📺Dr. Phil needs script for bankruptcy; Adrian Burciaga, Courtney Lewis on the move; Clock is ticking on TikTok; is a deal near?

Fort Worth-based TPG completed its acquisition from AT&T of the 70% stake in DirecTV it did not own. It said DirecTV expects to accelerate investments in its video offerings, and since TPG’s initial investment, DirecTV has grown its "streaming service to millions of subscribers ... and significantly reduced churn."

UK-based H&T Group has been acquired by Chess Bidco Limited, a subsidiary of Fort Worth-based FirstCash Holdings. H&T Group operates in the financial services industry, primarily focusing on pawnbroking, personal loans, gold and retail of pre-owned jewelry and watches. It has nearly 300 stores in the U.K. 

In a podcast interview, former Dallas Mavericks Vice President of Content Mike Marshall opened up on office life after Mark Cuban sold the team to a group of casino barons and the fallout of the Luka Dončić trade. He says the incoming regime “had no idea what they bought.”

Dr. Phil McGraw’s Merit Street Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and the TV talk-show host’s company is suing former partner Trinity Broadcasting Network, alleging breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty. Merit, which started in April 2024, claimed more than $100 million in debt. 

Grant Coates, President and CEO of The Miles Foundation, which is a leader in education innovation, has some suggestions for educators and parents regarding Texas' $1 billion Education Savings Accounts initiative starting with the 2026-2027 school year. See his checklist here. 

TikTok reportedly is building a version of its app for U.S. users ahead of a planned sale of the app to a group of investors. President Trump said Friday he will start talking to China today or Tuesday, but the U.S. "pretty much" has a TikTok deal.

General Motors is collaborating with actor and filmmaker Keanu Reeves to produce a multi-part series that will document the creation and journey of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. The joint venture between GM and TWG Motorsports plans to debut during the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

Fort Worth business executive, entrepreneur and philanthropic leader I. Jon Brumley died July 3 at 85, according to the Fort Worth Report.  Brumley helped seven companies list on the New York Stock Exchange and was the founder of five. Included was XTO Energy, which was sold to ExxonMobil for $41 billion.

We are No. 1 again: From the front door to the farthest gate, D-FW International Airport has the longest walk among global airports. We just can't figure which is the front door.

Standby ... American Airlines is back-tracking on its stand-by policy that was instituted a year ago.

American Airlines' new "Flagship Suite" luxury offerings on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner take flight this summer. Travelers from D-FW International Airport will have daily direct service to Auckland, New Zealand; Brisbane, Australia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and London.

Taiwanese airline EVA Air will launch direct flights from its primary hub at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport to D-FW International Airport starting in October. Initially, it planned three weekly flights but has changed the schedule to daily flights.

This fall, Blue Flag Distillery will open the first north Texas distillery focused on American Single Malt Whiskey. Located in the former Rahr & Sons space at 701 Galveston Ave. in Fort Worth, Blue Flag's plans include a complete re-design of the 37,000-square-foot-area with private tasting room, retail sales and event space for gatherings of 50-600. The founder and President is Will Rucker. 

KFC is moving its headquarters to north Texas and it sounds as if it will debut Saucy, a fast-casual spin-off featuring chicken tenders and 11 signature sauces, in Frisco. The 11 signature sauces are from the recipe for the original chicken. 

James and Helen Muench have opened franchised BrightStar Care locations in Grapevine and the Southlake/Keller areas. BrightStar Care offers a full continuum of care, including companion care, personal care and medical staffing, and skilled medical services, such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, skilled therapy and counseling.

Cleanup on aisle 11: Fruit and vegetable giant Del Monte Foods filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, listing more than $1 billion in liabilities and more than 10,000 creditors.

The Texas Supreme Court rejected a non-profit's efforts to force Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton to turn over requested records, yet left unanswered whether any court can force the state’s executive officers to comply with the Texas Public Information Act. A Travis County district court judge ordered Abbott and Paxton to comply with a request, and those orders were upheld by a state appeals court, but the Supreme Court disagreed. Justice Evan Young suggested that it is possible not even SCOTX may issue such orders to the Governor under the Texas Constitution. 

Snippets:

• Former Texas Rangers manager Billy Hunter died at 97. Former Rangers beat writer Jim Reeves recounts the Hunter-Dock Ellis run-in.

• Small-town newspapers are dying because no one wants to run them.  

• Tesla sales continue to drop, down 14% year over year with 2nd quarter deliveries. 

Daily digit: Project requests for home theater installations soared 562% in 2024, Yelp reports, as homeowners splurge on features that rival their local cinema.

Significant stat: 70.5 = Number of hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes by Joey Chestnut to win the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest for the 17th time. On the women’s side, Miki Sudo won her 11th title with 33 dogs, falling 18 short of her record because “the buns felt larger” this year.

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Announcements:

• Don Artemio Restaurant: General Manager Adrian Burciaga has left. 

• First Bank Texas: Names Courtney Lewis Fort Worth Area President. 

• Texas A&M-Fort Worth: Hires Yolanda Walker Schufford as Executive Director of Marketing and Communications.

• Gateway Church: Hires Nic Lesmeister as Executive Pastor. 

• Whitley Penn: Names Meagan Strait People Operations Associate Director.

• Southlake Chamber: Welcomes Dr. Michelle Krenek as Chairman of the Board. Adds Chuck Smith, President of CMIT Solutions Northwest D-FW, to its Board.

• JTaylor: Promotes Caleb Rooker to Senior Manager, Consulting; Easton Tally to Manager, Consulting; Asa MacDonald to Manager, Tax; Anh Bui and Keegan Bunt to Senior Associate, Tax.

• Fidelity Investments: Hires SJ Murdock as a Financial Customer Associate.

• Dickies: After nearly 21years, Sandra Melanson, Senior Executive Assistant to Global Brand President, is leaving as the company moves its headquarters to California.

• VIP Total Health & Hydration: Hires Jeka Sisco as Clinic General Manager. 

• AT&T: Adds Stacy Battle as Lead Strategic Accounts 3 I AT&T Business I Global Enterprise.

• Coury Hospitality: Adds Becky Brown as Area Business Travel Sales Manager. 

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