Author: Dallas Dispatch Staff
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What CHIP Costs Texas Families, and Who Qualifies
Texas CHIP covers kids for $50 or less a year per family, with copays of $3 to $35. The income rules, what’s covered, and how DFW families apply.
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Medical Equipment at Home? Get on Oncor’s Critical Care List
Texas lets households with life-sustaining medical equipment register as Critical Care customers. What the designation does, what it doesn’t, and how to apply.
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Storm Sirens and Phone Alerts: How DFW Warnings Work
DFW’s outdoor sirens are built for people outdoors. How Dallas activates them, what Wireless Emergency Alerts do indoors, and the signups worth making.
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Which Groceries Get Taxed in Texas, and Which Don’t
Most unprepared groceries are tax-free in Texas, but sodas, candy, hot food and single-serve snacks are not. The register rules that decide your DFW receipt.
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Callers Threatening to Cut Your Power? Hang Up First
The pay-now-or-we-disconnect phone scam targets DFW in summer. What Oncor and Texas electric providers actually do, PUCT heat rules, and how to report it.
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How to Look Up Any North Texas School’s State Rating
TEA grades every Texas school A through F. How DFW families can look up any campus or district on TXschools.gov, and what the letter actually measures.
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These Texas Programs Pay Your Medicare Part B Premium
Texas Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) pay the $202.90 monthly Part B premium for qualifying older Texans. Who qualifies and how to apply through HHSC.
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When You Can Water the Lawn in Dallas and Fort Worth
Both Dallas and Fort Worth limit sprinklers to two assigned days a week and ban watering from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Your schedule by address, the exceptions and the fines.
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Texas Ended Safety Inspections. DFW Drivers Still Test
Texas dropped the annual vehicle safety inspection, but nine DFW counties still require an emissions test before registration. Here is how the rules work now.
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When ERCOT Asks You to Conserve, Here’s What It Means
ERCOT Weather Watches, Voluntary Conservation Notices and Conservation Appeals explained: what each level means for DFW households and what actually helps.
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Why Your Appraisal Notice Shows Two Different Home Values
Market value vs. appraised value on your DCAD or TAD notice: how the 10% homestead cap works, which number sets your tax bill, and what to do if it looks wrong.
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Fireworks Stands Are Open. Where You Can Legally Light Them
Texas fireworks stands open June 24, but lighting them inside Dallas, Fort Worth or Arlington can cost you up to $2,000. Where buying and shooting are actually legal.