Construction begins on Veterans Memorial Plaza at Harris Ryals Park to honor military service.
- Plaza completion targeted before Veterans Day with special ceremony planned.
- Harris Ryals served 22 years in Army, then 21 years in Parks and Recreation.
- Features memorial walls, plaques, flagpoles, seating areas, paths, and landscaping.
Parks and recreation
Fair Park's new Community Park gets $2.5M boost from McKesson Foundation to transform South Dallas.
- McKesson Foundation President Melissa Thompson announced the donation Thursday at City Hall.
- The McKesson Market Grove will offer wellness programming, education, and year-round community events.
- Park and Recreation Department recently took over management of the Community Park development.
Community programsEventsLocal events and festivalsParks and recreation
Dallas City Council weighs Fair Park revitalization plans while ensuring South Dallas community benefits from economic growth.
- Proposed 35-acre mixed-use development on northeast corner could include hotel, restaurants, retail, or entertainment facility.
- Park Department took over Fair Park operations last year, adding HVAC repairs, security services, and weekly farmers market.
- Two May town halls will let residents discuss Fair Park's future and ensure local hiring and workforce development.
Community programsLocal events and festivalsParks and recreation
A charming German shorthaired pointer named Bolt wins TSA's cutest canine contest among bomb-sniffing dogs.
- Bolt is a three-year-old brown-coated German shorthaired pointer based at DFW Airport.
- Handler Daphne Wang says he's 'always 1,000 percent excited to go to work.'
- TSA initially nominated 85 dogs; travelers voted on social media to pick the winner.
Legendary Campisi's pizza chain returns to Inwood Road after fire displaced them, targeting January 1 opening.
- Previous Lovers Lane location closed after December 2025 fire after 20 years there.
- New location at 7709 Inwood Rd. will be larger than most of their eight existing locations.
- Owner David Campisi promises 'strongest and cheapest drinks on Lovers Lane' with horseshoe bar focus.
Restaurant and business openings
Dallas rent prices plummeted 13 percent in a year, joining Austin and Houston in leading national declines.
- One-bedroom apartments in Dallas now rent for $1,270 monthly, down from last August.
- Austin leads the nation with 16.6 percent decline for one-bedroom units.
- Zumper CEO Shawn Mullahy says renters now have leverage to negotiate with landlords competing for tenants.
Federal judge blocks Texas drag show restrictions for the second time, citing First Amendment violations.
- Judge David Hittner ruled Senate Bill 12 unconstitutional on August 25, 2024.
- The law could penalize Dolly Parton impersonators, swimmers, and cosplayers under its broad definitions.
- Drag performer Brigitte Bandit said the ruling lets her 'assert liberation, power, and joy' with her community.
Arlington's packed weekend offers Pokémon trading, college football in Dublin, yoga, vintage shopping, and women's basketball.
- TCU faces North Carolina in season opener broadcast from Dublin, Ireland at Texas Live!
- Dallas Wings host Connecticut Sun at College Park Center; tickets range $28-$600.
- Arlington Card Show at Meadowbrook Recreational Center Friday 6-10 p.m., free admission.
Parks and recreation
Maria Del Rosario Esparza, beloved Fort Worth resident, passes away at 61 after full life.
- Born May 25, 1965 in México to Refugio Armas and Esperanza Lara.
- Survived by husband Gregorio Esparza and daughter Ruby Esparza.
- Preceded in death by mother Esperanza Lara.
Lake Worth ISD sets ambitious five-year targets to more than double third-grade reading and math proficiency under state control.
- Third-grade reading proficiency goal: rise from 26% to 55% by 2031; math from 23% to 50%.
- Superintendent Ena Meyers said meeting targets could lift Lake Worth to an A or B rating within two to three years.
- Special education students in third-grade reading: proficiency target jumps from 7% to 47% by 2031.