By Kamira LaNay, Correspondent | Texas Metro News

As discussions continue surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ plans for a new arena in North Dallas, Dallas City Councilman Maxie Johnson says the conversation is about more than basketball; it’s about equity, community investment, and the future of Southern Dallas.

In a recent one-on-one, Johnson expressed concern that the proposed move could worsen longstanding economic and racial divides within the city.

“Moving Dallas north continues the historical racial divide that we have experienced,” Johnson said. “For one of my colleagues to say on social media, ‘Welcome to Fort North Dallas,’ it’s a slap in Southern Dallas’ face.”

The Mavericks recently announced plans to pursue a new arena and entertainment district at the former Valley View Mall site in North Dallas. While city leaders continue discussions about the team’s future, Johnson believes Southern Dallas residents should not be overlooked in the process. “It promotes racial divide,” Johnson said. “It says to the Mavericks, ‘Come on up here. Don’t worry about them.’ And that’s a problem for me. That’s a problem for Southern Dallas.”

Johnson emphasized the longstanding relationship between Southern Dallas and the Mavericks organization, noting that residents have consistently supported the team over the years.

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“When we needed the Mavericks, they were here for us. When the Mavericks needed us, we were here for them,” he said. “We helped get that vote across. Southern Dallas always shows up.”

As uncertainty remains about the team’s future, Johnson said community leaders are continuing to advocate for the Mavericks to remain connected to Dallas. “We’re saying, don’t abandon us,” he said. “We know it’s been ugly, but the people who have made it ugly are not Southern Dallas.”

Johnson also pointed to support from fellow council members and Southern Dallas leaders who have publicly expressed their desire to keep the Mavericks in the city. “We’re saying we want you here,” Johnson said.

When asked what concrete steps city leaders are taking to keep the Mavericks in Dallas, Johnson acknowledged that the City Council still needs to make decisions about downtown development and the team’s long-term home. “The council has to make a decision,” Johnson said. “We have to take care of business. I understand where they’re at. They’re saying they don’t know where they’re going to be in downtown.”

For now, Johnson said city leaders are continuing conversations with the organization while urging the team to remain committed to Dallas. “Don’t leave us,” he said. “We love you. We want you here.”

As negotiations and planning discussions continue, residents and city leaders alike are watching closely to see what decisions will be made and what they could mean for the future economic landscape of Dallas. Kamira LaNay is a 2026 Journalism and Communications graduate of Morgan State University.  She will spend the next year as a Texas Metro News Fellow.

Kamira LaNaye is a 2026 Journalism and Communications graduate of Morgan State University. She will spend the next year as a Texas Metro News Fellow.

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In a tightly contested Group Stage encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Scotland emerged victorious over Haiti with a 1-0 win, thanks to a decisive strike from John McGinn in the 28th minute at Boston Stadium.

The contest marked a historic night for each team, with Scotland collecting its first victory in the tournament since 1990.

And this is Scotland’s first victory in a World Cup opener since their 5-2 win over New Zealand at the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain.

Both teams had spent many years on the sidelines as others qualified for the World Cup and four-year windows passed. Haiti qualifed for this tournament for the first time since 1974, while Scotland returned to action for the first time since 1998 in France.

An expanded tournament draw of 48 teams during this North American event helped both teams earn entrance.

Disappointed by the loss, the Haitians have another day to play, as its second Group Stage match comes against Brazil on June 19 at Philadelphia Stadium.

Looking for a better outcome, they will want to play with the same plucky toughness that kept them in this match.

Despite Haiti’s dominance in possession, holding 54 percent of the ball, they struggled to convert opportunities, managing only two shots on goal from a total of 15 attempts.

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The Haitian side, led by forward pressure, forced Scotland to defend robustly, but Scottish goalkeeper David Marshall’s assured presence denied scoring opportunities.

Scotland’s organized defense and tactical discipline were exemplified by their equal number of shots on goal, though with fewer total attempts at nine.

Aaron Hickey received a yellow card early in the second half, marking a critical moment as Scotland maintained composure amidst Haiti’s spirited efforts.

The match saw a flurry of substitutions in the latter stage. Notably, Lyle Shankland, Ben Gannon-Doak, and Che Adams were introduced simultaneously by Scotland to fortify the midfield and attack.

Haiti pushed back with substitutions of their own, including the introduction of Deedson Louicius and Wilfried Isidor, trying to change the dynamic upfront.

However, defensive solidity and a disciplined Scottish side prevailed, maintained by a late yellow card to Kenny McLean as the match wound to a conclusion.

John McGinn’s solitary goal, coupled with strategic gameplay and resilient defense, secured Scotland a crucial three points in the group standings.

About the Game

Welcome to the world of the FIFA World Cup, a global football tournament. Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each on an outdoor field.

The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opposing team’s large net, called the goal.

Games last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a short break in between called halftime. Players use their feet to kick the ball, but they can also use their heads or other parts of the body, except their hands and arms.

Only the goalkeeper, who stays near the goal to try to stop shots, can use hands within a specific area called the penalty box. Some important terms you’ll hear include “offside,” which is when a player is in an illegal position closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the second last opponent, and “fouls,” which are rule violations leading to free kicks or penalty kicks, depending on where they occur.

The FIFA World Cup occurs every four years and is considered the most prestigious football competition in the world. In 2026, teams from around the globe compete for the title.

The tournament is structured with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Initially, teams are divided into groups and each team plays against the others in its group.

Teams earn points for each match: three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. The best teams advance to the knockout stage, where they compete in direct elimination matches until only one team remains as the champion.

The World Cup is exciting because it brings nations together in a celebration of culture and sport, showcasing the best talents and fostering international camaraderie.

Understanding these basics helps you follow the matches and enjoy the thrilling spectacle of the world’s most-watched sporting event.

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PHILADELPHIA – In a tightly contested FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage match, Côte d’Ivoire’s men’s national team (Ivory Coast) edged out Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a late goal from substitute Aboubacar Diallo.

The game, held on June 14 at Philadelphia Stadium, saw both teams struggle to create clear opportunities, with Les Éléphants managing only one shot on goal throughout the match.

They move forward with a much-anticiapted match against Germany on June 20 in Toronto.

Ecuador dominated possession with 55 percent and had a higher passing accuracy at 87 percent  compared to Ivory Coast’s 83 percent, but failed to register a single shot on target.

The first half progressed with intense midfield battles, evidenced by three yellow cards issued to Ivory Coast’s Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, and Giacomo Doue.

Despite Ecuador’s tactical substitutions in the second half, including Alexander Minda and Jhegson Yeboah, they could not break the deadlock.

Les Éléphants breakthrough came in the 90th minute when Diallo converted their sole accurate effort into the match’s defining moment.

Ecuador’s goalkeeper made one save, but it was not enough to stop Ivory Coast from securing a crucial three points. Les Éléphants return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and are making the nation’s fourth appearance.

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The result leaves Ecuador needing to reassess their attacking strategies for upcoming matches if they are to progress further in the tournament.

About the Game

Welcome to the FIFA World Cup, a global football tournament. Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each on an outdoor field.

The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opposing team’s large net, called the goal. Games last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a short break in between called halftime.

Players use their feet to kick the ball, but they can also use their heads or other parts of the body, except their hands and arms. Only the goalkeeper, who stays near the goal to try to stop shots, can use hands within a specific area called the penalty box.

Some important terms you’ll hear include “offside,” which is when a player is in an illegal position closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the second last opponent, and “fouls,” which are rule violations leading to free kicks or penalty kicks, depending on where they occur. The

FIFA World Cup occurs every four years and is considered the most prestigious football competition in the world. In 2026, teams from around the globe compete for the title.

The tournament is structured with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Initially, teams are divided into groups and each team plays against the others in its group.

Teams earn points for each match: three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. The best teams advance to the knockout stage, where they compete in direct elimination matches until only one team remains as the champion.

The World Cup is exciting because it brings nations together in a celebration of culture and sport, showcasing the best talents and fostering international camaraderie.

Understanding these basics helps you follow the matches and enjoy the thrilling spectacle of the world’s most-watched sporting event.

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