Happy Friday,

We’re only a couple of weeks out from Valentine’s Day. Have you made plans yet?

North Texas has no shortage of beautiful restaurants and romantic dining experiences, so start your search and book something as soon as possible. Last year, the Dallas Observer put together this fun list of Dallas’ prettiest dining rooms, and OpenTable has a list of the most romantic restaurants in Fort Worth.

Now I’m curious, what’s your Valentine’s Day style? Tell me below.

Cardi B arrives during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee, US Vice President Kamala Harris at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center on Nov. 1, 2024, in West Allis, Wisconsin. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Artists have always used their craft to speak about social and political issues. There’s Paul Revere’s 1770 engraving “The Bloody Massacre,” for instance, which rallied colonial opposition to Britain, and Daniel Emmett’s 1870 Confederate anthem “Dixie.” Billie Holiday’s haunting 1939 anti-lynching ballad “Strange Fruit” and Black Sabbath’s 1970 Vietnam War protest song,“War Pigs, are two more modern, iconic examples of how artists have fused music and messaging.

It’s been a long time since musical performers, in particular, just shut up and sang. From the lyrics to the music videos, to the album art, and concert sets, the artistry can represent a performer’s values. And what they can’t say in a catchy song, they can now say in interviews and over social media. Here are 13 unapologetically outspoken artists who will be performing in North Texas in 2026.

✂️ Job cuts continue: While the country added 50,000 jobs last month, major companies are still cutting jobs. Here are the companies with the biggest cuts in recent months. (The Associated Press)

❤️‍🩹 Helping North Texas teens: A residential treatment center, helping teenage girls with eating disorders, opened in Fort Worth last spring and has already graduated two dozen girls. Learn more about the program here. (Fort Worth Report)

🐣 Birthday party: Watch two baby bald eagles hatch during last weekend’s winter storm. (Fox 4)

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!

1. The State Board of Education votes today on required Bible readings

2. Minnesota boy not eating well after being detained and sent to Texas

3. Attorney explains invoking your Fifth Amendment right and what info you must share

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

Do you want to support COURIER DFW’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 55,000+ subscribers?

Email advertising@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Joi Louviere and was edited by Paula Solis.

COURIER DFW is free to read for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.