Spring in Texas means bluebonnets, pollen, thunderstorms, and skyrocketing temperatures. Here's a look at how air conditioning was introduced to Texas.
HomeAuthorKim Roberts, Reporter For The Texan
Kim Roberts is a reporter for the Texan in the DFW metroplex area where she has lived for over twenty years. She has a Juris Doctor from Baylor University Law School and a Bachelor's in government from Angelo State University. In her free time, Kim home schools her daughter and coaches high school extemporaneous speaking and apologetics. She has been happily married to her husband for 23 years, has three wonderful children, and two dogs.
IssuesLocal NewsMcKinney Shelter-In-Place Ordinance Stands Despite Conflicting with County Judge’s Order
Kim RobertsApril 1, 2020
A Collin County district judge denied an injunction to halt McKinney’s shelter-in-place order because it was in conflict with a more permissive county order.
IssuesLocal NewsNorth Texas Cities Keep Public Transportation Open Despite Coronavirus Concerns, Shelter-In-Place Orders
Kim RobertsMarch 31, 2020
Though both Dallas and Tarrant counties have ordered citizens to shelter-in-place, public transportation is still operational.
Civil SocietyHealthcareIssuesAccused of First Amendment Violation Against Churches, City of McKinney Amends Stay-At-Home Order
Kim RobertsMarch 27, 2020
When the mayor of McKinney issued a stay-at-home order, a legal organization committed to defending religious freedom said it violated the First Amendment.
HealthcareIssuesOne Million Potential Coronavirus Treatment Pills Donated to Texas State Pharmacy
Kim RobertsMarch 26, 2020
The Texas State Pharmacy received a one million tablet donation of a malaria drug that has shown promise as a potential treatment for coronavirus.
Civil SocietyStatewide NewsThe Implications and Legal Authority Behind “Shelter in Place” Orders
Kim RobertsMarch 26, 2020
The legal authority of some elected officials to enact "shelter in place" orders has been on the mind of many Texans. Here are the arguments and implications.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsStatewide NewsSome Experts Question Coronavirus Models Used by Elected Officials for Emergency Orders
Kim RobertsMarch 25, 2020
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins used a model by COVID ACT Now to justify the recent "shelter in place order." Some experts are questioning if the data is sound.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsTarrant County Enacts “Stay at Home” Policy to Counter Coronavirus Pandemic
Kim RobertsMarch 24, 2020
The new order expands restrictions on Tarrant County residents to stay at home, instructs non-essential businesses to continue only basic operations, and imposes fines for violations.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsFront Line ER Physician in Dallas Sees Coronavirus Treatment Success
Kim RobertsMarch 24, 2020
Dr. Robert Phelan, who owns three free-standing ER's in the Dallas area, has seen success treating coronavirus with hydroxychloroquine.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsDallas County Residents Instructed to “Shelter in Place” Starting at Midnight
Kim RobertsMarch 23, 2020
The order from Judge Clay Jenkins goes into effect at midnight. Only defined essential businesses will remain open as residents are instructed to stay in their homes.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsDon’t Stop the Booze: A Fort Worth Distillery Is Making Hand Sanitizer
Kim RobertsMarch 19, 2020
Acre Distilling in Fort Worth is making hand sanitizer and absorbing the costs to help their fellow Texans.
Civil SocietyEducationIssuesStatewide NewsBeat the Boredom: Ideas for School at Home
Kim RobertsMarch 18, 2020
If you're one of thousands of parents suddenly facing kids home from school for an extended time, a homeschooling pro has some tips on how to pass the time.
Civil SocietyElections 2020Local NewsDallas County Recount Caused by Lack of Preparation, Commissioner Calls on Elections Administrator to Resign
Kim RobertsMarch 12, 2020
County Commissioner J.J. Koch called on Elections Administrator Toni Pippins-Poole to resign or be removed from office following a recount of 9,000 votes on Wednesday.
Civil SocietyElections 2020Local NewsDallas County Braces for Recount Following Super Tuesday Primaries, Thumb Drives to Undergo Manual Evaluation
Kim RobertsMarch 9, 2020
The recount will follow after thumb drives containing vote results either arrived late or came from machines not scheduled to be in use on Super Tuesday.
IssuesLocal NewsTaxes & SpendingHyperloop Selection Process in North Texas Moves Into Second Phase Amid Some Opposition
Kim RobertsMarch 5, 2020
The Virgin Hyperloop One project in North Texas, which would implement a magnetic-levitation transportation system, has moved into its second phase of development.
FederalIssuesLocal NewsTaxes & SpendingHead Start Projects in Dallas Awarded $8.4 Million Grant, GAO Report Cites Concerns Over Fraud in the Program
Kim RobertsFebruary 24, 2020
The federal pre-K and child care program currently serves about 940 kids in Dallas County. However, multiple studies have questioned the program's impact amid recent reports of fraud.
IssuesLocal NewsTaxes & SpendingBridges to Nowhere: Fort Worth Eyes Completion Date for Panther Island’s Delayed Bridge Projects
Kim RobertsFebruary 19, 2020
Three bridges in Fort Worth associated with the beleaguered Panther Island project have had their completion dates set. For now, the bridges will cross dry land.
Civil SocietyIssuesLocal NewsTarrant County Sheriff’s Office Combats Human Trafficking, Initiative Showing Results
Kim RobertsFebruary 11, 2020
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn calls human trafficking "modern-day slavery" and promises that his department will continue arresting and prosecuting those involved in the practice.
Civil SocietyFederalHealthcareIssuesTaxes & SpendingBaylor Scott & White Donating Garland Facility For Use As VA Hospital
Kim RobertsFebruary 10, 2020
The donation by Baylor Scott & White of its Garland campus is expected to be finalized in March. The VA's North Texas system currently serves 184,000 veterans.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsTaxes & SpendingDallas-Fort Worth Transit Authorities to Conduct Passenger Surveys Amid Ridership Declines
Kim RobertsFebruary 6, 2020
The new surveys for DART, DCTA, and Trinity Metro riders will be initiated in phases, but will not include feedback from people who choose not to use mass transit.