Happy Tuesday, y’all,

The FIFA World Cup is quickly approaching, and I’m thinking about all the info North Texans might need or want to know, as the region hosts nine matches and tons of fan events over the course of a month. I’d love to know what topics around the World Cup interest you. Please take the poll below so I can provide you with the most useful information.

Thank you! If you want to win free tickets to the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park, check out this opportunity to save some dough. 

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott attends the National Governors Association dinner at the White House, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

By Brian McManus

Texas is rich. Greg Abbott wants you to know it.

Under the governor’s 11-year tenure, the state has positioned itself as the premier destination for business, a low-tax haven where corporations and billionaires thrive. And by that narrow measure, it has succeeded: Texas ranks second in the nation for business climate. 

It ranks second-to-last in quality of life.

The gulf between those two data points is the defining story of Abbott’s governorship—a record built on surface-level economic growth that has consistently failed to reach the people who live here.

The inequality underlying all of it is stark. Sixty-six Texas billionaires hold more combined wealth than 70% of all Texans. Nearly 42% of Texas households struggle to afford basic expenses. The state carries the 11th highest poverty rate in the nation, while tax policy continues to benefit the wealthy and corporations at the expense of working families.

🥐 A delicious bribe? A city council member in a Fort Worth suburb was arrested Friday on allegations of felony bribery—he delivered boxes of pastries to potential voters with campaign flyers attached to the top. Tap here for all the details. (Fort Worth Report)

🫳 A compassionate duo: Two Dallas women are leading a charge to help refugees and asylum seekers at the border with food, clothing, and shelter. Click here to learn more about the Rio Valley Relief Project and how you can help. (Dallas Observer)

⛽ Fuel for DPD: Gas station chain QuikTrip just announced its biggest philanthropic donation yet, and it’s $10 million toward the construction of the new Dallas Police Department training center. Read more about the development of the training center and why QuikTrip donated. (WFAA)

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

Courier DFW is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.