📉Size of UNT deficit could mean cuts; Not all AA flight attendants unhappy; Cheers! FW wows ELLE magazine.

University of North Texas President Harrison Keller says the school is projecting a $45-million budget deficit, a $14-million increase from previous projections, driven by a sharp drop in international post-graduate student enrollments. He called the deficit structural and not temporary, indicating budget cuts were to come. 

American Airlines flight attendants have a no-confidence vote for CEO Robert Isom, but its Charlotte regional flight attendants with PSA reached a tentative contract agreement. The three-year agreement provides a 30-to-50% increase in compensation. It includes an immediate 10% wage increase, boarding pay that boosts compensation by an average of 15-to-16%, retro pay, additional wage scale raises, scheduling improvements, increased flexibility and other improvements. 

Colleyville City Council approved an advanced funding agreement with the Texas Department of Education to help pay for the first phase of re-construction of Cheek-Sparger Road. The project is to turn the road into a two-lane undivided road and add turn lanes, sidewalks and shared-use paths from Bedford Road to Heritage Avenue. Additionally, a traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Martin Parkway and Cheek-Sparger Road.

Germany is considering ordering more than 35 additional F-35 fighter jets, made by Lockheed Martin, an $80-million move that would deepen Germany's reliance on U.S. military technology as its joint next-generation fighter program with France falters.

ELLE magazine writer Laura Tarafa says with more than 11.5 million visitors to Fort Worth in 2024, it’s clear she is "not the only one captivated by its charm. From a museum scene that rivals those of major cultural capitals to world-class shopping and dining, Fort Worth manages to blend culture and character everywhere you turn." Take a read.

The University of Texas Regents said funding has been secured for the first building of the UTA West Campus in Parker County. 

Fort Worth-based Brazos Midstream commissioned Sundance II, a 300-million cubic feet per day cryogenic natural gas processing facility and the largest cryogenic plant constructed by the company. It also announced that it has initiated construction on Cassidy 1 located in Glasscock County, Tx, which is a 300 MMcf/d cryogenic natural gas processing facility due for completion during 2026.

Dos Mambo Taxi por favor! Tex-Mex chain Mi Cocina will open a location at Dallas Love Field in a space that was previously a Cool River restaurant. Renovation will start in June at an approximate cost of $850,000 with completion estimated for August 1.

TCU Athletic Director Mike Buddie confirmed to several media outlets that the school is working on a contract extension beyond 2028 for head football coach Sonny Dykes. Reports are Dykes made more than $7 million during 2025. 

Two of the six athletes chosen to represent the U.S. at the 2026 International Bowling Federation Para Bowling World Championships are from north Texas. Competing May 1-9 at Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl, Siam Paragon, in Bangkok, Thailand, are Shawn Beam of Burleson and Gina Jenkins of Bedford. 

The Texas Attorney General's office filed a lawsuit against Sanofi-Aventis U.S. for allegedly providing illegal kickbacks to providers to incentivize them to prescribe Sanofi’s drugs. Sanofi makes drugs that treat diabetes, multiple sclerosis, auto-immune disorders, and hemophilia, among others. The suit says it created a “Free Nurse Program” and “Support Services Program”—services that constituted in-kind remuneration to providers in violation of the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act.

A MESSAGE FROM BURT LADNER REAL ESTATE:

This 4-bedroom 3-bath home at 6706 Meadows West Drive S (76132) has one of the neighborhood’s best floorplans. Features include wood parquet floors, custom window treatments, plantation shutters, and great lighting. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, custom cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, a breakfast room, double ovens, and a warming drawer. A landscaped yard, pool, outdoor living area with fireplace and grill are ideal for family gatherings and entertaining. Offered for $815,000 by Kelly Edmundson.

Tarrant County College has been named All-Star College of the Year by Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. The college was cited for delivering employer-driven education and training that strengthens the regional workforce and addresses critical skills gaps.

The Texas Historical Commission added Historic Handley, one of Fort Worth’s 12 revitalization target areas, into its First Street initiative. The one-year program provides free educational and networking opportunities for urban neighborhoods and downtown districts interested in community revitalization, and who view historic preservation as a priority. Handley is the 24th community to participate in Texas. 

City Pickle USA opened a 35,000-square-foot athletic facility on 3.3 acres at 8600 N. City Drive in north Fort Worth. The facility features 16 courts, a gym, full-service bar, pro shop and dedicated wellness spaces, including a sauna, cold plunge and a red-light therapy room. 

Daily digit: 74% = Number of chief information officers who said their role is at risk if AI does not deliver measurable gains within the next two years, according to a Harris Poll survey.

Snippets:

• Taylor Sheridan’s show Lioness was filming this week in downtown Fort Worth at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse.

• Beginning March 16, Contour Airlines will offer non-stop service from South Arkansas Regional Airport in El Dorado to Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport.

• These Tarrant County College and UT-Arlington filmmakers will make their "Deadline" despite starts/stops of takes because of overhead plane noise.

• Believe it or not: A loose dog almost placed at an Olympics event.

Announcements:

• Printed Threads: Promotes Alan Brown to Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

• Topgolf: Hires David McKillips as CEO. He had been at CEC Entertainment.

• Texas Health Resources: Hires Brian Asmussen as Vice President of Development & Growth.

• Lone Wolf Technologies: Names Matt Fischer CEO. He succeeds Jimmy Kelly, who will remain in an advisory capacity during the transition.

• Lockheed Martin: Promotes Sterling Collis to Manager, HR Business Partner. 

• Red Productions: Adds Samuel Wumbee as Social Content Coordinator.

• UMB Bank: Adds Andrew Minnis to its Banker Development Program.

• Fifth Third Bank: Names Brian Enzler Region President.

• KERA: Hires Rachel Pinnell as Events Coordinator. 

• Loomis Agency: Hires Chelsea Brunson as Senior Art Director.

• Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber: Awards Ebony Jones of E-Squares its Chairman’s Award. 

• Tarleton State: Names Dr. Myoung-gwi Ryou the Dean of the College of Health and Clinical Professions.

• Hillwood Communities: Names GP Mehaffey Assistant Project Manager.

• Central Storehouse: Adds Jeffrey Casanova to its Advisory Board. 

• Morehouse College: Hires former Texas Wesleyan head coach Brad Sherrod as its head football coach. 

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