Southwest vs. mechanics, Texas' death penalty standards, Oscars wrap-up: Your Monday morning roundup

Southwest Airlines Co., battered by more than a week of flight delays and cancellations from a rash of aircraft maintenance issues, said its investigation has identified a small group of union mechanics that are orchestrating an effort to slow operations.  [Morning roundup]( 02/25/2019 By Wayne Carter and Carla Solórzano Good morning! Here is a look at the top headlines as we start the day. 🌞 Weather: Mostly sunny following a few clouds in the morning. High of 61. 🔎 Prefer the online view? It's [her]( Southwest Airlines says its investigation into a rash of delays and cancellations due to mechanical issues identified a small group of union mechanics orchestrating an effort to slow operations. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) BUSINESS [Southwest Airlines says mechanics are deliberately causing flight disruptions]( Southwest Airlines Co., battered by more than a week of flight delays and cancellations from a rash of aircraft maintenance issues, said its investigation has identified a small group of union mechanics that are orchestrating an effort to slow operations. The airline [called on the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association to comply with its legal obligation and "take immediate action to stop this activity,"]( according to a statement from the Dallas-based carrier. If AMFA wants to challenge its findings, Southwest said it asked the group to provide information and data so it can work with the company to resolve the "dramatic and highly unusual spike" in aircraft downtime. The disruption that's caused hundreds of flight delays is the latest eruption of tension between the airline and the union that represents its 2,700 mechanics. Negotiations for a new contract have stretched over more than six years. The airline has taken AMFA to court at least once, and the union twice has called for the firing of airline executives. Southwest has been frustrated in efforts to secure a new contract as it tries to keep costs in check. AMFA "firmly rejects" Southwest's allegations, Bret Oestreich, the union's national director, said in a message to its members. Commentary: DFW International Airport used to be considered one of the country’s most impenetrable fortress hubs, with American Airlines driving out low-cost rivals. [But it isn’t so scary anymore]( writes Mitchell Schnurman. Past its prime: How did Collin Creek Mall die? [It's an obit being written across suburban America.]( ADVERTISEMENT CRIME AND COURTS [Supreme Court ruling sparing Houston killer's life may finally inspire Texas Legislature to act]( A Supreme Court ruling last week to once again block the execution of a Houston killer may finally force the Texas Legislature to set a clear standard for whom the state deems mentally unfit for the death penalty. Tuesday’s ruling was the second time the court stopped the execution of Bobby James Moore, who in 1980 killed James McCarble, a 72-year-old grocery store clerk, during a Houston robbery. Moore, 59, has been on Texas' death row nearly 40 years. The Supreme Court prohibited executions of intellectually disabled people in 2002, calling them "cruel and unusual punishment," but allowed states to set their own standards for what constitutes mental disability. Now, more than 15 years after its adoption, Texas' standard, called the Briseño rules, [may finally be on its way out.]( Teen abducted: Federal authorities say a man [kidnapped a Keller girl who was in foster care and advertised her for sex.]( Also: A jailed Cleburne doctor is [accused of molesting patients under the guise of treatment]( according to Texas Medical Board records. SPORTS [Cowboys' NFL scouting combine to-do list: Why it could be a prime time for free agency negotiations]( One of the most important weeks of the NFL offseason is upon us: The annual scouting combine in Indianapolis begins Wednesday. For about five days, the majority of front-office personnel from around the league will be somewhere near Lucas Oil Stadium during the day and steakhouses like St. Elmo or Prime 47 at night. Although this event focuses on the NFL draft, much more than prospect evaluation will be taking place. Not having a first-round pick reduces the intrigue for Cowboys fans, but plenty of noteworthy decisions could be made 900 miles northeast of Dallas. As a preview, [here are three things the Cowboys should be trying to accomplish]( this week in Indy. Commentary: SportsDay's Kevin Sherrington provides the answers to looming questions [facing your Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks and Stars](. Spring training: The MLB Players Association's unusual collective meeting with the Rangers, Dodgers and White Sox [sends a unified message to owners]( says SportsDay's Evan Grant.  EDITORS' PICKS - Accidental death: A 23-year-old man [drowned while kayaking with friends on Lake Ray Hubbard]( police say - DWI arrest: A drunken-driving suspect [tried to drive away after hitting Dallas County Sheriff's deputies' squad cars]( blocking lanes on I-35E due to a stalled 18-wheeler, authorities say. - And the award goes to... How a Facebook post by a Dallas actor [may have been a good-luck charm for Oscar winner "Green Book."]( Temperatures in the metro area have risen quickly in part from rapid development over the years, which leads to an urban heat island effect. (Image source: Timelapse by TIME, Google Earth Engine) (Ariana Giorgi/DMN) FINALLY [How Mayor Mike Rawlings is positioning Dallas to be a global leader in addressing climate change]( Months before the City Council voted to move forward on Dallas' first climate action plan, [Mayor Mike Rawlings was working to make the city a global leader in addressing climate change](. Besides exploring ways to limit the negative effects of environmental damage on the region, he wants the city to help find ways to prevent that damage. Large metropolitan areas have an outsize effect on climate change and "urban areas are going to make the biggest impact" in combating it, Rawlings said. The council voted last month to grant a contract to AECOM Technical Services to develop a comprehensive environmental plan. Another resolution included support for urging Congress to enact a national carbon fee and dividend. 👋 That's all for this morning! For up-to-the-minute news and analysis, check out [DallasNews.com](. Share the love! If you like this newsletter, please forward this email to a friend and [check out our other newsletters here](. Do you have feedback? Send your thoughts, questions, praise and corrections to [newsletters@dallasnews.com](mailto:newsletter-feedback@dallasnews.com?subject=). STAY CONNECTED WITH US [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( [LinkedIn]( [Tumblr]( [Reddit]( [OTHER FREE NEWSLETTERS]( [Unsubscribe]( | [Dallasnews.com]() | [Subscribe to The Dallas Morning News]() | [Subscriber login]() | [Privacy Policy]( | [Contact]( You received this message because you signed up for this Dallas Morning News newsletter or it was forwarded to you. 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