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It was just another day in North Texas newspaper coverage. But behind the scenes, it was anything but ordinary as two local newspapers sparred for superiority over the printed page.
On Nov. 4, 1987, voting coverage reigned supreme. The big news of the day for the Dallas Times Herald was the sizable election turnout and overwhelming rejection of religious opposition to the pari-mutuel betting referendum. Meanwhile, The Dallas Morning News also decided to focus on the heavy voter turnout resulting in the legalization of horse and dog racing — muting morality concerns in favor of a boon for the economy following the Texas oil bust.
Were the Times Herald and The News distinctly different or something of the same? Was it a bitter rivalry or just a bit of constructive competition? Die-hard news nostalgia devotees can decide for themselves.
For a closer look, scroll through the highlighted front pages of The News and the Times Herald from Nov. 4, 1987.
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