The top local stories this morning from KERA News: After 33 years with the Dallas Police Department, six as its leader, Police Chief David Brown retires today.
At times, Brown clashed with police unions over low morale and low pay. But his advocacy for pay raises and hiring more officers has paid off. The new city budget will include pay raises for first responders and money to hire 449 officers.
Brown has said he did not retire because of the July 7th ambush on police in downtown Dallas, although the notoriety that followed felt “self-serving and uncomfortable” to him.
No word yet on Brown’s post-retirement plans. Assistant Chief David Pughes will serve as interim police chief while the city conducts a national search for candidates.
Other stories this morning:
- As part of her two-day visit to Dallas, Attorney General Loretta Lynch spoke at Sunset High School about how to bridge the gaps between police and the communities they serve.
- A curriculum new to North Texas is bringing a hands-on approach to business courses at eight schools this year.
You can listen to North Texas stories weekdays at 8:22 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. on KERA 90.1 FM.
