🌱WrestleMania 38's Slim Numbers + DFW Program For Kids With Autism

Morning, Irving! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's everything worth knowing around town today.

First, today's weather:

A heavy t-storm in the p.m. High: 78 Low: 57.

Here are the top five stories today in Irving:

1. Thousands of tourists descended on Arlington and the surrounding area over the weekend, but the number was actually less than expected. Joey Hayden reports that WrestleMania Saturday attendance fell short of the 2016 event, which marked the all-time peak. Back then, 101,763 fans filled AT&T Stadium; this year it was just over 77,000. (The Dallas Morning News; subscription required)
2. A DFW airport program is helping kids with autism get experience on planes before getting in the air. "It's Cool to Fly American" allows children and their families to 'dry-run' the whole experience — from standing in line at check-in to getting seated and buckled-up once on board. Then, the plane taxis for about a half-hour before taking the kids back to the gate. (CBS Dallas / Fort Worth)
3. Got some old furniture on your hands? IKEA stores in Grand Prairie and Frisco are offering a buyback program. Click over to the article to get the details. (CW 33)
4. Review the highlights of WrestleMania 38, including an appearance by Stone Cold Steve Austin and Bianca Belair via the Tyler Morning Telegraph.
5. See four local homes on the market over at the Irving Patch.

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Today in Irving:

• Girls Night Out Book Club - The Valley Ranch Library invites you to join in to a female-friendly book discussion. (7 p.m.)
• Game Night @ The Ginger Man - Bring your friends and your own games or try one of the restaurant's. (7 p.m.)
• Mama's Party - Login to an online showcase of some of DFW's best singers and theatre casts every Monday. $10. (7:35 p.m.)

From my notebook, courtesy of Merlin Douglass:

• Not sure what vegetables to plant in your home garden? The Citizens of Irving News group on Facebook recommends this document, Introduction to Vegetable Gardening, prepared by a NorthTexas gardening group. The powerpoint presentation gives instructions from preparing the soil to selecting the plants so that your garden can be a source of healthy vegetables for your table.
• Young children might enjoy visiting the Discover With Me Playspace at the South Irving Library, 825 W Irving Boulevard. The playspace is on the second floor in the children’s area. There are a multitude of things for kids to interact with. The space is open during regular library hours and access is free.

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That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— Ash DeMello