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Well, we’ve officially gone one trip around the sun since I moved to Dallas and started at the @dallasnews. Under other circumstances, I’d say it has gone by faster than a ride on the mechanical bull at Gilley’s.
But you know, coronavirus.
But you know, coronavirus.
I’d love to take a second and thank everyone at The News for welcoming and supporting me. My editors, @BethFrerking, @agarre, @medenix, @verngonzo @keithcampbell48 and @mWilstory.
A fraction of my exceptional colleagues: @cassandrajar, @SharonFGrigsby, @EvaMarieAyala, @hollyhacker, @bysambrose, @davetarrantnews, @obedmanuel, @gromerjeffers, @MorrisReports, @toddgillman.
And to all the Dallasites and North Texans who have given me the privilege to share their stories, I hope I did right by you.
Here’s a look back at some of my favorite stories from the last 12 months — a year I’ll certainly never forget.
(If you would like me to continue to do what I do, be sure to subscribe. Here’s a link for a free month! https://dmn.pub/NICG .)
(If you would like me to continue to do what I do, be sure to subscribe. Here’s a link for a free month! https://dmn.pub/NICG .)
One of my first stories was a close look at how small-town Texas politics left neighbors not talking to one another and folks looking over their shoulder as they drove through town. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2019/10/13/in-ferris-small-town-divisions-bubble-to-the-surface/
When I interviewed for the job, @mWilstory told me the story of Dallas was the story of inequities.
Just one example: If you live in one of these southern Dallas zip codes, your life expectancy is drastically lower than your northern neighbors. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/public-health/2019/10/16/these-five-zip-codes-are-the-unhealthiest-in-dallas-county-officials-want-to-change-that/
Just one example: If you live in one of these southern Dallas zip codes, your life expectancy is drastically lower than your northern neighbors. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/public-health/2019/10/16/these-five-zip-codes-are-the-unhealthiest-in-dallas-county-officials-want-to-change-that/
When I saw Dolores Diaz running through the American Airlines Center at Trump's October rally, I knew immediately she had a story to tell. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2020/01/05/born-in-mexico-this-new-american-is-voting-for-donald-trump/
Suburban politics is the politics of America. That includes the mid-cities and the #TX24 race that is heating up. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/elections/2020/02/28/why-everyone-is-focused-on-this-suburban-texas-congressional-race/
Everything changed in March. Love him or hate him, @JudgeClayJ filled a leadership void and became a household name in North Texas. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2020/04/12/experience-science-faith-how-clay-jenkins-is-leading-the-fight-against-coronavirus/
Though the real heroes of the coronavirus pandemic are people like Dolores Diaz, who helped lead the testing response. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/public-health/2020/04/24/meet-dolores-diaz-the-dallas-nurse-who-has-led-the-countys-coronavirus-drive-through-testing-centers/
And the survivors like Kiara Hearn, who beat the odds to come back from the brink of death. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/public-health/2020/05/09/how-a-29-year-old-black-woman-beat-the-odds-to-win-her-battle-against-the-conoravirus/
The politics of the pandemic took a weird turn when @ShelleyLuther defied Jenkins and Gov. Greg Abbott's orders and opened her salon. We became transfixed by hair — and for good reason. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2020/05/08/amid-a-global-health-crisis-why-has-dallas-been-enthralled-by-hair-its-complicated/
The pandemic also brought out the best in people, even those who didn't have much found a way to give back. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2020/07/23/i-dont-think-im-worthy-a-food-giveaway-helped-feed-a-mesquite-woman-and-her-family-during-pandemic-then-she-returned-the-favor/
And because 2020 won't quit: This summer protests demanding police reform and racial justice erupted across the country and here in Dallas. I had to become an "instant expert" in less-lethal ammunition. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2020/06/09/texas-police-deployed-less-lethal-ammunition-to-control-protests-now-policymakers-want-to-ban-the-weapons/
And a group of activists was ready to put real change in place. The fight for them will go on long after most people forget. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2020/06/20/coalition-lists-10-demands-to-transform-dallas-and-slow-police-brutality-how-will-city-hall-respond/
Finally, despite doing everything I could to keep myself safe, I contracted #COVID19. The physical pain was one thing, the emotional pain was another. https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/09/04/i-reported-on-the-coronavirus-for-five-months-then-i-caught-covid-heres-what-i-learned/
To think this is a fraction of the 162 stories I wrote or co-wrote during the last 366 days — it was a leap year — is exhausting and thrilling.
Thank you, Dallas for having me! Here's to many more stories together.
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Thank you, Dallas for having me! Here's to many more stories together.
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