🌱 DPD Officers Under Investigation + Rett Syndrome Research Funding

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Dallas Patch newsletter. Let's get this Thursday started off right with a quick guide to the most important things happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Hot. High: 110 Low: 83.

Here are the top three stories today in Dallas:

1. Dallas’ police oversight office is investigating four officers caught on video laughing about a disabled military veteran who urinated on himself after he was denied access to a restroom at a Deep Ellum restaurant. The Dallas veteran, Dynell Lane, told oversight members that two uniformed off-duty Dallas police officers working security at Serious Pizza refused his entry to the restrooms after reviewing his medical card. This incident violated the restroom access law known as “Ally’s Law,” which states people lawfully on the premises of an establishment should be allowed access to a restroom if they provide evidence they have a medical condition that requires immediate access to a toilet facility — the DPD conduct investigation is ongoing. (The Dallas Morning News)
2. Dallas-based biotech startup, Taysha Gene Therapies, secured a $150 million lifeline from investors to advance clinical studies of its gene therapy medicines for rare neurological diseases. The new funding provides a cushion to complete clinical trials on gene therapy for Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls and severely impairs their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe. Taysha Gene Therapies reported encouraging treatment results from dosing its first Rett syndrome adult patient, making this round of funding an exciting next step in continuing their research. (The Dallas Morning News)
3. Dallas theater legend Bruce Coleman passed away on Tuesday from a heart attack, according to his family. His theater career in Dallas began when he started at Theatre Three in 1985 as an intern, eventually becoming its artistic director in May 2015. Through the years, Coleman worked with many of the stars of the Dallas/Fort Worth theater scene, and with many theaters in North Texas, including Uptown Players, Dallas’ LGBTQ-centric theater. (Dallas Voice)

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Today in Dallas:

Thursday, August 17

• Job Search Assistance and More At Dallas Public Library - Central Library (10:00 AM)
• Metallica Pop-Up Shop At 2117 Commerce Street (11:00 AM)

From our partner:

Do you know an outstanding community leader in Dallas? Nominate them here for a chance to be featured on Patch!

From my notebook:

• Looking to adopt a furry friend? It's "Clear the Shelters" month at local shelters, and the SPCA has lots of adoptable pets looking for a good home. Click the link to learn more. (SPCA of Texas via Facebook)
• Fall Soccer is around the corner! Early registration for youth leagues (ages 3-14) is now open, for $40 per player. Don't miss the Sep. 15 deadline—register here! (Dallas Park and Recreation Department via Facebook)
• The City of Dallas Water Utilities launched a unique pilot program that's the GOAT — they are now using goats to clear dense vegetation that blocks stormwater flow. The eco-friendly goat grazing method is a gentle way to remove plants without harming the environment. Click the link to learn more! (City of Dallas - City Hall via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.