Happy Friday, DFW! Emma here—hope your coffee’s strong and your weekend’s already calling. ☕️
And a little surprise: starting next week, I’ll be in your inbox every morning. It’s a big lift on my end, but you deserve the inside scoop daily—not just twice a week. Think of it as your VIP pass to DFW life, delivered with a lot of Emma hustle. 💙
Today’s need to-knows:
🗞️ DFW Digest: 4 quick headlines that actually matter today
🎉DFW Weekend Events: 25 picks- 8 no-ticket
🏡 House of the Weekend — Plano cul-de-sac charmer
🛍️ Local Biz Spotlight: Truck Yard (Lower Greenville)
🗳️ Community poll — vote the premium deal we should chase
Let’s go
🗞️ DFW Digest
🏛️ City Council passes biggest budget yet, drops property tax rate
Dallas just approved its FY 2025-26 budget (~$5.2B), its largest ever, while lowering the property tax rate from 70.47¢ to 69.88¢ per $100 valuation. Moves include more spending on police, fire-rescue, and street maintenance.
📚 Skillman-Southwestern Branch Library to close, funding for state lobbyists cut
As part of those budget changes, Dallas will shutter the Skillman-Southwestern Branch Library. Also, contracts with outside state lobbyists got the ax — those dollars redirected to reduce tax load. Dallas News+2Dallas News+2
🚉 DART Silver Line to start service Oct 25 — first free rides period announced
The long-awaited Silver Line (East Plano → DFW Airport) starts Oct 25, and to celebrate, DART is offering free rides on the full system that day, plus free Silver Line service through Nov 8. Mark your calendars. Kera News
💸 Budget squeeze mirrors in other North Texas cities
DFW cities aren’t immune: as property values rise and service demands grow, public safety spending (police, fire) is eating up bigger chunks of budget pie. Dallas’ budget move is part of this region-wide strain.
🎉DFW Weekend Events: 25 picks- 8 no-ticket
This weekend is stacked—over 25 events across DFW made our roundup, with at least 8 totally free to check out. From festivals and concerts to unique pop-ups, you’ve got plenty of options. 👉 See the full list here
👨👩👧 Family picks:
🏮 Plano Balloon Festival (Sat–Sun) — Hot-air balloon launches, glows, fireworks, plus kids’ activities. A classic family outing in Plano.
🌱 Dallas VegFest @ Kiest Park (Sun) — A free festival mixing food, fitness, and wellness—family-friendly with a focus on healthy living.
DFW Events by Day: Tap the Map
🏡 House of the Weekend — Plano cul-de-sac charmer
1033 Filmore Dr, Plano, TX 75025
If your weekend mood is “big yard, low drama,” this one nails it. One-story, vaulted living room with a cozy fireplace, and a huge covered deck for lazy Sunday hangs. Fresh 2025 refresh (new floors, paint, granite, blinds, and more) means you’re moving in—not fixing up. No HOA, rear-entry gated garage, and tucked on a quiet cul-de-sac.
Why it’s a win:
Big ~⅓-acre lot at a starter-friendly price in Plano
Updates already done = fewer surprise costs
Lock the door and go—perfect for weekend explorers
Heads-up: built in the ’80s, so still do your due diligence (roof/foundation/HVAC ages), and check the specific school feeders if that matters to you.
🛍️ Local Biz Spotlight: Truck Yard (Lower Greenville)
Truck Yard (Lower Greenville)
If your perfect weekend = sunshine + live music + easy eats, Truck Yard is the move. It’s a laid-back, dog-friendly beer garden with rotating food trucks, a kitschy treehouse bar, and live bands both Friday and Saturday. Think backyard party energy without the hassle.
Why locals love it
Live music all weekend (Friday 6–9pm; multiple sets Saturday).
Rotating food trucks → everyone in the group finds something.
Big patio, picnic tables, and that iconic treehouse for the best views.
Quick details
📍 5624 Sears St, Dallas (off Greenville Ave)
🕒 Afternoon → late (check music schedule before you go)
💡 Tip: arrive a bit before showtime to snag a picnic table; it’s family & dog friendly.
Link for readers: truckyard.com/dallas → “Live Music” (set times & updates).
🗳️ Community Poll
🏃♂️We’ll Negotiate This For You— Vote the Winner, I’ll Knock on Doors
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