An expanded virtual and hybrid learning program will go into effect in the fall after the Lewisville ISD board of trustees approved the new program at the Feb. 9 board meeting. 

What you need to know: LISD will pay $3.04 million for these programs annually for two years using the general operating, state and local funds, per district documents.

The new programs will allow ninth graders to take classes fully online starting in fall 2026, according to the district’s website. Additionally, ninth graders can take a mix of online and in-person classes.

Students in 10th-12th grade interested in taking online classes can participate in the hybrid online program and take both virtual and in-person classes, per the website. 

Zooming in: Both the full online program and the hybrid learning program are only available for students enrolled in LISD, according to the website. 

These new programs expand access to advanced placement, dual-credit and career and technical education courses online, offering flexibility and college readiness for students, according to district documents. 

A new local bicycle shop, Dusty Roads Bicycles, has opened in the Argyle Business Park, co-owner Nico Smith said.

The overview: The business sells gravel and mountain bicycles, along with accessories including seats, helmets and apparel. Smith said the shop can also service bicycles and e-bikes.

What else: The shop is designed similar to a cafe or coffee shop rather than a traditional bicycle retailer, he added. A grand opening for Dusty Roads Bicycles is planned April 4.

• 1921 Business Park Blvd., Ste. I, Argyle

Denton ISD officials are looking to reinstate a virtual learning option for students. 

District officials discussed Denton Digital, a K-12 virtual learning program offering full-time or single-course online learning options, during a Feb. 10 board meeting. 

Some context: DISD previously operated its Virtual Academy for K-8 students which launched in the 2021-22 school year. This program was ended the program after the 2022-23 school year due to state funding not increasing for public schools during the 88th legislative session.

About the program: The Denton Digital program would be split between K-5 students and 6-12 students for full-time, online learning.

Grand Hyatt DFW Airport unveiled its $34 million renovation during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 11.

The gist: Located inside Terminal D at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the ceremony highlighted the conclusion of upgrades that started in July. The renovations focused on guest rooms and suites, meeting spaces, event spaces, the lobby and a redesigned restaurant, lounge and bar, according to Jeff Babcock, general manager of Grand Hyatt DFW Airport.

The refresh coincided with the hotel's 20th anniversary in July.

“Through the transformation, we remained true to a bold and vibrant design,” Babcock said. “This included celebrating aviation history, cutting-edge technology, a nod to Texan heritage and landscapes and encompassing contemporary style, while utilizing luxurious materials and sustainability.”

Zooming in: The number of rooms increased from 298 to 315, which included conference room suites that were converted into king rooms, and the ninth-floor gym was transformed into a one-of-a-kind rooftop indoor-and-outdoor flight deck, said Mohamed Charkas, DFW Airport executive vice president/chief development and infrastructure officer. 

• 2337 S. International Parkway, DFW Airport