DTX-DEN: Impact 10/31/2025

Denton ISD officials have refinanced a portion of its existing bond debt—a move that will save taxpayers $6.6 million.

What’s being done: District officials refinanced nearly $100 million worth of existing bond funds, said Nick Petito, DISD’s chief communications and marketing officer, during an Oct. 28 school board meeting.

The impact: The savings ultimately help the district maintain lower tax rates while supporting projects that boost students' learning environments and safety, according to a district news release. 

Home Zone Furniture in Denton opened a new showroom on West University Drive in late September, a company representative said.

The company offers furniture items, including sofas, mattresses and dining room sets according to the company website.

• 1951 W. University Drive, Denton

Fresh Align co-owners Kem Lira and Laura Franco offer decluttering and organization services around the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The details: Franco and Lira use their backgrounds in healthcare and culinary arts to shape how they organize their clients’ offices and homes, Fresh Align’s website states. They also help clients with moving into a new home and getting rid of any unneeded items, according to their website.

Fresh Align offers life-transition services for when children move out, a loved one passes away or when merging households, per its website. During the holidays, Lira and Franco will also help put up or take down decorations, Franco said.

Since Nov. 7, 2000, at least one person has died on Texas roads every day, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. As the Lone Star State nears 25 years of daily traffic deaths, officials at all levels of government are investing in new roadway safety projects and encouraging Texas drivers to do their part to curb deadly crashes.

The big picture: In the past 25 years, over 91,000 people have died on Texas roads. That is enough people to fill Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, according to TxDOT.

On average, 11 people died daily on Texas roads last year. In 2025, an average of 10 people had died per day as of Sept. 24.

Zooming in: State and local leaders found that the top factors in severe crashes include:

• Impaired driving
• High speeds
• Distracted driving
• Pedestrian and cyclist safety
• Lack of seatbelt use
• Roadway or lane departures
• Wrong-way driving