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Articles by Olla Mokhtar
Many Texans will pay more for ACA health insurance. Here’s what to know about open enrollment.
A hospital room in Cedar Park Regional Medical Center in Cedar Park on March 13, 2024. Generate Key Takeaways Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy, and give us feedback. The annual window to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act opens Nov. 1, and many Texans are expected to pay more for coverage this year.
Dallas homeless center gives woman 'a new beginning' in her own apartment
Khristina Simpson has worked as a home care provider for years – cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, assisting in anything her clients need. Sometimes she’d pick up work at Walmart for some extra money. But when her rent doubled, 66-year-old Simpson wasn’t able to keep up with the payments. She was left homeless. “I was stressed, I lost weight,” she said.
Waymo to bring self-driving ride service to Dallas in 2026
The autonomous vehicle company Waymo plans to launch its self-driving ride-share service in Dallas in 2026. In an announcement this week, co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said the robo-taxis will offer “a new era of safe and seamless transportation.” “Working together with our fleet partner Avis, Waymo will offer more riders a stress-free way to get around,” she said in a statement.
North Texas mayors ask governor to take up DART funding, governance in special session
As the Texas Legislature's special session gets underway, the mayors of five North Texas cities are urging Gov. Greg Abbott to revive proposals to reform Dallas Area Rapid Transit. In a letter sent June 25, the mayors of Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Highland Park, Irving and Plano ask Gov. Greg Abbott to address legislation based on House Bill 3187 and Senate Bill 2118, which would have changed how DART is funded and governed, respectively. The two bills failed during the recent regular session.
$3.8 million awarded to Dallas College for in-demand jobs training
Dallas College was awarded three grants totaling $3.8 million for customized training in high-demand jobs like plumbing, engineering and manufacturing. The year-long Skills Development Fund grants from the Texas Workforce Commission will train 1,900 new and current workers in the Dallas area.
How to talk to kids about the Texas Hill Country floods
As communities across Texas mourn the more than 100 people killed in last weekend's flood, one Dallas child psychologist is offering insight into how families can help their children cope with the tragedy. Among those killed in the floods were at least 36 children. Stevie Puckett-Perez is a pediatric psychologist at Children's Health. She said it's important for families and kids to have a space to process their feelings.
How to talk to kids about the Texas Hill Country floods | Houston Public Media
As communities across Texas mourn the more than 100 people killed in last weekend’s flood, one Dallas child psychologist is offering insight into how families can help their children cope with the tragedy. Among those killed in the floods were at least 36 children. Stevie Puckett-Perez is a pediatric psychologist at Children’s Health. She said it’s important for families and kids to have a space to process their feelings.
How to talk to kids about the Texas Hill Country floods
As communities across Texas mourn the more than 100 people killed in last weekend’s flood, one Dallas child psychologist is offering insight into how families can help their children cope with the tragedy. Among those killed in the floods were at least 36 children. Stevie Puckett-Perez is a pediatric psychologist at Children’s Health. She said it’s important for families and kids to have a space to process their feelings.
Hundreds of shelter pets from flood-hit Central Texas brought north for new homes
After the floods that devastated Kerr County and surrounding areas, hundreds of shelter dogs and cats are heading north in hopes of finding new homes. Wings of Rescue, a nonprofit pet transport charity, flew more than 120 pets to Fort Worth early Wednesday morning, leaving some with their new foster families before bringing the rest to Kanab, Utah. Another flight will arrive in North Texas on Thursday.
Hundreds of shelter pets from flood-hit Central Texas brought north for new homes
After the floods that devastated Kerr County and surrounding areas, hundreds of shelter dogs and cats are heading north in hopes of finding new homes. Wings of Rescue, a nonprofit pet transport charity, flew more than 120 pets to Fort Worth early Wednesday morning, leaving some with their new foster families before bringing the rest to Kanab, Utah. Another flight will arrive in North Texas on Thursday.
DFW, Love Field airports expect busiest summer travel days over July Fourth holiday
DFW International Airport is expecting its busiest travel days of the summer over the July Fourth holiday. The airport estimates about 1.8 million people will pass through between July 2 and July 8. “We're seeing just as many customers as last year’s historic summer,” DFW spokesperson Rob Himler said.
DFW, Love Field airports expect busiest summer travel days over July 4 holiday
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is expecting its busiest travel days of the summer over the July 4 holiday. The airport estimates about 1.8 million people will pass through between July 2 and July 8. “We're seeing just as many customers as last year’s historic summer,” DFW spokesman Rob Himler said.
Parents sue Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD over school closures
A group of parents is suing Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD for allegedly violating the state open meetings laws ahead of a vote earlier this year to permanently close four schools. The lawsuit alleges trustees and district officials abandoned community recommendations for their own benefit and discussed a consolidation plan in private as they moved ahead with closing Central, Furneaux and McCoy elementaries and Long Middle School, and redrawing attendance zones.
Texas Trees Foundation receives $25M for Harry Hines redevelopment
The Texas Trees Foundation received $25 million dollars from the state for the redevelopment of the Southwestern Medical District in Dallas. The funding will go towards remodeling a two-mile stretch along the Harry Hines Corridor, including adding more trees and a park along both sides of the boulevard. A recent study found the SWMD to be one of Dallas’ worst urban heat islands.
Texas activists, parents sue to block Ten Commandments in classrooms law
A Dallas activist group is suing the state and some North Texas school districts to block a new law requiring classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. On Tuesday, the Next Generation Action Network Legal Advocacy Fund filed a lawsuit saying Senate Bill 10 is unconstitutional and infringes on students' religious freedom. Plaintiffs include several parents, many of them religious leaders, on behalf of their children.
North Texas activist group, parents sue to block Ten Commandments in classrooms law
A Dallas activist group is suing the state and some North Texas school districts to block a new law requiring classrooms display the Ten Commandments. On Tuesday, the Next Generation Action Network Legal Advocacy Fund filed a lawsuit saying Senate Bill 10 is unconstitutional and infringes on students' religious freedom. Plaintiffs include several parents, many of them religious leaders, on behalf of their children.
North Texas activist group, parents sue to block Ten Commandments in classrooms law
A Dallas activist group is suing the state and some North Texas school districts to block a new law requiring classrooms display the Ten Commandments. On Tuesday, the Next Generation Action Network Legal Advocacy Fund filed a lawsuit saying Senate Bill 10 is unconstitutional and infringes on students’ religious freedom. Plaintiffs include several parents, many of them religious leaders, on behalf of their children.
Texas to participate in federal summer food aid program
Texas is set to participate in a summer food aid program that will give eligible families money for groceries when school’s out. Similar to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the Summer EBT program would give families $120 per child during the summer months. The program is set to start in Texas in 2027. Stacie Sanchez Hare is the director of the nonprofit No Kid Hungry Texas. She said the organization has been advocating for the program since it was created in 2023.
Texas to participate in federal summer food aid program starting in 2027
Texas is set to participate in a summer food aid program that will give eligible families money for groceries when school’s out. Similar to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program would give families $120 per child during the summer months. The program is set to start in Texas in 2027. Stacie Sanchez Hare is the director of the nonprofit No Kid Hungry Texas.
City of Dallas partners with Reliant to open cooling centers, distribute cooling units
The City of Dallas and Reliant are partnering to give out cooling units to people who need them. This is a part of their 16th annual Beat the Heat Program that helps West and South Dallas residents stay cool and manage their electricity use during the summer. Reliant and the city will distribute a limited number of portable cooling devices to eligible residents and open cooling centers.
Digital kiosks coming to Dallas sidewalks
After more than a year of discussion, the Dallas City Council this week voted to move forward with installing digital kiosks around the city. The council voted11-4 Wednesday to approve an agreement with vendor IKE Smart City LLC to install up to 150 units in the coming years. The interactive kiosks will display directions, transit updates, and public safety alerts, and provide free Wi-Fi. Harrison Blair is the CEO and president of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce. He said Dallas needs kiosks.
Original copy of order freeing Texas slaves on display starting Juneteenth
The only known remaining original copy of the order ending slavery in Texas will be on display again starting Juneteenth. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, in 1863 — but it wasn't until more than two years later when Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston that slaves in Texas gained their freedom. The document will be on display at the Hall of State in Fair Park, part of an interactive exhibit put on by the Dallas Historical Society.
Original copy of order freeing Texas slaves on display starting Juneteenth
The only known remaining original copy of the order ending slavery in Texas will be on display again starting Juneteenth. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, in 1863 — but it wasn’t until more than two years later when Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston that slaves in Texas gained their freedom. The document will be on display at the Hall of State in Fair Park, part of an interactive exhibit put on by the Dallas Historical Society.
Bill on Abbott's desk would rename stretch of North Texas highway after Eddie Bernice Johnson
A bill to name part of U.S. Highway 67 after trailblazing Dallas congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson is on the governor’s desk. The resolution was passed Sunday and would commemorate the late Johnson’s 30 years in Congress. The Democrat represented Texas' 30th Congressional district, including parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties, from 1993 until 2023. “It's a tremendous honor,” said Dawrence Kirk Johnson, Eddie Bernice Johnson’s son.
Texas demographer highlights immigration's role in state's population growth
Texas' population has been increasing for years, but the state's top demographer said without immigration the state could look at a decrease instead. Lloyd Potter is the Texas State Demographer and director of the Texas Demographic Center. Speaking at an annual conference in Dallas last week, he said international migration has made up an increasing percentage of the state's population growth in recent years.
Texas demographer highlights immigration's role in state's population growth
Texas' population has been increasing for years, but the state's top demographer said without immigration the state could look at a decrease instead. Lloyd Potter is the Texas State Demographer and director of the Texas Demographic Center. Speaking at an annual conference in Dallas last week, he said international migration has made up an increasing percentage of the state's population growth in recent years.
Texas demographer highlights immigration's role in state's population growth
Texas' population has been increasing for years, but the state's top demographer said without immigration the state could look at a decrease instead. Lloyd Potter is the Texas State Demographer and director of the Texas Demographic Center. Speaking at an annual conference in Dallas last week, he said international migration has made up an increasing percentage of the state's population growth in recent years.
Texas demographer highlights immigration's role in state's population growth
Texas’ population has been increasing for years, but the state’s top demographer said without immigration the state could look at a decrease instead. Lloyd Potter is the Texas State Demographer and director of the Texas Demographic Center. Speaking at an annual conference in Dallas last week, he said international migration has made up an increasing percentage of the state’s population growth in recent years.
Historical marker commemorating lynching of Black man vandalized in downtown Dallas
A new historical marker is in the works after the original plaque —commemorating the 1910 lynching of a Black man in downtown Dallas — was vandalized. The sign on the marker in Pegasus Plaza was removed and cut in half, said Edward Gray, president of the Dallas County Justice Initiative and board member at Remembering Black Dallas. Only its base remains. “It's disappointing because whoever took the pains of shearing off the historical marker did a great job of it,” he said.
Dallas moves up in national park ranking
Dallas moved up four spots in this year’s scoring of park systems, remaining the top-ranked among major Texas cities. The nonprofit Trust for Public Land’s annual report ranks park systems in the 100 most populous cities based on equity, access, investment, amenities and acreage. Dallas jumped from 38th last year to 34th this year, primarily because of gains in park access. Molly Morgan is the Texas State Director for TPL.
DART paratransit workers vote to authorize strike against contractor
Citing a “disrespect” from employer Transdev, paratransit workers with Dallas Area Rapid Transit have voted to authorize a strike. The local Amalgamated Transit Union representing DART workers on Wednesday alleged employees have faced retaliation, penalties and a broken promise of a wage increase since they voted for union representation earlier this year.
Rockwall County to install Ten Commandments monument at historic courthouse
Rockwall County plans to install a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of its historic courthouse. The Rockwall County Commissioners Court voted unanimously last week to accept private donations to fund the monument. "I think it just speaks a lot to the moral compass of Rockwall County," Commissioner Dana Macalik said. "I'm proud to be a lifelong Rockwall County resident." More than a dozen Rockwall County residents spoke in support of the resolution, including Gary Moody.
Rockwall County to install Ten Commandments monument at historic courthouse
Rockwall County plans to install a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of its historic courthouse. The Rockwall County Commissioners Court voted unanimously last week to accept private donations to fund the monument. "I think it just speaks a lot to the moral compass of Rockwall County," Commissioner Dana Macalik said. "I'm proud to be a lifelong Rockwall County resident." More than a dozen Rockwall County residents spoke in support of the resolution, including Gary Moody.
Rockwall County to install Ten Commandments monument at historic courthouse
Rockwall County plans to install a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of its historic courthouse. The Rockwall County Commissioners Court voted unanimously last week to accept private donations to fund the monument. "I think it just speaks a lot to the moral compass of Rockwall County,” Commissioner Dana Macalik said. “I'm proud to be a lifelong Rockwall County resident." More than a dozen Rockwall County residents spoke in support of the resolution, including Gary Moody.
North Texas could see record-high temperatures Wednesday
The triple-digit temperatures hitting parts of North Texas this week could break a record. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 101 degrees in the Dallas area Wednesday, topping the record of 95 degrees set in 1955. The heat isn’t unheard of for the region. But it is about 20 degrees above the seasonal average, said Madi Gordon, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “This is definitely abnormal heat,” she said.
Rowlett girl could help pioneer therapy for rare genetic disorder | Houston Public Media
Eleven-year-old Marley Mansour loves baseball. She’s in a kids league, and for every game she has a signature outfit — a different colored tutu every time she plays. She also loves bubbles and going to church. Her favorite food isn’t pizza; it’s “pizza pie with pepperoni.” When Marley was a baby her parents noticed she wasn’t putting on weight, and walking was a struggle. She fell a lot and had several seizures. Marley also would throw up almost every meal.
Rowlett girl could help pioneer therapy for rare genetic disorder
Eleven-year-old Marley Mansour loves baseball. She's in a kids league, and for every game she has a signature outfit — a different colored tutu every time she plays. She also loves bubbles and going to church. Her favorite food isn't pizza; it's "pizza pie with pepperoni." When Marley was a baby her parents noticed she wasn't putting on weight, and walking was a struggle. She fell a lot and had several seizures. Marley also would throw up almost every meal.
Dallas ISD considering student code of conduct update after school shooting
Dallas ISD is considering making opening locked or secured doors a more serious offense in its student code of conduct. The discussion comes after last month’s shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School that left four students and a teacher with non-life-threatening injuries. Dallas ISD police said a student let the suspect in through a locked side door, helping him avoid metal detectors.
Rowlett girl could help pioneer therapy for rare genetic disorder
Eleven-year-old Marley Mansour loves baseball. She’s in a kids league, and for every game she has a signature outfit — a different colored tutu every time she plays. She also loves bubbles and going to church. Her favorite food isn’t pizza; it’s "pizza pie with pepperoni." When Marley was a baby her parents noticed she wasn’t putting on weight, and walking was a struggle. She fell a lot and had several seizures. Marley also would throw up almost every meal.
North Texas transit leaders want 'new vision' for regional transportation
North Texas transportation leaders want to restructure transit in the region to solve a dispute with some cities dissatisfied with the system. The Regional Transportation Council voted last week to push for legislation that would see the organization spending the next two years working on a “new transit vision,” said transit director Michael Morris. “I think we need a whole different transportation authority way to deliver transit in the region,” he said.
North Texas transit leaders want 'new vision' for regional transportation
North Texas transportation leaders want to restructure transit in the region to solve a dispute with some cities dissatisfied with the system. The Regional Transportation Council voted last week to push for legislation that would see the organization spending the next two years working on a "new transit vision," said transit director Michael Morris. "I think we need a whole different transportation authority way to deliver transit in the region," he said.
North Texas transit leaders want 'new vision' for regional transportation
North Texas transportation leaders want to restructure transit in the region to solve a dispute with some cities dissatisfied with the system. The Regional Transportation Council voted last week to push for legislation that would see the organization spending the next two years working on a “new transit vision,” said transit director Michael Morris. “I think we need a whole different transportation authority way to deliver transit in the region,” he said.
Dallas looks to combat city's hottest spots
Dallas officials hope newly released data will help them finds new ways to cool temperatures in the city’s heat islands Heat islands are pockets with higher temperatures than surrounding areas. They’re often formed in areas with little vegetation and trees, and more concrete and structures that absorb the sun’s energy. The city on Thursday released the results of its Heat Island Study Phase II, which took place in the summer of 2024.
Muslim women in North Texas are pushing against period stigma this Ramadan
From KERA News: Shams Alkamil remembers the summer she spent in Egypt when she was 13 years old. It was Ramadan, but because she was on her period, she wasn’t expected to fast. Still, she felt uncomfortable eating in front of everyone else. “I remember … I would hide my snack, like I don’t want to eat in public around random strangers or on the public transport just out of courtesy,” Alkamil said. “But it was more of shame.” Alkamil, who’s 27 now, grew up in a majority female household.
DART to refund some cities millions as legislation threatens deeper cuts
Dallas Area Rapid Transit says it will return a portion of its funding to some member cities as the agency tries to stave off threats of a deeper cut in the legislature. DART’s board of directors this week approved a resolution stating it will direct 5% of its annual sales tax collections to create a General Mobility Program for eligible cities to use for transportation projects.
Muslim women in North Texas are pushing against period stigma this Ramadan
Shams Alkamil remembers the summer she spent in Egypt when she was 13 years old. It was Ramadan, but because she was on her period, she wasn’t expected to fast. Still, she felt uncomfortable eating in front of everyone else. “I remember ... I would hide my snack, like I don't want to eat in public around random strangers or on the public transport just out of courtesy,” Alkamil said. “But it was more of shame.” Alkamil, who’s 27 now, grew up in a majority female household.
Muslim women in North Texas are pushing against period stigma this Ramadan
Shams Alkamil remembers the summer she spent in Egypt when she was 13 years old. It was Ramadan, but because she was on her period, she wasn’t expected to fast. Still, she felt uncomfortable eating in front of everyone else. “I remember ... I would hide my snack, like I don't want to eat in public around random strangers or on the public transport just out of courtesy,” Alkamil said. “But it was more of shame.” Alkamil, who’s 27 now, grew up in a majority female household.
Weather forecast shows North Texas is in for a warm, dry spring
Drought is likely to develop in North Texas this spring as the region sees warm temperatures and low precipitation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s latest outlook. The NOAA's latest seasonal outlook released Thursday predicts the southern tier of the country will see above-average temperatures from April through June. The NOAA forecast shows drought conditions persisting in much of Texas and spreading to other regions.
Weather forecast shows North Texas is in for a warm, dry spring
Drought is likely to develop in North Texas this spring as the region sees warm temperatures and low precipitation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s latest outlook. The NOAA's latest seasonal outlook released Thursday predicts the southern tier of the country will see above-average temperatures from April through June. The NOAA forecast shows drought conditions persisting in much of Texas and spreading to other regions.
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