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Amenities Upgrade for Southwest Airlines Passengers

To prepare for the summer, Southwest Airlines will be giving a huge amenity boost inside their airlines as they plan to add free WiFi connection for the passengers according to a Simple Flying article from May 8 which reports, 

“During Aviation Week’s webinar on Thursday, CEO of the Dallas-based carrier, Robert Jordan, emphasized the importance of improving customer experience post-pandemic, with reliable high-speed WiFi as its number one priority. Passengers will serve as guinea pigs to test the new system on a large scale, though frequent flyers that struggle with good connectivity will likely welcome the experiment.

“Just look at what you could do on your phone 10 years ago and what you can now do on your phone today in terms of things like self-service. The customer experience, expectation is always changing.”

Forty of Southwest’s Boeing 737 jets will be equipped with upgraded WiFi systems, providing free WiFi onboard specified flights until June 10.

The airline currently offers WiFi for $8 a day; however, it blocks “high-bandwidth” websites, including Netflix and HBO Max, and video-conferencing services. According to a company memo released by CNBC, the new service will allow customers to “stream, browse and engage on the internet.”

However, WiFi will not be the only thing that will be upgraded with Southwest’s $2 billion allotment for amenities as it is to include plugs and overhead bins according to a Dallas Morning News article from May 11. They say,  

“The new perks could be needed to keep customers happy as airfares rise along with spikes in prices for other travel needs, such as hotels and rental cars.

The new, bigger overhead bins will come on Boeing 737 Max jets with deliveries starting this fall, the company said. It didn’t address whether bag sizes or weight limits will be increased, but larger bins would theoretically give more room for luggage as well as carry-ons such as coats, laptop bags and purses.

The power ports on seats should also come with those new 737 Max jets set to be delivered early next year.They will include USB-A and USB-C power ports near the tray tables so they don’t take legroom from passengers. Southwest Airlines has long skipped power plugs at seats, despite competition from other airlines. This move is a change of strategy as airlines embark on being more mobile-friendly.”

Last but not least, Southwest is also looking into the possibility of increasing the number of free movies available in their entertainment app to ensure the satisfaction and happiness of passengers who they want to have a friendly and low-cost travel. 

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McKinney Avenue Tower set to break ground this year

Endeavor Real Estate Group from Austin recently got the approval for their McKinney Avenue mixed-use tower which has been in plan for several years courtesy of Dallas HKS according to a Dallas Morning News article from May 19. They say, 

“The 19-story office and apartment high-rise will be built on a corner at Boll Street and McKinney. The more than $121 million project is set to begin in September and will open in 2025, according to planning documents filed with the state.

Dallas architect HKS designed the 386,000-square-foot building, which has been in the works for several years.

Endeavor purchased the property on McKinney in 2019. The site is now occupied by several small retail and commercial buildings.

Endeavor’s new building would have 290 residential units, almost 60,000 square feet of office space and 15,000 square feet of retail.”

However, the recently approved tower is not the only the soon to rise tower in Uptown as a 27-story tower by Trammell Crow Co. also got its approval earlier according to a The Real Deal article from May 20 which reports, 

“The McKinney and Boll tower is one of several new high-rises on the way in Uptown, located just a few blocks away from where Dallas-based developer Trammell Crow Co. is planning to start work soon on a 27-story tower at McKinney and Maple avenues.

Trammell was able to receive its final approval from the City Council earlier this year to move ahead with the mixed-use tower at 2401 McKinney Avenue. The project will include 698,000 square feet of office space, a new 10,829-square-foot home for Truluck’s, a 12,000-square-foot health club, and 5,000 square feet for a future bank, restaurant, or retail user. It is expected to take two years to complete.”

The Austin-based developer was able to acquire a vote of confidence from the City Planning Commission to which green signaled for the start of the construction and development. 

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Texas Dog is Tallest in the World

Texas is currently home to the tallest living dog as recorded by the Guinness World Records according to an ABC 13 News article from May 9 which reports 

“A Texas Great Dane may only be two years old, but he’s already breaking records.

Zeus is now the world’s tallest living dog according to Guinness World Records. The pooch is a little over 3’5″ on all fours.

With his large size, Zeus eats 12 cups of dog food daily, and an occasional fried egg.”

Zeus’ owner, Brittany Davis at first couldn’t believe it that their dog became the tallest in the world as she continuously entertains people asking if about Zeus according to an NBC 5 DFW article from May 5. They say, 

“He’s been a big dog since we got him, even for a puppy,” Brittany told Guinness. “He had huge paws.”

“We never thought we would own the largest living dog.”

“The comment that we hear most often is ‘Wow, that’s a horse!’ ‘Can I ride him?’ or ‘Does he have a saddle?’” she told Guinness. “The answer to all those questions is ‘no.’”

And now when people say, “Wow, that’s the tallest dog I’ve ever seen,” Brittany says it’ll be fun to say he’s definitely the tallest dog anyone could see.

Coincidentally, the tallest dog in the world before Zeus was also named Zeus and is also a Great Dane that stood at 3’4″ but came from the United Kingdom.

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20,000 Flights Cut in Southwest Airlines

Despite the easing of the pandemic restrictions, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines already made its move to reduce their flights to give way for a much busier summer schedule according to a Dallas Morning News article from April 28. They say, 

“Along with delays in aircraft orders, Southwest like other airlines and companies across the economy is trying to adjust on the fly to supply chain and labor shortages crimping the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, even as consumer spending remains strong.

Southwest, which announced another quarter of pandemic-era losses on Thursday, cut about 20,000 flights between June and Labor Day and pushed up hiring plans by another 2,000 workers, bringing the goal to 10,000 net new workers for the year.

“Of course, if we need to trim more capacity we certainly can,” said Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan Thursday. “But I’m cautiously optimistic that we can get to a good balance of headcount and operate our schedules for the remainder of the year.”

The staffing challenges date back more than a year to when airlines were recalling employees from voluntary pandemic leave. The airline has aggressively been hiring across the company but is facing its biggest shortages in pilots and flight instructors, key positions to put planes in the air. When Southwest can bring on new workers, there are delays because of a shortage of people to train.”

Despite the ongoing staffing challenges, other factors are not affecting the company as much especially after a gas oil hike came imminent back in March and April according to a Dallas Morning News article from March 15 which reports, 

“While we’ve got a great plan for 2022, it all comes down to hiring,” Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said in January.

Southwest hasn’t been hit as hard by higher fuel prices as other airlines because it aggressively hedges against high fuel prices. About 65% of the company’s fuel is bought with hedged contracts, the company said in an investor presentation.

“The pricing environment has been healthy as demand has been returning following the omicron variant,” she said.

Accordingly, this cutting of schedules should be seen as a stepping stone for the airline company in making a comeback. This is because the airline staff and crews are able to adjust and focus more on their regular schedules. Of course, the ongoing hiring should be able to provide support in the long run as they employ more and more until things are back to normal. 

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Airplane Wedding in Dallas

After a canceled flight, an Oklahoma City couple decided to take on the suggestion of the airplane’s captain to conduct their marriage at 37,000 feet in the air according to a Dallas Morning News article from April 29 which reports, 

“Jeremy and Pam Salda said “I do” at 37,000 feet last weekend when a helpful fellow traveler and an adventurous captain turned a missed opportunity into a memorable event, along with toilet paper streamers and a donut wedding cake, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines said.

After the cancellation, a fellow traveler who was also headed to Las Vegas suggested they rush to Dallas Love Field to catch a Southwest Airlines flight.

When the couple boarded the plane at Dallas Love Field, the plane’s captain noticed that they were already wearing their wedding attire, Patterson in a white dress and Salda in a suit.

“The captain sees us and says, ‘Oh, are you going to Vegas to get married?,” Patterson told ABC 15 News in Phoenix. “And I said, ‘Well, we’re going to try. If not, I want to do it on this plane.’ And he goes, ‘Really?’”

Apart from the captain, the 37,000 feet marriage was made possible by the flight crew and surprisingly, the passengers as well who were delighted to take part according to an NBC 5 DFW article from April 29. They say, 

“Kligora said nearly all of the passengers cheered as the plans were announced to those on board.

Once at cruising altitude, he said the flight attendants pulled out of all the stops with toilet paper streamers, and a sash made of in-flight snacks he could wear as the officiant.

Call buttons lit the aisle as the bride made her way to the front of the plane before handing her bouquet off to an attendant who stood in as her maid of honor.

“When I was standing at the front looking out at all of the passengers on board and all you could see was cell phones lit up and everyone recording, it just… If you had any doubt about humanity, it was restored. It was amazing,” said Kligora.

“Everybody was congratulating us, and you know, thanking us for sharing our happy moment with them and bringing them a little bit of happiness,” said Jeremy Salda.”

The couple will proceed to celebrate their successful marriage with their friends and family in Cabo San Lucas. Amazingly, Kligora was invited by the couple and the former is looking forward to it already. 

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Dallas’ Tech Sector Clinches “Rising Star”

Despite the pandemic that hit every state, Dallas’ tech industry was able to progress and thrive more than most states since they have been building and supporting their tech industry ever since according to a Dallas Morning News article from March 22. They say, 

“It also made impressive gains as a technology capital, growing tech-sector jobs faster than the nation and gaining market share in the first year of the pandemic.

“In Dallas, you just have an abundance of opportunity,” said Bill Sproull, a longtime tech industry leader who formerly was CEO of Tech Titans, a local industry trade group. “A lot of these folks are being hired by companies that are tech-enabled. Think about State Farm, Capital One and BNSF; they hire all these IT folks, and they’re competing with the big tech platforms for the same labor pool.”

Dallas is attractive to companies that want to tap a large labor pool while also cutting operating costs, he said. And it appeals to workers who want a hybrid workplace because many companies have regional offices here.

Downtown Dallas has been building tech clusters for many years, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. It has attracted some surprising employers in the past, including tech hubs for Blue Cross Blue Shield and Sam’s Club.”

Just recently, another IT startup made waves as it acquired a $115 million investment for their new internet browser that showcases an amazing security and productivity feature according to a Dallas Morning News article from March 23 which reports,  

“Island announced Wednesday it raised $115 million in a new investment round led by New York-based global venture capital and private equity firm Insight Partners. The investment places Island’s valuation at $1.3 billion, according to the company.

Island’s main product is its Enterprise Browser, an internet browser that the company advertises as providing “unprecedented improvements” in security and productivity. The browser is based on open source code from Google through one of the tech giant’s projects called Chromium. Chromium provides developers with the same infrastructure as the popular Chrome browser to build on so the experience can be customized but familiar to the end user.

It claims to give companies’ security teams more control over employees’ use of the growing array of enterprise software on the market, much of which is accessible through a web browser.”

The IT company houses more than 100 workers which duly compliments the total number of employees in Dallas that is almost at a 130,000 mark just in 2020. It is vital for the tech companies and the industry itself to remain strong and high since it is the deciding factor for salary and benefits for the employees who in turn make the industry thrive.  

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Gates of Prosper Expansion includes Residential Plan

Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is expanding the incredibly huge Gates of Prosper with 1,000 residential units after purchasing more land this February according to a The Real Deal article from March 28. They say,

“The project marks the third phase of retail construction for the Preston Road development. The 140,000-square-foot superstore will make the Gates of Prosper the largest shopping center along U.S. 380 between McKinney and Denton, with more than 1 million square feet of shops and restaurant space.

The residential plans estimate about 1,000 units, including apartments, single-family homes and townhouses.

“We’ve got 325 apartments under construction that will open in spring of next year,” Blue Star Land general manager Joe Hickman said.

In February, the company quietly purchased more than 120 acres on Interstate 35E in Waxahachie for a mixed-use project. The firm has also purchased more than 100 acres of industrial land in Prosper west of the old downtown.”

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the project resumed construction and development and even allowed additional retailers and shops to open according to a Dallas Morning News article from March 25 which reports, 

“Started in 2016 at the north corners of Preston and U.S. 380, the Gates of Prosper shopping center already has retailers including Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Burlington, DSW, Mattress Firm, PetSmart, Ross and TJ Maxx.

Blue Star Land opened the second major phase of the project in 2021.

“We finished 250,000 square feet during COVID, and most of it is leased up,” Hickman said.

Tenants in the shopping phase that opened last year include Kohl’s, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s and HomeGoods.”

The entire project is still a long way from the finish line since its next phase for the development of the new Target store is ongoing and is set to finish next year. 

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25 Year-Old from Dallas County Crowned as Best Golfer

Scottie Scheffler from Dallas is without a doubt making waves in the world of golf after defeating Kevin Kisner and WGC Dell Match Play and clinching the number 1 spot according to a Golf Digest article from March 27 which reports,  

“Scottie Scheffler got his first win on the PGA Tour a month ago at the WM Phoenix Open. Less than two months later, he is the No. 1-ranked golfer in the world after winning the WGC-Dell Match Play final over Kevin Kisner, handing Kisner his only defeat of the week, 4 and 3.

Though it is difficult to imagine Scheffler in the top spot instead of Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa or a plethora of other names we have become more familiar with, Scheffler has more than earned the ranking with his play of late.

For starters, Scheffler was in one of the deeper brackets with match-play maven Ian Poulter, Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick, who took Scheffler six extra holes—tying the longest overtime in tournament history—before succumbing to a Scheffler birdie, allowing the now three-time tour winner to emerge from group play.

“I picked up a little ball speed and it goes as straight as my old one,” Scheffler told Golf Digest recently. “A new driver has to pass the eye test and this did. Since putting it in play I fiddled around with where I liked the movable weight on the sole, moving it about half an inch from the fade setting to a more neutral position.”

The 25 year old recounted his childhood dream of being a professional golfer and how he eventually arrived to where he is now in a Texas Monthly article from March 29 which says, 

“I grew up wearing long pants to go practice because I wanted to be a professional golfer,” Scheffler said last week. “That’s what I dreamed of. I dreamed of being out here. I’ve always been, I would say, fiercely competitive, and so for me getting out here was a goal per se, and being out here, I like competing and I enjoy the challenge of playing out here every week. Just competing out here is really fun for me and just being able to win tournaments is pretty awesome. The rankings never really crossed my mind. It was always just about being out here and competing.”

All those thousands of shots and practice rounds and coaching sessions, all the travel to amateur tournaments throughout Texas and beyond, and, yes, some frustration, led to Scheffler’s ascension to being crowned the world’s top golfer. He’s the sixth-youngest player to earn the number one spot since the rankings began in 1986. He was ranked fifteenth when the stretch of three victories in five events began.

I would say this week, it’s definitely got a special place in my mind and heart,” Scheffler said. “I’ve got a lot of good memories being here in college. It’s been a long journey to this point… . To be out here and win this golf tournament in front of the fans down here is really special. Like I said, I always dreamed of playing in this tournament, and just to be out here was a treat, and to be able to play seven rounds and finish and win is really special.”

What makes Scheffler particularly special is that he clinched the number one faster than anyone else. Amazingly, he only did it in 42 days whereas revered champion Tiger Woods did it in 252 days.  

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DFW has a new Australian Route

Qantas Airline will be the new airline company that will accommodate people from DFW Airport according to an NBC 5 DFW article from March 26 which reports, 

“DFW Airport will begin operating non-stop service flights to Melbourne, Australia through Qantas Airline, the airport announced Saturday.

“DFW Airport is pleased to welcome Qantas no-stop service to Melbourne,” Sean Donohue, chief executive officer at DFW Airport said. “Both regions are experiencing rapid growth and this addition will provide new opportunities for international business ties, tourism and economic development.”

Qantas currently provides flight services to Sydney from DFW Airport, which resumed earlier this year. DFW Airport will be the only airport not located on the west coast with non-stop service to Melbourne.

The service will operate four times a week beginning Dec. 2 and tickets for those flights are on sale now.

The new flight services of Qantas is one of the many new flight services of different airline companies as a response to the relaxation of COVID-19 protocols according to a Dallas Morning News article from March 26 which reports, 

“It’s one of several new international routes DFW has welcomed in recent months, with a flight between DFW and Helsinki, Finland, starting Sunday, the same day that Air France comes back to the airport after a two-year break during COVID-19.

Turkish Airlines started a DFW-Istanbul flight in September as well. DFW now has service slated for 71 international destinations.

Several countries have announced plans in recent weeks to lower COVID-19 restrictions, and U.S. air carriers are calling on the federal government to drop masking and international testing mandates, too.

American Airlines also announced plans in 2019 to fly to Auckland, New Zealand, but that flight was delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and plans to restart it have not been announced.”

The new flight services and routes are good signs of progressing and improving conditions of different countries after the world was hit by the pandemic which has dramatically slowed down the airline industry and tourism. 

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Dallas Zoo Celebrates Milestones

Staff and employees of Dallas Zoo are very delighted with their new milestones for this month and one of the milestone includes the birth of a new baby Zebra according to a Dallas Morning News article from March 22 which reports, 

“The Dallas Zoo’s zebra family has grown by one.

Wanda, a Hartmann’s mountain zebra, gave birth to a boy on March 11, the zoo said on Facebook this week

.

The unnamed zebra weighs 60 pounds, the zoo said.

He is the third Hartmann’s mountain zebra to be born at the zoo under the species survival plan created through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which accredits the Dallas Zoo.

The zoo said the new zebra will continue spending time bonding with his mom, Wanda, behind the scenes before he will be on public display.”

Meanwhile, a lion called Bahati also made a milestone as he reaches his 5th birthday according to a CW33 article from March 17. They say, 

“St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the only holiday the Dallas Zoo is celebrating today. It is also one of its animal’s birthdays on Thursday.

According to the zoo, Bahati the lion turns 5-years-old this St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

The zoo gave her some special love on Twitter today, tweeting out a clip of Bahati enjoying her birthday gifts from zookeepers.

“Bahati was treated to some brightly-colored ice treats, ground meat, and a pride-favorite, whipped cream. She was sweet enough to share with Izwi, Kijani & Jasiri too.

Help us wish Bahati a very Happy Birthday,” zoo officials said in the tweet.”

Last but not the least, the twin cub tigers have just passed their first swim test, making them appear to be ready to explore their new habitat according to a CW33 article from March 17 which states, 

“Back at the beginning of the year, the zoo announced the names of the two cubs, Nety and Rudi, after conservationists who help save critically endangered Sumatran tigers. Now, they’re growing up before their very eyes, and the public’s eyes too. 

The Dallas Zoo says, “Nety & Rudi passed their swim test today, which means they’re ready to explore the full tiger habitat! Since the tiger habitat includes a water feature, zoologists have to be sure the cubs are able to enter and exit the water safely. These brave cubs were excellent swimmers!”

A lot of people are very delighted to hear such milestones especially in the midst of the pandemic and they are expecting to see these wonderful creatures very soon since the end of the pandemic is already in sight and rules and protocols are starting to relax. 

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Invisible Burger Joint in Dallas

People around Dallas-Fort Worth are in a treat as four ghost kitchens of Fuddruckers will appear from time to time around the area to serve exclusively burgers, fries and wings according to a CultureMap Dallas article from March 19 which reports, 

“Fuddruckers brings burgers to surprising new locations around Dallas. A popular burger name is expanding its footprint to an unexpected place: Fuddruckers, the Houston-based chain known for its serve-yourself toppings bar, will open new locations inside shopping malls, including three malls across Dallas-Fort Worth. In addition, the company has launched ghost kitchens to capture more delivery and to-go business.

But that’s not all, Fuddruckers was just recently purchased by Black Titan which gave out a master plan of 10 new locations apart from the 4 ghost kitchens and they will be offering vegan options according to a Dallas Morning News article from March 22. They say, 

“Black Titan Franchise Systems, a fast-food franchise operator from North Carolina, purchased Fuddruckers in July 2021 and has plans to open 10 new restaurants inside Brookfield Properties shopping malls in five states. Fuddruckers Express stands in Dallas-Fort Worth will be installed at Hulen Mall in Fort Worth, Town East Mall in Mesquite and the Parks Mall in Arlington.

They’re expected to open before the end of 2022, says new CEO Nicholas Perkins.

The three mall locations will bring Fuddruckers back into Dallas-Fort Worth “in a major way,” Perkins says. They won’t be the Fuddruckers from the past, however; these will be faster-service restaurants with slimmer menus than before.”

The menus will now have plant-based burgers. His team has also expanded the dessert menu, with a special emphasis on milkshakes and soft serve.”

While a lot of customers have imagined Fuddruckers rooting or connoting a naughty word, Founder Phil Romana defends the name as it originally stemmed from Fuddpucker. He even defended the name of his creation in court as they thought that it originated from a vulgar word. 

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Texas Grabs Call of Duty Trophy

Atlanta FaZe has fallen into the hands of a Texas team called OpTic Texas in a decisive championship series of Call of Duty according to a Dallas Morning News article from March 6 which reports, 

“OpTic Texas is at the top of the Call of Duty world.

Defeating Atlanta FaZe 5-2 in Call of Duty League Major I at Esports Stadium Arlington Sunday, OpTic Texas captured the global gaming giant’s first tournament title since the Call of Duty League started.

OpTic Gaming hadn’t won a championship since the Call of Duty League was assembled in late 2019. High-caliber teams full of talent crumbled in the biggest moments and new players like Chris “Simp” Lehr and Tyler “aBeZy” Pharris sprung to life.

OpTic Texas is already one of the best search and destroy teams in the CDL. No fan comms needed.”

OpTic President Hector Rodriguez expressed his immense joy and satisfaction after a long internal preparation within their team according to a Dallas Morning News article from March 6. They say, 

“I couldn’t describe it if I wanted to. All I know is everything feels right,” Rodriguez told The Dallas Morning News.

“The logo is back where it belongs, which is with the green wall, and we got championships and will continue to get championships. The green wall will continue to wake up. Everybody knows it was dormant for three years and everybody was waiting around to see what would happen.”

As much as anyone else, Rodriguez got what he wanted. He got his OpTic back, and kept his professional family in the process. For Rodriguez, the whole esports team with players competing is the cherry on top of what he cared about, which was his people.

“My family sticks together no matter what and we will continue to show that,” Rodriguez said. “Sticking with Seth? That’s not even in my vocabulary. We are together and that’s how it is.”

OpTic Texas, defeating FaZe and becoming the champions, will receive a $200,000 grand prize. 

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White Rock Lake Eagles Still Spotted Flying Around

Despite the recent destruction of their nest in White Rock Lake, Nick and Nora were seen flying around the area according to a Dallas Morning News article from February 16 which reports, 

“The eagles could be seen carrying fish in their talons, flying down to a creek nearby. Multiple people said they saw them carrying small branches — and many hope it’s the start of a new nest.

Though it is unclear if the bald eagles will build a new nest near the old site, a wooded area along North Buckner Boulevard at Lake Highlands Park, people said they are still finding joy and inspiration from them.

Joan Layden, who lives near the park, said Wednesday was the third time that she came to the park to watch the eagles, though she had frequently seen them while driving past the area.

As the eagles flew around the empty field Wednesday afternoon, Layden said, she was happy to see that the birds were still active in the park, despite the destruction of their nest.

“It shows their resilience and determination,” she added.”

Nick and Nora’s nest which contained evidence of an egg, fell after heavy winds blew on Tuesday afternoon according to an Advocate article which reports, 

“High wind gusts were cited as the reason for the nest’s destruction. According to the National Weather Service, the wind speeds ranged between 16 and 23 mph from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 15.

Maria Hasbany, the District 9 Park and Recreation board member, said the nest was taken by the Fish & Game Warden after it fell.

Urban biologists found evidence of only one egg. The nest itself was estimated to be about 3 feet wide and 2-3 feet deep. It weighed around 100 pounds.

Hasbany also said officials think the eagles are a relatively young couple and might have been inexperienced in building nests; this one was built on a partially dead limb.”

The area in White Rock Lake is still being protected by the city and the fences are still kept intact since there is still a chance that the pair will rebuild a stronger nest. 

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Zalat’s Ghost Kitchen

Allen and McKinney will be getting a treat from Zalat Pizza through its ghost kitchen and third party apps according to a Dallas Morning News article from February 16 which reports, 

“Zalat Pizza is opening a ghost kitchen to serve up slices and pies in Allen. The new location, which opens March 7 at 950 W. Stacy Road, will only offer takeout through the company’s website or third party delivery apps.

The ghost kitchen will mark the 17th Zalat location in North Texas, according to a company representative.

“We are eager to offer a more convenient location for our fans living in the Allen and McKinney area who have been driving to surrounding cities such as Plano to get their Zalat fix,” Khanh Nguyen, CEO and founder of Zalat Pizza, said in a news release.”

Zalat Pizza became famous as a late night pizzeria and now, it houses more than a ton of new recipes according to a QSR Magazine article from February 15. In it they say,

The first Zalat opened on Fitzhugh Avenue in 2015 and quickly became Dallas’ favorite late-night pizzeria. Most everything is made from scratch (even the dough) to fresh sauce with oven-roasted Roma tomatoes and fresh basil. Zalat uses 100% beef pepperoni and the most delicious cheese they can get their hands on. In fact, the concept pays more for cheese than they do in rent every month!

Zalat prides itself on having pushed the envelope on traditional pizza recipes as well as continuing to be bold and inventive. All pizzas are taste-tested for months before they ever make it onto the menu. To ensure perfection they are cooked in old school deck ovens creating that magical balance between crispy and chewy. 

Before any pizza goes out the door, a Zealot always inspects it to ensure it meets Nguyen’s high standards and if it’s not up to par, they make it again. Once the pizza is deemed as worthy, a Zealot personally signs the box and the pizza makes its way to the customer.

A more recent addition to the menu is the Pepperoni Masterclass, Nguyen’s take on a classic pepperoni pizza. Nguyen explains, “We’ve become known for elevating the common pepperoni pizza with our Pepperoni Masterclass, pure pepperoni perfection with 100% beef pepperoni, oregano, black pepper and chopped garlic. Beyond the standards, however, we offer bold and inventive designs such as the Nashville Hot Chicken & Pickles, Pho Shizzle, Elote, Loaded Notato, Pineapple Express, and more. An equally famous and crave-able must have is our trademarked sauce, SriRANCHa – a combination of Sriracha and ranch dressing to create the perfect mind-blowing pizza dipping sauce!”

Zalat opened in Dallas back in 2015 as a traditional pizzeria that used traditional ovens and recipes. 

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STK Coming to Uptown Dallas

ONE Group Hospitality will be bringing their internationally-renowned cuisine and atmosphere to Uptown Dallas according to a What Now article from January 11. In it they say, 

“Offering a modern twist on the American steakhouse concept, STK Dallas will open in Uptown at 2000 McKinney Ave. The space was previously home to Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille, which relocated in 2020 into the Park District development.

A ONE Group spokesperson confirmed to CultureMap Dallas that the steakhouse will open in early- to mid-2022. The location will also have an off-premises area specifically for takeout and delivery.

STK Dallas has been in the works for several years now. The group first announced plans to open the restaurant in 2016 at 1899 McKinney Ave., a location that previously housed the Glass Lounge nightclub. At the time, ONE Group co-founder Jonathan Segal said the group was “extremely excited” about entering the market.

With a high-energy atmosphere featuring live DJs, STK blends the modern steakhouse and a chic lounge into one dynamic, fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. The brand has received favorable press with Thrillist calling it “a steakhouse for the stiletto set.”

What is most exciting is the menu that is famous all around the country and even in the world according to a CultureMap Dallas article from January 5. They say,

“The menu includes a big selection of steaks, plus entrees, a raw bar, salads and starters, and a big selection of prototypical steakhouse sides.

Steaks include all your prototypical cuts and more, many dry-aged, such as a dry-aged Delmonico, dry-aged porterhouse, and dry-aged tomahawk. There’s NY strip and filet both boneless and bone-in, plus a selection of Wagyu cuts including a Wagyu flat-iron and a trio of Japanese A5 options including a strip and a filet.

The raw bar features oysters, ceviche, and a pickled shrimp cocktail. Starters include calamari, Wagyu sliders, tuna tartare, and a bacon appetizer with apple cabbage slaw.

Mac & cheese comes in three varieties: traditional, bacon, or lobster, or get all three for $42.”

ONE Group Hospitality is the company that brought Kona Grill which won awards for its celebrated sushi and specialty cocktails. 

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Fast Pass Test Runs in DFW Airport

Trial runs in the DFW Airport are being conducted for their new fast pass implementation according to a CBS DFW article from September 22 which reports, 

“The Fast Pass lets travelers go online and reserve a specific time to go through security. They still have to have to scan their bags and take off their shoes and belts, but it advances them past any long waits on busy days.

The pass is part of a series of improvements at the airport to make the travel experience more hassle-free. Travelers can pre-book parking at discounted rates, check-in and pay for bags in advance, but the security wait can be unpredictable.”

However, the Fast Pass is a separate and distinct program from the other programs that allow travelers to save time according to a Dallas Morning News article from September 22,

“There are many programs that allow customers to go through shorter checkpoint lines to get TSA screenings. Programs such as TSA PreCheck allow passengers to enroll in a government program and skip some security protocols, such as taking off shoes, belts, and jackets. With PreCheck, passengers pay $85 for the five-year program and have to pass a background check.

Then there are programs like Clear, a privately run security screening process that again lets customers go through an expedited line and check-in through a biometric screening kiosk.”

Additional instructions regarding the Fast Pass program were posted on DFW Airport’s website, which states,

“No costs or membership fees

Reservations are limited so please book ahead of time. Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance of your flight

Please limit each reservation to a maximum of 10 people. Parties of more than 10 will need additional reservations

Please check with your airline to ensure they offer a ticket counter in Terminal D for local check-in/baggage check at the time of your reservation

If you check-in from home or remotely and already have your boarding pass with no checked bags and do not require an airline ticket counter, DFW’s Skylink train connects ALL 5 terminals.”

To encourage travelers to participate in the trial run, DFW Airport will be giving away $5 food vouchers. The program, however, is only an experiment and no further updates have been released as to whether Fast Pass will remain as a permanent program. 

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Dallas Symphony Opens Season with Fabio Luisi

Brilliance and power emanated from the concert hall with the opening of the Dallas Symphony’s season with its renowned music director according to a Texas Classical Review article from September 17,

“After a pandemic year of chamber orchestra performances, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra opened its 2021-2022 season in full force Thursday night at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Led by music director Fabio Luisi,  the program offered a strong return to form and the kind of familiar brilliance not heard in the hall since March of last year.”

The program was opened with a performance of a composition by Frederick Converse inspired by Walt Whitman, according to a Dallas Morning News article from September 17 which reported, 

“Frederick Converse (1871-1940) was part of a constellation of mostly German-trained American composers clustered around Boston in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Composed in 1904, The Mystic Trumpeter is a 20-minute tone poem in five connected sections, inspired by Walt Whitman’s eponymous poem.

Both poem and music imagine a disembodied trumpeter and a dreamy, romantic one, but also a caller to war and a celebrant. Strauss was conducting the opera in Munich when Converse was studying there, and one wonders how much of the German composer’s work the American heard. Certainly, there’s much of Strauss in this real showpiece — the dramatic flair, the succulent harmonies, the textural and coloristic riches.”

Attendees of the opening season could only express their praise and amazement as they commented on the Orchestra’s Facebook post. One commented,

“Amazing Maestro! Brilliant Orchestra! Please record this concert and bring musical joy to the listeners from Europe!”

Another woman commented,

“Brilliant opening weekend program! Bravo, DSO, Maestro Luisi, AND magnificent organist, Bradley Welch!”

Fabio Luisi and the whole orchestra were able to put on a brilliant opening show, proving Luisi’s promise to make music with passion and conviction. As such many people are very excited to watch the DSO perform under the direction and influence of a renowned music director who has a great reputation on the world stage.

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