DALLAS – Trinity Basin Preparatory became the first school for author Franklin Edwards to test out his bookmobile. The 24-year-old has written 16 faith-based books in three years.

“I was always told I was good at writing, but I never really envisioned myself being an author,” Edwards said. “I never knew how to write a book or where to get started, but when people keep telling you you’re good at something, I take it as a sign.”

Edwards, known as “Franklin the Helper,” sells his books for $10, mentors young authors, and does speaking engagements. He is now adding “The Franklinmobile” to his arsenal.

“I had a bookstore, but I wanted to go to the community and not wait for the community to come to me,” Edwards said. “Sitting in a mall in a bookstore, you have to wait and hope people come to you.”

On Thursday, he parked his first iteration of the bookmobile in front of the West Ledbetter school, set up a makeshift library, and read two of his books to elementary school students. There are plans to get a colorful wrap for the vehicle.

“Any way that God can bless me to be a blessing in others’ lives, I try to take advantage. I don’t try to say no to any reading opportunities or anywhere I can affect a kid’s life positively,” Edwards said.

Principal Dr. Rufus Johnson said reading scores were challenging when he arrived at Trinity Basin Preparatory. Tenacity toward achievement, he said, helps change that negative into a positive.

“Our reading levels have increased significantly,” Johnson said.

He said community partners like Edwards inspire students to reach mantras like “Do more. Expect more. Be more.”

Kayden Boyd, a school ambassador, is proof. The 14-year-old said he’s a talker with confidence, but that’s now.

“When I was in sixth grade, that was my first year here, my confidence in reading was not good. I didn’t like talking,” Boyd said.

Boyd admits that his improvement could still use enhancement between video games and committing to reading.

“Discipline to be able to read in and out of school, to read books at home to help my confidence with reading,” Boyd said.

Johnson said the possibilities for his students always start inside the pages of a book, especially in a community where the kids could confront crime and challenges on the homefront each day.

“We are the hub of this community. We are a place of peace for our students, for learning, for guidance,” Johnson said. “And Ledbetter loves better.”

Edwards is already talking about coming back to the school. He said his goal is always to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through his books and infuse light into students he meets.

Tiger Woods is building a second golf course in Texas, with the Bluejack brand expanding to include a private, family-focused residential community near Fort Worth called Bluejack Ranch.

A 914-acre property that blends luxury and recreation, Bluejack Ranch is located just under four hours northwest of Bluejack National outside Houston, the site of the first Woods-designed course in the U.S.

In a letter to Bluejack members, Woods said he finds it hard to believe it’s been just over a decade since that course opened, and that he’s excited to again team with Bluejack founders Andy and Kristin Mitchell for an “encore opportunity” at a new club that will include a more than 600 home lots. The Mitchells attended Texas Christian University, which is located in Fort Worth.

“We’re bringing that same Bluejack spirit and passion to Fort Worth – a city celebrated not only as Cowtown but also as a golf town,” said Woods. “With legends like Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson, the love for the game here is genuine.

“Bluejack National’s success has paved the way for this next chapter at Bluejack Ranch,” he added. “Our shared vision of creating a space where families can enjoy the game and have fun inspires us all once again at The Ranch. It’s extremely motivating for me to contribute to the golfing legacy of Fort Worth, and I’m excited to see what we’ll build together.”

The Woods-designed course will be the centerpiece of a club that’s also a working dude ranch with horses, a herd of longhorns, and mini-donkeys. Golf is among a diverse range of amenities that includes a wellness spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, gourmet dining, and a family-friendly social hub called The Fort.

The National Golf Foundation recently noted that approximately 3,200 golf facilities in the U.S. have a real estate component, among them residential resort properties like Bluejack. While this total represents almost 23% of overall U.S. golf supply, golf real estate has an even greater presence when it comes to the recent, post-pandemic uptick in golf development.

Over 40% of current new golf projects have a real estate tie, with communities like Bluejack Ranch located outside, but not far from, major metro areas proving extremely popular.

HOUSTON – Enjoy these clear skies now, because it won’t last much the rest of this week in some parts of southeast Texas.

Thursday’s Forecast:

Thursday will bring more heat and a summer feel with highs in the mid-90s.

Rainfall Forecast:

Rain chances return Friday (20%) and ramp up Saturday (40%). The rain chances are mainly for locations along and south of I-10. If you are north of I-10 you likely will remain dry.

Where is Fall?

Unfortunately, a good chunk of the United States is still experiencing way above average temperatures for the rest of this week and honestly, most of next week as well! We’re still seeing 90s here across Texas and 80s for areas that usually don’t see temps this warm this late into summer/early fall.

Tracking the tropics:

The Caribbean and The Gulf of Mexico are quiet for now, but there is a 40% chance a tropical system develops in the Gulf over the next seven days.

By this weekend, the tropical cluster will be entering the Gulf of Mexico and may get better organized. We’ll keep you updated daily on how this system is coming along. Regardless, we’ll likely see some showers and thunderstorms from some of the tropical moisture moving across the area this weekend.

10-day Forecast:

Our next small chance of rain is Friday, lasting through the weekend. A cold front moves through on Monday that will drop our highs to the 80s and lows into the lower-60s. No major cold front coming anytime soon, but we’re always watching out for it!