🌱DART Mask Mandate Ends + Free Microchips From Irving Animal Services

Happy Friday, Irving! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Periods of sun; windy, warm. High: 86 Low: 67.

Here are the top five stories in Irving today:

1. The Irving ISD school board recently enjoyed a very special performance: Khen Hoih, a sixth-grader at De Zavala Middle School, played his violin for the group using a special prosthetic arm designed by students at Nimitz High School. Click over to the article to see footage and read more about the engineering project. (NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)
2. Wearing masks on public transportation (DART) will no longer be enforced, according to a decision from the Transportation Security Administration. Face masks and hand sanitizer will be available for those who choose to use them. DART vehicles will continue to undergo "aggressive" cleaning practices to help protect rider health and safety. (Irving Weekly)
3. Microchips are becoming increasingly popular for pet owners. The small implants help pet families locate animals if they go missing. Now, Irving Animal Services is offering the implants free to Irving households with proof of residence. Head to the Irving Animal Care Campus (4140 Valley View Lane) to take advantage of the offer while it lasts. (Irving Weekly)
4. Check out the latest list of foodie events in the area via the Dallas Observer. Highlights include Detroit-style woodfired pizzas at a Thunderbird Pies Oak Cliff Pop-Up on Sunday at Encina Dallas and the Crawfish Boil and Brew event at Hop & Sting Brewing Company, just about ten minutes from Las Colinas.
5. A new seafood restaurant and market is serving up a fast-casual Mexican Pacific Coast experience in Oak Cliff. La Pesca Seafood Market draws on inspiration from Teplzotlan, Mexico, and will be complete with an incoming mural by local artist San Pascual. The eatery is hosting a grand opening weekend from April 28 through May 1. (CultureMap Dallas)

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Today in Irving:

• Family Storytime @ West Irving Library - Bring the crew to an all-ages story time, complete with songs, stories and more! (11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
• Clayton English @ Arlington Improv - Hear from a face that may be familiar from shows including "AP Bio," "Brooklyn 99" and "Last Comic Standing." Tickets sold by the table; general admission table for two starts at $40. (7:30 p.m.)
• No Medina @ Mercy Bar & Lounge - Cap off your evening with live music from local artists. (9 p.m. - 11 p.m.)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Free Covid Testing LLC — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Short Film Release Party: School Car Line - A Survival Guide (April 24)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (April 25)
• Estate Planning Webinar (April 25)
• National Hug A Plumber Day (April 25)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you around!

— Ash DeMello