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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Metroplex Reels From Weekend Violence: Multiple Dead, Suspects At Large In Shootings, Stabbing
A series of violent incidents, including shootings and a stabbing, marred the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex over the weekend, leaving multiple dead, several injured, and suspects at large in most cases. Authorities are actively investigating and seeking public assistance to apprehend those responsible. Deep Ellum Shooting Leaves One Dead in Apparent Truck Theft Attempt: Dallas police responded to a shooting in the 200 block of South Hall Street at 12:26 a.m. on June 15. Officers found a man, identified as 32-year-old Jose Rodriguez-Lucio, deceased inside a pickup truck in an alley, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Preliminary investigations suggest Rodriguez-Lucio approached the truck, occupied by a woman, and jumped inside after the driver briefly stepped away to speak with friends. The driver returned, drew a handgun, and fatally shot Rodriguez-Lucio. The woman exited the vehicle unharmed. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to determine if the shooting was justified as a defense of property. The case may be referred to a grand jury if theft is confirmed. No charges have been filed. Woman Injured in Deep Ellum Gunfight: At 1:45 a.m. on June 16, Dallas police responded to gunfire reports near Good Latimer Expressway and Main Street outside Punch Bowl Social. Officers found a woman with a head injury, believed to have fallen while fleeing a shootout between two groups. She was hospitalized; her condition is unknown. The altercation began near Main Street and Malcolm X Boulevard, escalating into a gun battle between the occupants of two vehicles that fled the scene. Multiple parked cars were damaged, but no shooting victims were reported. Suspects remain at large, and police are reviewing surveillance footage to identify them. The woman's identity has not been released. Mansfield Woman Stabbed in Home Invasion: Mansfield police were called to a residence in the 400 block of South Main Street at 10:27 p.m. on June 14 after a 49-year-old woman reported being stabbed. The victim, who sustained two torso wounds, was treated at Methodist Mansfield Hospital and is stable. She told police an unknown man knocked on her locked door and attempted to enter. When she opened the door, he asked about a family acquaintance, then stabbed her with a kitchen knife, and fled on foot. The suspect is described as a Black or medium-complexioned male, young, 5'7' to 5'9', with short hair and a thin to average build. Police believe this was an isolated incident and are searching for the suspect. Teen Shot in Rowlett Parking Lot: Rowlett police responded to a shooting in the 5600 block of Rowlett Road at 3:29 p.m. on June 13. A 15-year-old male was injured in a business parking lot and received medical attention. The suspect, described as a Black male, 17–19 years old, wearing a red hoodie, red slides, and light-colored Nike shorts, was captured on video entering a nearby store before the incident. He fled on foot, and police are seeking public assistance to identify him. Fort Worth House Party Shooting Kills One, Injures Two: Fort Worth police were dispatched to Houston Street at 12:30 a.m. on June 15 following a shooting at a house party. Officers found two victims; a third was transported to a hospital privately. One victim, later identified as Anthony Luis Rangel, died at a local hospital. The other two victims are expected to survive. Investigators say a fight between two females over one of the victims preceded the shooting. An unknown suspect, who arrived with others, fought with a victim, drew a gun, fired multiple shots, and fled by car. No arrests have been made, and the identities of the other two victims remain undisclosed. The party was a celebration of Rangel's birthday, but he was fatally struck by a bullet during the altercation between the suspect and another shooting victim, according to a GoFundMe posting. Fort Worth Passenger Shot in Vehicle, Likely Fatal: At 3:37 a.m. on June 14, Fort Worth police responded to a shooting at West Long Avenue and Azle Avenue. A person in the passenger seat of a vehicle was shot by an unknown suspect and taken to a hospital, where they are not expected to survive, police said. Homicide detectives are investigating, but no arrests have been made, and details about the suspect or motive remain unclear. Fort Worth Backyard Shooting Kills One: On June 15 at 9:10 a.m., Fort Worth police responded to a shooting in the 6500 block of Routt Street. Officers found a man in the backyard of a residence in the 3000 block of Forest Avenue with fatal gunshot wounds to his torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives learned the victim was arguing with an unknown suspect before the shooting. Homicide detectives are investigating, but no arrests have been made. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause of death and release the victim's identity.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
As Homelessness Reports Rise Across Dallas, New Efforts Downtown Could Buck The Trend
While homelessness reports continue to rise across Dallas, new downtown initiatives promise to address these concerns. Reports of homelessness to the City of Dallas' 311 line rose 45 percent in three years, according to Fox 4. But Mark Nunneley, chief accounting officer for Ashford Hospitality Trust, told The Dallas Express recent could help downtown counter the trend. Nunneley compiles frequent homeless counts and reports for downtown Dallas and shared the latest report for the Central Business District with The Dallas Express. The latest report showed that homelessness has fallen from recent highs earlier this year. Homelessness peaked at 266 in late February and 209 in late March but fell to 138 in April—though it increased slightly to 158 in May. Most cases occurred in south-central downtown, near St. Paul St. and I-30. Downtown Dallas Inc. – which oversees the Dallas Downtown Improvement District – joined the City of Dallas and Dallas Citizens Council last month to launch Safe In The City, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. Safe In The City operates on a 'six-point plan for sustained public safety': higher policing, higher security coordination, more 'rehousing,' an expanded community court, 'de-magnetiz[ing]' homeless hotspots, and expanding 'reentry.' DDI also launched its app several years ago, letting users report 'non-emergency issues' to the 'Downtown Security, Homeless Outreach, and Clean Team.' The app lets residents submit reports and pictures of incidents downtown and text tips to 972-440-1995. According to Nunneley, the See Say app has recently brought promising results. He has used it multiple times to report homeless encampments downtown. 'Every time I've done that, within three or four minutes, the DDI security people are showing up and addressing it,' Nunneley said. 'Sometimes it's like – literally – they're blocks away, and they're there within a minute.' Nunneley said he had used See Say 'all over the downtown area,' including behind the convention center, near Dallas City Hall, and along Cadiz St. and Corsicana St. See Say responders are limited to downtown property – so they cannot resolve issues on city or private property, according to Nunneley. For example, if an encampment was on public library property, they could not remove it. When Nunneley calls 311, the response is 'not immediate,' he said – though 'they are working on trying to improve that.' Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn expressed frustration with Dallas' broader citywide homeless response. As The Dallas Express reported, Mendelsohn is an advocate for homeless reform. 'The residents are so fed up, and they are fed up of hearing homelessness is decreasing when they see it every single day,' Mendelsohn said recently, according to Fox 4. 'They report it, it gets closed and it does not get addressed. These are people who truly need help and it's not happening.' The Dallas Morning News reported that homelessness was down 5% across Dallas and Collin counties since 2024, citing the point-in-time (PIT) count. But, as The Dallas Express reported, PIT counts in places like California sometimes fail to capture reality. Homelessness in cities surrounding Dallas has risen significantly, as The Dallas Express previously reported. The estimated annual cost of homelessness to Dallas taxpayers is $193 million. The Dallas Express got in touch with DDI, but the group did not comment in time for publication.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How To Protect Your Business If Riots Hit Dallas Again This Weekend
With 'No Kings' demonstrations planned for Saturday, Dallas business owners may be eyeing the weekend warily—just days after an event against immigration enforcement spiraled into street violence. Here are 10 Top Tips to Help Dallas Businesses Prepare for Civil Unrest: Review and update your emergency communication protocols. Remove loose items like trash bins or sidewalk displays that could be used as projectiles. Reinforce glass storefronts with protective film, boards, or polycarbonate sheeting. Back up security camera footage and ensure cameras are functional and visible. Shut off or secure critical infrastructure like gas lines and electronics if evacuating. Alert employees early and consider remote work for Saturday. Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, and medical supplies. Identify multiple evacuation routes for staff. Check your business insurance to ensure riot-related damage is covered. Monitor real-time updates from police and emergency officials. Numerous No Kings demonstrations are planned across DFW for Saturday, June 14. No Kings' website states that it is explicitly and ardently anti-Trump. One entry adds, 'No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we're taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.' These demonstrations raise fears that there could be echoes of events on June 9 when a demonstration near the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge escalated into arrests, pepper spray deployments, and firework-throwing agitators. That event, organized against President Donald Trump's renewed ICE deportation initiative, mirrored violent outbursts in Los Angeles where vehicles burned and National Guard units were deployed, The Dallas Express reported. The Dallas Police Department is aware of the demonstrations. DPD's 'main priority' is the safety of people who 'live, work, and visit' the city, according to a statement previously provided to The Dallas Express. 'The Department will not interfere with a lawful and peaceful assembly of any individuals or groups expressing their First Amendment rights,' the DPD spokesman said. 'Participants will see our patrols as they always do at large events.' Fort Worth's Police Department shared similar sentiments. 'The Fort Worth Police Department is working closely with our community and our Intelligence Fusion Center to monitor all activity during any peaceful protests that may take place in the City of Fort Worth,' a FWPD spokesman said. Gov. Greg Abbott has reportedly mobilized over 7,000 National Guardsmen in anticipation of what may happen, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. In anticipation of possible unrest, The Dallas Express has compiled the best advice for protecting property and people during potential riots. These recommendations were collected from national business safety guides, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, security firms, and insurance companies, which were produced during the previous waves of nationwide violence in 2020 and 2021. Advice from the Following the 2021 post-election unrest, the U.S. Chamber Foundation developed a comprehensive guide for businesses bracing for street-level chaos: Tips from the Chamber: Partner with law enforcement for timely alerts. Lock windows and add protective film or wood barriers. Hire temporary security, especially near government buildings. Secure loose objects outside your business that could be weaponized. Ensure your insurance policy explicitly covers riot-related damage. Recommendations from Riot Glass, a security firm specializing in protective materials, emphasized dual strategies: safety for employees and protection for property. Tips for Staying Safe: Keep an emergency kit with first aid, food, and water at your location. Create detailed evacuation plans with alternate routes. Monitor real-time police updates via scanner or social media. Close early and send employees home at the first sign of unrest. Tips for Property Protection: Install highly visible surveillance cameras. Hire security guards for entrances and exits. Move vital equipment to safer locations and shut down utilities. Overglaze windows with polycarbonate shields or board them up. Insights from Chubb, a major commercial insurer, emphasized business continuity and employee safety during unpredictable events. Employee-Focused Tips: Urge staff to avoid protest areas and allow remote work. Keep employee contact information up-to-date. Make all staff familiar with emergency plans. Facility-Focused Tips: Test alarms and backup systems. Remove combustibles and secure doors and windows. If vacating, shut down utilities while maintaining fire systems. On June 9, demonstrators in Dallas initially gathered to denounce ICE raids, where some reportedly hurled fireworks at police. DPD declared the demonstration unlawful by 9:40 p.m. and deployed pepper spray after dispersal orders were ignored. At least one arrest was confirmed. Footage from the scene showed demonstrators chanting 'Free Palestine' and waving Mexican flags, The Dallas Express reported. While many participated peacefully, the confrontation resembled the escalating unrest in California that prompted national headlines and responses from political figures, including Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) and entrepreneur Elon Musk, DX reported.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
As Homelessness Reports Rise Across Dallas, New Efforts Downtown Could Buck The Trend
While homelessness reports continue to rise across Dallas, new downtown initiatives promise to address these concerns. Reports of homelessness to the City of Dallas' 311 line rose 45 percent in three years, according to Fox 4. But Mark Nunneley, chief accounting officer for Ashford Hospitality Trust, told The Dallas Express recent could help downtown counter the trend. Nunneley compiles frequent homeless counts and reports for downtown Dallas and shared the latest report for the Central Business District with The Dallas Express. The latest report showed that homelessness has fallen from recent highs earlier this year. Homelessness peaked at 266 in late February and 209 in late March but fell to 138 in April—though it increased slightly to 158 in May. Most cases occurred in south-central downtown, near St. Paul St. and I-30. Downtown Dallas Inc. – which oversees the Dallas Downtown Improvement District – joined the City of Dallas and Dallas Citizens Council last month to launch Safe In The City, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. Safe In The City operates on a 'six-point plan for sustained public safety': higher policing, higher security coordination, more 'rehousing,' an expanded community court, 'de-magnetiz[ing]' homeless hotspots, and expanding 'reentry.' DDI also launched its app several years ago, letting users report 'non-emergency issues' to the 'Downtown Security, Homeless Outreach, and Clean Team.' The app lets residents submit reports and pictures of incidents downtown and text tips to 972-440-1995. According to Nunneley, the See Say app has recently brought promising results. He has used it multiple times to report homeless encampments downtown. 'Every time I've done that, within three or four minutes, the DDI security people are showing up and addressing it,' Nunneley said. 'Sometimes it's like – literally – they're blocks away, and they're there within a minute.' Nunneley said he had used See Say 'all over the downtown area,' including behind the convention center, near Dallas City Hall, and along Cadiz St. and Corsicana St. See Say responders are limited to downtown property – so they cannot resolve issues on city or private property, according to Nunneley. For example, if an encampment was on public library property, they could not remove it. When Nunneley calls 311, the response is 'not immediate,' he said – though 'they are working on trying to improve that.' Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn expressed frustration with Dallas' broader citywide homeless response. As The Dallas Express reported, Mendelsohn is an advocate for homeless reform. 'The residents are so fed up, and they are fed up of hearing homelessness is decreasing when they see it every single day,' Mendelsohn said recently, according to Fox 4. 'They report it, it gets closed and it does not get addressed. These are people who truly need help and it's not happening.' The Dallas Morning News reported that homelessness was down 5% across Dallas and Collin counties since 2024, citing the point-in-time (PIT) count. But, as The Dallas Express reported, PIT counts in places like California sometimes fail to capture reality. Homelessness in cities surrounding Dallas has risen significantly, as The Dallas Express previously reported. The estimated annual cost of homelessness to Dallas taxpayers is $193 million. The Dallas Express got in touch with DDI, but the group did not comment in time for publication.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Exposed: How Texans' Tax Dollars Fund Political Agendas
When state Sen. Mayes Middleton sponsored a bill to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying, he hoped it would end the use of peoples' money against their own interests. 'For too long, taxpayers' and parents' own tax dollars have been used to lobby against them in Austin,' Middleton said in a statement to The Dallas Express. Middleton, a Republican, introduced SB 19 in the state Senate in February, aiming to ban public bodies from hiring lobbyists. 'These taxpayer-funded lobbyists have squandered millions of dollars of your hard-earned dollars to lobby against border security, election integrity, parental choice in education, teacher pay raises, and even fought against property tax relief and reform,' Middleton said in the statement. Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare endorsed Middleton's proposed ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying in February. 'It's time for Texas to put a stop to using our tax dollars for special interest lobbying,' he posted at the time. Close to $100 million in public funds is spent each year on taxpayer-funded lobbying, according to Middleton. Public bodies across Texas spent up to $98.6 million in 2023 – up from $75 million in 2021 – to hire 'contract lobbyists,' according to a report by the Texas Public Policy Foundation. James Quintero, policy director of the group's Taxpayer Protection Project, wrote that these numbers fail to 'capture the full weight of taxpayer-funded lobbying.' He added that local governments also use tax dollars to hire 'in-house lobbyists' and pay membership dues to 'politically active groups that represent political subdivisions to the legislature.' Quintero wrote that it is 'more difficult to quantify' these kinds of lobbying due to the large volume of information. 'The practice of T[axpayer] F[unded] L[obbying] is being utilized by local governments to lobby state government for more government – and in a decidedly leftwing direction,' Quintero wrote. 'It is tantamount to the weaponization of public money against the public interest, for the benefit of a select few.' Groups like the Texas Association of School Boards used 'school tax dollars' to protect men going into girls' restrooms and locker rooms, and invited 'transgender advocates' to train school board members on pronouns, Middleton said. In the past, the TASB reportedly helped block school choice. The TASB uses 'taxpayer-funded' lobbying, and it spent up to $1.89 million as of the '2024 election season,' according to Transparency USA. Since 2015, the group has spent up to $6.8 million. Its 'advocacy agenda' is off-limits to the public. The TASB denounced efforts to ban lobbying with public money: 'Prohibiting Local Governments from Lobbying is Community Censorship.' Dallas directed more than $1 million to its 'internal lobbyists,' which support legislation it says 'protect[s] the rights of all vulnerable communities, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, youth, seniors, and refugees.' Fort Worth supports legislation that would 'prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.' Other large cities across Texas also fund lobbyists with public money. Austin uses its 'public-private team of lobbyists' to 'actively support legislation' backed by the city council, like 'pay-equity, education-equity, housing-equity, and health-equity.' Houston supports measures 'strengthening local governments' regulatory authority over energy industry participants.' San Antonio's Government Affairs Department pushes legislation supporting 'health equity and social justice.' Middleton's ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying – backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick – passed the state Senate in March but ultimately died in the state House. Before it passed the first chamber, Republican state Sen. Robert Nichols introduced an amendment that gutted the bill. This removed the ban on public dollars for nonprofits that hire lobbyists and created carve-outs for nonprofits. TASB is a nonprofit, so this would have exempted the group from the public lobbying ban. 'Time and time again, we have seen taxpayer-funded lobbyists advocate against Texans and against common sense,' Middleton said in a statement. 'We don't need an Austin lobbyist middleman between state and local elected officials. We are elected to represent our constituents directly.'
