Mornin’ y’all,

You might have heard that some Dallas city leaders want a new town hall instead of fixing up the one we have. The 47-year-old building is the work of famed architect I.M. Pei. The late architect designed the East Building of the National Gallery of Art, a pyramid for the Louvre, and was the chief architect on the John F. Kennedy Library—he’s kind of a big deal. 

Local architects say Pei’s city hall design is worth renovating to preserve a civic landmark and that doing anything else would be a waste of tax dollars. They’ve even created a group called Save Dallas City Hall. City leaders said the reno would be too costly, and they could find another location that’s cheaper to keep up. Dallas Morning News said it best: the debate “reflects emotion and heritage vs. economics and opportunity.”

(f11photo/Shutterstock)

Why am I telling you this? This is actually a pretty common issue in cities all across the country—when do you invest in preserving history, and when do you invest in new and modern? It might seem like a silly problem, but resident tax dollars fuel these decisions, so these conundrums are pretty important.

So what do you think about all of this? You can weigh in at a Feb. 23 public discussion before the city council’s finance committee.

(Shutterstock/anatoliy_gleb)

By Joey Held

Texas winters typically don’t become as frigid as, say, a Canadian or Antarctic one. Yet, depending on where you are in the state, you can still encounter a chilly and even frosty world around you. Compared to the oppressive summer heat, a Texas winter wonderland is an inviting environment to pack a bag, grab a tent, and don your hiking shoes for some winter camping.

Whether you’re looking for an active getaway full of adventure or would rather spend your time relaxing and indulging in a zen-like serenity outside bustling cities, you can find your ideal place. Here are some of the best spots for Texas winter camping.

⚖️ Free speech under scrutiny: Student walkouts protesting ICE have drawn warnings from state leaders, with legal experts questioning whether Texas is overstepping constitutional boundaries. (Fort Worth Report)

🚧 Detours hit local businesses: Dallas business owners in the Cedars say I-30 construction and the demolition of the Akard Bridge have cut off access and slowed foot traffic, raising fears that years-long detours could threaten their survival as the $800 million project stretches toward 2028. (NBC DFW)

🏀 A surprise Mavs reset: The Mavericks stunned the league by trading Anthony Davis to Washington in a quiet, last-minute deal aimed at clearing contracts, restocking draft picks, and resetting the roster around rookie star Cooper Flagg. (The Athletic)

Is it easier for you to learn about what’s happening in Texas and beyond through video? Check out our cut-to-the-chase videos!

1. Crockett demands justice after Minneapolis shootings

2. Dallas residents protest ICE, honor lives of Alex Pretti and Renee Good

3. Texas American Federation of Teachers in legal fight against TEA

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube for more videos.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Joi Louviere with stories from Joey Held. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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