Dallas Rape Crisis Center Concerned + Texas Theatre Gets New Screen + Local Front Man Dies

Happy Wednesday, people of Dallas! Kevin, your usual host of the Dallas Daily, is taking a well-deserved vacation. I will be filling in for him this week. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today.

In today's digest, you'll read about why the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center is concerned about the state's new law that restricts access to abortion — and punishes those who help someone obtain an abortion. Plus: you'll read about a new renovation at the historic Texas Theatre in Dallas and see what a local epidemiologist thinks is behind the recent all-time high in COVID-19-related hospitalizations in Texas children.

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First, today's weather:

Clear throughout the day. High: 94, low: 70.

Here are the top stories in Dallas today:

1. Danny Gallagher of the Dallas Observer reports the 90-year-old Texas Theatre in Dallas' Oak Cliff neighborhood reopened Wednesday after a renovation. The theater now has two screening rooms, and the new space allows for 165 more movie-goers. (The Dallas Observer)
2. Julian Gill of The Houston Chronicle reports the number of kids in Texas hospitalized with COVID-19 has never been higher, peaking at 345 Saturday. Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, epidemiologist at UTHealth School of Public Health in Dallas, told the newspaper that "school reopenings and 'pandemic fatigue'" were behind the spike. (Houston Chronicle, subscription required)
3. Meagan Falcon of Patch reports Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a controversial new bill that imposes new hurdles on mail-in ballots and empowers partisan poll watchers. The law bans 24-hour and drive-thru voting, and restricts the hours counties can offer early voting to between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Counties are also not allowed to send unsolicited mail-in voting applications, even to those who are over 65 and automatically qualify to vote by mail. (Patch)
4. Julia Zorthian of Time Magazine reports the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center and similar centers across the state fear they could be sued in civil court if they're suspected of helping a rape-survivor obtain an abortion. Amy Jones, CEO of the center, told the magazine she's now training workers to be careful with what they say and how they say it. (TIME)
5. Jeremy Hallock of The Dallas Morning News reports Chadwick Murray, the 45-year-old front man for the Dallas-based band Bastards of Soul, died last week from a rare breathing illness. (The Dallas Morning News)

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Today in Dallas:

• Homecoming Parade 12-3:30 - Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School. (12 a.m.)
• Character Dress Day - Attendance Matters. (12 a.m.)
• Show Up! Character Dress Day! - Arlington Park Early Childhood Center. (12 a.m.)
• Reading MAP Test - Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy. (12 a.m.)
• DISD Character Day - Robert T. Hill Middle School. (12 a.m.)
• Show Up! Attendance Matters: Character Dress Day. (12 a.m.)

Dallas Patch Notebook

• The Dallas Zoo encouraged followers to check out a new adorable Texas horned lizard hatchling. The little guy is from one of the zoo's three clutches that its reptile team has hatched this season. (Instagram)
• Speaking of the Dallas Zoo, meet the newest residents of ZooNorth — clouded leopard sisters, Luna and Nova. (Instagram)
• The Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center wants your photo of how your adopted pet celebrated Labor Day. (Facebook)
• The Junior League of Dallas welcomed back members and said its first GMM of the year will be held Monday night featuring Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia. (Instagram)
• The Dallas Park and Recreation Department said it needs volunteers to help reforest neighborhood parks. (Facebook)
• The Dallas ISD is giving away one free ticket to the State Fair of Texas. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update! If you're loving these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Dan Hampton

About me: Hi! My name is Dan Hampton and I'm the program manager for Patch's Community Publisher Initiative. Formerly a local editor on Long Island covering Port Washington, Wantagh-Seaford, Levittown, Glen Cove, Plainview, Syosset, New Hyde Park, Hicksville, Great Neck, Oyster Bay and Mineola. I am the former wire editor on Patch's national team and a former news associate at The Associated Press. I graduated with a journalism degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. Send tips and/or photos of your dog to dan.hampton@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Dallas Daily? Reach out anytime to dan.hampton@patch.com.