🌱 FBI Issues Nation-Wide Warning + Dallas Theater Layoffs

Hello all! Nicole Fallon-Peek here with your fresh copy of the Dallas Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

A strong afternoon t-storm. High: 78 Low: 67.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Dallas today:

1. Though there was no specific incident to prompt this statement, the FBI Denver office warned the public against using public charging stations. These stations have become more and more common, especially in a city like Dallas, and may be seen in malls, airports, buses, and more. The FBI believes that people have figured out how to use the USB port to upload malware or monitoring software onto your device. They recommend carrying your own charging cord and plugging it into an outlet rather than the shared charging stations. (CBS Dallas)
2. If you're headed downtown this week, be sure to look up! UT Dallas art students have worked to combine technology and art to display select artwork on buildings in Dallas, namely the Omni Hotel. Sixteen pieces of artwork will be featured and students hope that it resonates with the community. (NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)
3. The Dallas Theater released a statement this week announcing it will lay off an undisclosed number of staff this May. Following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the theater has struggled with attendance. Executive director Kevin Moriarty expressed his regret for the decision but believes it necessary for "ensuring the financial stability and future of the company." (NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)

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Today in Dallas:

• Toddler Storytime At Skyline Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Art Lab For Kids: Make Your Own Emoji At Apple NorthPark Center (4:00 PM)
• Plant Sale At Texas Discovery Gardens (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Make a difference in your community by participating in this year's "It's My Park Day" event. This event coincides with Earth Day and is the perfect time to give back to the community and nature. Volunteer to plant flowers, pick up litter, or do other beautification projects at one of Dallas's 14 park sites! Groups and individuals are welcome! Volunteering will begin on Apr. 22 at 9:00 a.m. Register here. (Dallas Park and Recreation via Facebook)
• The SPCA of Texas free pet food pantry is back this Sunday, Apr. 16 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. offering free pet food to help keep your pets fed and in their loving homes. Food will be available while supplies last on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required and can be done here. Due to the high demand for free pet food and the limited supply of food to meet that need, each household will receive between four-30lbs of pet food based on the number of pets in the household. (SPCA of Texas via Instagram)
• The Dallas Park and Recreation Department and the Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter will be hosting a Young Mens Leadership Conference for youth ages 11-17. Topics of discussion include financial literacy, mental health and wellness, personal image, and more. Lunch will be included. The conference will take place on Saturday, Apr. 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at MLK Jr. Recreation Center. Register here! (Dallas Park and Recreation Department via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (April 18)
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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.