Happy Spring, y’all!

🏀 NCAA tournaments started last night. Here’s what you need to know about all the Texas teams competing, and if you plan to attend an upcoming game, check out this guide to help you maximize your experience.

☕ And if you’re not glued to the tube all weekend, catch me and your DFW political reporter Katie, at tomorrow’s Dallas County Democratic Convention. We’ll have a table in the lobby, asking folks what issues they’re focused on ahead of the midterm elections. Aurora Coffee will be with us, giving out free lattes to the first 50 people who visit our table. 🤗 If you’re interested in attending the convention, RSVP here.

Rather meet us when we hit the road again for our coffee shop tour? Write in and let us know what shops we should visit.

Joi Louviere

Senior Newsletter Editor, COURIER DFW

7 Tejanas who shaped history

A black-and-white snap of Lydia Mendoza posing with her hands on a guitar. (Public Domain)

By Dorothy Scott

It goes without saying that Texas is home to countless people with Mexican heritage, but did you know that many of them have changed history? Now, let’s back up a second. First, we need to understand the proper terms here. The word “Tejano” means someone who’s from Texas but of Hispanic descent. As Spanish-language rules work, the female counterpart to it is “Tejana.” So, when we’re discussing Tejanas who shaped history, we’re specifically referring to women who have Hispanic roots but were born in the Lone Star State.

And, to be clear, there are many. The Tejanas included on this list have entered male-dominated arenas like music and politics and proven that their voices should never be silenced. They’ve also opened the doors for others to do the same, leading to greater acceptance and resilience across the board. Remembering their stories and contributions to history is one strong way to honor them, another being to carry their torches forward and be unabashedly true to yourself and your cause.

Meet the ladies →

⏰ Delayed inmate release: Inmates across Texas aren’t being freed on their release dates, and it’s costing counties a lot of money in lawsuit settlements. Read about the issue and the recent $1.5 million settlement here. (The Texas Tribune)

🧺 Fake donation bins: Bogus donation bins have been popping up throughout North Richland Hills. As the city works to remove them, here’s how to spot a fake, and where you can take your donations instead.

❌ Abbott cans holiday: On Wednesday, Gov. Abbott announced that Texas will no longer observe César Chavez Day, which is March 31. The decision comes after an investigation by The New York Times detailed allegations of sexual abuse by the late labor union activist. (WFAA)

🎙️ Student podcasters: Second grade students at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD’s Heritage Elementary School are turning their book reports into a podcast. Hosted by their teacher, Christi Cooper, the twice-weekly show dissects the students’ latest reads. Get the details here.

🪕 Sinners in Fort Worth: Did you like the music in the Blockbuster hit “Sinners?” Those musicians will be performing at the Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival tomorrow. (KERA)

🎀 Barbie Truck tour: The Barbie Sports Club Tour will be in Plano this weekend and Dallas the next, selling exclusive merchandise themed around Barbie’s latest athletic-inspired collection. Find more pop-up details here. (Local Profile)

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