Oil prices expected to spike today; New threat to D-FW International, Dallas airports? Plot(s) thickens for Arlington cemetery.

Investors brace for an oil price spike and are expected to rush to safe havens after U.S. bombs hit Iran’s nuclear sites Saturday night. “It’s going to raise uncertainty and volatility, particularly in oil,” said one analyst. Read comments from financial analysts here.

The viral interview between Tucker Carlson and Senator Ted Cruz that sparked a fierce theological debate among American Christians is timely after the U.S. and Iranian air strikes this weekend: Are Christians biblically commanded to support the modern state of Israel?

Prescience? Coincidence? Alerted? Friday, American Airlines canceled all flights to Qatar until at least Sunday. Saturday evening, the U.S. sent air strikes at Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran is just north and across the Persian Gulf from Qatar.

Three federal appellate judges ruled Friday that a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in each of the state’s public school classrooms is unconstitutional. Saturday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed similar legislation into law. A court challenge is expected.

Arlington is trying to determine if 1,100 burial plots at historic Arlington Cemetery are owned or if they can be made available to the public for purchase. A decision could be made Sept. 16 about the cemetery at the northeast corner of East Mitchell Street and South Mary Street, which the city has owned for 30 years. 

Southwest and American’s worst fear? McKinney Airport will target 1-in-8 D-FW and Love Field passengers. 

Phil McGraw’s Merit Street Media, based in north Fort Worth, has cut approximately 40 jobs and paused its evening news show. MeritTV network is being retooled and could return in the fall, a spokesperson said. A morning news program continues.

Believe it or not: If the wedding’s off, so is the paperwork. But not according to a 36-year-old Texas woman who was arrested for marrying her ex-fiancé without his knowledge. She was charged with third-degree felony stalking and booked into a county jail in Waco.

Approximately $74 million, including matching funds, has been awarded for bicycle and pedestrian projects in Tarrant, Denton, Collin and Dallas counties. 

The staggering growth of Arlington's Entertainment District has provided resources for the city to start programs and build facilities. Despite that, Arlington, like many cities, is grappling with its 2026 budget.

John Paul Mitchell Systems, the hair care product company owned by billionaire John Paul DeJoria, will shift its California headquarters into the offices of its large new distribution center in the south Dallas County city of Wilmer. Dozens of jobs are projected and JPMS could be in line for a $654k state relocation grant.

L.O. “Buzz” Brightbill III passed away at 88. The long-time banker was the first recipient of the Outstanding Banker of the Year Award, presented by the Fort Worth Area Bankers Association, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Downtown Fort Worth Rotary Club. 

Reminder: Beginning Tuesday, July 1, Texas will mostly eliminate temporary paper license plates for car buyers. Vehicles purchased from a dealership will receive permanent metal license plates immediately.

Meta -- Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Threads -- is fighting back against AI-generated "nudify" apps. The apps use AI to create fake non-consensual nude or sexually explicit images.

Chipotle released its first new dip in five years -- Adobo Ranch. The Wall Street Journal reported ranch dips and dressings surpassed ketchup as America's favorite condiment in 2024.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary outlined three steps in what he called a "revolutionary pathway to drug approvals that will significantly accelerate the delivery of crucial treatments to the American public." He said the three key features of the National Priority Voucher program bring the agility of front-line medical decision-making to the regulatory processes.

From Texas Lawbook: What two former Texas U.S. Attorney’s office leaders want business leaders to know about Department of Justice corporate enforcement in 2025. 

Which college degrees are the best and worst for finding a job? Data compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York examined the careers that offer the best prospect and their respective median salaries. Based on unemployment rates, the three best were: nutrition sciences, construction services and animal & plant sciences. The three worst were: anthropology, physics and computer engineering.

Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx who helped create the overnight delivery industry, changing the way businesses and consumers get the goods they purchased, has died. He was 80.

Snippets:

• Allstate says Texas is the safest state in the country for driving. Can you guess the safest city in the state? 

• Tarleton State wins two national titles at the College National Finals Rodeo.

• Coury Hospitality’s re-brand of The Southlake Hotel, a Marriott property, to The Elmore is scheduled for August. 

• JPMorgan Chase unveiled tools that allow investors to research and purchase bonds and brokered CDs through its mobile app.

Announcements:

• Teach For America: Adds Andre McEwing as a Fort Worth Board member.

• Cadence Bank: Senior Managing Director and EVP Courtney Lewis is leaving.

• TechFW: Hires Lindsey McDonald as Engagement & Program Manager.

• Deloitte: Hires Diana Roberts as Audit & Assurance Manager.

• Freeman Mills: Hires Jeremy Black. 

• Texas Bank: Hires Lisa Choi as Executive Director, Senior Relationship Manager, Middle Market Banking.

• Virbac: Names Paul Martingell CEO, effective Sept. 1.

• Turner & Townsend Heery: Adds Gena B. as National Director - Cultural Projects.

• Women in Manufacturing-Texas: Adds Yessica Ruiz as D-FW Regional Director. 

• Pantego Christian Academy: Adds Mary Hoover as Marketing, Admissions & Development Administrative Assistant.

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