UP AND Down Magazine

In a significant move, the Fort Worth City Council has voted to eliminate the city's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program, effective immediately. However, in a surprising twist, the council has also greenlit a new small business program designed to support local entrepreneurs and ensure compliance with federal law. THE DECISION: WHAT IT MEANS The council's decision to scrap the DEI program has sparked heated debate among residents, with some hailing it as a fiscal necessity and others condemning it as a step backward. Meanwhile, the new small business initiative aims to provide resources and support to local businesses, with a focus on promoting economic growth and development. IMPACT ON MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES As part of the decision, the city will dissolve its business equity ordinance and eliminate economic incentives for minority and women-owned businesses. This move has raised concerns about the future of diversity and inclusion efforts in Fort Worth. Sabr...

Rapper Boosie Badazz has accepted a plea deal in his ongoing gun case, avoiding a trial. The details of the plea agreement have not been publicly disclosed, CASE BACKGROUND Boosie Badazz was facing charges related to a gun incident. The case has been ongoing, with the rapper's legal team working to resolve the matter. PLEA DEAL DETAILS The specifics of the plea deal are not yet available, but it's clear that Boosie Badazz will avoid going to trial. This development may bring an end to the legal uncertainty surrounding the rapper. FUTURE PLANS Boosie Badazz is known for his music and outspoken personality. Despite the legal issues, he remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry

Your downtown Fort Worth adventure was likely filled with exciting experiences, from exploring the historic Stockyards to enjoying the city's vibrant nightlife. Sundance Square, the heart of downtown, offers a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and dining options Some highlights of downtown Fort Worth include: Dining Delights - *61 Osteria*: Modern Italian cuisine in a stylish setting - *Reata*: Upscale Southwestern fare with rooftop views - *Waters*: Fresh seafood with a Southwestern twist - *Lonesome Dove*: Southern elegance with Western-themed steakhouse - *Joe T. Garcia's*: Classic Tex-Mex institution - *Nightlife*: - *The Spotlight*: Live music venue in the historic Caravan of Dreams building - *Rooftop bars*: Enjoy drinks with breathtaking views of the city - *Cultural Attractions*: - *Amon Carter Museum of American Art* - *Kimbell Art Museum* - *Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth* - *National Cowgirl Museum and...

Mariam Kaba was awarded for her community-focused plan that has transformed local schools and public spaces throughout Woonsocket, RI. When then-16-year old Mariam Kaba won $1 million through the Transform Rhode Island scholarship three years ago, she saw it as her opportunity to create the change she wanted to see in her nearly 45,000-person community of Woonsocket. “I don’t see much positive representation from our community all the time,” Kaba said. “I was thinking ‘my scholarship won’t get picked.’ But it did … and I was able to bring something so big to my community, a community that already doesn’t have the most funding in the world.” The scholarship, funded by the Papitto Opportunity Connection Foundation, asks students to answer, “if you had $1 million how would you target the lives of those in Rhode Island and how would you create change?” Kaba’s investments resulted in a number of youth-centered spaces and opportunities popping up across the city, including 120 calm cor...

This coming school year, the Fairfield, Texas, school district, about halfway between Dallas and Houston, will roll out a new K-5 reading program that includes multiple biblical references. But the staff, hoping to avoid debates over families’ religious beliefs, has chopped roughly 30 sections out of the curriculum, including a kindergarten lesson on the Golden Rule featuring Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and several excerpts about a Christian prayer the governor of Plymouth Colony said at the first Thanksgiving. The district’s elementary teachers “went through the materials looking for things that may be controversial,” said Superintendent Joe Craig. They didn’t feel those parts of the curriculum “were in line with what we wanted the lesson to focus on.” This coming school year, the Fairfield, Texas, school district, about halfway between Dallas and Houston, will roll out a new K-5 reading program that includes multiple biblical references. But the staff, hoping to avoid debates ...

The long-abandoned Tri-City Hospital at 7525 Scyene Road in Dallas' District 5 is being torn down, marking a significant step towards eliminating a decades-long eyesore and safety hazard. Demolition began on July 15, 2025, and is expected to take around 8 weeks to complete, weather permitting. Background of the Abandonment The hospital has been vacant since 2002, with the city citing chronic public safety hazards and code violations. Despite efforts to work with the owner, issues persisted, leading the city to file a lawsuit in 2017 to address extensive code and fire violations The hospital has been vacant since 2002, with the city citing chronic public safety hazards and code violations. Despite efforts to work with the owner, issues persisted, leading the city to file a lawsuit in 2017 to address extensive code and fire violations. City's Efforts to Demolish the Hospital - *Receiver Appointment*: In 2019, the Municipal Court appointed a receiver to take control of the pr...

Texas schools are facing a significant reduction in federal funding, with over $600 million in cuts threatening to impact mental health programs across the state. These programs, implemented in response to the pandemic and mass shootings, are crucial for supporting students' emotional well-being. Impact on Mental Health Programs - *Cuts to Mental Health Services*: The loss of federal funding will likely force schools to reduce or eliminate mental health services, including counseling and therapy programs. - *Rural Schools Disproportionately Affected*: Rural districts may struggle to maintain mental health services due to limited resources and funding. - *Increased Burden on Schools*: Schools will have to choose between hiring counselors or cops, prioritizing physical security over mental health support Consequences for Students Reduced Access to Support*: Students may have reduced access to mental health support, potentially exacerbating existing issues. - *Long-term Consequ...