Hey DFW,

Last week, I told y’all we’d be following up with more info on our region’s massive air quality problem. We dug into the problem and the consequences and found a few local cities that are making efforts to clean things up. See that article below.

What else do you want to learn more about? Respond to this email and let me know, and we’ll work to share more information on something you’re interested in about the region. 

By Rhema Joy Bell

Between a bustling population, long commutes, industrial activities, and the limited public transportation access, it’s not too surprising that the Dallas-Fort Worth area ranks as the 10th-worst city for ozone pollution. That’s according to the American Lung Association’s 2025 air quality report, which in 2024 ranked DFW at no. 13. The report collects data on smog—the air pollutant affecting the largest number of people in the United States—and North Texas has a lot of it. The region has already seen more than 20 ozone days in 2025.

What’s the issue?

Smog forms when pollutants from activities such as driving, factory operation, and burning fossil fuels (heating and cooling) interact with sunlight. In a warmer climate like North Texas, it can be easier for smog to form. Children, seniors, people with respiratory conditions, and outdoor laborers are most at risk for health problems, and prolonged exposure to smog can cause issues from allergies to lung cancer. There are also environmental impacts—smog can block sunlight, which harms vegetation. Air pollutants can even speed up the deterioration of bridges and buildings.

⚠️ Dallas ICE detainees shot: A shooting occurred around 6:40 a.m. Wednesday morning at a Dallas ICE field office, leaving two victims dead and one wounded. The shooter killed himself immediately after. All victims were ICE detainees—no officers were harmed. This is a developing story. 

🤑 Piece of the FIFA pie: Here’s how Fort Worth plans to maximize tourism dollars from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The games are estimated to bring $1.5 billion to the region. (NBC 5)

🎡 Fried fair food fame: In 2010, the best new fried food for the State Fair of Texas was the Texas Fried Frito Pie and here’s the cinematic story of how a group of guys created and distributed that year’s instant hit (and moneymaker) against the odds and the clock. (D Magazine)

Here are some things to do around the metroplex this weekend 

Fort Worth Oktoberfest

Salsa Dance Lesson and Party at Klyde Warren Park

The Alabama Shakes at Toyota Music Factory

Cowboys Rally Day

Southlake Hispanic Heritage Celebration

McKinney Oktoberfest

Dollar Day at Lone Star Park

Water Street Irving Fall Festival

Wade Bowen, TLC, & more at the State Fair of Texas

Fort Worth Eats Food Festival

Burleson Hispanic Heritage Festival

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Joi Louviere with reporting by Rhema Joy Bell and The Associated Press. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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