Happy Tuesday,

Have you ever heard of Matador, Texas? The panhandle town has a population of less than 1,000, but Airbnb has included it in its list of 20 America Off-The-Map destinations for 2026.

This is part of the vacation rental company’s effort to expand economic opportunities in rural towns through tourism. An Airbnb survey found that 86% of vacationers were looking for rural getaways, and booking data shows interest in places within 300 miles of their homes.

But why Matador over other towns? Airbnb says it holds a history of frontier life and is only 40 miles from Caprock Canyons State Park, home of one of the last free-roaming buffalo herds in the country. (Also, Texas buffalo are back and thriving. Read more here.) That’s pretty cool!

A dog with its front paws on the bench of a picnic table at Rodeo Goat. (Rodeo Goat)

By Britteny Dee

Love to eat out but hate leaving your dog behind? At Dallas-Fort Worth’s many dog-friendly restaurants, you don’t have to choose between delicious food and the company of your furry bestie. You can enjoy a sit-down meal with your dog at dining establishments ranging from burger joints to gastro pubs to waterfront eateries. Some even offer special menus just for dogs, so no one has to go hungry.

Whether you’re looking for a spot to refuel after an afternoon at the park or want to treat yourself and your canine companion to an evening out with other dog lovers and their pups, there is a restaurant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to satisfy your craving.

Local news is essential for democracy.

Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.

🧳 Is $14K too much? Home rental prices have skyrocketed in anticipation of the slew of World Cup visitors seeking lodging close to the matches. See what prices are looking like now. (Dallas Observer)

🍔 Whataburger faves return: Whataburger customers said they loved the limited runs of the Banana Pudding Shake and Bacon Steakhouse Double, so starting today, they’re both back—for a little while, at least. 

🚙 A new driver’s ed: UT Arlington researchers have developed a simulated driver’s ed training for neurodivergent people. The technology, designed to feel like an open road, addresses the short attention spans and interactive learning needed by many with ADHD and other disorders. (NBC 5)

Last week, I asked y’all if you were driving less because of the high gas prices. Two-thirds of you said you had cut back on driving, and a third said you’re driving just as much as you did before the surge. 

If you’re interested in what gas prices are looking like around the state this week, check out this real-time data through AAA.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Joi Louviere with reporting by Britteny Dee. It was edited by Paula Solis.

COURIER DFW is free for everyone. Your support makes that possible.