Acres & Cattle Company (BACC) to open 50 stores in Texas over the next seven years. The deal, described as the largest direct franchising agreement in Gong cha's history, will target key markets including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas. This follows Gong cha's acquisition of master franchise rights for 170 US locations across 13 states, including Texas, positioning the brand for faster nationwide growth. BACC, a Houston-based multi-generational family business, entered franchising in 2015 with Nothing Bundt Cakes and has since built a successful bakery operation. Gong cha Americas president Geoff Henry highlighted strong interest from multi-unit operators due to the brand's operational simplicity, consumer demand, and scalable low-cost model.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 02:28 PM UTC

Gong cha, a global bubble tea brand, has signed a 50-unit direct franchising agreement in Texas, its largest such deal. The franchisee, Bakers Acres & Cattle Company, which also operates a dozen Nothing Bundt Cake locations, will develop stores in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin over seven years. The deal follows Gong cha's acquisition of 170 US stores from its master franchisee, part of a strategy to accelerate growth toward 1,000 US units. The brand recently redesigned its store layout and added automated drink makers to reduce ticket times. Texas, with its growing metro areas, has become a key target for franchisors, with similar multi-unit deals from Starbird and Oakberry. The 50 new stores represent about one-fifth of Gong cha's current 240-store US footprint.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:38 AM UTC

Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, 38, Mexico's all-time leading scorer, has signed a two-year contract (with a club option for a third) with USL Championship expansion side Atlético Dallas, becoming the club's first-ever player. He will begin playing in 2027 but will immediately contribute to the project. The move follows his departure from Chivas Guadalajara and extends a career that included Manchester United, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy.

12 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 28, 08:23 AM UTC

Aurora Innovation announced customer agreements with Arizona-based Value Truck and Canada's Charger Logistics to begin driverless freight hauls using its newly released second-generation self-driving trucks. Value Truck will deploy Aurora's technology in the Southwest on routes including Phoenix to Fort Worth and Laredo to Dallas, while Charger Logistics will use driverless trucks on the Dallas-Laredo corridor for temperature-controlled and pharmaceutical freight. Aurora will own and operate the trucks under a technology-as-a-service model, with supervised trips starting in Q3 2026 and transitioning to daily driverless operations in Q4. The agreements follow Aurora's recent launch of its second-generation autonomous trucks and expansion of its partnership with Hirschbach Motor Lines. The announcements come ahead of Aurora's Q2 earnings report, signaling continued commercial deployment of autonomous trucking technology in the U.S. Sun Belt region.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 11:57 AM UTC

Felipe Mora scored two minutes into second-half stoppage time to give the Portland Timbers a 2-2 home draw with FC Dallas on Wednesday. Just four minutes after Petar Musa gave Dallas a 2-1 lead, Mora converted from the center of the box after a cross from Kristoffer Velde. The late strike prevented FC Dallas' first win in Portland in over a decade. Patrickson Delgado gave Dallas the lead in first-half stoppage time, but Kevin Kelsy equalized for Portland in the 66th minute. Kelsy hit the post twice before being substituted for Mora. Dallas goalkeeper Daniel made two saves in his debut after being acquired from San Jose. Musa, who entered as a substitute, scored his 13th goal of the season, tying for the league lead. Portland improved to 5-8-3 (18 points), while Dallas stands at 7-4-5 (26 points).

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:18 AM UTC

Tesla provided new metrics on its Robotaxi ride-hailing service during its Q2 2025 earnings call. The company reported nearly 2.5 million cumulative paid miles, over 380,000 unsupervised miles driven across six cities, and weekly mileage growth exceeding 10%. Robotaxi is now active in seven US metropolitan regions: Austin, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and San Francisco Bay Area. Tesla claims zero notable incidents from unsupervised operations, though two low-speed crashes occurred with safety monitors present. The company has installed annual manufacturing capacity for over 125,000 Cybercabs at Gigafactory Texas. Tesla also reported 1.48 million paying Full Self-Driving customers, a 56% year-over-year increase. CEO Elon Musk emphasized safety constraints on deployment speed, warning that any injury would trigger regulatory crackdowns. For comparison, Waymo has driven over 200 million fully autonomous miles and operates in 11 US regions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:21 AM UTC

Tesla is set to report Q2 2026 earnings with shares down 15.74% year-to-date, trading near $376.88. Despite concerns over brand sentiment and softer delivery comparisons, the article highlights strong underlying fundamentals: automotive gross margin expanded to 21.1% from 16.2% YoY, FSD subscriptions reached 1.28 million (up 51% YoY), and operating income surged 135.84% YoY. Prediction markets price a 74% probability of an earnings beat. The 12-month consensus price target is $425.22, with a bull case of $487.90. Key catalysts include six new production lines, Robotaxi launches in Dallas and Houston, and EU FSD approval in the Netherlands. The article argues the stock looks attractive at current levels despite a high trailing P/E of 375.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:32 PM UTC

The author, a frequent traveler on the Qantas route between the US and Australia, upgraded to premium economy for an extra $700 during a sale. The experience exceeded expectations: an express pass for fast security screening, a wider seat with a hard shell that blocked seat-back tapping from behind, a private-feeling cabin with only 28 seats, attentive service from a flight attendant who addressed the author by name, and high-quality meals served on china with metal cutlery. Mid-flight hot snacks and a self-service bar with local kombucha were available. The amenity kit was basic, but the full-size padded headphones were comfortable for the entire flight. While business class offers lie-flat beds and pajamas, the author concludes that premium economy provides excellent value for cash, especially compared to the high cost of business class tickets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:23 PM UTC

Dynamo Dresden has signed 20-year-old striker Kaan Inanoglu, a versatile player born in Dallas, Texas, with Turkish roots. Inanoglu moved to Germany alone at age 17 to pursue professional football, playing for MSV Duisburg and Eintracht Frankfurt's U23 team before joining Dresden in the 2. Bundesliga. He describes himself as flexible in attack, capable of playing centrally or on the wings. In a recent test match against Grazer AK, he set up a goal for Niklas Hauptmann. Off the pitch, Inanoglu is a self-taught musician who plays piano, guitar, and uses a DJ board, having served as dressing room DJ during a test match against Kassel. He cites the club's playing style and welcoming atmosphere as reasons for joining. Inanoglu also follows Dallas sports teams, having seen Dirk Nowitzki play live.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:28 AM UTC

According to Catalunya Radio, Spanish international center-back Aymeric Laporte has proactively offered himself to Barcelona, expressing a strong desire to play for the club. Laporte, a key defender for Spain's World Cup-winning squad, currently plays for Athletic Bilbao after returning to La Liga from Al Nassr last summer. His representatives met with Barcelona president Joan Laporta at a hotel in Dallas, USA, where Laporta was watching the World Cup semifinal between Spain and France. Laporte's contract includes a €15 million release clause, which is within Barcelona's financial reach. However, president Laporta indicated that the club must prioritize signing a center-forward first. Barcelona is open to adding a center-back this summer but only if they first sell an existing center-back to free up salary space and registration slots. The final decision depends on progress in the center-forward signing and potential offers for Barcelona's current center-backs. Laporte's camp will remain patient awaiting further signals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:39 AM UTC

A caller named Tyler from Dallas told Dave Ramsey on his show that he has a $400,000 securities-backed line of credit (SBLOC) costing $1,600 per month in interest. Tyler inherited $1.4 million in stock, sold some to buy a home and two rental properties, and still holds $550,000 in stock and $180,000 in Treasury bills. He used the SBLOC to buy another rental and pay off car loans. Ramsey advised selling Treasury bills and enough stock to eliminate the debt entirely, calling Tyler's financial advisor a 'moron' for suggesting the investments should be kept. Ramsey emphasized that financial professionals work for the client, not the other way around, and that moving debt around does not eliminate it. The article highlights the risks of the 'buy, borrow, die' strategy popular among billionaires when applied by less wealthy individuals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:30 PM UTC

The Athletic's Spanish-language correspondents analyze Spain's World Cup championship, revealing that the victory over Portugal in Dallas significantly strengthened the team's belief in winning. The article details coach De la Fuente's key decision to bench Pedri in the quarterfinal against Belgium due to poor form and lack of chemistry with Rodri, a move validated by Fabian Ruiz's goal. Sources highlight De la Fuente's exceptional ability to read player emotions and form. The team's confidence is exemplified by Yamal's fearless attitude toward France. Key performers include Rodri, young center-back Pau Cubarsí (named Best Young Player), and goalkeeper Unai Simón, who set a World Cup clean sheet record. The article also notes the harmonious team atmosphere and amusing anecdotes like Cucurella's promise to tattoo De la Fuente's face.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:58 AM UTC

The Athletic UK's Spanish-language team analyzes Spain's World Cup victory, highlighting the team's long-standing chemistry built through years of playing together at youth levels under coach Luis de la Fuente. Despite a sluggish 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in the opening match, which drew harsh criticism from Spanish media, the team remained calm and confident. Key factors include deep friendships among players like Rodri, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, and Unai Simón, who have known each other since youth tournaments. The Spanish Football Federation also improved team atmosphere by adopting an open approach with media, contrasting with Luis Enrique's rigid style in 2022. Family involvement was notable, with players celebrating goals by referencing pregnant wives and children. The team lacks superstar forwards but relies on collective spirit and tactical familiarity.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:53 AM UTC

Barcelona club president Joan Laporta returned to Barcelona on Tuesday after a week-long trip to the United States, where he watched Spain's World Cup final matches. Upon arrival, Laporta confirmed that German winger Karim Adeyemi will be officially unveiled on Wednesday, having already undergone a medical examination. Laporta also needs to finalize the loan deal of goalkeeper Ter Stegen to Ajax and facilitate the departures of Casado and Balde. During his US visit, Laporta supported eight Barcelona players who became world champions and held meetings with senior football organization officials. He declined to comment on other transfer topics, including those related to Alvarez and Ferran Torres.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:04 AM UTC

Tesla is expected to report its first quarterly cash burn in over two years on Wednesday, as spending on AI infrastructure and robotics soars to $25 billion this year, outstripping cash generated by core automotive and energy operations. CEO Elon Musk has shifted focus from manufacturing cars to physical AI businesses like self-driving taxis and humanoid robots, but progress has been slower than expected. The robotaxi network remains confined to Austin, Dallas, Houston, and Miami, despite Musk's earlier predictions of serving half the U.S. population by end of 2025. Analysts expect negative free cash flow of $3.3 billion for Q2, though a record vehicle delivery quarter and higher oil prices have boosted auto sales. Investor questions overwhelmingly focus on delays in AI-driven goals, including robotaxi expansion and Cybercab deployment. The earnings call will be closely watched for signs that heavy spending is strengthening Tesla's AI moat.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:01 AM UTC

RBC Wealth Management has recruited a six-person advisory team, KPM Wealth Advisory Group, from Stifel, Nicolaus & Company to its Dallas branch. The team, which previously managed $1.6 billion in client assets, includes managing directors Donald Kinsey, Travis Moss, and Matthew Pickett, along with senior financial associates Shawn Ezzo and Stephanie Mareth and client associate Jacob Gross. The advisors had spent 10 years at Stifel, focusing on ultra-high-net-worth clients, particularly business owners. They cited RBC's resources, credit and lending solutions, and Echelon wealth management platform as reasons for the move. The hire comes as RBC Wealth Management, which operates 196 offices across 43 states, continues to compete for talent amid recent leadership changes and a loss of a $1.7 billion team to Wells Fargo Advisors earlier in July 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:06 PM UTC

Major League Pickleball's Week 7 event in San Diego saw significant upsets and shifting standings as the 2026 playoffs approach. Dallas emerged as a surprise contender with a dominant 4-0 sweep over Atlanta, while Los Angeles suffered a stunning loss to Atlanta, raising questions about their roster composition. Columbus easily defeated an Orlando team hampered by Lacy Schneemann's ankle injury. Phoenix made a statement with a 3-1 win over Florida. Utah's rotation experiments led to mixed results, including a DreamBreaker loss to Bay Area and a win over Atlanta. California upset playoff-contender SoCal in a DreamBreaker, positioning themselves for a potential third-place match. The trade deadline was July 20, with notable moves including Dylan Frazier's acquisition by California, though he missed the event due to a prior commitment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:10 PM UTC

The July 2026 Federal Reserve Beige Book showed modest, broad-based improvement in U.S. commercial real estate (CRE) across 11 of 12 districts entering summer, with strength in data centers, Class A office, and industrial sectors. However, renewed US-Iran hostilities have introduced significant uncertainty, threatening higher energy costs, inflation, and shifting investor appetite for the second half of 2026. Regional conditions varied: Manhattan's AI-driven office market remained strong, Atlanta saw falling Class A vacancy, Dallas reported robust multifamily absorption, while Chicago and San Francisco showed mixed trends. Credit access tightened in some districts, and the conflict is expected to reshape logistics demand and add pressure to development costs. The analysis highlights that CRE momentum built before the geopolitical shock is now at risk.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 09:43 AM UTC

World Cup tourists from around the globe visiting the United States have reported experiences that contradict the often-negative image of America portrayed in international media. Visitors from the UK, Morocco, and elsewhere described overwhelming hospitality from locals, including Uber drivers offering recommendations, strangers inviting them to their homes, and warm interactions in bars and parks. Many tourists said they expected a politically fractured and dangerous country based on news coverage and social media videos, but instead found friendliness and openness. Some Americans were unaware the World Cup was taking place, but fans were welcomed at sports bars and parades. The article highlights a gap between media-driven perceptions and on-the-ground reality, with tourists praising American hospitality and expressing desire to return for longer visits.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:34 PM UTC

This analysis from The Athletic details how MetLife Stadium in New Jersey won the bid to host the 2026 World Cup final, despite being ranked last among venues for aesthetics and transport. The article explains that the final was always destined for the United States, with the main competition coming from Dallas' AT&T Stadium. Key factors included New York/New Jersey's charm offensive starting in 2018, the favorable time slot for global broadcasters, and the region's overall appeal. The piece quotes Dallas officials who acknowledge they did everything possible but could not overcome the New York metropolitan area's advantages. The final between Spain and Argentina is set for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:00 AM UTC

This analysis from The Athletic details how MetLife Stadium in New Jersey won the bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, despite being ranked last among venues by soccer writers due to its charmless exterior, poor transport links, and hard playing surface. The article explains that the final was always destined for the United States, with the fiercest competition coming from Dallas' AT&T Stadium ('Jerry World'). Key factors in MetLife's favor included the favorable time slot for European and American broadcasters, the global appeal of New York City, and the involvement of figures like Robert De Niro in the bid. The article also notes that Mexico's Azteca Stadium was not considered, and that rumors suggested FIFA leaked Dallas as the frontrunner to pressure New York into improving its offer. The final, between Spain and Argentina, is expected to draw a global audience exceeding one billion.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:00 AM UTC

This article from The Athletic explains why MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, despite being ranked last among World Cup venues for aesthetics and transport, was chosen to host the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The decision was driven by the appeal of the New York City market, favorable broadcast time slots for European and American audiences, and the influence of local boosters including Robert De Niro. The fiercest competition came from Dallas' AT&T Stadium, but FIFA ultimately favored the New York/New Jersey bid. The article details the selection process, including rumors of leaked information and the efforts of the Dallas host committee, and notes that Mexico's Azteca Stadium was never considered for the final as it was always slated for the U.S.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:00 AM UTC

A BILD reporter recounts his experience watching all 102 games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup over 144 hours (six days) as part of BILD's World Cup WG (shared living/working space) in Dallas and New York. The article describes the intense schedule, including adjusting to time zone differences, rearranging furniture for optimal TV viewing, and the physical toll of prolonged sitting (a chair rod bent from overuse). The reporter attended eight games in person at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, including Germany's opener against Curaçao and England's 4-2 win over Croatia, which BILD called the best game of the tournament. The remaining 94 games were watched on TV. The piece highlights the reporter's dedication and the all-consuming nature of covering a major sporting event, noting that even during a one-and-a-half-hour wait at 35°C at the stadium entrance, they watched games on their phones.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:03 AM UTC

BILD reporter Johannes Lewerenz recounts his experience watching all 102 games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup over 144 hours (six days) from the BILD World Cup WG in Dallas and New York. The article describes the intense schedule, including four games per day during the group stage, the reporter's routine of setting alarms to fit in sports before kick-off, and the makeshift living arrangements optimized for TV viewing. He details watching Germany's opener against Curaçao at 35 degrees Celsius at the AT&T Stadium press entrance, and attending eight games live in Dallas, including England's 4-2 win over Croatia. The piece highlights the physical toll (a bent chair rod from prolonged sitting) and the reporter's insatiable appetite for football, concluding that even 144 hours is not enough.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:03 AM UTC

France national team defender Ibrahima Konaté gave a candid assessment of the Blues' 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain in Dallas, acknowledging that Spain was the better team. Speaking in Miami ahead of the third-place match against England, Konaté admitted France was 'behind on quite a few things' and that Spain's superiority was clear. He noted this was the third consecutive defeat to Spain, following losses at Euro 2024 and the Nations League, but insisted Spain had not gotten into their heads. Konaté, a substitute in the match, deferred questions about tactical reasons to the coach. The Blues will face England for third place on Saturday evening.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:01 PM UTC

FC Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal, 18, suffered a hamstring injury in April 2026, ending his La Liga season and raising recurrence risks. He missed Spain's final pre-World Cup friendly but returned to full training by June 12. Spain plans to use him as a substitute in their World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta, gradually increasing his minutes. Barcelona and Spain manage his fitness carefully amid Ballon d'Or reflections and political gestures.

106 reports · 18 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:31 AM UTC

French national team defender William Saliba has returned to training after a back injury sustained during the Champions League final, but admits he is not fully fit. His return is a relief for coach Didier Deschamps, as France’s defense struggled without him. Saliba is expected to play in the final pre-World Cup friendly against Northern Ireland and the World Cup opener against Senegal, though his persistent pain raises concerns about his performance and France’s defensive stability.

54 reports · 13 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:50 PM UTC

The price of chartering private jets between US cities has surged by up to 30% due to exceptionally strong demand during the World Cup, which concludes in New Jersey. Corporate groups, wealthy football fans, and supporter syndicates are increasingly using private charters to navigate the geographically dispersed tournament. Popular routes include Miami to Atlanta and Atlanta to New York. Atlas Jet Charter co-founder Connor Millar reports that business aviation activity has risen significantly, with demand on key routes reaching up to three times normal levels during the knockout stages. The surge is driven by limited aircraft availability, repositioning costs, airport slot restrictions, and event-related fees. The heightened demand has also affected non-World Cup private jet charters, reducing aircraft availability and increasing prices across the US. Airports are charging higher fees, and operators are repositioning aircraft to major tournament hubs, leaving fewer planes for routine charter requests elsewhere.

1 reports · 1 sources

The article analyzes Erling Haaland's explosive commercial growth during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Norway reached the quarter-finals. Haaland's Instagram followers surged from 40 million to 68 million, with engagement rates rising 174%. His purchase of a stuffed raccoon in Dallas became a viral memorabilia sensation. Branding experts discuss his potential to reach the commercial heights of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, noting his authentic social media approach during the tournament. The piece explores how Haaland's first World Cup platform has transformed his global brand and what strategic choices lie ahead for his commercial future.

1 reports · 1 sources

France lost 2-0 to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, ending their title hopes. Players and coach Didier Deschamps admitted Spain’s superior tactical execution, second-ball control, and emotional composure decided the match. Cherki cited poor emotional management, not Spanish pressure, as the cause of technical errors. Deschamps criticized the referee’s quality but acknowledged his team’s lack of energy and mistakes. The defeat marks Deschamps’ final match as France coach.

91 reports · 14 sources · Updated Jul 18, 11:53 PM UTC