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🎭 Broadway meets equity

Dev Test County • August 12, 2025

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Good morning, Dev Test County. In the world of stark contrasts, Dallas finds itself at a crossroads. As faith leaders rally against the pause of DEI programs at City Hall—highlighting how life expectancy can vary dramatically between neighboring zip codes—the city grapples with balancing federal funding requirements against its commitments to equity. The debate raises profound questions about how communities can pursue fairness while navigating complex political realities.

Meanwhile, cultural excitement builds on two fronts. Broadway sensation "The Outsiders" is bringing its Tony Award-winning adaptation to the Music Hall at Fair Park next fall, with tickets dropping August 15th for the celebrated musical about friendship and belonging. At the same time, D Home magazine celebrates its 25th anniversary by launching the expanded LABL Awards to honor the designers and architects who make our spaces both beautiful and functional. Submissions remain open until September 5th.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🙏 Dallas faith leaders protest pause of DEI programs at City Hall. The city manager's office halted the programs under threat of losing over $300 million in federal funding due to Trump administration guidelines. Faith leaders argue this decision creates injustice, with Dr. George Mason pointing out how neighboring zip codes can have drastically different life expectancies. Pastor Victoria Powers condemned the move as "political extortion" that betrays the city's moral commitments. Many religious leaders hope the city can find compromise solutions that preserve these equity initiatives using different terminology.

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🎭 Tony Award-winning "The Outsiders" is coming to Dallas this fall. Tickets for the acclaimed musical adaptation of S.E. Hinton's beloved novel will go on sale Friday, August 15 at 10 a.m. for performances at Music Hall at Fair Park from November 4-16, 2025. The show, which has been playing to sold-out audiences on Broadway since April 2024, tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his Greaser friends in 1967 Tulsa as they navigate friendship, family, and belonging. Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical, the production features original music by Jamestown Revival and has been praised by critics as "electrifying" and "the best new musical of the season."

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🏠 D Home launches LABL Awards to celebrate Dallas' most beautiful spaces. The expanded program honors exceptional designers, builders, and architects who enhance the city's aesthetic appeal. In celebration of their 25th anniversary, D Home has broadened the awards to include categories for outstanding homes, kitchens, outdoor spaces, and artistry. Readers will vote on most categories, with submissions open until September 5. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in January.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21 Logo

PRESENTED BY Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21

Real estate listing image Spacious Kent Family Home: For $250,000, you can snag this 4-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home in Kent, Ohio. This property offers plenty of space for a growing family in a charming college town.
Real estate listing image Updated Cherry Street gem: Listed at $225,000, this charming home on Cherry Street features an open floor plan with updates throughout, including newer HVAC, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, plus a peaceful three-season room overlooking the newly fenced backyard.
Real estate listing image Lakeside fixer-upper near Erie: $170,000 buys you a ranch-style home just three blocks from Lake Erie, ideal for a vacation getaway or permanent residence with updates already begun, waiting for your finishing touches.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌊 Aug. 12 - Musical Ocean Adventure: Dive into a sea of melody at "Music and Motion" on Aug 12 at Reed Memorial Library! Little ones will splash through songs and rhythm in this whimsical musical adventure for tiny sailors.
🍽️ Aug. 12 - Free Kids Summer Lunch: Fuel up for summer fun! Kids ages 1-18 can enjoy FREE lunch and activities at Greene Public Library on August 12, courtesy of Community Action Council. No registration needed!
🌭 Aug. 13 - Dems Hot Dog Happy Hour: Grab a bite at Hot Dog & Hamburger Happy Hour at Big Dog Saloon! Unwind with friends over good food and conversation on August 13, sponsored by Hands Off Portage County.
🎨 Aug. 13 - Learn to Draw Basics: Unleash your inner artist at Reed Memorial Library! Join the "Let's Learn to Draw" session on Aug 13 where you'll master drawing basics and transform your mental images into paper masterpieces.
🎉 Aug. 14 - Party on Metis Patio: Party on the Patio! Network with Leadership Portage County alumni and chamber members at Metis Construction's outdoor social on August 14. Bring your business cards and summer vibes to 175 E Erie St in Kent.
🍽️ Aug. 15 - Free Kids Summer Lunch: Fuel up for summer fun! Kids ages 1-18 can enjoy FREE lunch and activities at Reed Memorial Library on August 15, courtesy of Community Action Council. No registration needed—just bring your appetite!
🥳 Aug. 16 - FSL Festival!: Discover Greek life at the FSL Festival! Kent State's Fraternity & Sorority Life welcomes you to Tri-Towers Rotunda on August 16 for an exciting showcase of campus organizations and community connections.
🍻 Aug. 16 - Brew & BBQ Bash: Sizzle and sip at the Brew & BBQ Bash taking over Streetsboro City Park on Saturday, August 16! The Visitors Bureau and VFW bring you summer's hottest event at 8970 Kirby Lane.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

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PRESENTED BY Northbend Church

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.

-Psalm 23:1-3

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