Five stories that have North Texas talking: George W. and Laura Bush had a joint birthday bash featuring George Strait; Google Fiber isn’t coming to Dallas; buy an engagement ring, get a free gun; and more.
Amid the transition from private to public ownership, the Tri-County Library in Mabank, Texas has lost one of its most loyal residents. After eight years of "employment," Whisper, the local library's gray tabby cat, was evicted on Oct. 1. Days later, a dozen residents attended the city council meeting to advocate for her place in the library, The Mabank Monitor reports. Mayor Jeff Norman says keeping the cat in a city building would set a precedent for employees to bring pets to work. City officials also cited health concerns and liability issues.After pushback from the public, Norman says he will put Whisper's fate on the council's November agenda, and it will be taken to a vote, according to The Monitor. By the way, this isn't the first library cat in North Texas to face eviction this year: Meet Browser White. [The Mabank Monitor]
- George. W. and Laura Bush celebrated their 70th birthdays with a private George Strait show. Bush 43's birthday is in July and Laura’s falls on Nov. 4, but the couple decided to have a joint party. According to the Midland Reporter-Telegram, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Ross Perot, Jr. and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans attended the shindig held Saturday at a ranch in Crawford, Texas. [Midland Reporter-Telegram]
- Google Fiber isn’t coming to North Texas after all. Alphabet, the company that manages Google's super fast internet service, announced that Fiber won’t be expanding to Dallas. It was one of about 10 cities the company had listed as a potential Fiber site earlier this summer. Now, Google officials say they’re pausing operations. Austin already has Google Fiber, and the plans are still set to build in San Antonio. [Texas Standard]
- A Lubbock jewelry store is offering its Shotgun Wedding sale this week. Thacker Jewelry's entire selection of rings will be on sale starting today through Saturday. Anyone who purchases a ring, receives a gift certificate for a shotgun or a rifle with LSG Tactical — with some restrictions. The sale has been a tradition for the last three years, owner Joe Thacker tells KLBK. Watch a commercial for the special. [KLBK]
- Arlington is one of the best places to catch a baseball game, according to a study. WalletHub compared the 361 largest U.S. cities with at least one college or professional baseball team on team performance, average ticket price and stadium accessibility. Globe Life Park, home of the Texas Rangers, is also on the city's ballot this November. Voters will be asked to weigh in on using city funds to pay half of the billion-dollar price tag of a new stadium. [WalletHub, KERA News]