Latest news with #DallasFortWorth


CBS News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
It's a beautiful Saturday in North Texas. Expect sunny skies ahead of possible storms early next week
Good Saturday morning! It's beautiful with sunny skies and drier air in place. Unfortunately, Dallas-Fort Worth has an Air Quality Alert. Those sensitive groups with upper respiratory issues will want to limit their time outdoors. But it's a great day to be poolside with afternoon highs in the mid to upper 80s. Riley and Maggie are enjoying their pool party! The First Weather Alert Team will be watching for a complex of storms to drop south from Oklahoma overnight into early Sunday morning. An isolated storm may produce gusty winds and small hail, mainly in the northeast areas. Any residual boundaries from the morning's convection could spark a few afternoon storms, mainly south of I-20. Once again, an isolated storm with small hail and gusty winds can't be ruled out. After a quiet Monday, the focus shifts to Tuesday evening when the next disturbance arrives. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted areas west of I-35 for the potential of strong to severe storms. Keep the umbrellas handy next week with another unsettled pattern setting up and daily rain chances. Temperatures will remain near normal. Enjoy your Saturday!


Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Ash Limousine Expands DFW Premium Travel with New 2025 Fleet
Summary: Ash Limousine has added six units to its fleet. With two new 2025 MCI J4500 motorcoaches and four Ford F600 Grech minibuses, clients across Dallas-Fort Worth now have more transportation options. Dellas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2025) - Ash Limousine has expanded its luxury fleet by including two 2025 MCI J4500 56-passenger motorcoaches and four 2025 Ford F600 Grech 27-passenger minibuses. This fleet expansion aligns with the company's efforts to provide clients in the Dallas-Fort Worth region with additional transportation options, enhancing the Dallas bus rental experience. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The expansion coincides with increasing demand for group transportation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, driven by population growth and rising corporate and leisure events. The new vehicles increase Ash Limousine's capacity to serve a wider range of client needs, particularly for high-capacity, amenity-equipped travel options. The 2025 Ford F600 Grech minibuses offer seating for mid-sized groups and are suitable for corporate outings, weddings, airport transfers, and city events throughout the DFW area. These vehicles feature panoramic front windows, leather seats with retractable seat belts, and an advanced air suspension system designed to provide smoother rides. Frameless windows, LED interior lighting, and wood-style flooring contribute to a comfortable passenger environment. These minibuses are also suited for shuttle services supporting sporting events, hotels, resorts, and religious group travel. The 2025 MCI J4500 motorcoaches accommodate larger groups, especially for longer-distance travel or regional events. Features include tiered seating in front rows for improved visibility, individual climate controls, reclining seats, personal lighting, indirect LED ceiling lights, a clean panel system, built-in entertainment options, onboard restrooms, ample legroom, and a spiral staircase designed for easier boarding. Ash Limousine has added six units to its fleet. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: According to Ash Limousine's management, this fleet expansion represents a strategic step to meet growing demand for reliable Dallas group transportation in North Texas. The addition of new units with varying capacities and features enables the company to better match vehicles to client group sizes and destinations, while also improving scheduling flexibility, operational efficiency, and overall service availability across an expanding range of event types and transportation needs. About Ash Limousine: Ash Limousine provides dependable group and individual transportation services throughout key markets, including Frisco and Plano, Texas. Since 2009, the company has focused on delivering safe and comfortable travel solutions for weddings, corporate events, and small group outings. The recent addition of six vehicles expands the company's fleet, offering clients a wider selection of transportation options to accommodate varying group sizes and enhance overall service flexibility.

Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Tarrant County Commercial Property Tax Values Jump 25% in One Year
O'Connor discusses how the Tarrant County commercial property tax values increased by 25% in just one year. FORT WORTH, TX, UNITED STATES, May 28, 2025 / / -- Only trailing Harris County in total population, Tarrant County is packed with properties of all sizes and varieties. As one half of the burgeoning Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex, Tarrant County has some of the fastest-growing communities in Texas. This growth, combined with historic prosperity, has led to a growth in property taxes over the past decade. The Tarrant County Appraisal District (TAD) is in charge of assessing and collecting all taxes. Recent studies have found that at least 19% of Tarrant County residential property was overvalued, and there is a strong possibility that commercial property has been raised into even higher figures. Tarrant County Residential Property Edged Up 1.6% Single-family homes in Tarrant County totaled a staggering $229.09 billion in notice value in 2025. While this value is only a 1.6% improvement over 2024's total, it does represent an expansion of over $3 billion. The biggest growth by a wide margin was for luxury residences, which scored 5.5%. This implies that more properties worth over $1.5 million are being built in Ft. Worth and surrounding areas than ever before. Homes in the price range for the average homeowner, those worth between $250,000 and$500,000, increased a conservative 1.5%. When broken down by size, it is pretty apparent that the value of mammoth homes is increasing at a good clip. For homes over 8,000 square feet, there was a 10.8% increase in value created, or $291.18 million. Homes between 6,000 and 7,999 square feet added $176.12 million, or 3.7%. With a total of $103.28 billion, homes sized between 2,000 and 3,999 square feet were the most valuable in Tarrant County and added to their lead with a jump of 1.5%. Tarrant County got a very strong indicator of the health of their community and the brightness of their future in 2025, as the value of new construction sprang up a dramatic 28.3%. This solidifies homes built between 2021 and the present as already 7% of all residential properties in the county. This is a fantastic illustration of a vibrant and developing community. The biggest chunk of value currently on the books is $83.08 billion for homes built between 2001-2020. Outside of new and recent construction, property values only grew fractions of a percent. While they can also be disputed on grounds of unequal appraisal, the majority of property tax protests involve incorrect valuation of property. Tarrant County shows why it is important to protest your taxes every year, as TAD released information that 19% of all homes were overvalued when it comes to property taxes. This is a marked improvement from 2024, where 44% of homes were overvalued. Hopefully, this indicates that TAD is making progress toward improved accuracy and transparency, rather than continuing to obscure or manipulate data. In another condemnation of TAD's numbers, a study by the MetroTex Association of Realtors suggests that properties in the Metroplex are selling at an increase of only .3%, rather than the 1.6% put forward by TAD. While this might seem like a small difference, it could certainly have implications for the entirety of TAD's data. When combined with the 19% overvaluation for homes and the staggering increase in commercial properties discussed below, it certainly encourages residents to protest their taxes. Taxable Value for Tarrant County Business Increase 25% Resident property values have thankfully stabilized, especially those of working and middle-class people. The same cannot be said for the various businesses and commercial properties around Tarrant County. Commercial property values thundered up a spectacular 25% in 2025. While this could be seen as a good thing in a vacuum, we have already demonstrated that TAD has a problem with overvaluing homes. The biggest increase was seen by the largest businesses, as those worth over $5 million saw their taxable value raised 27.1%. Businesses worth between $1 and $5 million came in second, with a strong 21.3% jump. Even the smallest of businesses saw their value move upwards at 11.1%. Tarrant County added $14.40 billion in business value in 2025, bringing the estimated total to $71.40 billion. These numbers illustrate that business is booming in Tarrant County. When broken down over various industries, it is clear to see that the 25.3% overall improvement is not too lopsided. The biggest grower was the hotel industry, which added 43.3% to their value, an amazing jump. That was only a gain in percentage, as impressive as it was. The biggest jump in total hard value was in apartments. Already the most valuable of commercial properties, apartments added $8.16 billion, or 25.3%. Though not to the same degree, all recorded industries made out like bandits, with even the lowest land gaining a superb 14.3%. These gaudy numbers should be reexamined, making them perfect for a detailed property tax appeal. Tarrant County paradoxically saw massive jumps in the value of the oldest and the newest commercial properties, with 33.3% and 60.8% respectively. This certainly illustrates a strong demand for business and other such buildings. But while this dichotomy looks good on a graph, the true drivers of commerce are buildings built between 1981 and 2020. Representing 36% of all of Tarrant County's commercial worth, properties constructed between 2000 and 2020 were able to add 18.6% more. Those built between 1981 and 2000 had the best of both worlds, surging 23.4% while also maintaining second place in total worth. While we have seen several graphs that appear to be good news for businesses, there comes one of the biggest monkey wrenches. There is the possibility that these numbers have been pumped by TAD. According to leading commercial property firm Green Street Real Estate, the nation's commercial property lost 21% of value in 2025. This is due to a variety of market factors, including interest rates and difficulty in borrowing money. Considering the stark disparity between a 21% loss and a 25.3% gain, it is not out of the realm of possibility that the true number is hidden in the massive gray area. This is a textbook situation to deploy a property tax protest, as the potential savings are so high that it would be criminal to pass it up. Apartments Gain 25% in 2025 The biggest commercial property type in Tarrant County is currently apartments and other multi-family homes. This is only set to expand as more people move into the DFW metroplex, along with skyrocketing property values pushing up prices for every piece of living space. This demand can be seen in how quickly new and recent construction of apartments has staked a major market share. Currently, 13% of all apartment value was constructed from 2021 or later, and this portion of the market is gaining by leaps and bounds. The largest apartment type by far in Tarrant County is low-rise. These were valued at $38.14 billion, 93.9% of the total apartment value. Low-rise apartments even gained over 24.4% more value in 2025. While all types of apartments saw huge jumps in value, senior living were the biggest risers with 50.6%. High-rise apartments were the second-most valuable type, and grew at a strong 34.7%. Tarrant County Offices Worth Over $10 Billion Now out of the pandemic's shadow, the demand for offices is again on the rise. Appraised at a combined worth of $10.78 billion, offices also soared in value by 19.1%. With no regard for age, all eras of apartment construction improved their worth. The smallest increase was seen for those built between 2002 and 2020, with 13.5%, though buildings constructed in this period make up the majority of apartment property as a whole. The two biggest increases were seen with the oldest and newest offices, an illustration of new construction and renovation both gaining steam in Tarrant County. Just like the age of construction, offices of all types and categories increased their worth in 2025. The majority of assessed value is in low-rise buildings, with $4.76 billion. High-rise and medical offices were not far behind, with $3.57 billion and $2.45 billion respectively. High-rise office buildings were able to land an increase of 21.3%. Retail is another set of commercial properties that are making an impressive rebound after a few years of a downturn. Retail properties expanded 31.1% across the board, scoring a total value of $9.30 billion. Like offices, the trend of refurbishment and new construction continues, as buildings constructed before 1961 and those after 2021 saw growth of 40.7% and 61.9% respectively. Retail spaces built between 1981 and 2021 still account for a combined 67% of the value. Shopping centers of all sorts seem to be back in a big way. Combining for an assessed value of $6.48 billion, community and neighborhood shopping centers also saw respective growths of 29.4% and 25.9%. Malls experienced a notable resurgence in 2025, soaring in value by 69.8%. General retail spaces were also able to jump up by 26.9%. Retail combined value surged to $9.30 billion. Warehouses are often cited as being recession-proof, and even with some economic woes, this adage proved true in 2025. Warehouse value rose a combined 18%, achieving a worth of $1.53 billion. Again, new construction and the renovation of older buildings were two of the driving forces in this rebound. Buildings constructed after 2021 already account for 13% of all warehouse value and added 23.1% in 2025. Most value is still held by those built between 1981 and 2020, but it seems that the new economic tide is rising all boats when it comes to warehouses. Putting it All Together When we aggregate all of this information and try to read the tea leaves, it is obvious that commercial properties are the story for Tarrant County in 2025. All business properties combined for a growth rate of 25%. If we were looking at income or an increase in market share with that number, then we would know that Tarrant County's economy is going strongly. But, to throw some cold water on the situation, it should be reinforced that these numbers come from TAD. They have a vested interest in raising the tax base and commercial properties are individually the juiciest of prizes to be taxed. There is a way for both home and business owners to turn this in their favor. Property tax protests allow residents to have their property reassessed. Remember that TAD does not appraise businesses individually, but uses historical data, mass appraisals, and computer models to estimate what a property is worth. A property tax appeal can cut through the illusions and get to the hard facts of property values. This is even more important for businesses, as so much money can be on the line for every valuation. While tax rates cannot be lowered, a smaller valuation means a smaller tax bill. Businesses also tend to protest their taxes annually, as it is an easy form of cost reputation. O'Connor specializes in property tax appeals. In fact, we are one of the largest firms that focuses on it. Let us run your property tax appeal process for you. We will do so annually, building on each year's evidence and savings to bring about better outcomes in the future. About O'Connor: O'Connor is one of the largest property tax consulting firms, representing 185,000 clients in 49 states and Canada, handling about 295,000 protests in 2024, with residential property tax reduction services in Texas, Illinois, Georgia, and New York. O'Connor's possesses the resources and market expertise in the areas of property tax, cost segregation, commercial and residential real estate appraisals. The firm was founded in 1974 and employs a team of 1,000 worldwide. O'Connor's core focus is enriching the lives of property owners through cost effective tax reduction. Property owners interested in assistance appealing their assessment can enroll in O'Connor's Property Tax Protection Program ™. There is no upfront fee, or any fee unless we reduce your property taxes, and easy online enrollment only takes 2 to 3 minutes. Patrick O'Connor, President O'Connor + + +1 713-375-4128 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.


Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS All flights GROUNDED at major airport as massive thunderstorm wreaks havoc
All flights at Dallas Fort Worth International have been ordered to stay on the ground due to large thunderstorms in the area. The Federal Aviation Administration announced a group stop on Wednesday morning, which is expected to last until the early afternoon at the major hub. The FAA said there was a medium probability that they would extend the ground stop, due to the inclement weather in the area. The Texas city was hit with a flood watch on Memorial Day after more than two inches of rain hit the area, according to the National Weather Service. On Wednesday, their Fort Worth office said that a cold front would be the focus of thunderstorms developing into Thursday. They said: 'A few strong to marginally severe storms may occur. Temperatures will be in the upper 70s to mid 80s, which is slightly below normal for this time of year.'


Travel Daily News
7 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
American Airlines introduces tequila in flight
American Airlines introduces Socorro Tequila and new snack offerings, enhancing inflight experiences and expanding buy-on-board choices for customers. American Airlines is elevating the inflight experience with a bold, flavorful move – tequila is officially taking to the skies. Customers asked, and American Airlines answered. Starting June 1, the airline will begin offering tequila on select flights as an inflight alcoholic beverage option for eligible customers. For this milestone moment, American knew it wanted to select a brand the airline can connect with beyond the glass, which is why the airline selected Dallas-Fort Worth's own award-winning Socorro Tequila. Socorro Tequila is crafted in the highlands of Jalisco using traditional methods and 100% Blue Weber agave. Known for its clean, additive-free profile, Socorro Tequila delivers a premium flavor that will elevate any journey at 35,000 feet. Tequila will be on board all American flights for customers to sip and enjoy by the end of June. This addition reflects American's ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the customer experience across all touchpoints of the travel journey. New offerings beyond the drink cart The airline continues to serve customer favorites and is expanding its offerings. Starting June 11, customers in premium cabins will be able to enjoy a new midday snack basket in addition to the morning and afternoon snack baskets American already offers. New offerings include: Morning snack basket: Fresh clementine, B'cuz Cherry Pistachio Granola Bites, Think Jerky Free-Range Turkey Stick, Blake's Seed-Based Breakfast Bar +Protein, Bare Organic Apple Chips and Wonderful Sea Salt & Pepper Pistachios Midday snack basket: Tate's Chocolate Chip Cookies, Garrett White Cheddar Popcorn, Cooper's Cheese Straws, Cooper Street Granola Bakes, BobbySue's Nuts Everything Goes Nuts and Think Jerky Grass-Fed Beef Stick Afternoon snack basket: Homefree Vanilla Mini Cookies; Miss Vickie's Sea Salt Chips; Over Easy Almond & Raisins Oat Bar; CauliPuffs White Cheddar Corn, Rice and Cauliflower Puffed Snack; Wonderful Sea Salt & Pepper Pistachios; and Think Jerky Grass-Fed Beef Stick Main Cabin customers are also getting new options to choose from with the expansion of American's buy on board offerings launching on select flights starting June 1. They include: A hearty steak and pimento cheese sandwich, bringing bold Southern flavor to the skies Tray table tapas, featuring olives, dried apricots, beef jerky, pistachio, white cheddar dip, pita chips and brownie brittle — perfect for customers who prefer a shareable, snackable experience Brooklyn Biltong Steakhouse Air Dried Beef Jerky, a satisfying, high-protein option ideal for longer flights or quick bites These new selections are in addition to the fruit and cheese tray, the Tostitos Snack Box and Doritos Cool Ranch Minis that are already available for customers to purchase inflight — building on American's commitment to offer more choice and flexibility to all customers, no matter where they are seated. But American is not stopping at new food and alcoholic beverage offerings. The airline is also making buy on board options available for purchase on more flights. Customers will now be able to purchase the new offerings on mainline routes starting at 1,100 miles. Alcoholic beverages will continue to be offered on flights of more than 250 miles. American introduced tap to pay earlier this year, making it easy for customers to pay for their inflight food and alcoholic beverages with the tap of their smartphone, smartwatch or credit card. American gave AAdvantage members even more options with the introduction of miles as form of payment, where members can redeem AAdvantage miles to purchase inflight food and alcoholic beverages. Whether customers are enjoying a premium sip of Socorro or diving into a fresh new snack, American Airlines is delivering an elevated inflight experience that blends local flair, culinary creativity and customer-focused innovation.