Five stories that have North Texas talking: Court clears way for NFL to suspend Elliott; Dallas Animal Services is doing better; medical cannabis will be available to certain Texans soon; and more.
A federal appeals court has cleared the way for the NFL to reinstate its six-game suspension of Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott.
In a 2-1 decision Thursday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel in New Orleans granted the league's emergency request to set aside an injunction and ordered a district court in Texas to dismiss Elliott's case, according to the Associated Press.
A federal judge in Texas had issued an injunction that blocked the suspension last month. Elliott was suspended in August after the league concluded following a yearlong investigation that he had several physical confrontations in the summer of 2016 with his then-girlfriend Tiffany Thompson.
If Elliott's legal team can't put the suspension on hold again, it will begin Oct. 22 at San Francisco. Elliott played the first five games while the case was in the courts.
"We are currently exploring all of our legal options and will make a decision as to what is the best course of action in the next few days," Elliott's attorney Frank Salzano said.
Here are the games he would miss:
- Oct. 22, San Francisco 49ers
- Oct. 29, Washington Redskins
- Nov. 5, Kansas City Chiefs
- Nov. 12, Atlanta Falcons
- Nov. 19, Philadelphia Eagles
- Nov. 23, Los Angeles Chargers
The Cowboys have a bye this weekend. [The Associated Press]
Some links have a pay wall or require a subscription.
- Checking in on Dallas Animal Services: The department impounded more than 5,000 more dogs from the field than the previous fiscal year. Also, adoptions increased and euthanizations decreased over that period. [The Dallas Morning News]
- What’s in a name? Dallas ISD must change the names of four schools named for Confederate leaders. The school board will consider new names in February. Until then, the process could be emotional — like the recent meeting at Stonewall Jackson. [KERA News]
- Coming soon to Texas: a dispensary: In December, Texans suffering from intractable epilepsy will be able to purchase a type of medicinal cannabis approved by the state. The dispensary is located outside a rural Texas town known for its kolaches. [Texas Public Radio]
- Car-free streets in Dallas: Biking around Dallas and living to tell the tale is no small feat. Bumper-to-bumper traffic, distracted drivers and constant construction create a perfect storm only few can brave. Next month, 20 miles will be closed for bikers to ride. [KERA News]
The High Five is KERA’s daily roundup of stories from Dallas-Fort Worth and across the state. Explore our archives here. And sign up for our weekly email for the North Texas news you need to know.
Photo: Rodger Mallison, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
