North Texas is expected to stay warm and windy through Wednesday, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s before storms move in late tonight. Forecasters say the main window for showers and thunderstorms begins Wednesday evening and overnight, with the strongest risk near and west of the I-35 corridor.

The biggest concerns are heavy rain, damaging winds, and large hail in some areas. By the time storms reach more of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, they may be in a weaker phase, but wet roads and a messy Thursday morning commute are still possible.

Rain chances are expected to continue in waves through the end of the week. Thursday should turn partly sunny after early storms, with another storm chance Friday and a cooler, wetter setup arriving Saturday. Current forecast data shows Dallas dropping from the low 80s later this week to the upper 60s by Saturday.

For North Texans, the message is simple: enjoy the warm weather while it lasts, but keep an eye on the forecast tonight and again heading into the weekend.

Sources and reporting: NBC 5 DFW forecast, National Weather Service Fort Worth/Dallas, and current Dallas forecast data.

A temporary injunction halts Double R MUD until qualified directors are appointed, creating a new obstacle for the 402-acre development formerly known as EPIC City.

A Collin County judge has frozen a key utility district tied to The Meadow, handing the EPIC-linked development another significant legal setback. Judge Christine Nowak granted a temporary injunction against Double R Municipal Utility District No. 2A, ordering the district to halt operations until qualified directors are appointed through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The ruling matters because the dispute is no longer just political rhetoric or public controversy. It now sits squarely in the hands of the court, with direct consequences for the infrastructure entity expected to help serve The Meadow, the 402-acre project formerly known as EPIC City. The development remains in planning stages and has not broken ground as developers continue trying to secure utility services.

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In the order, the court said the defendants had admitted the current board was not properly qualified and or appointed, and found that the state had shown a probable right to relief as well as imminent and irreparable harm. Judge Nowak wrote that injunctive relief was necessary to preserve the status quo pending a trial on the merits, which is set for Nov. 16, 2026.

The order requires the purported directors to stop exercising authority and says Double R MUD must cease operations until qualified directors are appointed. It also states that service representations, including will-serve letters issued on or after Sept. 12, 2025, are null and void.

State officials have alleged the district was used to help advance the project while avoiding normal oversight requirements, a claim project backers dispute. Supporters of The Meadow have argued the development is being unfairly targeted because of its association with the Muslim community and have maintained that it remains a lawful residential project.

For now, the ruling does not decide whether The Meadow can ultimately be built. But it does shut down one of the project’s main utility pathways, turning a broader legal and political fight into a direct and immediate delay for the development.

Sources

1. Collin County court order: Order Granting Temporary Injunction:

2. NBC 5 DFW: Meadow Muslim-centric development project hits another legal roadblock in court.

3. Texas Attorney General press release on the lawsuit against Double R MUD

4. KERA: Judge grants restraining order against utility district serving proposed Muslim-oriented community

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Voting rights organizations have filed a federal lawsuit accusing Texas election officials of unlawfully targeting naturalized citizens for removal from the voter rolls after the state flagged thousands of registered voters as “potential noncitizens” using a federal immigration database.

The complaint, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Austin, argues that the Texas Secretary of State’s Office failed to check its own records—such as citizenship documents provided to the Department of Public Safety during driver’s license applications—before directing counties to investigate 2,724 voters identified through the Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE system. Advocates say the database is unreliable for determining citizenship and that its use violates the National Voter Registration Act.

The Campaign Legal Center brought the suit on behalf of LULAC, Texas LULAC, LULAC Council 102, and Common Cause. They are asking the court to block the state from removing any voter solely based on SAVE data and to require more rigorous, uniform verification before counties act on state‑issued lists.

They also want anyone already removed to be reinstated unless officials can conclusively prove they are not U.S. citizens.

Texas officials have not yet responded to the lawsuit. A separate federal challenge to the SAVE system itself remains pending.

The “No Kings” rally in Dallas yesterday drew hundreds to City Hall Plaza as part of a sweeping national day of protest opposing President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration, military action abroad, and what organizers describe as authoritarian overreach. The Dallas event was one of more than a dozen held across North Texas, contributing to a nationwide mobilization that saw millions participate across thousands of cities.

The Dallas rally began around midday, with organizers hosting a lineup of local speakers before marchers moved into the streets. Demonstrators carried signs denouncing Trump’s immigration agenda and U.S. involvement in conflicts in Iran and elsewhere. The crowd included a mix of longtime activists, first‑time protesters, and families who said they felt compelled to show visible resistance. Two Carrollton residents told reporters that only large turnouts could ensure their message reached Washington.

Tensions rose early in the afternoon when counter‑protesters—some aligned with far‑right groups—arrived near City Hall. Dallas police intervened to separate the groups after heated exchanges escalated. One person was detained following a physical altercation, though authorities did not immediately release further details. Despite the skirmish, the majority of North Texas events remained peaceful, including gatherings in Denton, Southlake, Fort Worth, Frisco, and Plano. In Denton,for example, protesters formed a drum circle outside the courthouse as part of the day’s actions.

The Dallas rally unfolded against the backdrop of a massive national mobilization. Organizers estimate that more than 8 million people participated across 3,300 events nationwide, making it one of the largest single‑day demonstrations in U.S. history. While Dallas saw only brief unrest, other cities—including Los Angeles and Portland—experienced more intense clashes between protesters and law enforcement.

Still, North Texas organizers emphasized the broader message of unity and resistance. “From major cities to rural towns that have never seen mobilizations like this before, protesters made clear that in America, we don’t do kings,” they said in a statement summarizing the day’s events.

Overall, the Dallas rally reflected both the passion and the tensions defining this growing movement—one that continues to expand in size, reach, and political urgency.

Just days after his return to professional golf in the TGL indoor golf final, PGA Tour legend Tiger Woods has been involved in a rollover car accident near his home in Jupiter, Florida, authorities say.

CBS 12 News reports that it was a two-car crash and that one vehicle rolled over. No injuries have been reported, with one person reportedly stable and the other refusing hospital transport.

According to Yahoo Sports, Sheriff John Budensiek of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the accident had occurred Friday afternoon when the driver of a Land Rover attempted to overtake a pickup truck pulling a pressure cleaner trailer at a high rate of speed on a two-lane road. After the accident, the driver of the Land Rover crawled out of the passenger door and was later confirmed to be Tiger Woods.

Woods was stated to have demonstrated signs of “impairment” at the scene, though they did not suspect alcohol use. He later blew a 0.00 on a breathalyzer test but refused a urinalysis.

Woods has since been charged with a DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He will remain in custody for at least eight hours, Budensiek announced. Woods was described as “cooperative but not trying to incriminate himself.”

Neither party involved was injured, said the sheriff’s department.

A Republican candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission drew national attention on Friday after calling for the deportation of 100 million people and urging Republicans to more openly embrace rhetoric critical of Islam during remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, Texas.

Bo French, a former Tarrant County Republican Party chair and current candidate for the statewide regulatory post, made the comments while participating in a CPAC panel titled “Don’t Sharia My Texas.”

During the discussion, French argued that immigration policies enacted since 1965 had allowed entry from countries whose cultures and values, he said, were incompatible with the United States.

French’s call for deportations far exceeds the estimated number of unauthorized immigrants living in the United States.

In his remarks, French framed Islam itself as a threat, asserting that concerns often labeled as opposition to Sharia law were, in his view, rooted in the religion more broadly. He warned that Muslim communities could “infiltrate” and “conquer” Texas, language that critics said echoed longstanding anti-Muslim tropes.

The comments come as anti-Islam rhetoric has become more prominent in Texas Republican politics. Some candidates and elected officials have characterized Islam as an existential threat to American culture and public safety, often linking those claims to immigration debates.

Texas is home to more than 300,000 Muslims, with long-established communities in Houston and North Texas. As of 2017, Muslims comprised less than 2% of the state’s population.

French, who is competing in a Republican primary runoff against incumbent Jim Wright for a seat on the Railroad Commission, said Texas politicians had failed for decades to adequately address what he described as a growing problem.

At CPAC, Gov. Greg Abbott cited his administration’s long-running efforts to counter what he characterized as the influence of Islam in Texas, underscoring the issue’s increasing visibility within the party.

The closing mood at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) this year was shaped overwhelmingly by foreign‑policy anxiety, internal conservative division, and a strong push by key speakers to rally the base around the U.S. war in Iran. The final-day tone and messaging were unmistakably centered on Iran, national security, and ideological unity.

As the conference closed, speakers invoked the pain of Iranian civilians—many of them Muslim—while pressing for U.S. military action, raising questions about whose voices are centered and whose futures are decided.

CPAC’s closing sessions leaned on stories of Iranian repression to rally support for U.S. strikes, blending solidarity with Muslim victims and support for expanded military power.

Emphasis on Iran: The Dominant Theme

Across the final sessions, Iran was the gravitational center of the event:

• Speakers aligned with Trump framed the Iran conflict as a moral and strategic necessity, urging conservatives to “stand strong” with the administration’s military actions.

• CPAC senior fellow Mercedes Schlapp used testimonies from Iranians injured in the 2022 protests to argue that U.S. strikes were part of a liberation struggle.

• Despite this push, the event closed under a cloud of growing voter unease, with high fuel prices and skepticism about the war’s rationale threatening Republican midterm prospects.

• The conservative movement’s internal split over the Iran war was visible even in late‑conference programming, with figures like Steve Bannon warning that a prolonged conflict could “bleed support.”

The closing tone was therefore a mix of defiance, moral framing, and strategic worry.

Muslims & Muslim‑majority Contexts: How They Appeared in the Narrative

While Muslims as a community were not a central explicit focus of the closing sessions, they were present in two important ways:

Iran framed through a religious‑political lens

Speakers repeatedly cast the conflict as a struggle against the “mullahs” or theocratic leadership of Iran.

• The session titled “MAGA vs. Mullah Madness” used religious language to contrast the U.S. with Iran’s clerical leadership.

• This framing implicitly tied the closing‑day rhetoric to broader narratives about political Islam, though not about Muslims as a global community.

Muslims as victims of authoritarian regimes

By highlighting Iranians shot by security forces, CPAC speakers positioned Iranian civilians—many of them Muslim—as victims of state repression, using their stories to justify U.S. military action.

This approach allowed speakers to claim solidarity with oppressed Muslim populations while still advocating for aggressive U.S. intervention.

Overall Closing Message

The closing atmosphere at CPAC can be summed up as:

· Unifying the base around Trump’s Iran policy, despite national skepticism

• Moralizing the conflict, using Iranian victims’ stories

• Downplaying internal conservative fractures, even as divisions were evident

• Positioning the U.S. as a defender of freedom, including for Muslim populations under authoritarian rule

The result was a closing ceremony that blended militaristic resolve, ideological storytelling, and strategic defensiveness.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Thursday that his office will withdraw from representing Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock in ongoing lawsuits tied to the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program—a move that further complicates legal battles already raising serious concerns within the Muslim community.

In a March 26 letter, according to the Dallas Express, Paxton said the breakdown in his office’s relationship with Hancock made it impossible to continue defending the state in litigation over TEFA, a $1 billion school choice initiative now facing allegations that Islamic schools were unfairly excluded.

While Paxton framed the dispute as a matter of internal dysfunction and political interference, Muslim advocates and families say the deeper issue is what the conflict reveals about how Islamic institutions are treated by the state.

“My office has worked tirelessly for the past several weeks to defend against lawsuits brought concerning your administration of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program,” Paxton wrote, accusing Hancock of withholding critical information and communicating through public channels instead of cooperating privately with state attorneys. He claimed those actions “single-handedly destroyed” the state’s legal defense.

The attorney general said his office will continue representing other defendants in the TEFA lawsuits but will no longer serve as counsel for Hancock or the comptroller’s office.

Islamic Schools are at the Center of the Legal Dispute

The broader litigation challenging TEFA includes claims that Islamic schools were improperly excluded from the program—an allegation that has fueled concern among Muslim educators and parents who see school choice as a pathway to educational equity and religious freedom.

For Muslim families, the dispute is not just about bureaucratic infighting but about whether state officials are committed to applying education policy fairly across religious lines. Advocates argue that excluding Islamic schools from TEFA undermines both parental choice and constitutional protections.

Those concerns escalated earlier this week when Hancock publicly criticized Paxton’s handling of enforcement actions involving Houston Quran Academy and urged additional legal steps. Paxton responded by calling for Hancock’s removal, turning what began as a policy dispute into a high-profile political clash.

There has been heightened anxiety over enforcement and rhetoric. In his letter, Paxton also rejected Hancock’s claims that the attorney general’s office failed to enforce SB 17, a law restricting property ownership by foreign adversaries.

For many in the Muslim community, the repeated linkage of Islamic organizations to national security narratives—especially in the context of education and civil litigation—has deepened unease. Community leaders warn that such rhetoric, even when framed as legal enforcement, risks reinforcing suspicion toward Muslim institutions and chilling participation in public programs.

Trust and transparency are at stake

Paxton accused Hancock of undermining the state’s legal position by publicly disclosing information not included in court filings and making allegations without investigative detail. Hancock has not publicly responded to the latest letter.

As the TEFA lawsuits move forward, Muslim families and school leaders say the outcome will signal whether Texas is willing to uphold equal access to public benefits—or whether political conflict will continue to overshadow the rights of minority communities.

For Islamic schools seeking inclusion in TEFA, the question is no longer just about funding, but about trust: trust that the state will apply its laws consistently, protect religious freedom, and treat Muslim institutions as equal partners in Texas’ educational future.

International conservatives call for regime change in Tehran while urging stronger alliances with dissident Muslim communities

The Conservative Political Action Conference’s International Faith Summit turned its attention to Iran and the broader Muslim world on Thursday, with speakers portraying the Islamic Republic as a destabilizing force and calling for coordinated global pressure to support democratic movements inside the country.

Throughout the proceedings, panelists and keynote speakers framed Iran’s clerical leadership as a threat not only to its own citizens but to regional and Western security. Several speakers praised Iranian dissidents, including those advocating for a post‑theocratic government, and urged U.S. and allied policymakers to strengthen ties with exile groups pushing for political transition.

While the summit’s agenda covered a wide range of international religious‑freedom issues, Iran dominated much of the discussion. Speakers highlighted the government’s record of suppressing political opposition, restricting women’s rights, and targeting religious minorities, including Sunni Muslims, Sufi communities, and Baha’is. They argued that these abuses underscored the need for a unified international strategy to isolate Tehran.

Some presenters also broadened the conversation to address challenges facing Muslim communities globally. They drew distinctions between what they described as “authoritarian Islamist regimes” and the everyday lives of Muslims who, they said, are often the first victims of state repression or extremist violence. Several speakers emphasized the importance of supporting Muslim reformers, minority sects, and diaspora activists who oppose both authoritarianism and extremism.

The summit’s tone reflected CPAC’s longstanding alignment with Iranian opposition figures, including exiled activists who advocate for a secular, democratic future. Although the event did not formally endorse any specific faction, speakers repeatedly invoked the courage of protesters inside Iran and urged international audiences to “stand with the Iranian people, not the regime.”

The proceedings come amid renewed global scrutiny of Iran’s domestic crackdowns and its role in regional conflicts. For CPAC’s international delegates, the message was clear: confronting Tehran is central to advancing religious freedom, strengthening global security, and supporting Muslim communities seeking political and personal liberties.

A group of Iranian activists is planning a demonstration on Thursday, March 26, outside the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, calling for an end to Iran’s current leadership.

According to a flyer circulated by IranzVoiceDFW, protesters will gather throughout the day at the entrance of the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center, where CPAC is being held.

Organizers say they intend to form a human chain between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to draw attention to their cause.

The rally is being held in support of Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince of Iran’s Pahlavi dynasty, who is scheduled to speak at the conference. A CPAC spokesperson said the event is not affiliated with the demonstration, though the conference’s website notes that it “proudly backs” Pahlavi.

Pahlavi is the son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s last Shah, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The revolution abolished the monarchy and established the Islamic Republic, whose leadership the demonstrators oppose.

The protest comes as Iranian diaspora groups across the United States continue to mobilize against the current government, seeking international pressure and political support for democratic change.

When Dubai‑based SEE Holding quietly stepped back from its ambitious plan to build “Sustainable City USA” in Kaufman County, the decision did more than end a single development proposal. It sent a clear signal about the political and cultural headwinds facing large, master‑planned communities in Texas—particularly those perceived, fairly or not, as religiously oriented. For projects such as EPIC City, the episode offers a cautionary tale.

SEE Holding had been planning a 2,300‑acre “green” development marketed around sustainability, advanced technology, and dense residential design. Similar projects by the firm overseas—primarily in the United Arab Emirates and Oman—include shared green spaces, artificial intelligence‑driven infrastructure, and prominent mosques as community amenities. While standard in the company’s international portfolio, those features quickly became a flashpoint in Kaufman County once residents raised concerns that the project could evolve into an Islamic‑centric enclave.

Those concerns drew comparisons to EPIC City, another proposed development that has faced scrutiny over its perceived religious character. The comparison proved politically potent. Keith Self, a Republican congressman and co‑chair of the Sharia Free America Caucus, publicly echoed residents’ fears, framing the issue not as zoning or land use, but as a question of cultural and legal compatibility. Shortly thereafter, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a formal investigation into SEE Holding’s plans.

The political pressure escalated quickly. According to Lance Gooden, another Republican congressman representing the area, direct conversations with SEE Holding led to a decisive outcome. After advising the developers to reconsider whether the timing and location were appropriate, Gooden announced that the company had chosen not to move forward in Kaufman County and declared the matter resolved. The withdrawal was reported on March 23 and effectively ended the project before it could advance beyond the planning stage.

For EPIC City, the implications are significant. The collapse of Sustainable City USA illustrates how quickly large developments can become entangled in broader ideological debates once they are framed through the lens of religion or cultural identity. Even without concrete evidence of unlawful intent, the perception of an “Islamic‑centric” city proved sufficient to trigger state‑level investigations and ultimately derail a multibillion‑dollar proposal.

Scale also played a role. SEE Holding’s overseas Sustainable City projects typically span about 165 acres or less. The Kaufman County proposal, by contrast, covered approximately 2,300 acres—nearly fourteen times larger. That size amplified visibility, scrutiny, and political risk. For EPIC City, which has likewise been portrayed as a large, self‑contained community, the lesson is clear: the larger and more symbolically distinct a project appears, the more likely it is to attract organized opposition.

Attorney General Paxton’s comments reinforced that reality. Declaring that there would be no “sharia city” in Texas, he emphasized that any development on American soil must comply fully with U.S. and Texas law, and that his office would investigate for any unlawful actions. While the investigation’s findings were not detailed publicly, the rhetoric alone contributed to an environment in which SEE Holding opted to withdraw rather than persist.

In the end, SEE Holding’s exit leaves open questions about whether the firm will pursue other sites in Texas or elsewhere in the United States. More broadly, it leaves developments like EPIC City operating in a newly clarified landscape—one where public perception, political framing, and cultural anxieties can be as decisive as financing or design. For proponents and critics alike, the Kaufman County episode stands as a precedent that will likely shape how future projects are proposed, defended, and judged.

Speaker after speaker demanded the release of photojournalist Ya’akub Ira Vijandre, who has been held in ICE detention for more than five months, before Arlington City Hall on Tuesday evening.

Taken at gunpoint early in October 2025, the arrest of Vijandre, who was held in a facility in Georgia during Ramadan, has sparked growing outrage across the city.

In the Citizen Participation segment of the council meeting, speaker after speaker approached the podium, each urging the Council to intervene and publicly condemn what they described as an unjust and politically motivated detention. It was claimed that his detention was over a few social media posts which he had “liked”.

The first speaker, identifying herself as a long‑time resident of East Arlington, delivered a sharp rebuke of the silence surrounding Ya’akub’s case.

A young man followed, speaking on behalf of a campus coalition.
“We study journalism because we believe in truth,” he said. “What message does it send when a journalist is detained for doing his job? We’re asking you — loudly — to call for his release.”

A local Imam, representing several faith communities, framed Ya’akub’s detention as part of a broader pattern of intimidation.

A colleague of Ya’kub’s stepped forward next, visibly emotional. “He taught me how to shoot my first assignment,” she said. “He taught half of us. He is not a threat. He is a storyteller. And he deserves to come home.”

Closing out the sequence, a retired educator reminded the Council of its responsibility to uphold democratic norms.

“You cannot stay silent,” she said. “Silence is complicity. We expect you to stand with the people who hold you accountable.”

A growing local movement

The coordinated set of comments reflects a rapidly expanding campaign across Arlington, where residents have begun organising rallies, circulating petitions, and pressing elected officials for answers.

While the Council did not respond directly during the meeting — consistent with its rules on public comment — pressure is mounting on city leadership to address the concerns publicly.

For many in the chamber, the message was unmistakable: the community will not let Ya’akub’s detention fade quietly into bureaucratic obscurity.

Organizers of Tuesday’s action urged the Arlington City Council to adopt a resolution calling for his release, arguing that the city has a responsibility to defend the rights of its residents.

“Over 100 days have passed since Ya’akub was taken from his home and community,” supporters said in a statement. “Arlington must stand up against this unjust detention and demand an end to his mistreatment.”

Georgia state Sen. Nabilah Parkes was sitting in the Senate chamber when her phone lit up with a video that would reshape her political future. The 30‑second campaign ad—released by her Republican colleague, state Sen. Greg Dolezal—depicted Muslims as violent “invaders,” terrorizing white Georgians. It ended with a stark message: “Keep Georgia sharia free.”

The ad, reportedly created using AI, framed Muslim communities as a threat to American cities and cast Dolezal as the candidate who would “fight the enemy before they’re within the gates.” The caption accompanying the video warned that “London has fallen” and claimed that Europe and major U.S. cities were “under siege.”

Parkes, the first Muslim woman to serve in the Georgia Senate, immediately confronted Dolezal on the chamber floor. “What is this?” she asked. He refused to look at her. The next day, he approached her and said, “Feel free to take a shot at me”—a comment she interpreted as an invitation to retaliate politically.

She did.

Within a week, Parkes resigned her Senate seat and announced she would challenge Dolezal directly in the race for lieutenant governor. If elected, she would become the first Muslim to hold statewide executive office in Georgia.

“This type of hate, this type of Islamophobia, this type of racism has no place in Georgia politics,” Parkes said. “No one should have to see their faith weaponized for political gain.”

Her entry into the race has intensified scrutiny of anti‑Muslim rhetoric in Southern politics, especially as AI‑generated imagery becomes a new tool for fear‑based campaigning. Civil rights advocates warn that such ads normalize bigotry and escalate threats against Muslim communities already facing heightened hostility nationwide.

Dolezal, meanwhile, is competing in a crowded Republican primary field. Parkes joins Democrats Josh McLaurin and Richard Wright in the race, setting up a contest that will test whether Georgia voters reject or reward campaigns built on cultural fear.

For Parkes, the decision is personal as much as political. “I’m running because Georgians deserve leadership that doesn’t demonize its own people,” she said. “We can’t allow this kind of rhetoric to define who we are.”

Police in Austin have stepped up patrols around Islamic centers after a series of coordinated vandalism attacks on local mosques, promising a firm response as Muslim leaders warn of rising hostility across the state.

The Austin Police Department confirmed it is actively investigating multiple incidents in which masked vandals defaced mosques with spray‑painted symbols and messages.

Security footage from the Nueces Mosque captured a suspect marking the building in the early hours of the morning, prompting renewed calls for protection from Muslim civil rights groups.

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In a public statement, APD said it had increased visibility around all affected sites and stressed its commitment to safeguarding the city’s diverse communities.

The vandalism — part of a broader pattern of harassment reported by Muslim organizations since late 2023 — has left congregants shaken. Authorities have been urged to treat the incidents as hate‑motivated and to maintain heightened patrols as Ramadan approaches.

While no arrests have been made, police say investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering additional evidence. Community leaders, meanwhile, are calling for solidarity and a clear rejection of rhetoric that paints Muslims as outsiders or threats.

A week after walking out of the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, Palestinian activist Leqaa Kordia stood before supporters at Paterson City Hall in New Jersey and declared that her fight was far from over.

Kordia, who has lived in Paterson for a decade, was released last week after spending a year in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. Appearing in a tan sweatsuit, a blue hijab, and a keffiyeh, she told reporters her freedom felt “long overdue.”

“I’m blessed, I’m grateful,” she said. “It’s been a long year, a tough year in ICE dungeons, but I’m finally free.”

According to KERANews, her release followed a federal judge’s decision earlier this month to grant a $100,000 bond — the third time a court had ordered her freed since her March 2025 arrest. While detained, she suffered a seizure and was hospitalized, an experience she described as part of the “injustice” of her confinement. “The conditions were horrible to the point that there are no words to describe it,” she said.

Kordia was joined by family, community members, city officials, and her legal team. Among the groups she thanked were members of the Dallas Muslim community, who had rallied on her behalf. Yet she emphasized that the battle ahead remains steep.

Her attorney, Sarah Sherman-Stokes, a Boston University immigration law professor, said that despite last week’s release, Kordia remains in removal proceedings, leaving her at continued risk of deportation. “We’re going to continue fighting in court for as long as it takes,” she said.

Kordia’s mother is a U.S. citizen, and she has a pending family‑based petition that could play a critical role in her case.

She was the last of four Columbia University protesters detained by ICE to be released. The group maintains they were targeted for their pro‑Palestinian activism following campus demonstrations against the war in Gaza. ICE has said Kordia was detained for a visa overstay.

At Monday’s news conference, fellow activist Mahmoud Khalil, who spent more than 100 days in ICE custody last year, described feeling incomplete until he knew Kordia was free. “I know what it means to be detained in these dungeons,” he said, “because they try to strip you of your dignity.”

For now, Kordia says she wants to reconnect with loved ones — and continue the advocacy that sustained her. “Now that I’m out,” she said, “I promise to make up for lost time and fight for the freedom of all.”

Dozens of community members, friends, and relatives of Ya’akub Ira Vijandre are expected to gather at Arlington City Hall on Tuesday evening to demand the immediate release of the local photojournalist, who has been held in ICE detention for more than five months.

The 6 p.m. demonstration comes after an immigration judge denied Vijandre’s request for relief on March 6, following more than two months of waiting for a ruling. Supporters say the decision deepens what they describe as a politically motivated case tied to his coverage of Palestine and his online advocacy for human rights.

Vijandre, a DACA recipient, was arrested by ICE agents at gunpoint on October 7, 2025. His supporters argue the arrest was unlawful and note that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services revoked his DACA status nearly two months later, citing vague claims that his social media activity made him an enforcement priority. He is currently detained solely on immigration allegations.

Advocates say his treatment in custody has raised further alarm. They report that ICE officials delayed meals during Ramadan, confiscated religious texts, and transferred him out of state without notice. Vijandre is now being held at the Folkeston ICE Processing Center in Georgia.

Organizers of Tuesday’s action are urging the Arlington City Council to adopt a resolution calling for his release, arguing that the city has a responsibility to defend the rights of its residents.

“Over 100 days have passed since Ya’akub was taken from his home and community,” supporters said in a statement. “Arlington must stand up against this unjust detention and demand an end to his mistreatment.”

The rally is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Arlington City Hall, 101 W. Abram St.

A Ramadan proclamation issued at the March 17, 2026 McKinney City Council meeting has stirred debate among some residents, prompting questions about how such recognitions are approved and what the city has formally acknowledged in recent years.

At the meeting, Mayor Bill Cox declared February 17 through March 19 as the “Month of Ramadan,” describing the Islamic observance as a period of fasting, reflection, charity, and community honored worldwide and by families in McKinney, reports TX3DNews.

How Proclamations Work in McKinney

Much of the discussion centers on the process behind proclamations. According to Council member Patrick Cloutier, proclamations are not voted on by the full council but are instead issued solely at the mayor’s discretion. Residents, organizations, and community groups can request them, and councilmembers may pass those requests to the mayor.

City records confirm that proclamations do not appear as action items on council agendas and do not require formal approval. Instead, they are presented as informational, ceremonial recognitions during regular meetings.

A Regular Feature of Council Meetings

A review of agendas from 2025 and 2026 shows proclamations are a standard component of McKinney City Council proceedings. Many focus on public-safety or civic-awareness themes, such as Severe Weather Awareness Week, National Preparedness Month, Fire Prevention Week, and National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

Other proclamations highlight community contributions, honoring events like Acts of Kindness Day, Good Neighbor Day, Grandparents Day, and the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign—recognitions commonly issued by municipalities across the country.

Cultural, Religious, and National Recognitions

While less frequent, cultural and religious observances have also been acknowledged. Ramadan proclamations were previously issued in 2024 and 2025, marking three consecutive years of recognition. In October 2024, the city honored Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. In September 2025, McKinney issued a proclamation celebrating Diez y Seis de Septiembre, Mexico’s Independence Day.

National commemorations have also been included, such as the 2026 proclamation for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the 2025 recognition of Constitution Week.

Community Reactions Vary

Local online discussions reflect differing views. Some residents questioned why Ramadan receives recognition while Christian observances like Easter or Good Friday do not. Others argued that the government should avoid religious proclamations altogether. Supporters said the recognition is symbolic, similar to past proclamations for Diwali or Mexican Independence Day, and emphasized that proclamations neither change policy nor allocate funding.

City records indicate proclamations will remain a regular part of council meetings.

The late afternoon sun spilled across the steps of McKinney City Hall as Mayor Bill Cox gently placed his pen beside a freshly signed proclamation. It was simple, sincere, and long overdue: a recognition of the holy month of Ramadan.

He knew it wouldn’t please everyone—leadership rarely did—but he also knew the heart of his city. And that heart beat strongest when everyone felt seen.

Across town, in a quiet room lined with photographs from years of civic service, former Mayor George C. Fuller read the headlines rolling across his phone. Criticism had arrived, loud and familiar. Some voices claimed the proclamation was unnecessary. Others framed it as favoritism.

George exhaled slowly. He remembered his own years as mayor—meeting Muslim business owners who stayed late to serve their customers, teachers who guided McKinney’s children with patience, doctors who healed without hesitation, volunteers who showed up whenever the city needed them. He remembered Ramadan dinners filled with warmth, humility, and laughter.

These were not strangers.
They were McKinney.

He opened Facebook and began typing, not out of anger, but out of conviction. His words flowed with the weight of experience and the clarity of truth. A mayor, he wrote, does not choose which communities deserve recognition. A mayor represents them all.

He even noted something many critics seemed to have missed—just a week earlier, the White House itself had issued a message honoring Ramadan, calling it a time of spiritual renewal and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to religious freedom. If that wasn’t controversial at the national level, why should unity be controversial at home?

George paused, reread his message, and smiled softly. Recognition did not diminish anyone else’s faith—it only strengthened the bonds between neighbors.

With a quiet tap, he hit “Post.”

Meanwhile, families across McKinney prepared for the holy month—strings of lights in windows, children watching for the first sliver of moon, kitchens filling with the smells of evening meals. They didn’t know about the noise surrounding the proclamation. What they did feel was something simple and powerful: acceptance.

Outside City Hall, Mayor Cox stepped into the evening breeze. He didn’t know that George’s message of support was already gaining momentum, traveling across the community like a comforting ripple.

But he did know this—leadership sometimes meant standing firm when others shouted. And today, leadership meant recognizing the people who made McKinney whole.

In that moment, the city felt just a little more connected.
A little more compassionate.
A little more like home.

For 30 years, Iman Academy on Houston’s southwest side has nurtured generations of Muslim students with a mission rooted in three principles: Love America. Respect family and national institutions. Contribute positively to society. Nearly all its students are Muslim, yet school leaders stress that their goal is not isolation but engagement — shaping young people who understand their essential place in the American story.

“We are all Americans at the end of the day,” said senior Manha Navaid. “Whatever our backgrounds, we all want the best for this country.”

Iman Academy exceeds every requirement to participate in Texas’ school‑voucher program: state‑recognized accreditation, certified teachers and the same curriculum and standardized testing used in public schools, according to The Texas Tribune.

Still, the school remains among roughly two dozen Islamic institutions blocked from the voucher system based on unsubstantiated allegations of ties to foreign extremist organizations.

The rejection comes amid a year of rising anti‑Islamic rhetoric in Texas politics, where some candidates have framed Islam as inherently un‑American. Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock initially denied every Islamic school’s application, a move that prompted lawsuits by families and Muslim civil‑rights groups. A federal judge has since ordered the state to allow the suing schools to register, and four Islamic campuses were recently admitted. Iman Academy chose not to sue, remaining focused on its mission and hoping fairness will prevail.

Founded in 1996, the school now serves about 1,500 students across two campuses, offering childcare through 12th grade. Tuition averages $8,000 — an amount fully covered by the state’s proposed $10,500 voucher. Inside the school, American flags fly, morning assembly includes reminders of civic responsibility, and hallways feature alumni who’ve gone on to Texas A&M, UT‑Austin and Harvard.

Classrooms reflect a nurturing environment where students learn, question and grow. Teachers praise the culture of cooperation among families, describing the school as both academically serious and emotionally supportive.

Iman Academy does not depend on vouchers to survive. Instead, leaders view state acceptance as acknowledgment that Islam and American identity are not at odds. They reject the notion that Muslim schools deserve extra suspicion.

“In every religion there may be extremists — why single out Muslims?” said school president Ahmed Zaqoot. “Fairness is an American value.”

Students echo that belief. “Schools are schools. We’re all learning,” said senior Afeef Rahman. “We’re part of this country, too.”

A Collin County district judge has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping all activity by the Double R Municipal Utility District — the public body responsible for water, sewer, and infrastructure development for The Meadow, the 402‑acre master‑planned community formerly known as EPIC City.

The order comes in response to allegations from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who claims that the MUD’s board was improperly reconstituted in early 2025 to accelerate approvals for the Muslim‑led development associated with the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC).

Paxton said the board members were not legally eligible to serve because they did not own taxable property within the district before a disputed annexation, a requirement under Texas law governing special‑purpose districts.

Under the TRO, the MUD is barred from entering into contracts, issuing bonds, approving engineering or legal reports, taking on new financial obligations, appointing or removing directors, or exercising any authority tied to district expansion. In effect, the infrastructure engine behind The Meadow is frozen until the court determines whether the board was lawfully constituted.

The Meadow — envisioned to include 1,000 homes, senior living, a K‑12 faith‑based school, clinics, retail, and a mosque — has become a flashpoint in North Texas. The project is already the subject of a federal Fair Housing investigation into potential religious and national‑origin discrimination, as well as state‑level challenges over environmental and permitting processes. Developers argue that the state’s actions amount to targeted religious discrimination, citing Paxton’s repeated references to EPIC in official filings.

A hearing on the TRO is scheduled for March 30.

Unless extended, the order expires April 1. Until then, no action can be taken to advance the development, leaving the future of The Meadow in legal limbo.