Collin County's growth has sparked road construction projects aimed at relieving traffic congestion and giving drivers more commute options.

Driving the news: The North Texas Tollway Authority recently approved a 6-mile expansion for the Dallas North Tollway through Prosper and Celina.

Why it matters: The tollway's expansion is a byproduct of the Dallas-Fort Worth region's growth to areas that were once considered the boonies.

Details: Construction is scheduled to begin this spring to extend DNT from U.S. 380 to FM 428 by adding three main lanes in each direction.

• The project is estimated to cost $460 million, per NTTA.
• NTTA officials say they hope to open the new lanes by the end of 2027.

What they're saying: "History has shown, where NTTA roads go, economic development and prosperity soon follow," NTTA assistant executive director of infrastructure Elizabeth Mow said in a statement.

Meanwhile: The tollway authority is also widening DNT between Sam Rayburn Tollway and U.S. 380 in Frisco to accommodate growth in Collin and Denton counties.

• The project includes reconstructing the intersection and bridge over Fields Parkway, near the site of the future Universal Kids Resort.
• Plus, the Texas Department of Transportation plans to widen U.S. 380 through Collin County.

Yes, but: Tolls are costly, and the northern parts of North Texas have a lot of them — including the Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike, Sam Rayburn Tollway and the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge.

• It costs more than $7 to drive the length of the DNT from Dallas to Frisco with a tolltag. It's double without.

The bottom line: NTTA says it collects tolls to repay debt and to operate and maintain roadways because its tollways aren't part of the state highway system and don't get direct tax funding.

WeWork has shuttered two of its coworking spaces in Dallas-Fort Worth in the wake of filing for bankruptcy protection late last year.

Driving the news: The company filed a motion in late December to reject leases in Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco and Toronto.

• If approved, WeWork will have cut 81 leases through bankruptcy, per Bisnow.

Why it matters: WeWork was once valued at nearly $50 billion, but its market cap dropped below $30 million after filing for bankruptcy.

• Its stock price has plummeted.

Zoom in: The company bought Dallas-based Common Desk in January 2022 as part of its "cost-efficient, strategic growth."

• WeWork is now seeking to reject leases it took over from Common Desk for two sites in Deep Ellum and Oak Cliff.

Flashback: The company filed to reject its lease on a building on Hall Street at Ross Avenue in December, as part of a move to shed leases nationwide and in Canada.

• The lease was for the site of Fiction Coffee, a Common Desk product. The shop closed Dec. 8 but said there were plans to offer coffee at coworking spaces soon.

Go deeper: The rise and fall of WeWork

🎨 The world is a canvas. Visit the Dallas Museum of Art for this month's free first Sunday. All visitors get into the exhibitions at no cost. A docent will also lead a tour of the museum's collections from 2-3pm.

• 11am-5pm Sunday at 1717 North Harwood St.

🏀 Cheer for the Mavs. The Dallas Mavericks play home games against the Portland Trail Blazers and then the Minnesota Timberwolves this weekend.

• 7:30pm Friday and 6:30pm Sunday at the American Airlines Center.

🏒 See stars. The Dallas Stars play at home tonight and Saturday, first against the Colorado Avalanche and then the Nashville Predators.

• 7pm both days at the American Airlines Center.

🎶 "When I was a young boy." The Emo Night Tour stops in Dallas to play every millennial's favorite sad rock song.

• 8pm Friday at Trees in Deep Ellum. Tickets: $16.

🌳 Fort Worth city leaders want to add a 6-foot sidewalk along University Drive to make Trinity Park and the Botanic Garden more walkable. The proposal calls for taking five acres from the park and garden and cutting down 11 trees. (Star-Telegram)

🏛 A former justice of the peace is requesting a new death penalty trial in the 2013 killings of the Kaufman County district attorney, his wife and a top prosecutor. (WFAA)

⚖️ A federal appeals court ruled this week that Texas can prohibit emergency abortions despite the Biden administration arguing that federal guidance trumps state laws. (Axios)

🚒 A historic Fort Worth house was badly damaged in a fire. The colonial-style building, known as "The White House," was built in 1909. (NBC5)

✍️ A Dallas County clerk was indicted on forgery charges in connection with faking a hearing notice that led to the eviction of a single mother. (Dallas Observer)

💼 Check out who's hiring on our Job Board.

1. Associate Director, Campaign Development at Sirius XM.
2. Communications Manager at Baylor Scott and White Health.
3. Connections Strategy Director at TRG.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Use code FIRST50 for $50 off your first job post.

Sip Mexican coffee and munch on filling brunch at this Oak Cliff cafe.

• It may also be the site of our favorite bar.

Details: The coffee shop feels spacious and is filled with natural light. It's a perfect spot for dining or meeting a friend for an afternoon pick-me-up.

• We highly recommend taking the time to actually sit and enjoy your order.

What to order: Xáman Horchata, served with a side of espresso.

• Plus, molletes — baguette, black bean spread, melted cheese and steak. Served with a side of salsa.

Where: Xáman Café, 334 Jefferson Blvd.

Cost: $7 for the horchata. $16 for steak molletes.

Six-word review: Fresh ingredients, tasty breakfast, great atmosphere.

😋 Have a favorite coffee or tea shop we should try? Hit reply and let us know.