Several Allen streets and alleyways are slated to receive improvements this year. Allen City Council approved a $4.87 million contract with Jim Bowman Construction for its 2026 Street and Alley Rehabilitation project at a Feb. 24 meeting.

The details: Included in the citywide project for this fiscal year is approximately 4,138 square yards of alley pavement repair and over 27,000 square yards of roadway pavement repair, according to city documents.

“That’s more than just a sizable construction contract award,” Director of Engineering Chris Flanigan said. “It represents what I would characterize as responsible and measured investment in our most expensive asset in the community.”

How we got here: For the past several fiscal years, Allen has invested millions in street and alley improvements, according to city documents. In late 2022, city staff used federal funding to hire a contractor to drive over 600 miles of Allen roadways to develop a surface condition assessment, and objectively score and rank pavement throughout the community, Flanigan said.

Back Nine’s Allen location is now open, owner Cory Caperton said.

Zoom in: The business offers an indoor golf simulation experience, per its website. Back Nine also has locations in Denton, Keller, Flower Mound, Colleyville and across the U.S.

• 190 E. Stacy Road, Ste. 1510, Allen

As springtime pollen allergies approach, North Texas residents with seasonal allergies may experience increased symptoms.

The specifics: Dr. Deepika Kumaresan, an internal medicine doctor with Baylor Scott & White, spoke with Community Impact about allergies in Dallas-Fort Worth, including symptoms, most prevalent allergens and treatment.

What are allergies, and what does the average person need to know about them? Allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to substances that are typically harmless—like pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander. When exposed, the immune system releases chemicals such as histamine, which trigger symptoms ranging from sneezing and itchy eyes to more serious reactions. Understanding your triggers and recognizing symptoms early helps you manage allergies effectively. 

What time of year are allergies most prevalent, and why? In Texas—and especially North Texas—seasonal allergies can occur nearly year‑round due to our climate and plant diversity. 

• Winter (December-February): Cedar pollen is the main culprit.
• Spring (February-May): Tree pollens such as oak and pecan dominate.
• Summer (April-September): Grass pollen peaks.
• Fall (August-November): Ragweed surges until the first frost.

With a few days left to vote early in the March primaries, more Texans have turned out to the polls this year than in recent primary elections.

The gist: The increase is particularly pronounced among Democratic primary voters, state data shows, with more than twice as many Democratic votes cast by Feb. 24 than in Texas’ last gubernatorial primary.

Zooming in: Statewide, nearly 1.3 million Texans, or about 7% of the state’s 18.7 million registered voters, cast early ballots through Feb. 24, the eighth day of the 11-day early voting period. This is up from about 6% turnout at the same point in 2024 and about 4% turnout in 2022.

In interviews with Community Impact, election analysts attributed Texas’ rising primary voter turnout in part to a slate of competitive, high-profile races on each party’s primary ballot.

At the polls: Early voting in Texas’ Republican and Democratic primaries runs through Feb. 27, and primary election day is March 3. During early voting, registered voters can visit any polling location within their county of residence.