Happy summer Friday ☀️

If you’ve started hearing a familiar summer soundtrack, it’s safe to say the cicadas have officially clocked in.

There’s a popular theory that cicadas—which make their distinct sounds by rapidly buckling and unbuckling their abdominal membranes—can predict how hot a summer will be. An entomologist has debunked that idea, but did say the timing of their arrival can offer clues about the weather we’ve already had: An early arrival means we had a warm winter, while a later one can signal a colder or rainier season.

The crooners start their performance when temperatures hit about 72 degrees. Once they stabilize in the high 80s, low 90s, the concert is over, and cicadas quietly retreat to shady spots.

Learn more about these spring-summer insects here. Stay cool, DFW—it’s gonna be a hot one this weekend.

Artist renderings show what Meta’s $1.5B data center in Northeast El Paso will look like. (Courtesy of Meta via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

Texans are growing increasingly wary of data centers cropping up in their communities.

A new poll from The Texas Politics Project found that 56% of Texans either opposed or strongly opposed the construction of an AI data center in their communities. By contrast, only 9% of respondents said they “strongly support” new data center construction, while 20% “somewhat support” new data centers and 16% had no opinion.

But even those numbers are not immune to a partisan divide.

Among Democrats, 71% oppose or strongly oppose the construction of a data center in their communities, with only 15% in support. On the other hand, Republicans were almost evenly divided on support or opposition to new data centers, with 42% supportive of data center construction in their communities and 44% opposed. Among Independents, 62% opposed data centers in their communities and 17% supported them.

Have feelings about an AI data center coming to a community near you? We’d love to hear more!

Every week, we show up in your inbox with the stories shaping life in North Texas—no paywall, no subscription required. If this newsletter has helped you stay informed, will you consider helping to keep it free for everyone?

Our summer supporter drive ends June 30, and we’re counting on readers like you to help fund community-focused journalism here in North Texas and beyond. A gift of any amount makes a difference.

Donate today to support our team’s work. Thanks for reading and being part of this community—we could not do any of this without you.

🪦 QT in the cemetery: Two North Texas churches are working to protect the history of a 140-year-old Black cemetery. Here’s how they’re honoring its legacy.

🎒 Free? Nuff said: For the past three decades, the Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair has helped ensure local families have what they need ahead of the new school year—and registration for the Aug. 7 event is now open. 

🧱 Bricking awesome: The Fort Worth Botanic Garden has been transformed into a landscape full of LEGO masterpieces. Make sure to stop by over the summer before they disappear.

Is it easier for you to learn about what’s happening in Texas and beyond through video? Check out our cut-to-the-chase videos! 

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube for more videos.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Joi Louviere with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect, Sam Cohen, and Joey Held. It was edited by Paula Solis.

Courier DFW is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.