Hey fellow North Texans! My name is Noemi Castanon, and I’m Courier Texas’ new DFW intern.

I’m currently attending the University of Texas at Austin, and finishing up my journalism and media master’s degree this summer. Over the next few months, I’ll be helping cover the World Cup, local community news, and politics and policy shaping North Texas.   

I was also born and raised in Fort Worth, so yes—I will wear a pair of boots over heels any day! 

Speaking of Fort Worth, did you know the Fort Worth Stockyards are serving as the official “Western Base Camp” for the FIFA World Cup? You’ll find twice-daily longhorn cattle drives, daily rodeos at the Cowtown Coliseum, live music, and watch parties at different venues, including Billy Bob’s Texas.

Personally, I enjoy a good rodeo from time to time!

What’s your favorite part of the Stockyards?

I am excited to bring you more North Texas coverage this summer! If you have any stories you want us to cover, reach out here. 

Emily Harryman, the owner of Keller’s Plain Jane Bakes, first launched her business in 2023. (Photo courtesy of Harryman)

In today’s market, finding a bakery with low prices is not an easy task, yet micro-bakeries are aiming to change that. 

Micro-bakeries are home-based bakeries that saw massive growth nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic as people explored new hobbies at home.  

In Texas, the expansion of cottage food laws have allowed people to sell certain homemade foods without a required state license, kitchen inspection or permits, expanding the possibility for entrepreneurship in the region. 

Two local micro-bakeries, Plain Jain Bakes and Mestas Sourdough Delights, began their journey by baking bread for their close family and friends. They have now successfully expanded their kitchens selling to their community.

Here’s the part of our work that’s a little annoying, though still important: Our summer fundraising drive ends Tuesday, and we’re short a few hundred dollars of meeting our quarterly goal.

Will you chip in $15 to help us continue sharing the local stories that matter most to North Texas and beyond? Your donation helps us cover gas as we send our reporters out into the field, equipment to film and edit the videos you see in your feeds, and so much more. 

Can’t give this time? No worries. Sharing this email with your friends goes a long way too. 

The Dallas FIFA Fan Festival runs through July 19. (Screengrab from video filmed by Noemi Castanon)

I recently explored the Dallas FIFA Fan Festival, which opened on June 11. It was an incredible experience, especially as a soccer fan … go Mexico!  

The festival is located at Fair Park in Dallas and runs through July 19. It’s not open on rest days, so be sure to check the schedule. Here are some things you should know: 

If you want to get the full experience, go early before the match starts so you can enjoy a little bit of everything before the watch party begins.

Have you checked out the festival yet? Let us know about your experience.

Don’t Sleep On is a weekly series where we shout out DFW events and businesses we think you should try. Have a suggestion? Reply to this email.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Noemi Castanon and edited by Crystal Niforos.

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