UP AND Down Magazine

A packed house at the Fort Worth City Hall witnessed a meet-and-greet session with the city's next Police Chief on Thursday night, August 14. The event, which ran from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., drew residents from across North Texas and featured community leaders The future chief faced tough questions from the crowd and later took photos and shake hands with supporters. Despite the enthusiasm, some Fort Worth residents expressed concerns, particularly regarding the citizen review board. However, Carolyn Harrison, a Grand Prairie resident who worked with the interim police chief in 2019, voiced her support isn't confirmed but according to the event details residents like the president of United My Justice were in attendance The event provided a platform for residents to engage with their future police leader and share their expectations for the department's future direction. This meet-and-greet was part of the Police Chief Finalists Forum, where community members could meet ...

In a heartwarming display of tradition and unity, Sergeant Dana Stevenson and his son, Officer Koby Stevenson, had the rare opportunity to work together on July 31, 2025, in the West Division of the Fort Worth Police Department. This special moment was more than just a shift worked together; it was a testament to the department's values of legacy, mentorship, and a shared calling to serve and protect. A Father's Guidance As they patrolled the streets side by side, Sergeant Stevenson had the chance to guide his son in the field, demonstrating what leadership, compassion, and duty look like in action. This moment was a poignant reminder of the importance of mentorship and the passing of knowledge and values from one generation to the next. A Son's Inspiration For Officer Koby Stevenson, working alongside his father was a dream come true. He was inspired by his father's dedication to service and was proud to follow in his footsteps, wearing the badge and upholding the...

Today, the Dallas City Council elected new officer leadership. Council Member Jesse Moreno has been appointed as Mayor Pro Tem, and Council Member Gay Donnell Willis has been appointed as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. These one-year appointments are effective June 16, 2025. Mayor Pro Tem Moreno represents District 2 and was elected in 2021. He is the Chair of the Housing & Homeless Solutions Committee, Vice Chair of the Parks, Trails, & Environment Committee, and a member of the Public Safety and Government Performance & Financial Management Committees. In the role of Mayor Pro Tem, Moreno will assist in carrying out the duties of the mayor in their absence and plaDeputy Mayor Pro Tem Willis represents District 13 and was elected in 2021. She is Chair of the City’s Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Advisory Council and represents Dallas on the North Texas Council of Governments Emergency Preparedness Planning Committee and the National League of Cities Finance, Administratio...

A significant road closure is scheduled for westbound I-30 in Arlington and Fort Worth, impacting motorists traveling through the area. From 9 PM on Friday, August 22, to 6 AM on Monday, August 25, westbound I-30 will be closed between Fielder Road and Eastchase Parkway due to emergency bridge repairs at Randol Mill Road. What to Expect - *Westbound I-30 Closure*: All lanes of westbound I-30 will be closed during the specified period, weather permitting. - *Detour Route*: Motorists can take the following detour route: - *SH 360 Northbound*: From I-30, take SH 360 north - *SH 183 Westbound*: Merge onto SH 183 west - *I-820 Southbound*: Take I-820 south to reconnect to I-30 beyond the closure Tips for Motorists - *Plan Ahead*: Check traffic updates and plan your route in advance to minimize disruptions. - *Leave Early*: Allow extra time for your journey to account for potential delays. - *Stay Safe*: Follow traffic signs and instructions from authorities to ensure ...

Why it matters: The City’s School Crossing Guard Program, managed by TPW, delivers essential pedestrian safety services across all 15 area school districts. The program operates during school drop-off and pickup times throughout the academic year, with coverage extended into the summer as needed. Crossing guards recently completed updated training that began over the summer and, as part of the City's continued investment in the program, are receiving $16.07 per hour this year, as part of a pay increase. Every year, TPW management reaches out to school districts to get updated drop-off and pickup times, which sets school zones for a two-hour window before and after school hours. Schools across the City vary on start and stop times, and for this reason, motorists will see flashing lights well after 4 p.m. This year, the School Crossing Guard Program collaborated with the City’s summer camps to deliver a pedestrian and traffic safety initiative called “Future Teens in the Driver Sea...

Fort Worth Transportation & Public Works Department (TPW) leaders met with Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) officials to discuss partnerships on grade-separation rail crossings, safety enhancements, reactivation of stalled projects and maintenance of Fort Worth’s 150 Union Pacific Railroad crossings. TPW updated UPRR on the City’s capital project development efforts through Moving a Million, a citywide Master Transportation Plan effort using smart cities technology to better manage and operate frequently blocked train crossings. “We have been working for several years to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with our railroad operators and other partners. It’s very reassuring that UPRR supports the TPW prioritization and project development process through our Master Transportation Plan,” said Kelly Porter, assistant director of regional transportation and innovation for TPW. Several capital improvement projects in Fort Worth involve railroad crossings. This includes advanc...

The athletic facilities at Dunbar High School have just gotten a major boost! Thanks to a generous $25,000 grant from DICK'S Sporting Goods, the school's student-athletes will be able to train and compete at their best. The grant was presented at a special tour of the new Dick's Sporting Goods Distribution facility, highlighting the company's commitment to supporting local students. A Winning Partnership The partnership between Dunbar High School and DICK'S Sporting Goods is a perfect example of how community support can make a real difference in students' lives. With the new training equipment, student-athletes will be able to take their skills to the next level and represent their school with pride. The grant will enable the school to upgrade its athletic facilities, providing students with access to top-notch equipment and resources Empowering Student-Athletes The grant will have a significant impact on the students, allowing them to focus on their traini...

(NAPSI)—A great way to cheer up a child on a gray or otherwise down day is with a new book by Tabitha Brown, the Emmy Award–winning host of the children’s show “Tab Time” and multiple NAACP award winner, #1 New York Times bestselling author, and vegan food star. Illustrated by Olivia Duchess, it was inspired by Brown’s own childhood adventures, and pays homage to the community and neighborhood that influenced who she is today. The Story With themes of kindness, curiosity, and joy, “Hello There, Sunshine” follows young Tabitha, who wakes up ready to greet the sun every morning. She loves how it brings everyone joy. But one day she wakes up and the sun is missing. Not one to dwell on the negative, Tabitha hops on her Strawberry Shortcake bike with her puppy in tow and makes it her business to find the sun. The adventure takes her through her neighborhood, lending a helping hand and asking everyone if they’ve seen the big star. When the sun is still nowhere to be found, ...