🌱 New Pension Payouts For First Responders + Texas Man Exonerated

Hi, Dallas! Like many of you, the Patch staff is taking some time off for Memorial Day, so you won’t see this newsletter in your inbox for a few days. We’ll be back soon, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening in and around town this weekend.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy to partly sunny. High: 90 Low: 67.

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Here are the top three stories in Dallas today:

1. A new bill that helps to increase pension payouts for first responders has officially passed in Dallas. If a first responder passes away as a result of occupational illnesses, their families will now receive the same benefits as a police officer who is shot and killed in the line of duty or a firefighter who dies from a collapsing building. The bill was inspired by David Walters, a firefighter who tragically passed away from a heart attack caused by different toxins he had been exposed to throughout his career. (Fox 4 News)
2. After 25 years in prison, Texas native Martin Santillan has officially been exonerated from a crime he did not commit. According to court records, Santillan was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the shooting of Damond Whittman that happened in a Deep Ellum parking lot back in 1997. The 49-year-old man was technically released in December, but he's been waiting until he was officially declared innocent to celebrate. (Dallas Observer)
3. The family of a teenager fatally shot at a 7-Eleven in Downtown Dallas is suing both the convenience store and its chain, alleging inadequate security measures. The victim, Omarian Frazier, was purchasing a beverage with a friend when they were mistakenly targeted by Donald Moore Jr., the accused killer, who believed they were individuals involved in a previous attack against him at the store. While Frazier tragically lost his life, his friend sustained serious injuries but survived the incident. (Fox 4 News)

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Today in Dallas:

• WWE Night Of Champions At Dave & Buster's Dallas (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Looking to start a new venture in health care? Parker's University is now offering a new hybrid online and in-person program for students to receive their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. This 10-trimester program features a rigorous curriculum that's meant to provide students with an integrated clinical experience and competitive educational benefits that position these individuals as leaders in the healthcare industry. (Global Newswire)
• Deep Ellum's inaugural Community Arts Fair is officially taking place on Crowdus Street this Memorial Day weekend. The event will be a community-run three-day experience that features a variety of local artists, artisans, musicians, performances, neighborhood businesses, and so much more. (CultureMap Dallas)
• On Saturday, May 27, the Dallas Zoo's Safari Nights kick off with performances from a tribute band for the late Selena Quintanilla. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate the beloved artist with some of her most iconic hits and partake in a variety of activities. This event is included with general admission tickets and as always, Dallas Zoo members are eligible to attend at no extra cost. (Dallas Zoo)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.