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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Dallas. Written by Tasha Tsiaperas and Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi.

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Democratic early voting turnout in Texas high

GOP turnout, meanwhile, is lower than in recent early voting periods.

News

Turnout during the 11 days of early voting in the Texas Democratic primary was higher than the Democratic turnout during the early voting period in recent midterm elections and outpaced Republican early turnout this year.Why it matters: The turnout points to high interest in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race at the top" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/texas-senate-talarico-crockett-race-identity" data-vars-content-id="fb2676c3-87b9-423a-be21-c856d9901fad" data-vars-headline="Democratic early voting turnout in Texas high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/texas-senate-talarico-crockett-race-identity" target="_self">race at the top</a> of the Democratic ballot: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas) vs. state Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) for U.S. Senate.

Dallas County DA loses reelection bid

Former state district judge Amber Givens will become the next DA.

A former state district judge is on track to become Dallas County&#x27;s next district attorney after pulling off an upset against incumbent John Creuzot.Why it matters: The district attorney is the county&#x27;s top prosecutor, often managing high-profile cases while overseeing hundreds of employees.

Death cafes growing in popularity in Dallas

There are now several death cafes and end-of-life planning parties every month across Dallas-Fort Worth.

More people are gathering with groups of strangers to share tea and cake and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="talk about dying" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/27/how-to-talk-grief" data-vars-content-id="2950fb19-2632-49a6-a456-f8a109d9f699" data-vars-headline="Death cafes growing in popularity in Dallas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/27/how-to-talk-grief" target="_self">talk about dying</a>.Why it matters: Death — and the grief that follows — is inevitable.

GOP candidates link Austin shooting to radical Islam

Republican primary candidates have called the weekend mass shooting in Austin an act of terror motivated by radical Islam.

Politics & Policy

Republican candidates in Tuesday&#x27;s primary have called the weekend mass shooting in Austin an act of terror motivated by radical Islam, even as the FBI has yet to draw conclusions.Why it matters: The statements issued by candidates at the top of the Republican ballot follow GOP efforts to target sharia law in Texas and label a prominent Muslim civil rights group as a terrorist organization.

McKinney National Airport eyes more international travel

The airport will open to commercial airlines in 2026.

Travel

An increasing number of private international flights are bypassing DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field and landing in McKinney instead.<ul><li>McKinney National Airport has opened its own U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility to process the planes and their private travelers.</li></ul>

More facial recognition at DFW Airport

DFW is one of 11 major U.S. airports to use the technology.

This summer is expected to be the busiest summer yet at U.S. airports, and DFW Airport is relying on facial recognition software to cut wait times for international arrivals.Why it matters: Customs and Border Patrol officials say the software will cut the time that travelers spend in screening after they arrive at DFW Airport from abroad.

Southwest bag fees go into effect

Starting Wednesday, Southwest will start operating a lot like other airlines.

The LUV airline will start operating a lot like other carriers next week, with checked bag fees and a new fare type with limitations.Why it matters: Southwest has prided itself on its &quot;bags fly free&quot; policy, flexible fares and open seating, but all of those perks are about to change.

Dallas airports need more art

DFW Airport plans to add about 12 new art pieces to Terminals C, E and F from 2026 to 2030.

Culture

DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field need more art to keep up with airports in other cities, like Detroit and Chicago. Driving the news: DFW Airport <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans to add" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dfwairport.com/explore/art/" data-vars-content-id="f8b9237b-62f8-4cda-be68-ba79a2ab0a7f" data-vars-headline="Dallas airports need more art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dfwairport.com/explore/art/" target="_blank">plans to add</a> about 12 new art pieces to Terminals C, E and F from 2026 to 2030.

American Airlines, DFW Airport plan $4B terminal

The terminal will have 31 gates and its own parking, baggage claims and security area.

DFW Airport&#x27;s sixth terminal will be almost double its originally planned size and will have only American Airlines flights, the airport announced Thursday.Why it matters: The airport, almost midway between Dallas and Fort Worth, has been critical to the population and business growth of the region.

Southwest and American report first-quarter losses amid economic uncertainty

Airlines are adjusting expectations amid tariffs and fewer international travelers to the U.S.

U.S. airlines projected 2025 to be a strong year but are now adjusting their expectations in response to economic uncertainty and President Trump&#x27;s tariffs.Why it matters: American, Southwest and Delta say they are being cautious amid lower-than-expected leisure and business bookings in the first quarter of 2025.

Spring break travel begins in North Texas

4.8 million travelers are expected to use DFW Airport during the 19-day spring break travel period.

If you&#x27;re flying, driving or cruising for spring break, patience and planning will be key.<ul><li>Almost <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="173 million" data-vars-click-url="https://abcnews.go.com/US/spring-break-travel-forecast/story?id=118888614" data-vars-content-id="d210cb9a-344b-4961-ae0e-13224a88e0ba" data-vars-headline="Spring break travel begins in North Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/spring-break-travel-forecast/story?id=118888614" target="_blank">173 million</a> Americans are expected to fly in March and April.</li></ul>

Texas is bigger in Japan

It's not just cultural crossover; economic ties between the two powerhouses are stronger than ever.

Food and Drink

From BBQ joints in Tokyo to &quot;Texas-style&quot; steakhouses and bars draped in Lone Star memorabilia, the Texas brand is thriving in Japan.Why it matters: It&#x27;s not just cultural crossover. Economic ties between the two powerhouses are stronger than ever, with billions of dollars in trade and a surge in direct travel connecting the two.

DFW Airport breaks ground on $1.6 billion terminal

The 15-gate terminal is slated to open in 2027.

Business

DFW Airport broke ground Tuesday on a 400,000-square-foot terminal with 15 gates.Why it matters: DFW Airport is on track to serve almost 90 million travelers this year and 100 million by 2028, CEO Sean Donohue said at the groundbreaking event.

CEOs for DFW Airport and Dallas Mavericks announce retirement

CEOs of both institutions announced their retirement.

The Dallas Mavericks and DFW Airport are about to enter a new era — both of their CEOs announced Tuesday that they will retire from their roles.Why it matters: Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall is the only Black female CEO in the history of the NBA.