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Willis, Moreno Elected to Dallas City Council Leadership Posts

The Dallas City Council has appointed District 2 Council Member Jesse Moreno as Mayor Pro Tem, and District 13’s Gay Donnell Willis as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem.
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The Dallas City Council has appointed District 2 Council Member Jesse Moreno as Mayor Pro Tem, and District 13’s Gay Donnell Willis as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem.

“I am deeply honored to step into this important role, and I carry this responsibility with the utmost respect. My predecessor led with grace, and I realize I have big shoes to fill,” said Moreno.

Willis added, “I’m honored that my city council colleagues elected me to this role and look forward to representing our great city at meetings and events throughout Dallas and beyond.”

Their appointments mark a leadership refresh as the Council continues work on key city priorities, including housing, safety, and infrastructure.

Burgers, pizza return to Love Field

After a months-long hiatus due to construction, a beloved Texas burger joint and an iconic Italian eatery are back to fueling travelers at Dallas Love Field Airport. Whataburger and Campisi’s celebrated their triumphant comeback with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 9 at the terminal’s main food court.

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Preston Hollow

Gilbert Aranza of Star Concessions, a Dallas-based company that’s been feeding hungry travelers for more than two decades, said the new and improved Whataburger features ordering kiosks, which means you can order your Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger without having to make eye contact after a red-eye flight — and you’ll get it fast. 

“You’re going to get your burger a lot quicker. It used to take 15 minutes to get people on their way, and the lines were long,” said Aranza, “but now you place your order at the kiosk, pick up at the counter, and can be on your way to boarding a flight in under 8 minutes.”

Over at Campisi’s, the mood was equally celebratory. The pizza, the pasta, the unmistakable scent of garlic in the air was back. The heir to the Italian eatery throne, David Campisi, performed the ribbon cutting. 

“When my family came from Italy on a steam ship engine in the early 1900s, I’m just so blessed that they came to the city of Dallas,” said Campisi.

While we’re all basking in the warm, cheesy afterglow of the culinary comeback, Dallas officials remind onlookers that this is just chapter one in the airport’s ongoing renovations. But for now, travelers are savoring the restoration of the pre-flight burger and pizza ritual. Welcome back, old friends. We missed you more than we miss our luggage at baggage claim.

United to Learn leadership shift 

United to Learn (U2L), a Dallas nonprofit serving over 120 elementary schools and 60,000 students, has announced that Timothy Hise will take over as chief executive officer. He succeeds founder Abigail Williams, who will move into a strategic advisory role after nearly a decade at the helm.

Under Williams’ leadership, U2L grew into a major educational force in Dallas ISD, becoming a go-to partner for community-driven support and student success. 

Board Chair Ben Leal praised her impact, “Abby’s passion, courage, and commitment have built an extraordinary foundation. Her leadership has not only shaped a powerful movement for educational equity but also created the conditions for a strong and sustainable future.”

As Hise takes the reins, U2L aims to build on its momentum and deepen its impact on educational equity citywide.

Author

Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Claudia Carson-Habeeb

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Claudia Carson-Habeeb, managing editor of People Newspapers, got her start at The Baylor Lariat. Her debut publication, Falling Through the Spiral of My Notebook (1993), launched a career devoted to writing without margins. A former on-screen HGTV personality, she covers everything from hometown heroes to global design trends and curates a multigenerational family library that would make Borges proud. Happiest on horseback, she spends her spare time hoof picking with volunteers at her animal rescue nonprofit.
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