🏆Texas tops in capital investments, renewable energy; Own a piece of Slurpees & Big Gulps; TCU women going to the dance.

Seven & i Holdings, the Japanese parent company of Irving-based 7-Eleven, announced plans to take its North American convenience store business public by late 2026 as part of a major corporate transformation that includes leadership changes and asset sales. Dallas Innovates has the story.

Sarah Cannizzo, a veterinarian at the Fort Worth Zoo, is one of only two zoo vets in Texas certified to conduct animal acupuncture in the state. USA Today has the profile.

Texas A&M's Board of Regents named Glenn Hegar as the next chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Hegar will have a mandatory 21-day waiting period before he succeeds John Sharp, 74, who announced his plans to retire in June. “Hegar (class of '93) grasps the unique breadth and depth of the System’s impact on every corner of Texas through its eight state agencies and 11 universities," said Board Chairman Bill Mahomes. "We, as members of the Board of Regents, are eager to see what he will accomplish.”

The University of Texas at Arlington again has earned R1 designation from the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education, signifying the highest level of research activity. The school is among just 187 institutions—4.7% nationwide—earning the R1 designation in 2025.

Tony Lama, a luxury cowboy boot and a division of Fort Worth-based Justin Brands, has introduced the Estancia Lace-Up Casual Shoe for men. It is available in three colors -- tan, chocolate and walnut. 

Tough day yesterday? University of Texas at Arlington sleep expert Christine Spadola explains how daylight saving time disrupts sleep and how to adjust.

Arlington surpassed its 30% target of awarding contracts to minority and women-owned businesses by 8% during fiscal year 2024. The city granted 134 contracts worth $161 million to local minority-owned and women-owned businesses. 

College athletics is in its big-money stage and the University of North Texas says it could be within days of having the dollars to expand its athletic center. UNT has raised more than $6 million of the $9-10 million it needs.

Avelo Airlines, headquartered in Houston, announced it is offering a direct route from Connecticut to D-FW International Airport. It already flies from Connecticut to Hobby in Houston. 

Playbill interviews Fort Worth native Major Attaway. Among other things, he discusses his most memorable Aladdin wardrobe malfunction during more than 1,500 performances on Broadway.

Congratulations to the TCU women's basketball team, which defeated Baylor, 64-59, to win the Big 12 tournament championship. TCU finished the regular season 31-3 and ranked 8th in the country. 

Site Selection magazine awarded its annual Governor’s Cup to Texas for the 13th consecutive year for the most capital investment projects. The state had nearly 1,400 qualified projects underway in 2024. Site Selection counts private-sector projects with a minimum of $1 million in investment that create 20 or more jobs or new construction of 20,000 or more square feet.

The Department of Homeland Security is ending the collective bargaining agreement with the tens of thousands of frontline employees at the Transportation Security Administration. Read more.

Significant stat: Despite its oil-rich reputation, Texas leads the nation in renewable energy, generating nearly double its next closest state in wind and solar. U.S. data shows renewables power 22% of the country's grid, while coal has fallen to 15%. Texas’ secret? A competitive electricity market that drives renewable investments.

Snippets:

• Dallas-born On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has filed for bankruptcy protection.  

• Drones are watching us. Who is watching the drones? 

• Tomorrow is National 311 Day. It’s the number to call the city for non-emergencies and residents to report issues, find out about city services, and ask questions.

Announcements:

• 3Hearts Compression: Hires Scot J. Dubé as CEO.

• Fort Worth: Deputy City Manager Mark McDaniel retires after 40 years with the city. 

• North Texas Community Foundation: Selects Decker Jones attorney Janet Hahn as Professional Advisor of the Year. 

• University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth: Names Dimitrios Karamichos, Ph.D., Vice President of research and graduate studies. He will continue as Executive Director and endowed chair of the North Texas Eye Research Institute at UNTHSC, and a faculty member in the university’s College of Pharmacy and College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences.

• Arlington Police Department: Among many honors, names Jesse Lathrop Detective of the Year, and Colin Radford Investigative & Tactical Officer of the Year. 

• Prism Health North Texas: Adds Larry Martin as Chief Operating Officer and William Anthony Hays as Chief Medical Officer.

• Goodwill North Central Texas: Promotes Jenna Jones to Director of Procurement.

• Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce: Announces member awards: Trailblazer Award to  Lachelle Goodrich of CHAMP Mobile Mental Health Services; Fort Worth Historian Award to Jarred Howard of the National Juneteenth Museum; Business of the year to Jaie Houston of West Jax Cigar Lounge; the Chair Award to Fort Worth Mayor Pro Tem Gyna Bivens; Special Service Award to Tiffany Myles; and Chamber Legend Award to Chamber Board Chair Sharon Douglas.

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