Dallas, TX
Nonprofit plans memorial park to honor fallen Dallas Police Officer Darron Burks
Taylor Toynes says he started thinking of ways to honor the life of Dallas Police Officer Darron Burks in the immediate weeks following his death.
“It’s important that people can come in and sit down with what took place but also see hope,” Toynes said.
The founder of ‘For Oak Cliff’ said fundraising efforts started earlier this year for a memorial park at the nonprofit’s location at 907 E. Ledbetter Drive.
“I think it’s important for it to be here because of the events that happened here,” Toynes said.
Burks was parked at ‘For Oak Cliff,’ completing work in his patrol car and waiting for his next assignment when the rookie officer was ambushed by a suspect in August 2024.
Two other Dallas PD officers were shot by the suspect responding to the scene. Both survived but Sr. Cpl. Karissa David was left blind in both eyes.
Burks worked as a teacher for 17 years before changing careers and entering law enforcement in his early 40’s.
Toynes says the memorial park will honor his life as an educator, athlete and public servant with spaces for play, reflection and artwork.
“It’s not just something that people walk up to and see but it’s also something that people can interact with and have fun and learn and build community at the same time,” Toynes said.
Toynes said ‘For Oak Cliff’ did not move forward with the project until it had support from both Burks’ mother and the Dallas Police Department.
Dallas PD said Thursday in a statement Burks’ unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the city made a lasting impact.
“Officer Burks’ legacy will forever remain etched in the heart of the city he loved, and he will always be remembered as a true hero,” a spokesperson said.
“We are honored to see Officer Burks’ memory live on through the legacy he left behind.”
Toynes said he estimates the project will be completed in three phases and will cost upwards of $300,000 to complete.
“I have faith in the city of Dallas and the philanthropic community here,” Toynes said.
The fundraising effort is ongoing through the Community Foundations of Texas and the North Texas Giving Day campaign.
Dallas, TX
Man dies after dog attack in Dallas home, police say
A man has died after a dog attacked him inside a home in North Texas on Thursday afternoon, officials say.
Dallas police officers responded to a call in the 4100 block of Esmalda Drive at about 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7. Investigators determined the man was attacked by a dog inside a residence in the 4100 block of Pringle Drive.
The victim was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries, police said.
According to a press release, the Dallas Police Department is treating the case as a homicide.
Police ask anyone with information to contact Detective Kenneth Castoral at 469‑781‑1261 or by email at kenneth.castoral@dallaspolice.gov.
Dallas, TX
Every Dallas Restaurant That Closed in 2025
Photos by Allison McLean
According to the Chinese New Year, 2025 was the year of the snake, and Dallas shed more than its fair share of restaurants and bars.
We actually started off on a high note with the closure of Salt Bae’s restaurant, Nusr-Et, which had the audacity to charge upwards of $1,000 for a steak.
After that, local favorites started dropping like flies. Many leases seemed to come to an end with an increase in demand for space sending rent skyrocketing. Along with rising food costs, local restaurants are taking a hit.
It’s not all bad, though. Peppered into the mix are some restaurants and bars in Dallas that closed, but were remodeled and reimagined into new concepts. Others are looking for new spaces with lower rent. The rest, however, are gone for good.
The beginning of this year will likely be no better than the last, and it’s as good a time as ever to get out and support your favorite local spots. Money tight? We know where to go.
These are all the Dallas restaurants that closed in 2025.
Dallas, TX
Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis facing possible season-ending surgery on hand
Dallas Mavericks star big man Anthony Davis might be facing season-ending left hand surgery after being injured in Thursday night’s game against the Utah Jazz, ESPN reported on Friday.
Davis reportedly underwent an MRI exam on Friday that showed ligament damage in the hand. Davis reportedly will seek a second opinion to see if surgery is needed.
ESPN reported Davis would miss at least six weeks if surgery is avoided.
Davis was injured with 2:52 left in the 116-114 loss while defending Utah star Lauri Markkanen on a drive to the basket. Davis was in obvious pain after the play and left the contest with 2:08 remaining after he was holding the hand and unable to defend Markkanen’s next basket.
The timing of the injury could affect Dallas’ trade plans. The club reportedly planned to shop Davis prior to the 5 February trade deadline.
Davis hasn’t even been with the Mavericks for a year yet. He came over in the controversial and disastrous deal in which star Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Davis, who turns 33 in March, is making $54.1m this season. He is due to make $58.5m next season and has a player option for $62.8m in 2027-28.
Davis has played in just 29 games for the Mavericks – nine last season and 20 this season.
He is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots this season. He is a 10-time All-Star.
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