🌱 Lack Of Promises To Public Schools + Urban Specialists Nonprofit

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening these days in Dallas.

But first, today's weather:

Humid with a stray t-storm. High: 94 Low: 78.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Dallas:

1. During the beginning of the 2023 legislative session, there were multiple promises made to teachers and public schools by Texas politicians, such as increased public school funding, pay raises, and parental leave. However, credible sources Stephanie Elizalde, Dallas ISD Superintendent, Rosie Curts, Dallas ISD teacher, and Rena Honea, president of the AFT teachers union, are all very disappointed with the lack of kept promises by politicians. There have been recognized efforts in adding new lessons to the curriculum; however, the sources believe Gregg Abbott purposefully ignored task force suggestions that addressed Texas’ teacher shortages. Teachers and leaders in the education system feel betrayed and deceived by those who are in power in Texas, awarding them an “F” grade for how they have benefited the public school system. (Dallas Observer)
2. Antong Lucky, president of the nonprofit Urban Specialists, is determined to gather volunteers within the Dallas community to help individuals in high-crime neighborhoods feel more secure and safe. The Urban Specialists are having their Community Peace Canvas on Friday, Jun. 30, at 5:00 p.m. within their "Killing Ain’t Kool!" campaign. Volunteers and leaders will be at the Dallas Police Headquarters down the road on 1401 Botham Jean Boulevard, and their first planned stop is 3303 Southern Oaks Boulevard. (NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)
3. Dallas will soon welcome a new park and recreational center that will be located at Forest Audelia Village, replacing the existing shopping center that is currently in the lot. According to Dallas Park and Recreation, this will be a space that will focus more on enjoying the outdoors and socializing with the residents in the surrounding area. The first phase of this project consists of the deconstruction of 10,000 square feet of the current shopping center, and it is set to be completed by the end of 2024. (Northdallasgazette)

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Today in Dallas:

• AT&T Turn Up The Love Tour At AT&T Dallas Discovery District (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Schedule a time any day between 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to meet Rosyln, a very sweet and shy dog at the SPCA of Texas, who is in need of a forever home! (SPCA of Texas via Facebook)
• The Dallas Park and Recreation Department is accepting all ages for swim lessons, at $40 per swimmer. Sign up here. (Dallas Park and Recreation Department via Facebook)
• Register here for the DEC Network Associate Board and the ⁠Dallas Junior Chamber’s 3rd Quarter Off the Clock Mixer on Jul. 13 at Hero HG Dallas, taking place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (The DEC Network via Instagram)

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