Tuesday marked the start of the official retail fireworks season in Texas. Retailers with a permit can sell fireworks to the public for Independence Day from June 24 through midnight July 4. This period is one of several times throughout the year when fireworks sales are permitted, but the rules can vary by region. In other news, health and resource organizations will host free testing events across locations in Dallas on Friday for National HIV Testing Day. Around 23,300 Texans live with undiagnosed HIV infections, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services website; the Dallas Police Department received a $1.6 million donation from QuikTrip Wednesday for new reality-based training structures at the current Red Bird police academy amid ongoing plans to build a new academy and public safety complex; And do you have a desire to become a Dallas police officer? One thing that may have been a deterrent in the past has been eliminated. A college degree is no longer required. The City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved changing police hiring standards to include applicants without prior college experience.

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