Linebacker Micah Parsons is no longer a Dallas Cowboy. The team traded him to the Green Bay Packers yesterday in exchange for a defensive tackle and two future first round draft picks.

Why it matters: The Packers were a good team before the trade. They're even stronger now.

• Cowboys are banking on the draft picks helping their Super Bowl odds in the long run, but they might struggle the next few years.

The big picture: The trade is another blow for Dallas sports fans, who were already mourning the loss of a beloved player they thought would be around for a long time.

The latest: The Cowboys are getting 29-year-old tackle Kenny Clark from the Packers and first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027 in exchange for Parsons, who was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons.

Catch up quick: Parsons grew up a Dallas Cowboys fan in Harrisburg, Penn., surrounded by Eagles fans.

• His dream to play for the Cowboys came true in 2021, when he was drafted with the No. 12 pick.
• Both Parsons and the Cowboys repeatedly said they were committed to each other, but their relationship started to fray during discussions over a contract extension.
• Earlier this month, Parsons said he had formally requested a trade from the Cowboys.

What they're saying: The Cowboys talked to the Packers several times over the "last several days" before finalizing the trade yesterday, owner Jerry Jones said at a news conference last night.

• "It takes more than one (player) and so you do have to allocate your resources," Jones said.

The other side: "I never wanted this chapter to end, but not everything was in my control," Parsons posted on X yesterday.

• He said he will continue living in the Dallas area during the offseason and giving back to "the community that gave me so much."
• "No matter where the next chapter takes me, the bond we've built will never break," he said.

What's next: The Cowboys will travel to Philadelphia next week for their season opener.

• They host Parsons' Packers on Sept. 28.

The bottom line: Check on the Dallas sports fans in your life. They're probably not OK.

Labor Day travel is expected to be lighter on the wallet this year. Domestic flight, hotel and car rental costs have dropped compared to last year's holiday weekend.

Why it matters: The Transportation Security Administration is preparing for hundreds of thousands more passengers than last year, which also saw record travel.

• This is also the first holiday weekend since TSA ended its shoe removal policy for security checks.

The big picture: AAA says domestic roundtrips are 6% cheaper than last year. Hotel rates are 11% lower and car rentals 3% cheaper.

Zoom in: DFW Airport is expecting 1.4 million travelers through Tuesday. Friday and Monday are expected to be some of the busiest travel days for the the holiday weekend.

• Dallas Love Field is expecting about 210,000 Southwest travelers through Tuesday. That's fewer than last year, when the airport had nearly 220,000 travelers on Southwest.

Pro tips: Both DFW Airport and Love Field are asking travelers to arrive at least two hours before their flight to account for traffic delays.

• Expect detours at DFW Airport because of road and terminal construction. The airport recommends signing up for alerts and taking public transit.
• Love Field's rideshare pickup is now near the valet pavilion, which can snarl traffic. Bag drop also tends to be busy on holiday weekends for flights scheduled around 6-7am.
• Plus, travelers without a Real ID should expect additional screening from TSA, a Love Field spokesperson tells Axios.

🧢 Former Texas Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira is running for the open congressional seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Chip Roy. Teixeira says he wants to "help defend President Trump's America First agenda." (Axios)

✍️ Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is demanding that Plano ISD turn over documents related to any pro-Palestinian protests, anti-Israel rhetoric and antisemitism in the district. (DMN)

🚨 The Johnson County sheriff is accused of abusing his office and sexually harassing female employees. (WFAA)

More Americans are sober or sober-curious, leading to an increase in non-alcoholic beverage options.

Why it matters: Sober people or moderate drinkers no longer have to resort to O'Doul's or a seltzer water to vibe with friends.

• Go to pretty much any liquor or grocery store in Dallas-Fort Worth and there will be a large section of non-alcoholic beers and other alcohol alternatives.

The big picture: In 2025, just over half (54%) of U.S. adults reported having alcoholic beverages on occasion. Between 1997 and 2023, at least 60% said they drank, writes Axios' Avery Lotz.

Zoom in: Many alternatives to alcohol are made with herbs and other adaptogens meant to relax the body or improve a person's mood.

• We recently shopped for options, including an elixir made with kava, a shrub from the South Pacific that has a relaxing effect.

Yes, but: People who avoid alcohol for health reasons should also be careful with alternatives, which can have their own side effects.

• Kratom, which the DEA has labeled as a drug and chemical of concern, is sometimes marketed as kava.

What we bought: Kava Haven, a 750 mL bottle.

Cost: $45

Six-word review: Calming tropical elixir leaves tingling sensation.