1. Lewisville baker takes the cake on second season of Netflix series
Elizabeth Rowe, owner of Lewisville’s The London Baker, was declared the Season 2 winner of the Netflix series “Is It Cake?” Rowe has been baking cakes for 17 years, and her cake artistry has been featured on several Food Network television shows, such as “Cake Wars” and “Dallas Cakes.” While Rowe is a game show veteran, she said the experience on “Is It Cake?” was different. Some of her most challenging creations were a softball glove and a canteen.
Read more.
2. DART officials provide update on Richardson Silver Line stations
Dallas Area Rapid Transit officials gave updates on the progress of the Silver Line project—a new regional rail line that will connect Plano in the east to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in the west. During the meeting, officials from both DART and Archer Western Herzog, the design and construction firm for the project, provided a general overview of the Silver Line and Richardson-specific projects. The Silver Line is projected to begin service in late 2025 or 2026.
Read more.
3. Carroll ISD approves artificial intelligence policy in grading guidelines
The Carroll ISD board of trustees voted 6-0 to approve the new grading guidelines for the 2023-24 school year. District officials want to use AI to enhance learning but also believe in the importance of individual effort, critical thinking and the responsible use of technology. At the July 24 meeting, Administrator Gina Petty highlighted the new artificial intelligence policy, which does not prohibit the use of AI but restricts it to monitor plagiarism.
Read more.
4. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee to launch first Frisco location
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is slated to open by the end of the year in Frisco, co-founder Amy Wright said in an email. With more than 20 shops nationwide, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee also employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities “to change the way people see people with disabilities,” according to its website. The name for the coffee shop comes from two of the Wright family’s children, Bitty and Beau Wright, who were both born with Down syndrome.
Read more.
5. Home interest rates skyrocket in Lewisville, Coppell
High home prices did little to scare off potential buyers in Lewisville and Coppell in 2021 and 2022, as would-be buyers flocked to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. However, high interest rates have begun to slowly take a toll on the market in 2023. Rates on homes in Lewisville are hovering between 6% and 7% on 30-year and 15-year loans, compared to around 3% to 4% in 2021 and 2022. Similarly, rates in Coppell are above 7% on 30-year loans and above 6% on 15-year loans, according to officials.
Read more.
