Feds consider Dallas tornado aid, UIL realignment, Brandt Jean speaks: Your Tuesday evening roundup

A large section of Preston and Royal’s southeast corner has to be demolished  [Evening roundup]( 12/03/2019 By Todd Davis Good Evening! Here is a look at the top headlines of the day. 🔎 Prefer the online view? It's [here.]( Fire Station 41, on Royal Lane near Preston Road, was completely devastated by the Oct. 20 tornado. (Robert Wilonsky / Staff Writer) DALLAS [Was Dallas' Oct. 20 tornado a disaster? Feds aren't sure, and millions in relief are at stake]( and Texas officials believe the Oct. 20 tornadoes that tore through the county far exceed the dollar amount needed to trigger a presidential disaster declaration. [But for the moment, at least, federal emergency officials disagree](. And it might all come down to whether or not the feds believe they should pay to replace a bunch of Dallas’ aging, outdated traffic signals destroyed in the storm. Editorial: [Churches can be allies against homelessness](. So why does Dallas make it so hard for them to help? And: [Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson]( demands a plan from the police department to make the city safer. ADVERTISEMENT  POLITICS [Kamala Harris bows out of 2020 presidential race]( bureau chief Todd Gillman offers this analysis: Sometimes the writing on the wall is so bright and indelible that even the most determined candidate can’t ignore it. [Sen. Kamala Harris’ abrupt exit Tuesday]( leaves the Democratic field for president a whole lot less diverse, though it also prolongs the candidacy of two candidates of color: Julián Castro, the only Hispanic in the race, and Sen. Cory Booker, who is black.  Also: [A sweeping House report]( outlined evidence for impeaching Trump over Ukraine scandal.   And: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick filed [Donald Trump’s re-election papers]( and predicted Trump will succeed in Texas.  BUSINESS [A large section of Preston and Royal’s southeast corner has to be demolished]( Much of the Preston Oaks shopping center on the southeast corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane will be demolished starting this month. [Preston Oaks will be rebuilt in stages]( with Central Market, McDonald’s and a building along Preston Road reopening first, said Regency Centers spokesman Eric Davidson.  Also: Downtown Dallas’ [first Arts District hotel]( has opened.   And: J.C. Penney shares are no longer under the threat of [NYSE delisting](.  ADVERTISEMENT (Vernon Bryant / Staff Photographer) PHOTO OF THE DAY Brandt Jean, 18, received the 2019 Ethical Courage Award from the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration. [The Plano-based group said Jean should be admired]( for the example he set by forgiving and hugging Amber Guyger after she was sentenced to 10 years in prison for murdering his brother. "I want you all to know that I am not a threat, that young black males are not inherently dangerous or criminal," Brandt Jean said from a podium at the institute. "I implore you to champion policies and procedures that amplify the value of all lives. I insist that you encourage diverse leadership that can model inclusion and restraint." The idea behind [Curious Texas]( is simple: You have questions, and our journalists are trained to track answers. Subscribe to this weekly newsletter for the latest answers to reader questions, featured Curious Texans and more delivered straight to your inbox. [SIGN ME UP]( Welcome to Dallas-Fort Worth where holiday lights shine bright. We're asking you to cast your vote for the best holiday lights in D-FW this season. The decorated businesses and homes won’t be the only winners. When you vote, you'll automatically be entered for a chance to win the Holiday Lights sweepstakes where one lucky voter will receive a prize from [Highland Park Village]( the sponsors of this competition. On December 6, [head here]( to check out the nominated businesses and homes where the voting polls will be open and the lights will shine bright. EDITORS' PICKS - Crime: [A murder suspect]( was jailed in connection with a fatal far northeast Dallas shooting. - Politics: [A Texas GOP lawmaker]( who said primary foes are running because they’re 'Asian’ retired after Gov. Greg Abbott’s rebuke. - Sports: [In today's UIL realignment]( Highland Park is headed for 5A again, but its fate is still to be determined. Also, there's movement among Dallas ISD schoools. FINALLY... [This Lewisville woman is making whiskey and challenging gender stereotypes]( Natasha DeHart is hesitant to talk about her accomplishments, like how she owns a whiskey distillery and developed the brand’s signature whiskey blend herself. Natasha, along with her husband Ryan DeHart, founded Bendt Distilling Co. (which was first named Witherspoon Distillery) in 2012. In her first 3 1/2 years of managing the company, Natasha also had three children. [In the world of Texas whiskey brands, she is an anomaly](. Most are owned and operated by men, which is no surprise, given the drink’s macho associations. 👋 That's all for this afternoon! 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? 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