DTX-DEN: Impact 6/25/2026

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Denton ISD teachers could earn higher pay with state-funded allotment

Denton ISD teachers could receive higher salaries following the Texas Education Agency’s approval of the district’s Teacher Incentive Allotment application, DISD announced in a June 16 news release.

The details: The allotment allows for teachers to receive one of four designations, acknowledged, recognized, exemplary or master, with each designation qualifying the teacher for a higher salary through the state-funded allotment for a five-year period, the release states.

“Recognizing and retaining great teachers is a top priority for Denton ISD, and this approval turns that commitment into action,” district Superintendent Susannah O’Bara said in the release.

Some background: The incentive allotment is a state-funded program designed to reward high-performing teachers, according to the allotment’s website. Teachers in Denton ISD could earn an average of an extra $4,121-$15,737 annually based on their designation, the allotment’s funding map states.

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CI Business

Bubble Cat Cafe offers cat lounge, adoptions in Denton

Cat lounge Bubble Cat Cafe opened on South Mayhill Road in mid-June, owner August Wooten said.

The details: The business allows guests to make reservations to spend time with cats.

Wooten said Bubble Cat Cafe currently has 12 cats for guests to spend time with and adopt. The business partnered with Dallas-based animal rescue and shelter Texas Pawprints to host the shelter’s cats for adoption at the lounge. The adoption fees go to the animal shelter, Wooten said.

Bubble Cat offers prepackaged snacks and drinks, but Wooten said she hopes to expand the business with a boba tea service in the future.

3305 S. Mayhill Road, Ste. 114, Denton

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Latest News

Six Flags Over Texas postpones opening of new 'Tormenta Rampaging Run' coaster

Six Flags Over Texas has postponed the opening of its new Tormenta Rampaging Run coaster due to commissioning and testing taking longer than expected, per a company social media post. A new opening date will be announced at a later time.

The details: The Tormenta Rampaging Run reaches 309 feet above ground and has a 285-foot drop, according to the Six Flags website.

The coaster will come with a new immersive, themed area with inspirations from Spain, according to a news release. Visitors can explore a fictional town called Rancho de la Tormenta Plaza and a new restaurant, Cocina Abuela. The restaurant will offer Spanish and Latin American cuisine like Spanish rice, chicken tinga and housemade guacamole.

The new ride is opening ahead of the Arlington amusement park celebrating its 65th anniversary Aug. 1, according to the release. The Arlington location is the company’s first location.

2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington

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On The Transportation Beat

East-West Connector at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport opens

A 1.65-mile stretch of road within the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport campus opened June 12.

The $30.8 million East-West Connector was first envisioned nearly 20 years ago to connect transportation in the airport’s southern corridor, according to a news release.

The details: The roadway extends from Rental Car Drive to the Harwood Drive/SH 360 intersection and will connect drivers to the Southgate Plaza, near Terminal E and the under-construction Terminal F.

The project was funded through federal transportation programs and administered by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, which provided approximately 80% of the funding. There was a funding agreement between DFW Airport and the Texas Department of Transportation Fort Worth District for the remaining 20%.

Also of note: Mario Sinacola & Sons Excavating Inc. was the contractor for the project, according to previous reporting.