Civil SocietyLone Star LifeStatewide NewsBluebonnets Signal Spring’s Arrival in Texas
Sarah McConnellMarch 20, 2020
Bluebonnet season has arrived in Texas, which can mean only thing - Spring is officially here.
HomeAuthorSarah McConnell, Reporter For The Texan
Sarah McConnell is a reporter for The Texan. Previously, she worked as a Cyber Security Consultant after serving as a Pathways Intern at the Department of Homeland Security – Citizenship and Immigration Services. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Texas A&M as well as her Master of Public Service and Administration degree from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M. In her free time, Sarah is an avid runner, jazz enthusiast, and lover of all things culinary.
Civil SocietyIssuesStatewide NewsGov. Abbott Issues Order Limiting Social Gatherings, Ending Dine-In at Restaurants, Closing Schools
Sarah McConnellMarch 19, 2020
Gov. Abbott announced a new executive order to help contain COVID-19 that limits social gatherings to fewer than 10 people, ends dine-in at restaurants, and closes school districts across the state.
Civil SocietyIssuesLocal NewsBexar County Sheriff’s Office to Begin Releasing “Non-Violent” Offenders Due to Coronavirus-Spread Concerns
Brad JohnsonMarch 18, 2020
On Wednesday, the Bexar County Sheriff's office said it would release "non-violent" offenders into the community after an inmate was tested for COVID-19.
FederalImmigration & BorderTrump Administration Bolsters Border Security Amid Concerns of Coronavirus Spreading
Sarah McConnellMarch 18, 2020
Citing concerns of the coronavirus spreading, President Trump says asylum seekers and those seeking to enter the U.S. illegally will be turned away.
Civil SocietyStatewide NewsTexas Ramps Up Coronavirus Testing Capabilities With Drive-Through Centers in Major Cities
Sarah McConnellMarch 17, 2020
At a press conference on Monday, Gov. Abbott announced expanded testing capabilities for COVID-19, including drive-through testing sites across Texas.
Civil SocietyFederalStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingA Closer Look at What Gov. Abbott’s Disaster Declaration and President Trump’s National Emergency Declaration Mean for Texas
Sarah McConnellMarch 16, 2020
On Friday, Gov. Abbott declared a State of Disaster for all Texas counties and President Trump declared a National Emergency as the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States.
Civil SocietyStatewide NewsGov. Abbott Declares State of Emergency as Coronavirus Spreads to Austin and Dallas
Sarah McConnellMarch 13, 2020
As Texas ramps up efforts to fight the coronavirus, Gov. Abbott declares a state of emergency enhancing the state's ability to direct resources to hard-hit areas.
FederalImmigration & BorderIssuesSupreme Court Ruling Allows President Trump’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy to Continue
Sarah McConnellMarch 12, 2020
Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling allowing the Trump administration's "Remain in Mexico" policy to continue while legal proceedings are underway.
Civil SocietyIssuesStatewide NewsTexas Coronavirus Precautions: Rice University Cancels In-Person Classes, North Texas Sees First Confirmed Cases
Sarah McConnellMarch 11, 2020
While Texas is currently experiencing just a handful of confirmed coronavirus cases, university and public health officials have begun taking precautions.
FederalImmigration & BorderIssuesFebruary Border Statistics Reveal Slight Increase in Apprehensions After Eight Months of Decline
Sarah McConnellMarch 10, 2020
After eight months of continuous decline at the southern border, February statistics reveal a roughly one percent increase in apprehensions while drug seizures continue to be a top issue.
Civil SocietyStatewide NewsCoronavirus Update in Texas: Here’s What You Need to Know
Sarah McConnellMarch 9, 2020
As concerns over the coronavirus mount amid its continuing spread throughout the United States, here's the latest Texas news to know.
FederalHealthcareTaxes & SpendingPresident Trump Approves $7.8 Billion in Coronavirus Emergency Funding After Swift Passage by Congress
Brad JohnsonMarch 6, 2020
The president signed the coronavirus supplemental after mounting cases and concerns over the virus have reverberated across the country.
Civil SocietyLone Star LifeTexas HistoryToday in Texas History: Remembering the Alamo 184 Years Later
Sarah McConnellMarch 6, 2020
Almost two centuries have passed since the Battle of the Alamo, but Texans still honor those who gave their lives in the fight that galvanized the Texas Revolution.
Civil SocietyStatewide NewsTexas Health Officials Announce First Confirmed Case of Coronavirus in Fort Bend County
Sarah McConnellMarch 5, 2020
On Wednesday, public health officials announced Texas' first confirmed case of the coronavirus in a 70-year-old patient in Fort Bend County.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020State HouseJoanna Cattanach Wins Democrat Primary in Dallas Area District for Rematch Against Morgan Meyer
Sarah McConnellMarch 4, 2020
After narrowly losing to Republican incumbent Morgan Meyer in 2018 by just over 200 votes, Joanna Cattanach secured the Democratic nomination to once again go head-to-head with Meyer.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020FederalTroy Nehls Heads to GOP Runoff Against Kathaleen Wall, Kulkarni Secures Democratic Nomination
Sarah McConnellMarch 4, 2020
Fort Bend Sheriff Troy Nehls will face Kathaleen Wall in May's runoff. For Democrats, Sri Preston Kulkarni coasted to victory with 53 percent of the vote.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020State HouseJeff Cason Wins GOP Primary Outright in Bid to Succeed Conservative Firebrand Jonathan Stickland
Sarah McConnellMarch 4, 2020
With strong grassroots support, Jeff Cason won the GOP primary with 54 percent of the vote and successfully avoided a runoff against former Bedford Mayor Jim Griffin.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020FederalRep. Kay Granger Fends Off Conservative Challenger Chris Putnam
Sarah McConnellMarch 4, 2020
Despite facing a competitive primary from Chris Putnam, long-time incumbent Kay Granger successfully defended her seat, defeating Putnam with nearly 60 percent of the vote.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020Super Tuesday 2020: What to Watch in Texas Tonight
Brad JohnsonMarch 3, 2020
As Texas holds its Super Tuesday primary, our reporters have identified and summarized the races they'll be watching most closely this Election Night.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsSan Antonio Officials Issue Local Public Health Emergency Over Coronavirus
Sarah McConnellMarch 3, 2020
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued a public health emergency citing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.