The State of Texas: Dallas-based Neiman Marcus files for bankruptcy

Plus, the Texas Supreme Court springs a controversial Dallas salon owner from jail, and IndyCar will make its return in Texas. [View in browser]( [Give a Little Optimism ](  [Texas Monthly][Texas Monthly](    The State of Texas   May 8, 2020 In today's State of Texas: Neiman Marcus goes bankrupt, the Texas Supreme Court springs a Dallas salon owner from jail, and IndyCar will make its return in Texas. –Leif Reigstad  Editor's Pick   travel & outdoors [New to Backyard Chicken-Keeping? Here's Some Eggspert Advice]( As Texans flock to the hobby in record numbers, we convened a virtual staff roundtable to share tips. [Read Story]( By ROSE CAHALAN Quote of the Day "Once you take the enforcement mechanism out of your order, you really don't have an order anymore." —Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on [Thursday]( in response to Governor Greg Abbott's decision to remove jail time as a punishment for violating state and local COVID-19 restrictions.  The State of Texas  Neiman Marcus files for bankruptcy On Thursday, Dallas-based Neiman Marcus became the first major department store company to file for bankruptcy during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the [New York Times](. The first Neiman Marcus store opened in Dallas in 1907, and became known for selling fancy and expensive fashion items. But the company has struggled to compete with online retailers, and was in a financially precarious position well before the pandemic. For more on the fall of Neiman Marcus, [read Jason Heid's story for Texas Monthly here](. Controversial salon owner released from jail The Texas Supreme Court ordered a Dallas salon owner to be released from jail Thursday, after Governor Greg Abbott amended his emergency order to exclude jail time as an enforcement measure for COVID-19 restrictions, the [Dallas Morning News]( reports. Shelly Luther had reopened her salon April 24 in violation of Abbott's stay-at-home order, then tore up a cease-and-desist letter she received from Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. A district judge had offered to drop the jail sentence if Luther apologized and promised not to violate the order again, but she refused. For a more detailed breakdown of the Showdown at the Salon, [read Christopher Hooks's piece for]( Monthly](. IndyCar will restart its delayed season in Texas next month The Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth will host the first IndyCar race since the season was suspended in mid-March. According to [ESPN]( the race will be held at night on June 6, without fans or spectators in attendance. IndyCar president Jay Frye said Thursday that IndyCar has worked with Texas Motor Speedway representatives and public health officials on a plan to "ensure the safety of our event participants alongside an exciting return to competition." There will be health screenings for all participants, and personal protective equipment will be provided to everyone entering the facility, with additional social distancing protocols maintained at the track. SPONSORED [Give A Little Optimism]( Time is running out! Don't miss your chance to nominate a Texan to receive a free optimism care package complete with self-care goodies, gift cards, and other fun swag, courtesy of the Texas Optimism Project. [Learn More](    politics [Showdown at the Salon: How Hairdressing Became the Thing We Fight About in the Middle of the Pandemic]( The Shelley Luther saga gave Texas politicians an excuse to change the conversation, and deflect blame. By christopher hooks    food & drink [One Taqueria's Creative Solution During COVID-19: Selling Tortillas]( Nixta Taqueria's Oaxacan tortillas boosted sales just enough to keep the restaurant from laying off staff. By JOSÉ R. RALAT    BBQ [BBQ News Roundup: James Beard Awards, Meat Shortages, and Restaurant Reopenings]( Plus: please stop wringing out the brisket. By daniel vaughn    Top Headlines  - [Texas Sheet Cake]( - [How the Editor of a Small East Texas Newspaper Won a Pulitzer Prize]( - [Joe Exotic: A Dark Journey Into the World of a Man Gone Wild]( - [The FBI Agent Who Can’t Stop Thinking About Waco]( - [The Best and the Bums: Who’s Doing Good and Who’s Not in These Crazy Times](   [Give a Little Optimism ](    Let's get social [Facebook](  [Instagram](  [Twitter](    [Texas Monthly]( PO Box 1569, Austin, TX 78767 You are receiving this message because you signed up for our newsletters. Want more? Check out our [other newsletters](. [Manage your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( Â