Dallas News: Fatal Crash, Student Death, Cellphone Ban, and Homeowner Issues

Tragic Loss of Life in North Texas

• 💔 Five young women—Talia Selenus, Ruby Cruz, Briana Valadez, Jackie Velasco, and Desiree Cvantes—died in a fiery crash in Bernett County, Texas.
• 🚗 The crash occurred when Cody Thally, driving a horse trailer, crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with their SUV.
• ⚖️ Families are seeking justice, highlighting Thally's history of DWIs, assaults, and family violence, and his alleged lack of a proper permit and required interlock device.
• 😔 A 17-year-old track star, Roy Hughes Jr., died unexpectedly at an apartment days before the school year began, with students and coaches holding a private balloon release.
• ⚠️ In southern Dallas, a 37-year-old woman and a 3-year-old boy, identified as victims of a shooting, died at a home where the suspected shooter, 53-year-old Lali Pradhan, also died from a gunshot wound.

Homeowner Concerns and Builder Response

• 🏠 Homeowners in Midlothian are experiencing issues like cracks, leaks, and mold in newly built Bloomfield Homes.
• 🛠️ The founder of Bloomfield Homes inspected one property, agreeing to fix some flooring and address a leaking roof that caused mold.
• 🏗️ Drainage issues in backyards and a cracked kitchen island were also noted, with the builder stating grading was done according to engineering plans and suggesting retaining walls as a homeowner solution.

New State Law: Cellphone Ban in Schools

• 📱 Dallas ISD and other North Texas districts are implementing a new state law requiring a ban on student cell phones and smartwatches during the school day.
• 🔒 Phones are collected and stored, with students receiving them back at the end of the day, though multiple violations require parental pickup.
• ✅ The policy is described as smooth so far, with students and parents largely embracing the change, noting increased attention in class.
• 🚑 Exceptions are made for medical monitoring (e.g., diabetes) and for students using phones with hearing aids, and phones are available for emergencies.

Community Support and AI in Flood Detection

• 🎒 The Fort Worth Police Athletic League hosted a backpack and supply giveaway, including free haircuts, to help children prepare for back to school.
• 🌊 A new program utilizing AI is being introduced to track flooding, offering a technological solution to a common environmental challenge.