The nationwide push to ban cellphones in K-12 classrooms has made its way to the Dallas area.

Why it matters: Phones are a key way for parents to stay in touch with their kids. But some students concede that their phone can be disruptive during class.

• Multiple studies have linked cellphone use among kids to stress, anxiety and depression. Cyberbullying also remains a persistent issue.

Driving the news: Texas education commissioner Mike Morath has urged lawmakers to bar cellphones from public schools.

• "If it were in my power, I would have already banned them in all schools in the state. So I would encourage you to consider that as a matter of public policy," Morath told state senators last month.

The big picture: Eight states have statewide bans or restrictions on cellphones in schools.

• The Texas Legislature could pursue a ban next year, if enough lawmakers agree on the issue.

Zoom in: Dallas ISD doesn't have a districtwide restriction and lets principals decide how to govern cellphone use, a district spokesperson tells Axios. Some schools are piloting secure pouches for students' phones until dismissal.

• Frisco ISD lets teachers decide how to handle cellphones in their classroom.
• Grapevine-Colleyville ISD's elementary students must turn off their phones and stow them away during school hours. Middle schoolers can use them during lunch, and high schoolers can use them during lunch and passing periods, per the district's handbook.
• The district's handbook acknowledges that phones can be a safety tool, but says the restrictions aim to reduce distractions and minimize interruptions. Parents can still call their child's school to relay urgent messages.

The intrigue: Some districts, including Mansfield ISD, confiscate phones and impose fees for unauthorized use.

The other side: Some parents disagree with the restrictions and say phones are often students' only line of communication with their families.

Halloween decor has reached horrifying heights. This year, we've seen 12-foot skeletons towering over front yards, garage door covers depicting spooky scenes and ghouls hanging from second-story windows.

• The decor always feels creepier at night.

Why it matters: Trick-or-treating can be a terrifying or dangerous experience for some children.

• With growing awareness of food allergies and special sensory needs, more adults are realizing that every child doesn't share the same Halloween experience.

State of trick-or-treating: If you see a teal pumpkin outside a house this year, that likely means the homeowner plans to give out non-food treats to be mindful of kids with food allergies. 

• Blue pumpkins or treat buckets are typically for autism awareness, though some people argue that it's othering and kids shouldn't have to explain their autism in exchange for kindness.

By the numbers: Children ages 5-14 make up 14.4% of the Texas population and 12.5% of the national population. 

• And, about 1 in 36 children nationally has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, per the CDC. 

How to help: Several CVS locations in Dallas-Fort Worth have teal pumpkins in stock. Here are some ideas for treats that aren't food.

• If you want to stick to food, consider buying treats that don't contain nuts. Make sure each treat is individually wrapped and has the ingredients listed on it.
• The Autism Speaks website has these tips for parents whose children have special sensory needs.
• Parents whose children have allergies can try these strategies, including "switch witchery" to swap unsafe candy with toys.

The bottom line: "We would encourage anyone opening their door for trick-or-treaters to be universally accepting of those with autism and any varying motor and speech abilities they may have." National Autism Association co-founder Lori McIlwain tells Axios. 

An Oak Cliff-based taco expert sampled more than 1,200 tacos over six months to identify the state's top 50.

Driving the news: Texas Monthly, which has ranked barbecue joints since 1997, released its first taco ranking this month.

The intrigue: During his 14,000-mile trip, Texas Monthly taco editor José Ralat identified a shift in the Texas taco landscape.

• The state has a growing number of "new Tejano" chefs and taqueros who craft nostalgic dishes blending their heritage with Texas ingredients. Many of them are Mexican immigrants or first-generation Mexican Americans.

State of play: Nopalitos fritos from Don Artemio, octopus al pastor from Revolver Taco Lounge, tacos ahogados GDL from Maskaras Mexican Grill, caramelized cauliflower tacos from  Resident Taqueria and the Sloppy Juan from Zavala's Barbecue made the list.

• A waiter at Don Artemio said he uses Ralat's description of the nopalitos fritos when speaking to diners about the dish.

Yes, but: Ralat's list has some haters on social media.

• "Everyone has their favorites, and those choices reflect their personalities. I was raised to be straightforward. Can we debate my picks? Yes, but let's do it in good faith," Ralat tells Axios.

Traveling with epilepsy

🎒 Plano ISD plans to sell three campuses to the city of Plano after they close in 2025. (KRLD)

🏥 Medical City Fort Worth is planning a $37 million expansion that will include a cardiac catheterization laboratory and four operating rooms. (Fort Worth Report)

💸 Texas will cut more than $607 million per year in federal funding for services for students with disabilities. Many school districts are formally appealing the cuts. (Texas Tribune)

Today's taco adventure takes us to a Garland restaurant that was highly recommended by our social media followers.

What to order: Cabeza, chicharrón prensado and carne asada tacos.

• Their horchata is an excellent pairing with the tacos.

Cost: Under $3 for most tacos

Where: La Salsa Verde, locations across North Texas.

Six-word review: Salty, spicy sampling of delicious meats.

🤔 Know a great taco we should try? Hit reply and let us know.