Dallas, TX

Winter storm wallops Dallas workers unable to earn during icy weather

Published

1 month ago

January 30, 2026

Winter storm wallops Dallas workers unable to earn during icy weather

Over the next two weeks, Andrea Paz will have to use her imagination to make the most of the food she has in her pantry so she doesn’t have to buy anything at the supermarket.

It’s not because she doesn’t want to, but she lost four days of work due to the winter storm. Her pay will be reduced by almost $400, which represents two weeks’ worth of groceries for her and her two children.

“The rent is coming up and we have to pay all the bills; those payments can’t wait,” Paz told The Dallas Morning News. “We’re going to have to save as much as we can on food to recover.”

Paz works at a dry cleaner in North Dallas. The business closed on Friday afternoon, Jan. 23, and did not reopen until noon on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Those lost days represent almost half of her biweekly income.

“We still don’t know exactly how we’re going to do it,” Paz said, “but we’re going to have to figure out how to save money.”

The recent winter storm paralyzed North Texas for about four days, leaving thousands of workers without income. Some businesses and school districts remained closed on Thursday, Jan. 29 — six days.

This left thousands of hourly workers helpless, wondering how they would recover the money they lost to pay their rent and utilities, many of which are due on Sunday, Feb. 1.

Dietrich Henderson, a mechanic who also works delivering Amazon packages from his own car, is in almost the same situation as Paz.

During the winter storm and the days after, Dietrich Henderson was unable to work on his two... — During the winter storm and the days after, Dietrich Henderson was unable to work on his two jobs, as a mobile mechanic and as a flex Amazon driver.
Imelda García / Staff writer

Henderson has a mobile mechanic business, and during the winter storm, he was unable to go to work due to road conditions. He was also unable to deliver Amazon packages for the same reason.

“Between the two jobs, I lost about $2,000 in five days,” he told The News. “I’m going to have to work harder in February to make up for it.”

Henderson had a little more work in December, which allowed him to save some money that he will now use to pay February’s rent, but he will still have to figure out how to earn more income to pay for food and expenses for his family, which includes three children.

Charles Johnson has been an Uber driver for almost a year, and during the winter storm, he chose not to go to work so as not to put himself or his car at risk.

“I don’t think it was worth having an accident that would end up being more expensive,” Johnson told The News.

He estimates he lost about $800 in the four days he was unable to work, leaving him without vital income to pay next month’s rent.

“The good thing is that my apartment allows me to pay by credit card, so I’ll have to use that,” Johnson said. “I don’t want to be evicted for not paying my rent.”

A weather event like this week’s hits hourly workers directly in the pocketbook.

According to the Federal Reserve’s Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households 2024-2025, 37% of households in the country cannot pay a $400 emergency expense in cash.

Óscar Reyes works in construction and has not been to work since Friday, Jan. 23. Although he always tries to maintain a savings fund to cover emergencies or days when he cannot work, being out of work for almost a week throws his finances off balance.

“I have my family in Mexico and I always send them money, and if the money doesn’t arrive, well, I have to figure out how to make sure I don’t miss that commitment,” Reyes said.

On Thursday, he was told he couldn’t go to work because the site where they are building is still thawing, and he is not sure if he will be able to return this Friday.

“I’m not too worried because my expenses are covered,” he said, “but I have many coworkers who have been hit hard, and I’ve even had to lend money to some of them to pay their rent.”

Luis Arredondo returned to work on the streets of Dallas after spending the first few days... — Luis Arredondo returned to work on the streets of Dallas after spending the first few days of this week working from home.
Imelda García / Staff writer

Luis Arredondo went back to work on the streets on Thursday. Although he did not lose his income because he works for the City of Dallas, Arredondo said he always tries to be prepared in case something happens that leaves him without income.

“With this weather, you never know,” Arredondo said. “But thank God they had me taking some courses these days, and they are going to pay me.”

Equipped with a hammer and a bucket to remove water from the manholes, Arredondo checks the water meters to determine each home’s consumption and always treads carefully to avoid slipping on the ice.

“I started this job in October, and before that, I really struggled because I couldn’t work in the ice and had to find money to make ends meet,” Arredondo said. “But now I feel blessed because I’m going to get my full paycheck.”

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Dallas, TX

Public frustration grows as Dallas leaders debate billion‑dollar City Hall fix or relocation

Published

9 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Public frustration grows as Dallas leaders debate billion‑dollar City Hall fix or relocation

Dallas City Council members spent the day hearing hours of public criticism as they weigh whether to spend roughly $1 billion to repair the aging, 50‑year‑old City Hall or pursue a plan to move out entirely. The meeting grew tense as residents voiced mistrust over the council’s motives, prompting members to suspend normal rules and allow anyone in the chamber to speak. Speakers questioned whether the push to relocate serves the public or private developers, while city staff prepared to present cost and feasibility details during what is expected to be a long evening session.

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Dallas, TX

Hip-hop hitmaker Cardi B coming to AAC in Dallas

Published

21 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Hip-hop hitmaker Cardi B coming to AAC in Dallas

Cardi B, one of hip-hop’s most outsize personalities — and one of its most reliable hitmakers — is coming to Dallas.

The New York City-born rapper broke through in 2017 with the hit single “Bodak Yellow,” launching a chart-topping run that soon included “I Like It” and the blockbuster hit “WAP.” Her Grammy-winning debut album, Invasion of Privacy, cemented her as a defining voice in contemporary rap, blending brash humor, confessional storytelling and club-ready production.

The 33-year-old’s success helped boost the profile of women in a genre long dominated by men, encouraging record labels to sign more female rappers. She has frequently teamed up with rising female artists, including GloRilla, FendiDa Rappa and “WAP” collaborator Megan Thee Stallion.

Cardi’s stop at American Airlines Center is part of the arena run supporting her second studio album, 2025’s Am I the Drama? Recent shows in the “Little Miss Drama Tour” have leaned into spectacle, with elaborate staging, surprise guest appearances and a set list that spans her entire career.

Fans can expect a high-energy performance built around booming trap beats, pop hooks and Cardi’s signature unfiltered banter — the same mix that has helped her sell out dates across the tour and turn concerts into party-like events.

DETAILS: March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Tickets start at $334.10, but some verified resale tickets are cheaper. ticketmaster.com.

Pop legend Diana Ross performs March 7 at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma.

Sarah Hepola

OTHER CONCERTS

Bluesy psychedelic rock band All Them Witches performs March 7 at House of Blues Dallas.
Travis Pinson

ALL THEM WITCHES March 7 at 8 p.m. at House of Blues Dallas. ticketmaster.com.

DIANA ROSS March 7 at 8 p.m. at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla. winstar.com.

RICH BRIAN March 7 at 8 p.m. at The Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum. axs.com.

TRACE ADKINS March 7 at 10 p.m. at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. billybobstexas.com.

AFROJACK March 8 at 3 p.m. at It’ll Do Club in Deep Ellum. eventbrite.com.

LITHE March 8 at 8 p.m. at House of Blues Dallas. ticketmaster.com.

CONAN GRAY March 10 at 8 p.m. at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. ticketmaster.com.

MATISYAHU March 10 at 8 p.m. at the Granada Theater in Dallas. prekindle.com.

OUR LADY PEACE, WITH THE VERVE PIPE March 12 at 8 p.m. at Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall in Fort Worth. ticketmaster.com.

PAUL WALL March 12 at 9 p.m. and March 13 at 10 p.m. at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. billybobstexas.com.

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Dallas, TX

GOP candidates for Texas House face off in Collin County, Park Cities, North Dallas

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

GOP candidates for Texas House face off in Collin County, Park Cities, North Dallas

The fiercest legislative primary fights Tuesday in North Texas were inside the GOP.

In Dallas County, two moderate GOP incumbent representatives faced challengers after being censured by their own county party.

In Collin County, several Republican state House members were fending off rivals running to their right.

The Dallas Morning News will provide live election results this evening when the polls close at 7 p.m. Results will be updated throughout the evening for statewide races and Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall and Tarrant counties.

Dallas County, House District 108

Republican Morgan Meyer, first elected in 2014, was challenged by attorney Sanjay Narayan in a district that includes the Park Cities, Oak Lawn and Preston Hollow.

Narayan criticized Meyer for backing renewable energy expansion and for being censured by the Dallas GOP last year.

Meyer was among House Republicans targeted after disputes over the House speaker vote and chamber rules. He and other lawmakers called the censure effort unconstitutional.

In the campaign, Meyer focused on property tax relief and emergency preparedness after the Camp Mystic tragedy.

Small business owner Allison Mitchell is unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Dallas County, House District 112

Republican Angie Chen Button, who has represented the district covering parts of Dallas, Richardson and Garland since 2009, drew three primary opponents.

Button has highlighted her support for small businesses and public schools and her bipartisan record. A senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, she would play a key role in the state’s property tax debate if reelected.

Dallas-area delegation in the Texas House of Representatives on Sunday, May 30, 2021, showing State Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Garland, in the chamber.

Bob Daemmrich / Bob Daemmrich/CapitolPressPhoto

Opponents Chad Carnahan and Tina Price attacked Button for being censured by the Dallas GOP last year, a move she and other lawmakers have criticized as an internal party power struggle.

Carnahan, a businessman, said he wants to lower property taxes and prevent Shariah in Texas.

Price said she would improve public schools and spur the re-use of old buildings. Also in the GOP race: Perry E. Barker Sr.

Democrat Zach Herbert was unopposed.

Collin County, House District 61

Two Republicans are seeking to represent the district that covers most of McKinney and parts of Frisco and Celina.

Incumbent Keresa Richardson, who was elected in 2024, and former state Rep. Frederick Frazier both support eliminating property taxes.

Richardson, an entrepreneur, said she would expand the Texas voucher-like program for education.

Frazier, a former police officer and McKinney City Council member, was more cautious about expanding the program.

Frederick Frazier speaks as Rep. Keresa Richardson looks on during a candidate forum for... — Frederick Frazier speaks as Rep. Keresa Richardson looks on during a candidate forum for Republicans in Collin County ahead of the March primary election at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Anja Schlein / Special Contributor

Two political newcomers, Jackie Bescherer and Brittany Black, are running in the Democratic primary. Both oppose Texas’ voucher program and vow to increase public education funding.

Collin County, House District 67

Republican Rep. Jeff Leach, first elected in 2012, faces Matt Thorsen in a district that includes parts of Plano, Allen, McKinney and Melissa.

Leach has highlighted his conservative record, including legislation barring Shariah in Texas courts. He also served as a House impeachment manager during Attorney General Ken Paxton’s 2023 trial, a role he has defended amid backlash from activists.

Thorsen, a small business owner and former youth pastor, helped lead the effort to censure Leach last year. He has criticized Leach’s impeachment role and accused him of siding with Democrats on House rules.

Both support eliminating property taxes, expanding education savings accounts and oppose the development formerly known as EPIC City. Two Democrats are also running, though the district has leaned Republican.

Collin County, House District 70

Three Republicans are competing for the nomination to run against incumbent Democrat Mihaela Plesa, who is running unopposed in her party’s primary.

Democrat Mihaela Plesa responds to questions during a District 70 Candidate Forum hosted by... — Democrat Mihaela Plesa responds to questions during a District 70 Candidate Forum hosted by Raise Your Hand Texas at Plano ISD Academy High School in Plano on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022.
Liesbeth Powers / Staff Photographer

George Flint, a former district judge and Collin County Republican Party Chair, emphasized eliminating property taxes and securing the border in his campaign.

Jack Ryan Gallagher, an attorney, said he would attract companies to North Texas, improve public schools and partner with local law enforcement if elected.

Michael Hewitt, an attorney, said he would gradually lower property taxes and work to keep Texas a business-friendly state.

The district includes parts of Plano, Richardson and Far North Dallas.

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