MaKenzie Givan

Inside Studio LaSalle, tucked along N. Elm St. in Denton's Downtown Square, the smell of coffee brewing wafts outward toward a gated patio where customers relax. Inside, a hairdresser thanks the couple behind the counter for making her an iced coffee before heading back to her salon suite. Local coffee vendor Eagle Cawffee hosted the grand opening of its first permanent location last weekend, Feb. 8 and 9.

As voices swirl through the halls of the Golden Triangle Mall, the voice of local author Kayla Olson rings out above the rest, drawing fans and intrigued onlookers alike. Olson, who recently released a new book titled “The Lodge,” held a book talk and Q&A about her newest release in conjunction with Barnes & Noble on Jan. 19.

The film adaptation of Broadway’s “Wicked” has become a smash hit at the box office, raking in $164 million total in its opening weekend — shattering the record for the most successful debut of a Broadway musical adaptation. Although the nearly three-hour length of its first installment could be considered a deterrent, the movie's massive popularity among audiences is for good reason.