DMN Debrief: How will the GOP midterm convention affect Dallas traffic?

0:00This is the Dallas Morning News. Welcome to the DMN Morning Deep Brief. Everything you need to know about what's going on across North Texas. I'm Joe Snell. Coming up, how will the GOP midterm convention affect traffic in the city? But first, the weather and today's headlines. Another day of dangerous heat is ahead for North Texas, which could see a heat index or feels like temperature up to 107 degrees. Wednesday's high will be 101 degrees with a low of 81. Temperatures are expected to peak around 3 to 5 PM with minimal clouds expected. This weather report is compiled using information from our news partner NBC 5. In today's headlines, the Transportation Security Administration has launched Gateside. A program that lets TSA pre-check members go past airport security even if they are not flying. DFW International Airport is one of 13 airports in the program and the only one in Texas so far.

1:00That matters because, since the September 11th attacks, people without boarding passes have generally been restricted from secure gate areas. Eligible pre-check members can apply for the free service one to three days before a visit, then bring acceptable identification and use the TSA pre-check lanes if approved. In sports, Christian Parker is preparing for his first season as the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator. The 34-year-old was a surprise hire and he is being asked to help turn around a defense described as among the worst in franchise history. The Cowboys also made major changes to defensive personnel and coaches, making Parker's debut a key early test for the team. Coaches and players cited in the Dallas Morning News say Parker's strength is connecting with players and tailoring his coaching to them. Now to Dallas politics and history, the Hilton Anatole is again part of a major Republican gathering as the Republican National Committee holds its 2026 summer meeting there from September 8th through 10th.

2:01The meeting comes as the party's first midterm convention takes place nearby at American Airlines Center. The moment echoes 1984 when the Anatole served as a base for staffers with President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H.W. Bush during the Republican National Convention in Dallas. The hotel had expanded just before that convention, adding a 27th story tower and more than 700 rooms. Its well-known 8-foot wooden elephants were carved in Thailand and purchased in honor of the 1984 convention. The Anatole is also known for one of the country's largest hotel art collections, including portions of the Berlin Wall and the propeller of the RMS Lucitania. Over the years, it has host-ed political figures, entertainers and major events from Margaret Thatcher to the Conservative Political Action Conference. Hi, Joe here again. It's time for today's debrief extra. President Donald Trump and leaders from across the country will be in Dallas today for the Republican midterm convention. The city will face tight security and traffic disruptions for the two-night rally.

3:04DMN staff or Carmina Tuscadennial has more. Their Republican midterm convention is expected to bring more than 20,000 people to Dallas. There's going to be street closures and protests happening as well, so here's what you need to know. If you live or work in the area, you'll want to hear this too. Officials have designed a security perimeter to minimize disruptions to residents, businesses and visitors. Some people may need to pass through checkpoints and temporary fencing, vehicle barriers and traffic restrictions will become increasingly visible before the convention. These are the streets that are closing from September 7 to September 11. Houston Street, Victory Avenue, Novitsky Way and other nearby streets in Victory Park. There could also be street closures and other parts of Dallas with little notice. Dallas police recommended that people who live in the area work from home if they can. If you plan on using public transportation, don't count on getting off at Victory Station.

4:07The stop will be closed during the convention dates due to the security perimeter. Writers should monitor the GOPASS app for service changes and alternative routes. Now, if you're going inside the convention, you're going to have to leave your signs, selfie sticks, balloons and firearms at home because they're on the list of prohibited items. And yes, you probably already know there is a clear back policy. Clear bags need to measure 12 inches by six inches by 12 inches. Oh, and your clear bag cannot have a large logo on it. So make sure it doesn't exceed 3.4 inches in width and 4.5 inches in height. This story was produced by audience journalist Carmina Tuskegee. Thanks for listening. Find more reporting today stories at Dallas news.com. This digest was partially generated by AI and then reviewed and edited by our newsroom staff. We welcome your thoughts, questions and feedback at audience at Dallas news.com.