Richardson ISD will end block scheduling at its secondary schools and transition back to a traditional schedule next school year as part of district-wide budget cuts.

The details: Jennie Bates, assistant superintendent for school leadership and superintendent support, said at the April 23 school board meeting that the district will save roughly $11.1 million by returning to a traditional seven- or eight-period daily schedule at junior highs, middle schools and high schools. Under the block schedule, students took eight classes on an alternating schedule of four periods a day.

Quote of note: “There’s no perfect schedule,” Superintendent Tabitha Branum said. “But our team would not bring this forward if we did not feel like we still absolutely could realize the north star goal and ensure strong outcomes for extracurricular and academic programs on our traditional schedule.”

The Halal Guys is now closed in Richardson.

The details: The restaurant served platters, sandwiches and bowls with chicken, gyro, falafel and more. Other locations in the metroplex remain open, including restaurants in Addison, Plano and Carrollton.

• 746 S. Central Expressway, Ste. 120, Richardson

Keep up to date on the road projects happening around Dallas-Fort Worth, including work finishing up on US 380 and Lebanon Road being expanded to six lanes.

Collin County 

Highway Safety Improvement Program

Project: Updates include modernized traffic signals, upgraded equipment, increased capacity and enhanced pedestrian features to streets in Allen.

Update: Construction is wrapping up with three intersections remaining at Century Parkway and Bethany Drive, Greenville Avenue and Bethany Drive, and Main Street and Greenville Avenue.

• Timeline: construction to wrap up by summer 2026
• Cost: $5.8 million
• Funding sources: city of Allen, Texas Department of Transportation

• Timeline: construction to finish late next year
• Cost: $23 million
• Funding source: Denton County, city of Frisco

Habitat Plants + Coffee is set to open a new location in Plano. The shop is expected to open in early June, owner Karina Velez said.

The specifics: The shop set for the corner of Park Boulevard and Preston Road will serve a variety of beverages including coffee and tea, while also selling live plants, apparel and more. The original Habitat is located in downtown McKinney, and underwent an expansion earlier this year.

Quote of note: “We are known for our specialty coffee, house-made syrups and healthy houseplants,” Velez said.