🌱 Local Veteran Receives $10,000 Grant + North Texas Real Estate

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 happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 96 Low: 73.

Here are the top three stories in Dallas today:

1. Ryan Urquhart, a 22-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran, received a $10,000 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through Veritex Community Bank. The grant enabled him to install a new central air conditioning unit in his home, improving his living conditions during hot Texas summers. HAVEN has provided support to veterans and active-duty service members disabled in the line of duty since Aug. 2, 1990, and FHLB Dallas has expanded eligibility criteria to help more veterans like Urquhart. (Business Wire)
2. The real estate market in North Texas is experiencing a cooling trend, with an increase in foreclosure filings and a decrease in home prices. Data from ATTOM and MetroTex Association of Realtors show that foreclosure filings have risen in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year. Home sales and prices are also down from June 2022 due to higher mortgage interest rates and low inventory, leading to increased demand in the rental market with a significant rise in single-family rentals listed and homes leased in North Texas. (Candys Dirt)
3. Four individuals, including Lamorris Hudspeth, Gershon Caston, Amber Gords, and Adarius Staples, have been arrested by the Dallas Police for their alleged involvement in sex trafficking and sexual assault of a child under the age of 18. The crimes were committed during June and July. The investigation was a joint effort between the Dallas Police Department's Special Investigations Division and the North Texas Trafficking Task Force, which includes federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as non-profit organizations. (NBC 5 DFW)

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Today in Dallas:

Saturday, July 22

• Dallas Colombian Festival At Addison Circle Park (4:00 PM)
• Barbie Skate Night At Galleria Dallas (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Summer brings scorching heat and a desire for refreshing drinks. Four Corners Brewing El Grito Lager, a Dallas-brewed beer, secured the third spot among the best summer beers of 2023, praised for blending craft brewing with Mexican-American cultural influences, according to Gayot, a wine and beer-focused website. (KDAF)
• On Apr. 8, 2024, Dallas will experience a rare total solar eclipse, with one of the longest durations for Time in Totality in the United States, lasting 3 minutes and 51 seconds. Those interested in witnessing this breathtaking event can find more information and plan their experience at the Dallas Eclipse 2024 hub here. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! (Visit Dallas via Facebook)
• The Dallas Police Department has implemented an Online Reporting System, allowing citizens to submit reports for specific non-emergency offenses online. This system provides a convenient and efficient way for people to report certain incidents to the police department without the need for in-person visits or phone calls. Learn more here. (City of Dallas - City Hall via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Taste of Jalisco Four-Course Tequila Pairing Dinner (July 27)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. See you all 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.