Members of the Southlake community gathered at Southlake Town Square to celebrate the city’s 70th birthday Sept. 12.

The details: The event included live entertainment, vendor areas and activities for all ages, according to the Celebrate Southlake website.

At the event, live music was performed by New Mix Vibes and The Boogies at the Rustin Pavilion. Following the live music, the city put on a light show and shot off fireworks at City Hall.  

Also of note: Additionally, to celebrate Southlake’s 70th birthday, city officials planted 2,026 trees across the city.

Hudson House’s Southlake location is now open in the Park Village shopping center.

What they offer: The menu includes burgers, sushi and a raw bar. The restaurant’s oysters are flown in daily from the East Coast, according to previous reporting.

Diners can also order the chain’s signature “World’s Coldest Martini,” which is prepared with chilled Grey Goose vodka.

• 1131 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake

Two candidates will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot for U.S. House District 24.

The overview: Republican incumbent Beth Van Duyne will face off against Democratic challenger Kevin Burge. U.S. House District 24 includes portions of Dallas and Tarrant counties and cities such as Keller, Grapevine and Richardson.

Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

What else: The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election is Oct. 5. Early voting for the election will take place Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.

Check out five upcoming and ongoing transportation projects around Dallas-Fort Worth.

Upcoming projects

1. Light rail vehicle replacements

Project: Dallas Area Rapid Transit agency received a $70 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration, according to a news release from the agency. DART said it will use the $70 million grant to replace 53 light rail vehicles that were originally purchased over 30 years ago.

Update: DART has already begun the procurement process to purchase the new vehicles, but the agency has not announced a timeline for delivery.

• Timeline: TBD

• Cost: $70 million

• Funding source: Federal Transit Administration

Ongoing projects

2. CPKC Railroad Crossing improvements

Project: The city of Plano is replacing existing railroad crossings at Los Rios Boulevard and Plano Parkway. The project will also add sidewalk for some of the city’s gaps in the current sidewalk system.

Update: Construction on the project started in September.

• Timeline: September 2026-27

• Cost: $179,219

• Funding: city of Plano