Richardson ISD’s middle school transformation is a project “seven years in the making,” Superintendent Tabitha Branum said.

The district formed a grade configuration committee in 2019 that recommended to RISD trustees that the district shift sixth grade from elementary to middle school. That’s how the vast majority of Texas school districts operate, Branum said.

“Every data point indicated ... this was a transformation we needed,” Branum said.

The specifics: The transformation began with Lake Highlands and Forest Meadow middle schools, which welcomed sixth graders in fall 2024. In order to make district operations more efficient and save on construction costs, RISD officials made plans to upgrade all six remaining junior highs on the same two-year schedule.

Looking for a new spot to grab a cup of coffee? Check out these 19 coffee shops across Richardson. This list is not comprehensive.

7th Day Coffee
This coffee shop describes itself as “rooted in rest,” according to its website, and invites guests to slow down.

• 743 Brick Row, Ste. 350

Eiland Coffee
The Interurban location is a roastery for grab and go services, and Canyon Creek is a cafe.

• 532 N. Interurban St. (Roasters)

• 2701 Custer Parkway, Ste. 917 (Canyon Creek)

Frontier Airlines announced it would add eight new routes that were previously operated by Spirit Airlines.

The details: One of the new routes, which started July 5, connects Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in New Orleans.

There will be daily flights to and from DFW Airport, out of Terminal E.

What they’re saying: “We are pleased to grow our service across the country to ensure low-cost flight options remain available to consumers as they plan their travel this summer and beyond,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier Airlines vice president of network and operations design. “With premium upgrades paired with our signature affordability, we are thrilled to show travelers why we are America’s low-fare airline.”

A new Hot Topic is coming to Allen, and Walmart in Prosper will undergo three months of renovations. Check out five major construction permits filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation around Dallas-Fort Worth. This list is not comprehensive. 

Train 4 Tomorrow
TDLR documents show Train 4 Tomorrow, a gym in Richardson that offers fitness classes and personal training will convert an office building on Twilight Trail into a gym. The conversion will cost about $18.39 million and start in mid-July, per TDLR documents. 

• Location: 508 Twilight Trail, Ste. 103, Richardson
• Estimated timeline: July 15-Sept. 30
• Estimated cost: $18.39 million

• Location: 500 Richland Blvd., Prosper
• Estimated timeline: Jan. 3, 2027-April 22, 2027
• Estimated cost: $1.3 million