Dallas City Council members and residents slammed a proposal this week that would have closed at least four libraries throughout the city. While the plan to close these libraries is now on hold, a solution for what to do next is still up in the air.

One of the libraries on the chopping block was the Oak Lawn Branch Library, a space referred to as a neighborhood staple.

“It brings, I think, just a good cultural piece to the community,” said Kevin Miller, the president of the Cedar Springs Merchants Association. “It has the greatest number of authored books for the LGBTQIA generation. It also serves as a resource for folks that may not have access to technology, or the internet, or materials that might be needed to help them get a job.”

But the future of this library is now in limbo, along with three other branches: Skyline, Renner Frankford and Arcadia Park. That’s after residents and city council members raised concerns Tuesday over a city proposal to close the four libraries under a new regional model.

“I think that would be very hurtful for our community, and I know that’s a simple term, but I think it would have ripple effects for future generations,” Miller said.

The new regional model would have extended hours and shifted staff to larger branches. Library officials said the proposed model would have saved the city an estimated $4.5 million. But council member Cara Mendelsohn, whose district includes the Renner Frankford Branch, said the plan was poorly executed.

“The whole plan was developed without input from communities, without input from the library commission, which all of the council members appoint somebody to that, and without even talking to the council member who is in the affected area,” she said.

After unanimous pushback from the council, the plan is now on hold; however, Mendelsohn said taking away services from certain communities to save money isn’t the answer. Some of these libraries also serve as voting locations.

“The truth is we can save all these libraries and have them stay open and serve the residents, and reduce costs in other places pretty easily,” said Mendelsohn.

Community members like Miller agree.

“Just because it’s the easiest doesn’t mean that’s the right thing,” said Miller. “So let’s look a little bit harder and see what else we can do to preserve these places, because they’re important to our community.”

Council is expected to revisit the issue sometime in March.

Dallas-Fort Worth solidified its place as the top U.S. destination for movers in 2025, and now two local ZIP codes are emerging among the top-10 most in-demand places people are moving to in 2026: 75114 in Crandall, and 75251 in North Dallas.

The two ZIPs appeared in MovingPlace’s new analysis of the U.S. ZIP codes that attracted the most movers based on December 2025 migration data. In all, the report said 696,230 moves took place across the country in the final month of 2025.

Crandall’s 75114 ZIP code ranked as the No. 2 hottest American ZIP code with 12.4 moves per 1,000 residents occurring in December. Crandall fell second nationally to 34987 in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, whose move ratio was 16.2 moves per capita.

Crandall is located about 27 miles southeast of Dallas in nearby Kaufman County, where its 7,664 residents make a median household income of $88,829 per year, according to MovingPlace.

The report said Crandall is a “more affordable alternative” to other Dallas-area suburbs, as its median housing prices stand at just under $266,500.

“Its high ranking reflects a significant influx of residents attracted to new housing developments and the area’s increasing accessibility,” the report’s author wrote.

Kaufman County is also home Forney, another fast-growing Dallas suburb. Forney has expanded so quickly that H-E-B is moving in to meet residents’ grocery needs, and the new store is expected to open at the end of January. If that’s any indication of Kaufman County’s growth, Crandall may soon be next to get its own H-E-B.

Dallas’ own 75251 ZIP code ranked 10th on the list with 9.6 moves per capita that took place in December. This ZIP is bordered by I-635 to the north, U.S. Hwy 75 to the east, Forest Lane to the south, and Park Central Drive to the west. This area boasts 3,529 residents, and might be attracting many newcomers because it contains many apartment complexes, a retirement community, and an assisted living facility. The area is also near multiple hotels and Medical City Dallas Hospital.

“This urban ZIP code, known for its mix of corporate offices and residential high-rises, continues to be a primary destination for those relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth area,” the report said.

Dallasites residing in 75251 ZIP code make a median household income of $84,791 annually. Rather than giving the specific housing prices for this ZIP, MovingPlace said Dallas’ citywide median home price is $458,000.

The only other Texas ZIP that had the most moves in December 2025 was 78701 in Austin, which ranked No. 7 nationwide.

The top 10 ZIP codes that had the highest moves per capita in December 2025 are:

• No. 1 – 34987 in Port Saint Lucie, Florida
• No. 2 – 75114 in Crandall, Texas
• No. 3 – 87001 in Algodones, New Mexico
• No. 4 – 80019 in Aurora, Colorado
• No. 5 – 37228 in Nashville, Tennessee
• No. 6 – 85387 in Surprise, Arizona
• No. 7 – 78701 in Austin, Texas
• No. 8 – 28445 in Holly Ridge, North Carolina
• No. 9 – 33576 in San Antonio, Florida
• No. 10 – 75251 in Dallas, Texas

DALLAS – An arrest has been made in connection with the homicide case of Dallas rapper Zeethewizard on New Year’s Day.

What we know:

24-year-old Dameian Roberson has been arrested in connection with the shooting of Zecqurie Fields, aka ZeeTheWizard.

He has been charged with murder.

The backstory:

Dallas Fire-Rescue responded and transported five victims to a local hospital early on New Year’s Day, after reports of an exchange of gunfire in the parking lot of Pinkhouse Dallas nightclub, according to police.

One victim, later identified as 25-year-old Zecqurie Fields, also known as artist Zeethewizard, was transported in critical condition and died on January 5, 2026.

Investigators believe the shooting broke out in the club’s parking lot shortly before the victims were transported for medical care.

Local perspective:

Zecqurie Fields, also known as artist Zeethewizard

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Those close to Zecqurie Fields, known to some by his rap handle Zeethewizard, say that even more than music, he loved giving back to his community.

Terreon Randolph, a friend of Fields’, described him as a “great guy.”

“Very genuine. Did whatever he could to help anybody. His heart was always in the right place,” Terreon said.

What’s next:

Police say this is still an ongoing investigation.