🌱 Task Force Created For Reckless Acts + Rehab Centers Struggle

Hey, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Dallas Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Warmer; morning mist. High: 55 Low: 52.

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Here are the top three stories today in Dallas:

1. Gov. Greg Abbott has created a task force to tackle the problem of dangerous street takeovers in North Texas cities, including Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth. The task force will be led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to address these reckless acts which endanger the lives of Texans and law enforcement officers. DPS Director Steven McCraw emphasized the importance of stopping these dangerous activities, which include fireworks being fired at officers, lasers pointing at aircraft, and drivers traveling at high speeds with no lights on. (CBS Dallas)
2. The Dallas City Council has approved a $1 million anti-displacement homebuyer assistance program that will offer up to $50,000 in forgivable loans to residents who have lived in the city for at least 10 years and are trying to buy a home within the city. To be eligible, participants must make between 50 percent and 120 percent of the area's median income of $97,400. At least 20 loans are initially set to be given out, and the program is intended to provide some relief from rising home costs and help long-time residents stay in the city. (Subscription: The Dallas Morning News)
3. Drug rehab services in Texas are facing a surge in demand for addiction treatment, and facilities are asking state lawmakers for financial assistance. Nexus Recovery Center in Dallas has not received an increase in state funding for five years and is among those requesting more money to sustain its services. The rise in demand is due in part to drugs laced with fentanyl being sold on the streets, leading to a spate of overdose deaths, including three teenagers in Carrollton. (FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth)

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Today in Dallas:

• Flea Harvey's Rock N Roll Flea Market At Lee Harvey's (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• 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)
• A report by LawnStarter listed the best cities for crafting in 2023, taking into account the best access to crafting supplies, the crafting community, workshops for learning, and events to attend. Dallas ranked No. 29 on the list of 200 cities. (CW33 Dallas)
• According to CivMetrics, North Texas has seen 5,479 layoffs reported in 2023, with mortgage service companies and certain categories of distribution and third-party logistics firms accounting for most of the layoffs. Richardson had the most layoffs, followed by Fort Worth and Dallas. Texas ranked second in the U.S. for the total number of layoffs overall. (WFAA.com)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! I'll see you back in your inbox next week with 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.