Happy May Day!

While this day unofficially marks the arrival of spring, it also serves as an international holiday acknowledging the fight for workers’ rights. In the US, in particular, it’s become a day of protest against billionaire agendas and Trump administration policies, and in support of protecting the working class.

Here’s what you’ll see today.

👉 An economic blackout: This means participants won’t attend work or school, and will spend no money today.

👉 Several rallies throughout Texas: A few thousand protests and demonstrations are planned across the US, including Dallas, Fort Worth, and Lewisville. (Check out a few photos our DFW political reporter Katie took at last year’s Dallas rally.)

To keep up with the latest demonstrations in DFW and throughout the state, you can always peek at our protest tracker, a list we regularly update so that you stay in the know.

Lastly, we have an election tomorrow. 🇺🇸 Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can find your specific ballot here. Get ‘er done!

Joi Louviere

Senior Newsletter Editor, COURIER DFW

Why Texas restaurants are closing at an alarming rate

Shutterstock

By Brian McManus

Picos, a Houston institution for 44 years, has closed. New York Sub, a Dallas landmark for more than half a century, is gone. Beloved Dolli’s Diner in Nacogdoches shuttered after a decade, despite long lines and community outcry. The list goes on, and it keeps growing. Not even our barbecue joints are safe.

Across Texas, restaurants that survived recessions, hurricanes, and a global pandemic are now closing at an alarming rate. They’ve been done in by a combination of forces that industry leaders say is unlike anything they have seen: rising food costs, President Donald Trump’s punishing tariffs, a labor force disrupted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and consumers—facing economic headwinds of their own—who are simply spending less.

According to the National Restaurant Association, half of all Texas restaurant operators failed to earn a profit in 2025. In the third quarter of last year, The Texas Restaurant Association reported 88% of Texas restaurant owners had higher food costs, while 66% are experiencing rising labor costs and 52% have seen a decrease in customer traffic.

Let’s break down why

🏫 Immigrant school to close: On Tuesday, the Fort Worth ISD school board voted unanimously to close International Newcomer Academy—a school dedicated to serving immigrant and refugee middle school students. This comes as part of restructuring decisions amid the district’s state takeover.

💡 Local college announces big dream: Tarleton State University is looking to be a four-year college and plans on transforming its 80-acre campus to accommodate 10,000 students—there are about 2,800 now. (NBC 5)

🗂️ A path to justice: North Texas will receive $2.3 million in federal grants to address a backlog of sexual assault kits and crime scene data that has delayed closure for survivors. (Axios Dallas)

🦈 TCU alum impresses sharks: A 2024 TCU graduate scored a $50,000 deal on ABC’s hit investor show, “Shark Tank,” for a line of products that preserve the shoes of athletes. Here’s how you can see the recently aired episode. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

🥩 School raises the steaks: The Carroll Senior High BBQ team smoked more than 100 competitors at the Texas High School Barbecue Competition last week. The win came with $5,000 check for each team member. See the menu and other wins here. (NBC 5)

🤺 Queen of the jab: Plano native and Team USA fencing athlete Jaelyn Liu became the youngest American to win a world fencing title. Click here to see her demonstrate her specific style of fencing. (Fox 4)