Good morning friends,

Sound the alarm, the Oak Cliff Halloween house is back with a new display that is more terrifying than the previous one. Last year, I introduced you to Steven Novak, a now 48-year-old Dallasite who has channeled his lifelong dislike for Halloween into an artistic protest.

This year, I asked Novak what inspired his display, and he said he’d like to leave it up to your interpretation. So, what do you think?

See Novak’s displays over the years

Watch my 2025 interview with Novak

Spotted a house that’s gone all out for Halloween? Email me a photo of the best Halloween decorations you’ve seen in your area—and make sure to say what city it’s in.

Joi Louviere

Managing Newsletter Editor, Courier DFW

What to see (and skip!) with kids at the State Fair of Texas

Say howdy to Big Tex while visiting the State Fair with your family. (State Fair of Texas/Kevin Brown)

By Sydni Ellis

It’s officially one of the most wonderful times of the year: fair season!

As a Texan, I’ve been to the State Fair of Texas many times throughout my life, even bringing my eldest son a month after he was born. Things at the fair change every year—in 2026, it’s even more affordable for families—but there are a few things you can always count on at the Dallas festival. Big Tex will smile and wave, the Fletcher’s corn dogs hit the spot, and you will make new, unforgettable memories with every visit. It’s a great place to bring your kids!

Like many things in Texas, however, the State Fair is big—like, it-takes-multiple-visits-just-to-see-everything big. Families visiting with kiddos in tow don’t have the time (or the patience) to trek through 277 acres of fairgrounds to find the most kid-friendly areas (especially in the unrelenting Texas heat!). Don’t worry, I can help.

I’m by no means a fair expert, but I am a busy mom of four on a budget who has lived in Texas all my life. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my fair strategy to hit the hot spots, creating a plan for my husband and I to have fun with our kids without overspending.

Here’s Sydni’s list

Dennis of Pleasant Grove, Dallas, is taking his data centers and food cost frustrations out on his ballot. (Joi Louviere/ Courier Texas)

Now that we’re all registered to vote, here are some other important dates to mark on your calendars ahead of the midterm elections.

🌅 Early Voting: It’s happening Oct. 19-30, giving you nearly two weeks to vote before Election Day on Nov. 3. We love early voting because it gives you a little grace for, well, life—the long day at work, the traffic jam, the sick kid, the misplaced ID, and all the mini fires that don’t stop just because it’s Election Day.

Early voting gives you more flexibility, with morning, evening, and weekend hours that vary by county. And, as a bonus, you may avoid the Election Day lines, too!

📬 Plan to vote by mail? You’ll have to submit your application by Oct. 23.

We have a guide that explains all these key dates, qualifications, a list of acceptable forms of identification in our 2026 voter guide.

See what’s on your ballot →

Your free voter hub →

Now that you’re better prepared, help a loved one get ready, too—forward this email before Nov. 3. 🫶

🗣️ Scream it out: Have you heard of the Dallas Yell Club? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like. North Texans are meeting up to yell in unison, and the next event is this Sunday. Get the details here. (KERA)

🎥 Your acting debut: “Landman” creator Taylor Sheridan is looking to cast real Texans in upcoming scenes of his Fort Worth-filmed show. Ready for your television debut? Here are the characters he’s looking for and how much he’s paying. (Chron.com)

⭐ Alive & funny: Actor and singer Jamie Foxx, who grew up in Terrell, Texas, is returning to comedy after nearly losing his life a few years ago. He talks about that and his Hulu standup special here. (Good Morning America)

😳 Paxton’s leaked audio: Last week, POLITICO secured leaked audio of Senate candidate Ken Paxton from a September fundraiser. In the clips, he says his campaign is being run by the federal government, and even admits that the Dallas GOP convention did nothing for his polling numbers.