🌱 FTC To Issue $115.8M In Refunds + DRC Announces 2023 Board Chair

Good morning, Dallas. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and warmer. High: 55 Low: 34.

Are you a business owner or marketer in Dallas who wants to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales? If that's you, then I invite you to see how our newsletter sponsorships combine our local audience reach with your expertise to attract new customers. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Dallas:

1. About 40,000 customers scammed using Dallas-based MoneyGram will receive a combined $115.8 million in refunds. The Federal Trade Commission announced yesterday the repayments would be distributed to those who submitted claims in 2021. (The Dallas Morning News)
2. The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) announced its 2023 board chair. Rafael Lizardi, senior vice president and chief financial officer for Texas Instruments, has already hit the ground running in his new role. "As we prepare for a new Texas Legislative session, the DRC will encourage our elected officials to take advantage of our state’s budget surplus to make smart, long-term investments in our region’s infrastructure and human capital. These priorities will strengthen our region and set us up for an even better tomorrow,” Lizardi said. (dallasinnovates.com)
3. An award-winning restaurant from chef Matt McCallister and pastry chef Maggie Huff will be closing on Feb. 19. According to owners, Homewood couldn't tread above water financially. “I’m incredibly sad Homewood is closing,” Barnett said. “I’m not sure I have the right words because I didn’t ever picture this happening. I’m incredibly thankful for the people that have worked so hard to make Homewood a great restaurant. I’m grateful for the patrons who came thru [sic] our doors. I wish it was different.” (D Magazine)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Dallas Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Dallas Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Dallas:

• Theatre Presents: The Storm In The Barn At Black Box Theatre (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Here’s some Super Bowl weekend trivia for you: Of the 2,192 NFL players and 451 Super Bowl athletes that have come from Texas since the 1966-67 season, 40 of them hail from right here in Dallas. Check out more Texas Super Bowl stats in this new BeenVerified study. (BeenVerified)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Dallas area at the link! (Dallas Patch)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar this weekend? Check out the list of events happening in and around Dallas this weekend at the link! (Visit Dallas)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Improovy Painters Plano — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (February 14)
• Raytheon Retirement Planning Seminar (February 16)
• Prospective Members Workshop Daughters of the American Revolution (February 25)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today.

— 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.