This week, Dallas Area Rapid Transit's commuter rail Silver Line launched with new routes connecting North Texas cities to the Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport. Meanwhile, a new retail development in McKinney is set to house various tenants, including a Shipley Donuts, Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey, a nail spa and more.

Here are the top trending Community Impact stories in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from Oct. 27-31.

1. Steakhouse, taco shop: Retail center The Landing to bring new restaurants, businesses to 12-acre McKinney site
Muralist Mike Kotlarek painted the mural on the future Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey McKinney location. Kotlarek said he will also paint a mural inside and create repurposed metal art for the exterior and interior. (Karen Chaney/Community Impact)
Muralist Mike Kotlarek painted the mural on the future Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey McKinney location. Kotlarek said he will also paint a mural inside and create repurposed metal art for the exterior and interior. (Karen Chaney/Community Impact)
Construction is in various stages of completion at The Landing, a new multibuilding retail development situated on a 12-acre site in McKinney, Albert Enterprises President Cary Albert said. The project by development company Albert Enterprises will bring new restaurants, retailers and service-based businesses to McKinney.

Get more details from Reporter Karen Chaney.

2. DART Silver Line now open, free rides offered through Nov. 8


Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s $1.89 billion commuter rail that connects Plano, Richardson and five other North Texas cities to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is open. The Silver Line launched on Oct. 25. The 26-mile commuter rail has been in DART’s plans for nearly two decades.

Find more information from Editor Michael Crouchley.

3. From burrito bowls to craft burgers: Check out 6 restaurant updates in Dallas-Fort Worth
Customizable bowls are an option at Dos Bros in McKinney. (Karen Chaney/Community Impact)
Customizable bowls are an option at Dos Bros in McKinney. (Karen Chaney/Community Impact)
Check out six restaurants that have recently opened or are coming soon in Community Impact's Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

Read here from Reporter Hannah Johnson.


4. Bookmark these 15 independent bookstores to visit in Dallas-Fort Worth

Interested in visiting a local bookshop or finding a new book? Check out these 15 independent bookstores in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Check out the full list from Reporter Mary Katherine Shapiro.

5. Q&A: Meet the 3 candidates running for Senate District 9 in Tarrant County


Three candidates are running for the Senate District 9 seat during the Nov. 4 election. Two Republicans from Southlake and a Fort Worth Democrat will be up for election to represent Tarrant County in the Texas Senate. The seat became vacant this summer when former Sen. Kelly Hancock resigned from the Legislature to lead the state comptroller’s office.

Find key information from Managing Editor Miranda Jaimes.

6. Frisco officials look to alternative plans for performing arts center following bond failure

Frisco officials are considering how to support performing arts in the community after voters rejected funding a more than $300 million performance facility with bond dollars in May. City Council was presented with several alternative options for the $300 million-$340 million project during an Oct. 21 work session. Council directed staff to conduct a survey aimed at determining why residents voted against the bond proposal.


See more details from Reporter Jacob Vaughn.