Good morning, folks ☕

Did you know that Dallas leaders are considering placing digital billboards inside city parks? The city is suffering from a budget shortfall and a deficit, and it estimates that the boards will bring in an extra $10 million a year.

*Crickets*
*Crickets*
*Crickets*

But these are parks—trees, flowers, benches for watching singing birds, maybe a fountain if we’re getting fancy. I’m having trouble imagining enjoying a moment in nature and BAM, an ad for a local funeral home. Or a gun show. Or a political ad when it’s 6 a.m., and I haven’t even had my coffee yet. But maybe I’m old-fashioned. What do you think?

Is it a smart idea? Would you mind it? Write in and let me know. If enough of you have strong feelings either way, I’ll share responses in a future newsletter.

The city did say they wanted to collect feedback about the move, but as of today, I only see this form as a way to share thoughts about this with the Parks & Recreation Board. I’ll update you if a public meeting is scheduled.

Joi Louviere

Managing Newsletter Editor, Courier DFW

9 things to do in Fort Worth that are off the beaten path

Fort Worth is home to many cool landmarks and hidden gems waiting to be explored. (Renelibrary/CC-By-SA-4.0)

By Sydni Ellis

Home of the Texas Longhorn cattle—and some of the best barbecue in the state—Fort Worth is an iconic Texas city. Where else can you see a twice-daily cattle drive and shop for authentic cowboy boots? (It’s not called Cowtown for nothing, y’all!)

Of course, there are many well-known hotspots here, such as the Fort Worth Stockyards, Billy Bob’s Texas, and the Fort Worth Zoo. But there are also plenty of hidden gems and other wonderful things to do in Fort Worth.

From going geocaching in the beautiful Trinity Trails to seeing unique Lego creations placed throughout the Fort Worth Water Gardens, drinking at a local speakeasy or going horseback riding, visiting Fort Worth is so much fun.

If you are looking for a few things to do in Fort Worth that are off the beaten path, we’ve got you covered—all you need is a comfy pair of shoes and a sense of adventure.

Here’s our list

❌ Wylie gets deFlocked: In a unanimous vote, Wylie City Council voted to end its contract with Flock Safety and move away from traffic surveillance. The city has installed six cameras that cost them about $27,000 a year. (KERA)

🌊 A Texas survivor: A Fort Worth native and TCU alumna has been cast for season 51 of CBS’ Survivor. Thien An Nguyen, a 24-year-old med student, said she’s been applying since she was 18. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

🛫 New airport loading: Construction is underway for the McKinney International Airport. The airport will have four gates and host commercial flights through Avelo Airlines, starting this fall. (Spectrum)

🎄 Christmas is coming: Madisonville Christmas Company, a holiday superstore, is opening a showroom in Plano in September, using the space where Weir’s Furniture used to sit. Learn more here. (Local Profile)

🎖️ Honoring a Texas World War II hero: An Arlington family is waiting to hear if the Pentagon will honor their late uncle and World War II hero, Doris Miller, by naming an aircraft carrier after him. Read Miller’s story here. (Spectrum)

🌡️ Helping the unhoused: A Cedar Hill church is working to help those experiencing homelessness as North Texas continues to deliver record heat. The church will host a cooling station daily, with cots and food available. (NBC 5)