It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Ball-Eddleman-Mc Farland-House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fort Worth, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their”
“Best place to work. My coworkers are caring, compassionate and ready to step in at”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their”
“Great place to work for. Great Boss and Ladies in Office. Been working for almost 4yrs in September this year. They help out when ask.”
“I was blessed to find this job two weeks ago. I have met wonderful people during my tenure here so far. All of the staff has been welcoming and truly make me feel like family. I have never felt more appreciated. This is a five star company!!”
“We were so happy with Always Best Care. They took great car of my parents for over 2 years. Very professional care givers. The staff loves working for the company and the owner takes great care of them. If ever needed we would use their services again.”
“Everyone in their office is knowledgeable and have gone above and beyond to answer all of my questions. They definitely have the heart for caring for the elderly and experts in placement.”
“Great environment for growth and great team!”
“I have been with the company like almost 3years but the staff is wonderful n caring they go out and beyond for there clients .”
“I love Always Best Care they are an awesome company to work for, The name speaks for itself because always we give the best care for each of our patients...I love the staffs and the patients I have been working for Always Best Care 5 years and not one regret. ????”
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“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service of your employee, Shameka Kelly. Through your agency, Ms. Kelly was connected to our family to serve as a caregiver for my sister Victoria who was in the late states of ALS/Lou Gehrigs disease and required 24-hr. care at home. Shameka served as full-time caregiver under the direction of Victorias husband Ron, who was able to keep my sister at home until her passing this past March. This catastrophic and incurable disease rendered my sister completely paralyzed wheelchair bound, unable to speak, bathe, eat or even lift a finger to do anything for herself. Shameka did what most caregivers would not or simply could not do because of the stamina and patience required to care for Victoria. Before Shameka, we hired a multitude of caregivers who came and went sometimes only after one day because of how strenuous and taxing being a caregiver to my sister was. Day after day, Shameka arrived for the job with a smile on her face and the patience and commitment to go with it. My sister Victoria grew to love Shameka, as we all have. It was a great comfort to us because we knew that if Shameka was on duty, my sister was in good hands. Shamekas character, integrity, humor, honesty and professionalism are beyond reproach. She is an extremely caring individual who is always upbeat, optimistic, and patient. She was an answer to prayer for our family and became more than a caregiver she became part of our family. She has my highest recommendation for any task or client that may be placed before her. And we will be forever grateful. Kindest regards, Pamela Meek North Richland Hills, TX”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”
“Best place to work. My coworkers are caring, compassionate and ready to step in at any moment to help. It's not a job when you love what you do. It's a calling.”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Trinity Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine or visit Hells Half Acre, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Fort Worth, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fort Worth, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fort Worth, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
In Fort Worth, it isn’t enough to just ride a bull — you’ve got to prove your worth by taking a bite out of something you’d never want to bite you.On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Fort Worth Stockyards will once again host one of the city’s most audacious culinary competitions: the now infamous “Rattle Battle,” a rattlesnake cook-off presented by TX Whiskey and curated by celebrity chef Tim Love. Now in its third year, the event has quickly grown into the centerpiece of the Ariat Texas Rattlers&rsqu...
In Fort Worth, it isn’t enough to just ride a bull — you’ve got to prove your worth by taking a bite out of something you’d never want to bite you.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Fort Worth Stockyards will once again host one of the city’s most audacious culinary competitions: the now infamous “Rattle Battle,” a rattlesnake cook-off presented by TX Whiskey and curated by celebrity chef Tim Love. Now in its third year, the event has quickly grown into the centerpiece of the Ariat Texas Rattlers’ annual homestand, “Rattler Days,” a three-day festival that braids together professional bull riding, cowboy heritage, and the kind of swaggering food culture that defines what Cowtown is all about.
The premise is simple, if not a little wild: fifteen of the region’s best chefs take the most notorious meat in Texas — rattlesnake — and attempt to turn it into something unforgettable. Guests graze from table to table, tasting each entry before voting for their favorites. The top three advance to a final judging round, where a panel of celebrity judges crowns the 2025 champion. The winner doesn’t just walk away with bragging rights, but with the three-foot-tall rattlesnake trophy that’s become as much a local icon as the team’s mascot Fang.
“Every year I get more excited to see how far these chefs will push the boundaries,” Love says. “Rattlesnake isn’t easy to work with, and that’s the point. It takes a bold and thoughtful approach to make something truly memorable. That’s why this event belongs in Fort Worth, and why it’s become one of the weekends I look forward to most all year.”
The “Rattle Battle” is the culinary twin to the grit unfolding at Dickies Arena during Rattler Days. The Ariat Texas Rattlers will defend their home dirt September 26–28 against nine other bull riding teams. Under head coach Cody Lambert — a legend in the sport — the Rattlers have carved out a reputation for dominance, pairing a championship-caliber roster with the kind of fan base you only find in Fort Worth.
For Chad Blankenship, the team’s president, the food festival is as essential to that identity as the arena action. “We’re thrilled with the way North Texas has embraced our team and this event,” he said. “Partnering with Chef Tim Love and showcasing the incredible culinary talent of our city is part of what makes Rattler Days so special. Thanks to this community, the Rattlers are building something lasting here, through our championship bull riding team in this region we’re proud to call home.”
New this year, fans can choose between two tiers: VIP tickets at $150, which include early entry, unlimited tastes, and an open bar stocked with TX Whiskey cocktails and Deep Ellum brews; or General Admission at $50, which offers unlimited tasting and access to a cash bar.
The event is slated for 12–2:30 p.m. on Sept. 27, just after the Stockyards parade and hours before the Rattlers retake the arena that evening.
In the span of just a few years, Rattler Days has transformed into more than a sports weekend. It’s a Fort Worth ritual. The city fills with parades, live music, community events, and cowboy pageantry, while the bull riders square off inside Dickies Arena. The rattlesnake cook-off is its natural complement — dangerous, defiant, and uniquely Texan.
For Fort Worth, it’s another chance to show the world what the city has long known about itself: grit and grace belong together, whether you’re watching a cowboy stay on for eight seconds or a chef coax flavor from the most infamous meat in the state.
Two Fort Worth brothers who were serving life sentences are out of prison and sharing their story for the first time.Edward and Joe Sotelo spent decades behind bars since their convictions in 1995, but had their sentences commuted earlier this year.They were released from federal prisons on May 29.“Nine-fifteen in the morning on May 29, they came and told me President Donald Trump just released you,” said Edward Sotelo. “Six hours later, I was landing in DFW Airport.”Described as cocaine ki...
Two Fort Worth brothers who were serving life sentences are out of prison and sharing their story for the first time.
Edward and Joe Sotelo spent decades behind bars since their convictions in 1995, but had their sentences commuted earlier this year.
They were released from federal prisons on May 29.
“Nine-fifteen in the morning on May 29, they came and told me President Donald Trump just released you,” said Edward Sotelo. “Six hours later, I was landing in DFW Airport.”
Described as cocaine kingpins in the past, they were arrested in the mid-90s in Fort Worth and convicted of a non-violent drug conspiracy. Their sentence: Life in prison.
“I kept telling him through emails, I said, ‘I'm going to get us out. I’m going to hammer on them until something breaks down, but I’m not going to give up, I can’t give up’,” said Joe Sotelo.
From behind bars, they submitted pardon applications over the years with no luck.
Then, earlier this year, President Donald Trump named Alice Marie Johnson the nation’s first Pardon Czar.
“This is a historic appointment,” Johnson told NBC 5.
Johnson was granted a full pardon by President Trump in 2018 and says she was asked by the President in February of this year to look for prisoners who deserve a second chance.
She says the Sotelos stood out.
“They were sentenced under old mandatory laws that today, if they were sentenced, they would not have received a life sentence. What really struck me about them was their rehabilitation,” explained Johnson.
Thirty years into their life sentences, the brothers were granted clemency.
They reunited in Fort Worth after decades apart.
This week, the brothers celebrated with their mom, who turned 88 years old. They were joined by the Sotelo brothers' attorney, Brittney Barnett, and Johnson, the Pardon Czar.
The celebration took place at Tia’s on the Bluff, the Sotelo family’s restaurant in Fort Worth.
“It’s been a long ride,” said Edward Sotelo, emotionally.
The brothers say they’ve been working non-stop at the restaurant since their release 85 days ago, doing everything from bartending to fixing patios.
Though they’re focused on their future, they say they refuse to forget their past.
“It is emotional because I left a lot of good people behind in the same predicament that we were in, and I can’t believe it,” said Joe Sotelo.
Erickson ‘The Hammer’ Lubin will challenge champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. for his WBC interim junior middleweight title on November 8th on DAZN at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) wants to dethrone Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) in the main event of this contest.The event begins at 7:00 pm ET live on DAZN. Golden Boy Promotions and ProBox are still fleshing out the Ortiz Jr.-Lubin undercard.Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s Next TestAs boxing expert Mike Coppinger points out, Vergil...
Erickson ‘The Hammer’ Lubin will challenge champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. for his WBC interim junior middleweight title on November 8th on DAZN at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) wants to dethrone Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) in the main event of this contest.
The event begins at 7:00 pm ET live on DAZN. Golden Boy Promotions and ProBox are still fleshing out the Ortiz Jr.-Lubin undercard.
As boxing expert Mike Coppinger points out, Vergil Ortiz Jr. had been in discussions for a fight with Keith Thurman, but opted for the #10-ranked WBC contender Lubin.
Ortiz Jr., 27, is coming off a career-best victory over former WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov earlier this year on February 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That was a razor-close 12-round unanimous decision win for Vergil Jr. by the scores 115-113, 115-113, and 117-111.
“I’m always happy to be a part of the fights that fans want to see,” said Vergil Ortiz. “See you guys on November 8!”
Besides Thurman, Golden Boy made a 50-50 financial split offer to WBO junior middleweight champion Xander Zayas and his promoters at Top Rank for a fight in December for a clash in California or Texas. Xander’s team rejected it. Zayas posted on social media that it was “not a real offer,” and wanted Ortiz Jr. to fight him in Puerto Rico.
“I think the fans are in for a treat. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, this fight is about redemption, I’m back for everything,” said Erickson ‘The Hammer’ Lubin.
It’s a step up for the 29-year-old Orlando, Florida native, Lubin, from his last three opponents he’s faced. Erickson has been rebuilding since losing to Sebastian Fundora by a ninth-round stoppage on April 9, 2022. That fight was stopped due to swelling in the face of Hammer from the accumulation of shots that Fundora had him with in their back-and-forth brawl in Las Vegas. Erickson has bounced back well from that loss to defeat these three fighters: Ardreal Holmes Jr., Jesus Ramos Jr., and Luis Arias.
“Vergil Ortiz Jr. is the most ducked fighter in boxing — period. Big names talk tough until Vergil’s name comes up, then suddenly the phone goes silent. I commend Erickson Lubin; he has the guts that these fighters nowadays lack – courage,” said promoter Oscar De La Hoya, discussing his fighter’s defense of his WBC interim junior middleweight title against #10-ranked Lubin.
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is another fighter who had the chance to fight Vergil Jr. earlier this year but opted not to.
“He has dared to enter Vergil’s den. On Nov. 8 at Dickies Arena, fans are going to see why everyone else keeps running from Vergil Ortiz Jr,” said De La Hoya.
The first White Castle burger in Texas is expected to open in The Colony in summer 2026, a spokeswoman for the fast-food company confirmed to The Dallas Morning News.Notorious for its square sliders sold in the Midwest and northeast, White Castle has never expanded to Texas in its 104-year history. It has just a handful of stores west of the Mississippi River, in Arizona, Minnesota, Missouri and Nevada.Texas’ first White Castle will be at Grandscape, one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s biggest retail and restaurant de...
The first White Castle burger in Texas is expected to open in The Colony in summer 2026, a spokeswoman for the fast-food company confirmed to The Dallas Morning News.
Notorious for its square sliders sold in the Midwest and northeast, White Castle has never expanded to Texas in its 104-year history. It has just a handful of stores west of the Mississippi River, in Arizona, Minnesota, Missouri and Nevada.
Texas’ first White Castle will be at Grandscape, one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s biggest retail and restaurant developments. a mega-center on State Highway 121 backed in part by billionaire Warren Buffett. The leasing team for Grandscape has been known to travel far and wide, like to Bangalore, India, to entice the owners of Windmills micro-brewery to expand into North Texas. (And they did.)
“Cravers everywhere have been telling us Texas is a crave worthy place to grow,” said Jamie Richardson, White Castle vice president. “That time is now.”
Related:5 things to know about Grandscape, the biggest restaurant village in North Texas
The company celebrated the expansion into Texas with an announcement at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 21, 2025, at Grandscape, near the plot of land where the restaurant will be built.
The restaurant is known for its small-sized cheeseburgers with steam-grilled onions. Since news broke that the company was eyeing Texas, Dallas Morning News readers had plenty to say.
New York native Gregg Mavico, who grew up going to White Castle but has gone without now that he lives in Lantana, south of Denton, said White Castle’s entry into Texas is a long time coming. He and his friends “couldn’t go out on the town without a stop for some ‘Belly-Bombs’ at the WC.” Burgers cost 12 cents.
And remember how we said the sliders are small?
“We know a guy who downed 36 [burgers] at one sitting,” Mavico said.
It isn’t clear yet if White Castle executives have further plans for expansion in Dallas-Fort Worth or Texas at large.
Most chain restaurants that expand into Dallas-Fort Worth, like Portillo’s, In-N-Out Burger, Torchy’s Tacos and Sweetgreen, started with several locations.
White Castle is expected to open at Grandscape in The Colony in summer 2026.
for the Fort Worth area. Delivered to your inbox — completely free.The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday approved the Regional Transportation Council’s decision in July to commit $3.5 million to keep the Heartland Flyer rolling. The action allows the Amtrak line linking Fort Worth and Oklahoma City to continue operating for the next year after facing the possibility of running out of funding.The Amtrak service, which has operated since 1999, faced the possibility of ending after the Texas Departm...
for the Fort Worth area. Delivered to your inbox — completely free.
The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday approved the Regional Transportation Council’s decision in July to commit $3.5 million to keep the Heartland Flyer rolling. The action allows the Amtrak line linking Fort Worth and Oklahoma City to continue operating for the next year after facing the possibility of running out of funding.
The Amtrak service, which has operated since 1999, faced the possibility of ending after the Texas Department of Transportation’s funding request was not included in the state’s final budget. The 206-mile route is jointly funded by TxDOT and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
“The Regional Transportation Council and the North Central Texas Council of Governments are grateful to the Texas Transportation Commission for approving use of Regional Revenue funding for the Heartland Flyer,” NCTCOG Director of Transportation Michael Morris said. “This interim funding will help secure the future of the Heartland Flyer, which serves as a vital link for both commuters and leisure travelers between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. We extend our thanks to Amtrak, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Transportation Commission and all partners involved in making this historic action happen. We look forward to working with them to build a strong future for passenger rail.”
Amtrak welcomed the Texas Transportation Commission’s approval of funding for the Heartland Flyer.
“On behalf of our Amtrak guests who count on daily Heartland Flyer trains, we thank the Texas Transportation Commission for approving the state’s share of funding of the service from the North Central Texas Council of Governments and its Regional Transportation Council,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Amtrak Executive Vice President. “We will work with the Commission, TxDOT, NCTCOG and other interested parties in Texas for a longer-term state funding solution. More than 80,000 passengers rode this service last year, up by 11-percent from the previous 12 months, on trains that are an economic benefit to both Texas and Oklahoma.”
The funding is also good news for special events hosted in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, like the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
“We are also happy to announce continued Heartland Flyer service in time for our tradition of welcoming guests to ride Amtrak to and from the annual Red River rivalry game between the UT Longhorns and OU Sooners on Oct. 11 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas,” Mitchell said.
This is the second time in recent months the RTC has stepped in with funding to keep the Heartland Flyer operating. In January, the RTC approved up to $100,000 in Regional Revenue funding to cover a potential shortfall through the end of the fiscal year.
About the Regional Transportation Council:
The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) of the North Central Texas Council of Governments has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for regional transportation planning in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1974. The MPO works in cooperation with the region’s transportation providers to address the complex transportation needs of the rapidly growing metropolitan area. The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area includes Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise counties. The RTC’s 45 members include local elected or appointed officials from the metropolitan area and representatives from each of the area’s transportation providers. More information can be found at NCTCOG.org.
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