Photo illustration by Joi Louviere
It was another busy week in North Texas. Our free Courier DFW newsletter brings these straight to your inbox, Monday-Friday. Want to know more about education issues throughout the state? Subscribe to our Wednesday TexEd Report newsletter.
One last truffle: Nationally renowned chocolate shop Kate Weiser is closing both its Dallas stores after 12 years, saying the business became a “heavy financial lift.” Both locations will remain open until all the chocolate is sold. (Culture Map Dallas)
The Wings new star: Last night’s WNBA draft left Dallas with the first pick for the second year in a row. The Wings recruited UConn guard Azzi Fudd. Fudd will be reunited with her old teammate, the 2025 no. 1 draft pick, Paige Bueckers. The newbie will make more than six times Bueckers staring salary thanks to a recent collective bargaining agreement that raised WNBA salary caps to $7 million. (Yahoo Sports)
The Black motherhood bias: During Black Maternal Health Week, we talked to two North Texas mothers advocating for Black mothers in the workplace and in the health care system.
Bud is back..for now: A Travis County judge has temporarily blocked Texas’ ban on smokeable THC products, following a restriction that began March 31. The order doesn’t address the thousands of dollars in increased fees manufacturers and retail shops are paying. A hearing on April 23 will determine next steps. (Dallas Observer)
Teen BBQ battle: Prosper ISD’s Walnut Grove High School is sending two teams to the Texas High School Barbecue Competition in Hill Country at the end of the month. (NBC 5)
Dallas crowns Poet Laureate: Mayor Eric Johnson announced the two newest Dallas Poets Laureate. The official government appointment signifies that the poets will act as literary arts ambassadors in the city. Here’s what they’ll do.
Catch of the day: An Arlington fisherman thought he caught a catfish—but it was actually an alligator and came with a citation for illegal possession. Hear the tale here. (WFAA)
Forgotten no more: A new exhibit honors East Fort Worth’s once-vibrant “El TP” neighborhood. The Hispanic community was dismantled by highway construction in the 70s, and a former resident has spent the last 20 years documenting the stories of the families who lived there. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Travel tech takeoff: Americans Airlines will be launching electronic boarding gates at DFW Airport for a more seamless and consistent travel experience. Get the details here.
A more connected Dallas: The Trinity Forest Spine Trail has opened. It’s a one-mile long South Dallas segment of a larger project to expand 39 fragmented Dallas trails into a 50 mile loop connecting the city. Learn more here. (D Magazine)
GOP Chair resigns: Just a month after his reelection, Dallas County Republican Party Chair Allen West has stepped down. In a statement last week, West mentioned that some of his party members opposed his decision to acquiesce to Democrats and agree to return to countywide voting for the May election. Read more here. (Texas Tribune)
Premiere senior living: Dallas-Fort Worth senior living facilities ranked highest of the Texas cities. See why here.
Talarico breaks record: US Senate candidate James Talarico’s first quarter campaign numbers are in—he raised $27 million, the largest-ever first quarter amount for any Senate candidate in the country. (Texas Tribune)
Dog-lovers needed: Dallas Animal Services is asking for help after reporting that its dog kennels are at the highest occupancy in years. As of Sunday, there were 674 dogs in 388 kennels. If you’re interested in fostering or adopting a dog, get all the shelter information here. (Dallas Animal Services)
Data center pushback: A group of Grandbury residents have sued the town’s mayor and several city council members over a lack of transparency about a proposed data center and the 2,000 acre annexation associated with the project. (KERA)
Plano native makes Masters debut: Plano native Ethan Fang made his debut at the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club last week at the age of 20. Learn more about his golf journey here. (MSN)
Yarn bombers revealed: Downtown McKinney was recently yarn bombed by a crochet club that creates temporary works of art on benches, trees, and bike racks. Learn more about the group and where they’ll be bombing next. (Local Profile)
Earth day loading: Mark your calendar for these upcoming Earth day activities and events.
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