Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year, & more this weekend

February 12, 2026

Sign Up for the Courier DFW Newsletter

Good morning, y’all,

As you have your Valentine’s Day dinners this weekend, it may seem like your favorite restaurants are struggling. That’s because they probably are.

About 82% of US restaurant operators say tariffs and trade policies are affecting their menus. A majority said their food and beverage prices increased last year, and even items like plastic utensils for to-go orders reflect the impact of tariffs. Beer and wine are hard to find— the cost of aluminum could have you looking at a $11 can of run-of-the-mill beer this weekend.

Now, restaurants wait in limbo to see what will happen next. Just know they’re not excited to charge higher prices, but they have to to stay in business.

Be kind and patient this weekend, and, as always, tip well and show love. 💓

Joi Louviere

Senior Newsletter Editor, COURIER DFW

10 Black-owned businesses in DFW for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day

Four cocktails lined up on a table at Winsome Prime. (Becca Wright)

By Britteny Dee

Valentine’s Day is all about romantic gestures, like showing your loved one how well you know them with a thoughtful gift or treating them to an unforgettable date.

This year, make Valentine’s Day extra special by keeping your celebration close to home and supporting Black-owned businesses across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. From unique experiences to decadent desserts to fancy dinners, these 10 Dallas-Fort Worth businesses offer everything you need to create a Valentine’s Day that’s heartfelt and memorable.

See our list of businesses

👀 ICE accountability: At least 70 Dallas residents and community organizations pinned a letter to the Dallas Community Police Oversight Board, calling for three actions to increase transparency about the relationship between Dallas PD and ICE. They’d want agents to be identifiable, require mandatory monthly reporting, and require judicial warrants for entry into non-public city facilities. (KERA)

🌟 Plano wins for diversity: Plano is one of the most diverse cities in the country, according to WalletHub research. The city ranked no. 23 on the study’s diversity scale for its 49.9% white, 8.8% Black, 23.7% Asian and 16.7% Latino population. (Dallas Observer)

🚌 Northwest ISD opens its doors: Northwest ISD wants to avoid closing schools like Plano and Fort Worth school districts have had to do recently. So they’re launching open enrollment, allowing students outside the district boundaries to apply for seats at select schools. Here are the schools involved and how it will work. (Fort Worth Report)