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Production companies may get more money in Texas, after all
Texas lawmakers didn't overhaul the state's incentives for filming this legislative session, but they did significantly expand the program's funding in the 2024-2025 budget.Driving the news: The spending plan, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbott's approval, includes $200 million in funding for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) — a big upgrade from the current budget's $45 million.The big picture: Some iconic TV shows and movies, like "Friday Night Lights" and "Dazed and Confused," have been filmed in Texas, but many that are set in Texas are actually filmed elsewhere.Advocates for more funding say the pending budget increase will...
Dallas skyscraper heights fall behind Houston, Austin
For decades, Dallas had the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Now, all of its skyscrapers combined don't even make it the tallest city in Texas.Driving the news: Combined, Dallas' skyscrapers measure 22,000 feet — falling behind the combined heights of skyscrapers in both Houston and Austin, according to a new study by Texas Real Estate Source.Why it matters: Dallas boasted the tallest building in Texas — and west of the Mississippi — first in 1909 with the Praetorian Building. Then several other Dallas buildings held the distinction.But the city stopped growing upward in 1985, when the Bank of America...
Dallas skyscraper heights fall behind Houston, Austin
For decades, Dallas had the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Now, all of its skyscrapers combined don't even make it the tallest city in Texas.Driving the news: Combined, Dallas' skyscrapers measure 22,000 feet — falling behind the combined heights of skyscrapers in both Houston and Austin, according to a new study by Texas Real Estate Source.Why it matters: Dallas boasted the tallest building in Texas — and west of the Mississippi — first in 1909 with the Praetorian Building. Then several other Dallas buildings held the distinction.But the city stopped growing upward in 1985, when the Bank of America...
West Texas ghost town Lobo is for sale
Like old Westerns? Constantly planning what you might do in a zombie apocalypse? Dream of what you might do if you owned an entire city?The abandoned West Texas town of Lobo, close to the Mexico border, is up for sale.The intrigue: "Lobo, Texas, has gone through more transformations than Madonna," Texas Monthly says.The town was once a water source for steam locomotives, then a cotton farming hub — but its population never surpassed 100. By 1991, it was a ghost town.A group of friends from Germany bought Lobo in 2001 and have hosted many art, short film and music showcases...
Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick face off in Texas property tax battle
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said this week that the Texas Senate won't pass the property tax-relief bill supported by Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan, insisting that the House proposal doesn't cut taxes enough for most homeowners.Why it matters: After eight years in their respective offices, this is the first time the governor and lieutenant governor, both Republicans, have publicly disagreed on an issue, Patrick said at a press conference.The big picture: Abbott and Patrick both campaigned on the promise of using some of the state's $32.7 billion surplus to lower property taxes, but they differ on how...
Dallas golfer DeChambeau suggests 9/11 families forgive Saudis
Dallas golfer Bryson DeChambeau suggested that the families of 9/11 victims should move forward, "especially in forgiveness," during a CNN interview this week.DeChambeau was reportedly paid more than $125 million to join the LIV Golf tour, which is funded by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.Why it matters: 9/11 Families United, an organization comprising family members of 9/11 victims, has accused Saudi leaders of "sportswashing" — spending billions of dollars to "cleanse the Saudi reputation" after that country funded terrorism and "spread their vitriolic hatred of Americans."Driving the news: The PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed breakaway tour, agreed...
How Ron DeSantis has outshined Greg Abbott
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has become the de facto conservative culture war leader — ahead of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott — despite similar priorities and policies.Driving the news: DeSantis is on a three-day fundraising tour of Texas, with stops in Midland, Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston and Austin.Why it matters: Texas has long been considered the nation's flagship for conservative policies.Several books have been written about the subject.Yes, but: That's not the case anymore. As the 2024 presidential election nears, DeSantis has emerged as the leading Republican challenger to former President Donald Trump, positioning the Sunshine State as the place "where...
Texas snags many James Beard Awards nominations, only one win
Texas restaurants and bars ultimately didn't win any national James Beard Awards despite having the most finalists in the national categories of any state.Why it matters: The James Beard Foundation's Chef and Restaurant Awards are the Oscars of American cuisine, but the awards have long struggled with inclusivity and diversity of finalists and winners.The awards have historically recognized mostly white chefs in major cities, such as Los Angeles and New York City. The ceremony was on hiatus in 2020 and 2021 amid the pandemic and public scrutiny about the awards' practices.Details: Texas had eight finalists in national categories. California had...
Dallas could get $90M from DART for sidewalk and road projects
Dallas could receive $90 million from Dallas Area Rapid Transit's excess tax revenue to spend on key transportation projects in the city, including sidewalk and road improvements.Why it matters: The combination of increased tax revenue and federal COVID-19 relief money is giving many North Texas cities the funding to tackle long-delayed maintenance.State of play: Dallas is missing 2,000 miles of sidewalks, and about half of its current sidewalks need updating. And the city lacks adequate curb ramps to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.City officials say they need about $54 million to add the curb ramps. The city is...
The future of horse racing in Texas
A regulatory feud between state and federal agencies is threatening the future of thoroughbred racing in Texas.What's happening: The Texas Racing Commission, which has overseen Texas horse racetracks for more than 100 years, is clashing with the newly established federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority over who should regulate racing at the state's horse tracks.As a result, the TRC decided to halt almost all out-of-state simulcasts of horse races in Texas — including events at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie — dropping the amount bet on Texas races by more than 90%, per Play Texas.Dwight Berube, general manager of...
Even high rents are cheaper than buying in Dallas area
Data: Redfin; Chart: Alice Feng/AxiosAbout 79% of properties in Dallas-Fort Worth are cheaper to rent than buy, according to an analysis by Redfin.Context: The D-FW average is actually below the national average of 81% but well above Houston's average of 48%.Why it matters: Even as rents are rising and house prices are dropping, renting still remains cheaper for most locals.Details: The mortgage on a median-priced home in the Dallas area costs $3,076 a month. That same home would cost $2,682 a month to rent, according to the analysis.Redfin's calculations are based on a 5% down payment and a 6.5% interest...
Even high rents are cheaper than buying in Dallas area
Data: Redfin; Chart: Alice Feng/AxiosAbout 79% of properties in Dallas-Fort Worth are cheaper to rent than buy, according to an analysis by Redfin.Context: The D-FW average is actually below the national average of 81% but well above Houston's average of 48%.Why it matters: Even as rents are rising and house prices are dropping, renting still remains cheaper for most locals.Details: The mortgage on a median-priced home in the Dallas area costs $3,076 a month. That same home would cost $2,682 a month to rent, according to the analysis.Redfin's calculations are based on a 5% down payment and a 6.5% interest...
Push for more Texas film incentives flopped this legislative session
A push to entice more production companies to film their movies and shows in Texas didn't get much traction this legislative session, despite having the support of some very famous Texans.The big picture: Many movies and shows set in Texas aren't actually filmed here, in part because filming incentives in other states are more appealing to production companies.State of filming: Texas' Moving Image Industry Incentive Program receives funds set aside by the Legislature every two years..Production companies apply for the cash grants, which rely on limited state funds.The Texas Multimedia Production Program as set forth in House Bill 3600 or...
Why the Texas Rangers are incredible this year
Chart: Axios VisualsThe Rangers took the second spot in Axios' latest Major League Baseball power rankings after spending most of May on the road. Texas also has the second-best record in baseball right now.Driving the news: The Rangers are back in Arlington tonight for the beginning of a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.Then they face the St. Louis Cardinals at home on Monday.The big picture: Texas has the best offense in baseball, leading the majors in runs per game.Plus: They also have one of the best starting rotations in the league — something highly unfamiliar to longtime Rangers fans.Amazing...
Pride Month events around Dallas
Dallas Pride weekend begins tomorrow with an all-day music festival at Fair Park.Driving the news: June is Pride Month.Pride events are rooted in the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City after police raided a gay club, and bar patrons and others fought back.Here's what's happening…🎶 Dallas Pride Music Festival at Fair Park starts at 11am Saturday. Folk singer Allison Ponthier headlines. A fireworks show follows at 9pm.Tickets: $10 for adults. $5 for teens. Free for 12 and under.🛐 Carrollton Pride Day. Draw chalk art and visit food and art booths at this community-wide event hosted at Horizon Unitarian Universalist...
Dallas weddings have gotten more expensive
Note: 2019 data was unavailable for Denver, so 2018 estimates were used; Data: The Knot; Chart: Jared Whalen/AxiosInflation and high demand are driving up the price of weddings, as everything from music to flowers to makeup gets more expensive.In North Texas, the average cost of a wedding has increased about 14% since 2019.The big picture: Almost every aspect of planning, hosting and attending weddings is getting pricier, write Axios' Erica Pandey and Carly Mallenbaum.Zoom in: An average wedding in Dallas-Fort Worth cost $28,000 last year, per data from The Knot.Yes, but: The average cost here is still slightly lower than...
Allen outlet mall reopens after shooting
The blood stains have been washed away. The bullet holes have been patched. But the echoes of what happened here are still reverberating.Driving the news: The Allen Premium Outlets mall opened Wednesday for the first time since a mass shooting on May 6 left eight people dead and seven injured.What's happening: Hundreds of cars were parked in the sprawling lot not long after the barriers at the entrances were moved. Shoppers walked between stores with their hands full of bags. Moms pushed babies in strollers. A man played guitar outside a Starbucks.At first glance, it might've looked like a typical...
Winnie-the-Pooh teaches Dallas elementary kids about mass shootings
Dallas elementary school students were given free copies of a Winnie-the-Pooh book this month. But the book isn't about the delightful imaginary world of Pooh and his friends."Stay Safe," featuring an image of the beloved character on the cover, is about what to do during school shootings.Why it matters: The book, published by a Houston-based crisis management firm, concerned some parents, who weren't given a warning or context about it and weren't prepared to talk about such a serious topic with children as young as 5, according to the Oak Cliff Advocate. One parent called the book "haunting" and "tone...
Texas Legislature ends session without passing key Abbott priorities
The final gavel fell on the 2023 regular legislative session Monday — without a resolution on two of Gov. Greg Abbott's top priorities: creating a new border police force and a voucher-like education program.Yes, but: Lawmakers suspended chamber rules at the 11th hour to push through legislation addressing some of Abbott's other priorities, including bills aimed at shoring up the state's power grid and creating a new corporate tax incentive program.Lawmakers also passed a bill over the weekend banning diversity, equity and inclusion offices at public universities.The big picture: The Legislature didn't come to an agreement on a proposal that...
Dallas gas prices lower ahead of busy travel weekend
Data: GasBuddy; Note: Price as of the 1st of each month; Chart: Axios VisualsTexas has some of the lowest gas prices in the country — just in time for Memorial Day weekend road trippin'.Why it matters: During the holiday weekend, an estimated 42.3 million Americans are expected to travel — a 7% increase over last year, per AAA.It is projected to be the third busiest Memorial Day weekend of the past 20 years.AAA and others are predicting near-record travel this summer, which could spike demand and lead to higher gas prices in the warmer months.Between the lines: Though more people are...
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