🌱Dallas County Crime Backlog + 'Stranger Things' Coming To Grapevine

Good morning Irving! Let’s see what’s going on today. I’m Merlin Douglass, guest curator for your trip through Irving news this morning.

First, today's weather:

Chance of thunderstorms. High: 83 Low: 65

Here are the top stories in Irving today:

1. Embattled teacher Rachel Stonecipher, who was suspended after showing support for LGBTQ students by using rainbow stickers, has been permanently dismissed. Irving ISD is not renewing the contract for the controversial educator despite more than a dozen people speaking out on her behalf at the school board meeting this past Monday. Stonecipher is considering a lawsuit based on the decision. (KERA)
2. The Grapevine Mills Mall is bringing in a unique interactive experience venue based on the, Netflix show, "Stranger Things." The attraction is expected to open May 25 and will include some of the show’s most iconic locations. (KERA)
3. Dallas County has launched an online survey to find out how much residents know about accessing, understanding and applying health information. A 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment determined that poor health literacy was a barrier for some residents getting the health care information that they needed. This survey will help the County find out how and where residents are getting their health care information in order to find better ways to communicate with people. (Community Impact)
4. Dallas County may lose millions of dollars in grant money due to a backlog of criminal cases the county has been unable to resolve. At stake is $50 million in criminal justice grants from the state, which require that 90% of cases be resolved within a five-year period, and the county is currently only at 87%. The 19,000 outstanding cases haven’t been heard in courts because of pandemic precautions that resulted in judges working from home. (Fox 4 News)
5. The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra is celebrating 50 years by offering ‘Jazz in the Community' free concerts throughout the month of May. Find out where and when at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.

Today in Irving:

• Legoland Discovery Center in Grapevine is offering a special Sensory Friendly event in honor of Autism Awareness Month. The cost is $10 for both adults and children, and tickets must be purchased in advance. (9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.)
• Enjoy music on the lawn with Sunday Sundown at the Texas Lottery Plaza with Faron Gilbert. The show runs from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. The event is free but bring your own blanket or chairs.
• Enjoy a walk along the Mandalay Canal in Las Colinas. Ride a gondola, walk along the paths beside the canal or stop at one of the many restaurants to sit and watch the waterfowl along the canal, which was inspired by the ones in Venice. This Irving city treasure is perfect for any time of day. (Irving Texas Visitor Info)

From my notebook:

• Borrow a WiFi hotspot from the South Irving library! Irving residents with current library cards that allow them to borrow physical material can check out WiFi hotspots. These hotspots can connect to up to 10 devices to the internet at home for games, email and streaming videos for all the family. (City of Irving)
• The Irving Arts Center is presenting its annual exhibition of Irving student artwork. On view presently is the work by local high school students. The gallery is open 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday, and it is free of charge.

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That’s all I have for you today Irving but never fear — your regular Patch curator, Ash DeMello, will be back with your early Monday morning to make sure you’re ready to start your day.

—Merlin Douglass