Plano shoppers can look forward to the second year of a gift card program to promote downtown businesses during the holiday season.

Downtown and Cultural Arts Manager Michelle Hawkins said the program is one of many ways the city uses its downtown Public Improvement District funds.

The local impact: Starting Nov. 13, shoppers purchasing a downtown Plano business gift card will receive an additional card of half its value for free.

About the program: Hawkins said a PID provides additional funds from the city and local business owners to improve a mapped out area in the city, and these funds are set aside for beautification efforts, marketing downtown Plano and for event planning.

The background: Downtown Plano's PID was first created in 2014, per previous reporting. Plano City Council approved its FY 2026-27 budget for the PID in August.

A new cat lounge, Kitty Corner, is opening in Plano before the end of the year.

The gist: Co-founder McKenna Campsey said Kitty Corner is a cat-themed space with adoptable cats and themed merchandise. The space will offer claw machines, blind boxes, a photo booth and themed events for cat lovers of all ages.

• 915 W. Parker Road, Ste. 315, Plano

American Airlines opened four of its 10 new gates in the Terminal A pier at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Oct. 21.

The new gates are A10, A11, A13 and A15. The remaining six gates will open over the next few weeks as part of the pier-style expansion, according to a news release from the Fort Worth-based airline.

The 140,000-square-foot addition follows a similar pier-style expansion at Terminal C, which opened in June and added nine gates.

Zooming in: According to American Airlines, Terminal A will become the airline’s busiest hub, with more than 200 departures on peak days.

The pier features updated seating with power outlets at every seat, electronic boarding gates, and expanded dining and shopping options, according to a news release. Work on the project started in 2024 and used modular construction, with sections built on the airport campus and then transported to the pier.