News Briefs

As multiple TV critics have pointed out, “Empire,” a drama on Fox, is the biggest TV success in recent memory. Wendy Calhoun, the show’s co-executive producer/writer, is the driving force behind “Empire.” Also, it’s worth noting that Calhoun is a Dallas native who graduated from Booker T. Washington. Click here to read a profile from Dallas Morning News on the former Dallas ISD student.

Following the internal air quality incident at Lakewood Elementary this week, Dallas ISD installed a carbon monoxide detector at the school. The detector in the school’s boiler room ties into into the school’s alarm system, providing a direct notification if carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level. The district is in preliminary efforts to install such carbon monoxide monitors at all other Dallas ISD schools, spokesman André Riley said. This effort is in preliminary stages and has not been finalized.

A leadership program at the South Dallas school is getting some positive recognition. The Leadership Cadet Corps at Billy Earl Dade Middle School is offered to seventh- and eighth-graders. The program, which stresses discipline, is part of the National Middle School Cadet Corps. Click here to read the profile on the program from Dallas Morning News.

WFAA 8 covered the inspiring story of Kymber’Lynn Jackson, the first female in Dallas ISD to bring home the UIL state wrestling championship title. Jackson, a student at North Dallas High School, is not your typical athlete. Click here to see the full report.