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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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New 300-acre park coming to Dallas

A private donor helped make Big Cedar Wilderness Park a possibility.

News

Wildlife shelters, a rain garden, bird observatory and bike repair area could be coming to a 300-acre green space in southwest Dallas, but the final design will depend on the public&#x27;s preferences.Driving the news: The Trust for Public Land is asking North Texans to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="help decide" data-vars-click-url="https://tpltx.mysocialpinpoint.com/big-cedar-wilderness/big-cedar-wilderness-community-survey-2" data-vars-content-id="6c84ab7d-0629-42f3-b3ae-00ffe36410dc" data-vars-headline="New 300-acre park coming to Dallas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tpltx.mysocialpinpoint.com/big-cedar-wilderness/big-cedar-wilderness-community-survey-2" target="_blank">help decide</a> the amenities and final design for Big Cedar Wilderness Park.

Dallas, Fort Worth work to break ties with César Chávez

Chávez's legacy is being reassessed after recent allegations that he sexually abused women and girls as young as 12.

Politics

For decades, schools, roads and history books have honored the late César Chávez&#x27;s contributions to the labor rights movement.<ul><li>Now, public officials are trying to remove his name from everything.</li></ul>Why it matters: Chávez, who died in 1993, has long stood as a central symbol of Mexican American identity and labor activism.<ul><li>His legacy is being reassessed after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent allegations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-dolores-huerta" data-vars-content-id="a8321656-dc9a-4d9e-88f6-3b9bf3e7056c" data-vars-headline="Dallas, Fort Worth work to break ties with César Chávez" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-dolores-huerta" target="_self">recent allegations</a> from Dolores Huerta and others that he sexually abused women and girls as young as 12.</li></ul>

What Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners do for a living

Homeownership rates have grown for service workers, health care workers and real estate employees in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Real Estate

Business and tech professionals are the most likely to own a home in Dallas-Fort Worth but their rate of ownership has dropped in a decade, according to a real estate analysis shared exclusively with Axios.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="occupations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/ai-job-risk-tool-betting-odds-predictions" data-vars-content-id="5b8eae97-1bf4-491a-9f1f-409522727f06" data-vars-headline="What Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/ai-job-risk-tool-betting-odds-predictions" target="_self">occupations</a> with the highest homeownership rates in North Texas mirror national trends, per the National Association of Realtors analysis of Census Bureau data.

Texas cuts candy and soda from SNAP benefits

"Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement.

Texans receiving SNAP benefits will no longer be able to buy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most sweetened beverages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hhs.texas.gov/news/2026/03/new-snap-purchase-restrictions-take-effect-april-1" data-vars-content-id="e4631e7d-c131-49d2-9fb4-7449c08fc1b4" data-vars-headline="Texas cuts candy and soda from SNAP benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hhs.texas.gov/news/2026/03/new-snap-purchase-restrictions-take-effect-april-1" target="_blank">most sweetened beverages</a> and candy with the money starting Wednesday.Why it matters: The changes apply to all 3.3 million Texans who have SNAP benefits, sometimes known as food stamps, and are intended to encourage healthier eating.

Dallas leaders are conflicted over City Hall's future

Repair costs could run as high as $1 billion, per the latest estimate.

Dallas City Council members have met in the same building for 48 years, but their time in the aging edifice might be drawing to a close amid a push to relocate City Hall.Why it matters: Dallas City Hall, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/11/21/dallas-city-hall-im-pei" data-vars-content-id="5009230c-e647-448d-b4d0-108790b99a94" data-vars-headline="Dallas leaders are conflicted over City Hall&#x27;s future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/11/21/dallas-city-hall-im-pei" target="_self">designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei</a>, symbolizes the city&#x27;s efforts to change its public image from the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City of Hate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2023/11/22/jfk-assassination-oswald-economy-racism" data-vars-content-id="5009230c-e647-448d-b4d0-108790b99a94" data-vars-headline="Dallas leaders are conflicted over City Hall&#x27;s future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2023/11/22/jfk-assassination-oswald-economy-racism" target="_self">City of Hate</a>&quot; after President John F. Kennedy&#x27;s 1963 assassination to a city of growth and promise.

Colin Allred and Julie Johnson are headed to a runoff in Democratic primary

They are running in the redrawn Dallas-area 33rd District.

Politics & Policy

Former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson are headed for a runoff in the Democratic primary for a redrawn North Texas seat.Why it matters: Democrats were left fighting for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fewer congressional seats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/12/04/supreme-court-rules-texas-gop-redistricting-map" data-vars-content-id="af388de6-91c5-4257-8f01-3d389344cd58" data-vars-headline="Colin Allred and Julie Johnson are headed to a runoff in Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/12/04/supreme-court-rules-texas-gop-redistricting-map" target="_self">fewer congressional seats</a> in Texas after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Texas to use an election map giving Republicans five more GOP-leaning seats.

Democratic early voting turnout in Texas high

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

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.

Crockett leads Talarico in Democratic Senate primary, per new poll

On the Republican side, Paxton and Cornyn lead Hunt, but no candidate has enough support to avoid a runoff.

U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jasmine Crockett" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/jasmine-crockett-texas-senate-2026-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="b7fff818-df4e-41be-a57b-c7677c64d750" data-vars-headline="Crockett leads Talarico in Democratic Senate primary, per new poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/jasmine-crockett-texas-senate-2026-democratic-primary" target="_self">Jasmine Crockett</a> (D-Dallas) leads state Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/11/talarico-crockett-us-senate-texas-advertising" data-vars-content-id="b7fff818-df4e-41be-a57b-c7677c64d750" data-vars-headline="Crockett leads Talarico in Democratic Senate primary, per new poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/11/talarico-crockett-us-senate-texas-advertising" target="_self">James Talarico</a> (D-Austin) for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, according to a small survey of 350 registered voters taken before Talarico&#x27;s viral interview with late-night host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stephen Colbert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/colbert-cbs-talarico-interview-fcc-trump-carr" data-vars-content-id="b7fff818-df4e-41be-a57b-c7677c64d750" data-vars-headline="Crockett leads Talarico in Democratic Senate primary, per new poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/colbert-cbs-talarico-interview-fcc-trump-carr" target="_self">Stephen Colbert</a>. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/texas-senate-talarico-crockett-race-identity" data-vars-content-id="b7fff818-df4e-41be-a57b-c7677c64d750" data-vars-headline="Crockett leads Talarico in Democratic Senate primary, per new poll" 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">Democratic race</a> features two rising stars in the party with contrasting styles and messages. The winner will set the tone for the party in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas midterm election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/24/texas-democrat-primary-turnout-high" data-vars-content-id="b7fff818-df4e-41be-a57b-c7677c64d750" data-vars-headline="Crockett leads Talarico in Democratic Senate primary, per new poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/24/texas-democrat-primary-turnout-high" target="_self">Texas midterm election</a> with nearly every statewide office on the ballot.

Local officials oppose proposed ICE facility in Hutchins

"We will continue to work to see if we can turn this train to go another direction," Hutchins Mayor Mario Vasquez said.

Immigration

Local officials and residents are pushing back on the possibility of a new ICE detention center in Hutchins.Why it matters: ICE&#x27;s detention population has nearly doubled over the past year, and the agency is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="experiencing a bottleneck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/01/ice-detention-centers-jails-noem-trump" data-vars-content-id="de5eb77f-25f4-4c11-a53c-be10535ba907" data-vars-headline="Local officials oppose proposed ICE facility in Hutchins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/01/ice-detention-centers-jails-noem-trump" target="_self">experiencing a bottleneck</a> on mass deportations.

Crockett, Talarico go head to head — by largely agreeing

Crockett and Talarico are vying for the seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn, who faces his own competitive primary.

U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jasmine Crockett" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/jasmine-crockett-texas-senate-2026-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="2c951340-b3a7-42d6-b642-d718ec1eaaaf" data-vars-headline="Crockett, Talarico go head to head — by largely agreeing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/jasmine-crockett-texas-senate-2026-democratic-primary" target="_self">Jasmine Crockett</a> and state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" data-vars-content-id="2c951340-b3a7-42d6-b642-d718ec1eaaaf" data-vars-headline="Crockett, Talarico go head to head — by largely agreeing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" target="_self">Rep. James Talarico</a> consistently agree on one thing in their bid for U.S. Senate: a Democrat needs to flip the seat in Texas.Why it matters: A Democrat hasn&#x27;t won a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statewide election in Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/09/05/texas-republican-party-dominance" data-vars-content-id="2c951340-b3a7-42d6-b642-d718ec1eaaaf" data-vars-headline="Crockett, Talarico go head to head — by largely agreeing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/09/05/texas-republican-party-dominance" target="_self">statewide election in Texas</a> since 1994, and Texans haven&#x27;t sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988.

International student enrollment drops at some Texas universities

UT Arlington saw a 20% drop in international student enrollment from fall 2024 to 2025.

Some public universities in Texas are seeing declines in international student enrollment amid the Trump administration&#x27;s attempts to overhaul <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/trump-benefits-public-government-charge-visa-medicaid-immigration" data-vars-content-id="42a4024b-75de-485b-aad7-15232fc197a7" data-vars-headline="International student enrollment drops at some Texas universities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/trump-benefits-public-government-charge-visa-medicaid-immigration" target="_self">immigration</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student visa process" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/trump-admin-overhaul-student-visas" data-vars-content-id="42a4024b-75de-485b-aad7-15232fc197a7" data-vars-headline="International student enrollment drops at some Texas universities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/trump-admin-overhaul-student-visas" target="_self">student visa process</a>.Why it matters: International students contributed about $55 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snapshot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iie.org/research-initiatives/fall-international-enrollments-snapshot-reports/" data-vars-content-id="42a4024b-75de-485b-aad7-15232fc197a7" data-vars-headline="International student enrollment drops at some Texas universities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iie.org/research-initiatives/fall-international-enrollments-snapshot-reports/" target="_blank">snapshot</a> by the Independent Institute of Education and 10 higher education associations.

Texans approve constitutional amendments for tax breaks, water investments

Several amendments will also reduce property taxes for some groups.

Election

Texas voters on Tuesday approved all <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="17 constitutional amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/10/14/texas-constitutional-amendments-election" data-vars-content-id="ea7dc259-9cb7-4ceb-ab80-c345c49fcbac" data-vars-headline="Texans approve constitutional amendments for tax breaks, water investments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/10/14/texas-constitutional-amendments-election" target="_self">17 constitutional amendments</a> on the ballot addressing property taxes, the state&#x27;s water supply, dementia research and other issues.The big picture: The updates to the Texas Constitution range from enshrining <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parental rights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/04/26/texas-house-tentatively-oks-parental-consent-for-social-media" data-vars-content-id="ea7dc259-9cb7-4ceb-ab80-c345c49fcbac" data-vars-headline="Texans approve constitutional amendments for tax breaks, water investments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/04/26/texas-house-tentatively-oks-parental-consent-for-social-media" target="_self">parental rights</a> to prohibiting capital gains and inheritance taxes.

Dallas council members to discuss police joining ICE program

Dallas residents will have an opportunity Thursday to comment on police officers joining federal deportation efforts.

Dallas is not participating in a Department of Homeland Security <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/dhs-salary-ice-law-enforcement-trump" data-vars-content-id="a7cb5408-c972-4b7c-b874-081e602f2b13" data-vars-headline="Dallas council members to discuss police joining ICE program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/dhs-salary-ice-law-enforcement-trump" target="_self">program</a> that would pay the salaries of police officers helping with mass deportations, but the mayor wants the police chief to explain why it isn&#x27;t.Why it matters: The program is funneling local law enforcement into President Trump&#x27;s federal deportation plan to remove <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;millions&quot; of immigrants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/15/trump-strategy-deport-legal-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="a7cb5408-c972-4b7c-b874-081e602f2b13" data-vars-headline="Dallas council members to discuss police joining ICE program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/15/trump-strategy-deport-legal-immigrants" target="_self">&quot;millions&quot; of immigrants</a>.

Politics 🇺🇸

Dallas, Fort Worth work to break ties with César Chávez

Dallas leaders are conflicted over City Hall's future

James Talarico's Austin church beefs up security

Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy

Vance to headline two RNC fundraisers in Texas