🌱 Parkland COVID Hospitalizations Double + Dallas ISD Meals

Hey, people of Dallas! It's me again, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Dallas Daily.

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First, today's weather:

A little rain in the morning. High: 74 Low: 53.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Dallas:

1. As COVID-19 cases rise across the country, the Parkland Hospital system in Dallas has seen a dramatic increase in hospitalizations. Over the weekend, Parkland's active COVID patient caseload doubled from 35 to over 70 by Monday night, including 40 convalescent patients. Hospital officials said most of the COVID-19 patients ending up in the hospital are unvaccinated, and they believe the situation is only going to evolve in the next month. (NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)
2. Dallas is expected to receive millions in federal infrastructure dollars, and eyes are on Mayor Eric Johnson to see what improvements will be made in the city with that money. In a letter to a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Johnson laid out his priorities, including sinking Interstate 30 through East Dallas, investing in Harold Simmons Park, and helping fund infrastructure and programs that eliminate traffic deaths. Earlier in the pandemic, Dallas received $377 million in stimulus dollars, which was used to start building new sewer and water infrastructure, expand broadband, and fix 1,700 miles of streets. (D Magazine)
3. For students who rely on Dallas ISD for daily meals, the school district made sure no child went hungry over winter break. On Monday, meal packages consisting of seven meals and seven snacks were distributed at 22 different high schools for all district students in need. (FOX 4 Dallas)

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Today in Dallas:

• Whiskey Tasting & BBQ At The Whiskey Spot (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Right now, you can make twice the impact for animals in need at the SPCA of Texas. Give through Dec. 31 and fellow animal lovers will double it up to $50,000! (Instagram)
• The Dallas Police Department reminds residents that celebratory gunfire can cause serious bodily injury and even time in jail. Discharging a firearm within the city limits of Dallas is punishable by fines up to $4,000 and up to a year in jail. (Facebook)
• Start off the new year with friends and loved ones at The Dallas Arboretum's Friendship Tea! From Jan. 2 to Feb. 19, enjoy daily seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tea prices include complimentary parking and garden admission. Available by reservation only. (Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow 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.