DISD’s IT and Procurement Departments Wasted $1 Million. Staff bypassed competitive bidding for data analysis software and used approved vendors as a “pass-through” for services from an unapproved company, according to an external investigation. These actions dodged the district’s purchasing policies as well as state law. Although seven district employees have been disciplined, the district is not naming those involved at this time.
Aaron Family Jewish Community Center Evacuated. The North Dallas center was “temporarily closed to access” for about 35 minutes Thursday afternoon. Employees did not share details as to why the center was temporarily closed. Earlier this month, the JCC received threatening phone calls and emails.
Richardson Man Accused of Supporting ISIS. A federal grand jury in Dallas indicted 40-year-old Said Azzam Mohamad Rahim, who is charged with six counts of making false statements to federal agents investigating his alleged support of the terrorist group. The charges stem from comments he made to federal officials earlier this month during a terrorism investigation.
Bikers Accuse Keller’s Drive-In of Discrimination. The restaurant chain is bringing back an old policy that prohibits motorcyclists from eating on the premises. The decision has upset bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts, who have long used the restaurants’ parking lots as destinations for bike and car shows.
Dallas Zoo Welcomes Two New Hippos. The large mammals will be part of the zoo’s $14 million Simmons Hippo Outpost, which is scheduled to open in April. The animals arrived earlier this week, with one coming from Los Angeles and the other from Albuquerque.
