🌱 New Book Ban Law Takes Effect Sep. 1 + DPD Officer Takes Own Life

Hello again, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this warm morning with your fresh edition of the Dallas Patch newsletter.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and hot. High: 108 Low: 82.

Here are the top three stories in Dallas today:

1. A new Texas law will take effect on Sep. 1. requiring book vendors to issue ratings to titles they sell to classify reading materials as “sexually explicit." The so-called READER Act, introduced by Republican state Rep. Jared Patterson, has many booksellers, educators, and parents concerned about censorship, and worried that instilling a love of books for some students could become more difficult. Critics argue that these new requirements are unconstitutional and that the measure is aimed at removing titles that conservative lawmakers don’t like, such as those dealing with issues of sexuality and race. (Dallas Observer)
2. Following a shootout on Monday between a murder suspect and four Dallas Police Department (DPD) officers, one of the officers involved took his own life, police confirmed this week. The officers were serving an arrest warrant when the altercation turned violent and DPD officers began shooting when the suspect would not cooperate. Sadly, Officer Matthew Bacon, an 18-year veteran with DPD, took his own life on Tuesday immediately following the incident. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
3. This week, Texas Central Partners and Amtrak stated they are seeking opportunities to advance work with the proposed 205-mph high-speed rail project between Dallas and Houston. Plans for the intercity rail project began in 2016, with both companies applying to federal grant programs to fund additional study and design work for the project. The proposed route would allow riders to travel 240 miles between the two cities in less than 90 minutes. (WFAA.com)

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Today in Dallas:

Friday, August 11

• Bulk Trash Drop-Off Service At Renner Frankford Branch Library (All Day)
• Business Exchange Breakfast At Grand Prairie Chamber Of Commerce Office (8:00 AM)
• Jurassic World Live Tour At American Airlines Center (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The new school year is almost here! Check out these weekend events from the Dallas Independent School District—they will have resources and more as families prepare to head back to school. (Dallas ISD via Facebook)
• Fall is around the corner, and there are several new restaurant openings around town to look out for. From sushi to burgers, and beyond, click the link to check out seven new restaurants opening in Dallas next month. (PaperCity Magazine)
• A local Dallas painter residing in Exposition Park is making a name for himself in the national art scene. Click the link to learn more about Francesco Moreno and his evocative paintings. (Dallas Observer)

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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning 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.