April 6, 2025
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
The list of investigations into the controversial East Plano Islamic Center continues to grow, as Gov. Greg Abbott announced last week that he has directed the Texas Rangers to launch a criminal investigation into EPIC and its affiliated entities.
The latest move comes amid escalating concerns over the legality of operations connected to the proposed 402-acre EPIC City development in Collin County—an Islamic compound that includes a mosque, religious school, and housing.
“Texas is a law-and-order state, and those scheming to evade law enforcement scrutiny must know justice is awaiting them,” said Abbott. “That is why I directed the Texas Rangers to fully investigate the group behind the proposed EPIC compound for potentially violating criminal law. Texas will ensure that anyone affiliated with EPIC who is breaking the law is brought to justice.”
The Rangers’ investigation will focus on potential criminal law violations, with any charges to be referred to local prosecutors upon completion of the investigation.
This comes after Abbott announced a series of investigations, including a cease-and-desist order by the Texas Funeral Service Commission for allegedly operating an unlicensed funeral home.
The Texas State Securities Board is also investigating EPIC for potential financial fraud and securities violations, while the Texas Workforce Commission is investigating possible violations of the Fair Housing Act.
Attorney General Ken Paxton, meanwhile, has said his office is probing for conceivable consumer protection violations.
With the Texas Rangers now involved, the state’s investigation into EPIC has reached a new level, signaling the potential for criminal prosecutions if wrongdoing is found.
Featured
As caseloads crater, a spokesperson announced that Texas Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Blacklock will be ending the state-run program providing illegal aliens with defense attorneys.
In August 2021, five months into Operation Lone Star, the Texas Supreme Court issued an emergency order providing defense attorneys for illegal aliens captured as part of the state’s border security efforts if they were unable to pay for legal representation.
The court authorized the Texas Indigent Defense Commission to appoint and pay counsel through third parties. At the time, border counties, which would normally handle this, lacked sufficient attorneys and resources. In the August 2021 order, then-Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht justified this setup as necessary to protect the defendant’s constitutional right to counsel.
The court has repeatedly extended this order, but that’s coming to an end. According to a spokesperson for Blacklock, TIDC has been informed that the order will not extend past its May 1 expiration date.
Real Texans
In this week’s edition of REAL TEXANS, Michael Quinn Sullivans talks with Walter Wendler about his journey from being a “damn Yankee” to a “born-again Texan.” As the president of West Texas A&M University, Dr. Wendler has a unique perspective on the value of higher education—and it’s not what you might think.
New interviews with REAL TEXANS every Sunday!
State
Sources: Former Texas Lottery Director Reportedly Missing
Sources say authorities have been unable to find Gary Grief, and he could have fled to Mexico. An attorney for Grief has disputed that claim.
Effort to End Taxpayer-Funded Junk Food Moves Forward
The debate also included criticism of the American Heart Association, which initially testified against the bill during a Senate committee hearing last month.
House Education Committee Advances School Choice Legislation
The proposal is a priority of Gov. Greg Abbott.
Local
THIRD Huntsville ISD Teacher Arrested for Sex Crime in Three Weeks
Lauren Rudolph was a dyslexia teacher and cheer coach at Huntsville High School.
Houston Mayor and Controller Spar Over $72 Million in Unbudgeted Overtime Spending
As federal funds run out, the city is using the general fund to cover the overtime.
Collin County Residents Reject Planned Islamic ‘City’
County Judge Chris Hill said he “cannot support” the proposed EPIC City project.
Federal
Rep. Pfluger Pushes To Revoke Endangered Species Listings To Boost Energy Industry
Lawmakers move to end weaponized Biden administration environmental policies hindering American energy.
AG Paxton Files Brief Supporting Trump’s Border Security Orders
The attorney general argued that the U.S. Constitution assigns the federal government the responsibility of protecting states from invasion.
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