City News Roundup

Donald Trump rally drops big surprises and more local news nuggets

The Fort Worth rally for Donald Trump dropped a couple of big ones.

The Dallas City Council studiously avoided making decisions on two big items this week, and Donald Trump was in town. Here's what happened in city news:

Exxxotica sues
Mayor Mike Rawlings and the seven city council members who voted to ban the Exxxotica convention from coming to Dallas got a second chance to save the city thousands of dollars. Exxxotica's lawyers offered the council a chance to reconsider the ban and not go to a lawsuit. "Exxxotica lawyer Roger Albright in the chamber like a predator stalking his weak and sick prey," tweeted council member Philip Kingston.

But the city council did not take them up on their offer. So Exxxotica filed a lawsuit. If Exxxotica doesn't get to do the event here, it will likely seek damages.

The seven council members who are potentially costing Dallas thousands in legal fees include Casey Thomas, Carolyn Arnold, Rickey Callahan, Tiffinni Young, Erik Wilson, Adam McGough, and Jennifer Staubach Gates. Don't be shy.

Whitewater punt
The city council bravely voted to do nothing for the time being about the Dallas Wave, the broken whitewater rafting feature in the Trinity River. If they don't do something, then the federal government may step in.

The city is working on a plan to get it fixed or removed by mid-2017.

Trinity lunch fest
Most politicians in Dallas were at the annual Trinity Commons luncheon on February 26. Mayor Mike Rawlings said that plans for the Trinity Parkway park can begin only after the road is finalized. That's supposed to happen in mid-March.

The process was supposed to be open to public input, but instead it has been shrouded in secrecy.

Trump was here
A rally held for Donald Trump in Fort Worth on February 26 was chock-a-block with big moments. Trump got an endorsement from Chris Christie. Creepy pastor Robert Jeffress showed up. So did some protesters.

If you missed it, it's on YouTube.

Tuesday vote
March 1 is voting day, which not only includes Super Tuesday action, but also elections for U.S. House districts and seats for the Texas Senate and House. In Dallas, Dwaine Caraway is running for Dallas County Commissioner. The League of Women Voters has an excellent summary with profiles of candidates for courts and railroad commissioner.

city-news-roundup

This Week's Hot Headlines

4 Dallas high schools graduate to America's best and more top stories

Dallas ISD The School for the Talented and Gifted

tagmagnet.dallasisd.org/

The School for the Talented and Gifted in Dallas ISD is the 9th best high school in the country, and the top high school in Texas.

Editor's note: School's back in session, and this week's top Dallas news puts four local high schools at the top of the class. Plus, the State Fair of Texas is gearing up for its big 2026 return. Read on for our most popular stories, then plan your weekend via this guide.

1. 4 Dallas high schools declared America's best for 2026 by U.S. News. The School for the Talented and Gifted is standing tall as one of the 10 best high schools in America, according to U.S. News and World Report. Three more DISD schools join it in the top 50 nationwide.

2. State Fair of Texas reveals 4 winners of 2026 Big Tex Choice Awards. After a lengthy session on August 18 involving about 30 celebrity judges — including one from CultureMap — the State Fair of Texas has officially unveiled the winners of its 22nd annual Big Tex Choice Awards.

Fletcher's Chocolate Corny Dog. Photo courtesy of State Fair of Texas

3. This hot Dallas suburb is No. 1 real estate market in America for 2026. When it comes to real estate, it doesn't get hotter than North Texas. Two popular Dallas neighbors rank Nos. 1 and 2 on a list of the best real estate markets in the U.S. for 2026, with two more Dallas suburbs in the top 10.

4. Dubai tea chain Filli Cafe steams into Carrollton for Dallas debut. An international tea house chain from Dubai has made its Dallas debut. Called Filli Cafe, it just opened softly in Carrollton at 1205 W. Trinity Mills Rd. #101.

5. State Fair of Texas lowers ticket prices and adds discounts for 2026. It will be cheaper to get into the State Fair of Texas this year. Admission and parking prices are being lowered for 2026, and kids will be able to get in for $10 every day, organizers have announced.