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Dallas police chief calls for more mental health awareness after officer commits suicide

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Dallas police chief calls for more mental health awareness after officer commits suicide


A Dallas police officer committed suicide this week just one day after he was involved in a police shooting.

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Officer Matthew Bacon was involved in Monday’s shooting death of a man wanted for a Dallas murder. He had been with the department for 18 years.

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said he and others spoke with Officer Matthew Bacon after the deadly shooting, and no one saw signs that he was hours away from suicide.

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“So, emotions are raw,” Garcia said when talking about Bacon.

Bacon, who was an 18-year veteran of the department, took his own life Tuesday, one day after he and three other members of the U.S. Marshals Service’s North Texas Fugitive Task Force shot and killed an armed man wanted for murder, 36-year-old Corey Thomas.

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“We have units that are going after the worst of the worst that society has to offer, day in and day out,” Garcia said of the task force.

The department said the task force located Thomas inside a pick-up truck at an Oak Cliff apartment complex.

Thomas reportedly pointed a gun at the officers, and all four fired at him. Thomas died. 

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No officers were injured. 

The only video that police released related to the investigation is from a surveillance camera that does not show the confrontation.

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But in the audio, officers are heard telling Thomas to get his hands up or show his hands.

Police provided a photo of the handgun they said Thomas pointed at them, along with ammunition.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Chief Garcia said he and other members of the department spoke with Bacon after the shooting.

“And they never saw the signs,” he said.

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Garcia said mental health is a conversation sometimes frowned upon in policing.

“If I would’ve turned to my partner in ‘92 and told him, ‘Hey, that call kind of screwed me up a little bit,’ my partner would’ve looked at me and said, ‘Dude, we need to suck it up. We got 10 more hours,’” Garcia said. “If I would’ve said those exact words to a sergeant or a lieutenant in 1992, and this is not just me or my department in 1992, this is, I would argue, any police officer in 1992, that lieutenant would’ve looked at them in the eye and said, ‘Maybe this job isn’t for you.’”

Last year, the department created a wellness unit.

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It’s made up of seven officers who proactively work to boost and maintain the mental health of ones in the department.

“When people ask you, ‘How are you doing today?’ Everyone’s normal answer is, ‘I’m doing good, I’m doing good.’ Even when you’re not doing good. When you’re not doing good, you say, ‘I’m doing good.’ We need to get to the point where, you know, ‘How are you doing after that?’ ‘I’m not doing too well.’ Alright, well, let’s talk and make it O.K. to say I’m not doing too well after that. It’s that simple, it’s that simple, but also that difficult because I understand the culture,” Garcia said.

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It’s not known what was going through Bacon’s mind.

Chief Garcia said this was not Bacon’s first officer-involved shooting, and the department will elaborate with details next week.

“He had been involved in another shooting,” Garcia said.

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The department said Bacon leaves behind a wife.

“At the end of the day, man, I want my officers here at DPD, you know what I want, I want them to retire and I want them to be with their loved ones when they leave,” Garcia said.

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None of the task force officers involved were wearing body cameras due to a federal memorandum.

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line).

CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide. Call 1-800-273-TALK for free and confidential emotional support.

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Dallas, TX

Alamo Drafthouse saga leads Dallas' top entertainment stories of 2024

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Alamo Drafthouse saga leads Dallas' top entertainment stories of 2024


As the year 2024 comes to a close, Dallas is ready with all sorts of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve: from classical music to cover bands, from rooftop parties to masquerade balls. Here are the nine most interesting choices to help get 2025 off to a great start.

Gaylord Texan presents Glass Cactus New Year’s Eve Bash
Gaylord Texan in Grapevine will ring in the New Year at their nightclub, Glass Cactus, with performances by cover bands Infinite Journey and Nerd Halen. General admission includes a sparkling rosé toast at midnight, while VIP admission includes a sparkling rosé toast at midnight passed hors d’oeuvres, one drink ticket, and early entrance to club that includes a private 15-20 minute acoustic set from Infinite Journey.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents New Year’s Eve
Before the ball drops, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will kick off New Year’s celebrations with an evening of music, conducted by Moritz Gnann. Among the selections will be four compositions from Johann Strauss II, Bernstein’s Divertimento Waltz, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, and more. The concert takes place at Meyerson Symphony Center.

Waterproof presents Countdown in the Sky
Waterproof, the rooftop lounge at The Statler Hotel in downtown Dallas, will present Countdown in the Sky, a night of music and spectacular views. The Couples package includes two VIP entry tickets with front-of-the-line access, one Champagne bottle, one high-top table and New Year’s Eve party favors. Additional packages are available for groups of 6 to 12 people.

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Texas Live presents NYE Live!
At NYE Live! at Texas Live in Arlington, guests can welcome the New Year in style with entertainment, food and drink options, and a vibrant atmosphere. There will be live music, entertainment, decor, champagne toasts, and celebrations all night long.

Pegasus City Brewery presents NYE Bash
Pegasus City Brewery in Dallas will present a Monte Carlo/Casablanca/Gatsby style New Year’s Eve Bash for their fourth annual celebration. The evening will feature casino-style games, a performance by the David Washburn Jazz Band, an old-school photo booth, a Mexican food dinner, and a choice of 18 taps with beer, cider, and seltzer, plus wine and champagne, zero-proof options, and sodas. It all ends with a toast at midnight.

Meow Wolf Grapevine presents New Year’s Eve Adultiverse
On New Year’s Eve, reality takes a backseat as Meow Wolf Grapevine presents a special edition of Adulti-Verse. Guests 21 and over can enjoy Meow Wolf’s unique experience in style as the interdimensional soirée features a full-service bar and a performance by Night Shade Burlesque, as well as a champagne toast at midnight. Food & beverage will be available for purchase at the cafe.

Catbird presents NYE Met Gala
Catbird, the restaurant and bar at Thompson Dallas, will present a Met Gala-themed New Year’s Eve party, an opportunity for guests to wear over-the-top outfits. The event will transform the lounge into a prestigious and glamorous fashion event, complete with a red carpet, paparazzi, champagne, and special guest DJ Christopher Reid.

The Statler presents Royal Masquerade Ball
While the Statler’s rooftop bar will be hopping, their Grand Ballroom will transform into a Royal Masquerade Ball, complete with extravagant decorations, an open bar, casino games, and party favors. The festivities begin with DJs spinning Top 40 and hip-hop mashups. General admission tickets include access to an open bar and an evening of celebration. Before the ball, guests can dine in The Statler’s private dining space, a three-course dinner featuring premium wine and beer and a chef-curated menu.

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Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower will once again ring in the new year by presenting the annual Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower fireworks show. The show will feature a display of over 5,000 pyrotechnic special effects, a 259 LED light display, and nearly 300 drones. There is no viewing allowed near the tower; viewing can be done at nearby parties or city streets. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXAS will broadcast the event, and The Spot (98.7 FM), will simulcast the celebration.



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Dallas, TX

These Dallas-Fort Worth bars, restaurants offer refined mocktails

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These Dallas-Fort Worth bars, restaurants offer refined mocktails


Are you looking for a spot to sip on no-alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks in Dallas-Fort Worth? Options aren’t as slim as they once were for Dry January (or a dry or drier lifestyle) as more restaurants and bars add mocktails and other balanced, refreshing concoctions without the booze.

Beyond the Bar in Richardson

This was D-FW’s first no-alcohol bottle shop. Find unique zero-proof beverages of all sorts when you stop in.

101 S. Sherman St. B, Richardson. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

Community Beer Co. in Dallas

Eat Drink D-FW

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The latest food and drink reviews, recipes and info on the D-FW food scene.

The Dallas brewery can pour NA beers. The sprawling venue, which changed locales in recent years, also has a robust food menu. Grab a table outside when it’s sunny.

3110 Commonwealth Dr., Dallas. Open Wednesday through Sunday.

Doughbird near University Park

There’s a zero-proof section at the recently opened restaurant in Inwood Village, near the intersection of Inwood Road and Lovers Lane. Find a cheery blackberry rickey, made with mint, blackberry jam, fresh lime, and fizzy water, or southern peach tea, comprised of clover honey, peach and sparkling yuzu sour.

5560 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas.

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HG Sply Co.

Consult the “non-spirited” section of HG’s menu when stopping in. Mocktails with a healthful twist – think twists like beets or turmeric – are a point of emphasis at nutrition-conscious restaurant.

Multiple locations.

Ida Claire in Addison

Find six mocktails during Dry January at Ida Claire. Those include the Like a Virgin, with pineapple, grapefruit, lemon, blackberry, agave and soda, and Dazed & Confused, which includes Pamos THC spirit, pineapple, lemon, blueberry simple syrup and yuzu lime soda. The beverages are available all day through Jan. 31.

5001 Beltline Rd., Dallas.

Ladylove Lounge & Sound in Bishop Arts

Skip to the elixirs section of the cool lounge’s menu for a some surprising, well-balanced non-alcoholic flavor pairings. The elixirs are also included in Monday-Friday happy hour specials, which isn’t the most typical move.

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Open daily. 310 W. Seventh St., Dallas.

Uchi in Dallas

Along with Uchiba and Loro in Dallas and Uchiko in Plano, Uchi has a menu filled with both low ABV and no-ABV beverages. Loro, a Japanese and barbecue fusion restaurant, has zero-proof options that include the spicy cucumber with lime, yuzu and ghost agave.

Multiple locations.



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Dallas, TX

Dallas Wings name Chris Koclanes as new head coach, have No. 1 overall WNBA pick in 2025

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Dallas Wings name Chris Koclanes as new head coach, have No. 1 overall WNBA pick in 2025


NORTH TEXAS – Fresh from garnering the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, the Dallas Wings now have a new leader.

Chris Koclanes, known as a defensive and player development master, has been named the Wings’ next head coach.

Currently an assistant coach at the University of Southern California, Koclanes is replacing Latricia Trammell, who was dismissed in October after compiling a 31-49 record over two seasons. The Wings finished 9-31 last season.  

Curt Miller, the Wings’ executive vice president and general manager, applauded Koclanes for his leadership, communication and basketball IQ.

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“Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars,” Miller said in a news release. “He is a servant leader who places a high value on connection, collaboration, and a positive and consistent communication style with all those he coaches.

“Chris is a fantastic teacher of the game and has an outstanding basketball IQ. He is committed to player development and has a forward-thinking and innovative mind for the game. He is a tireless worker with a foundation built through preparation.

“In addition to his proven on-court skill, Chris possesses values that align perfectly with the Dallas Wings, including a shared focus on positively impacting the community and developing our players off the court.”

Miller touted the “many incredible things” on the Wings’ horizon, including a new arena, state-of-the-art practice facility and its selection of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

“… We are confident Chris is the right person to lead this team into a new era of Dallas Wings basketball,” Miller said.

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Koclanes has previous WNBA experience with the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun.

“I look forward to partnering with our ownership, front office, and players to create a sustainable championship culture that is felt on and off the floor, and in the community,” Koclanes said in the release. “I’m excited to support and empower the women of this league as we continue to elevate the WNBA to new heights.”

He kicked off his career in basketball operations and video coordination at William & Mary and St. Joseph’s.

A formal news conference announcing Koclanes is scheduled for Jan. 9 at Reunion Tower in Dallas.  

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