Year-end countdowns, a vet's homecoming (in a new home) and federal funding for rural healthcare

Happy Tuesday, Denton! Here's the North Texas consumer news you should know this week.

Your Money ??

> If you've been in Denton long enough, you know businesses come to town just as quickly as they leave, and 2025 was no exception with a constantly changing landscape. See the most impactful changes to Denton's local business scene this year, from Andy's to robot food trucks to the Bearded Monk.

> Dave Lieber, The Dallas Morning News' Watchdog, is counting down the top ways consumers got scammed in 2025, looking at everything from new government policies to new ways for insurance companies to raise your premiums in his latest column.

Your Home ??

> Sgt. 1st Class Michael Smith served in the army for 24 years before honorably retiring in 2021, now training to compete in the 2028 Paralympics. As he does, he won't have to worry about housing. The Northlake local recently moved into a fully furnished, mortgage free home provided by the nonprofit Building Homes for Heroes in partnership with homebuilder D.R. Horton and design company, White Fox Lane Design Co.

> From Denton County Magazine: Clear Creek Adventure Ranch in Sanger provides animals second chances through their rescue efforts at the Wildlife Sanctuary. The kicker? It's run by the Denton Spider-Man.

The Numbers ??

> $281 million: The amount Texas is receiving in the first rollout of the federal government's new Rural Health Transformation Program. Texas is set to receive the highest funding from the program, but critics stay it still won't be enough to meet the state's needs

Have a tip? Email drc@dentonrc.com.