Dallas-Fort Worth residents can look forward to dry and sunny weather before temperatures rise later in the week. Miles Langsfeld, National Weather Service meteorologist, said a cold front will move through early this week, bringing temperatures down to the low 80s Monday and into the 70s Tuesday. Wednesday will see a rise back to the 80s, which will continue into the 90s Thursday. There is no chance of rain until the weekend, Langsfeld said. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

This is a crime wrap-up from April 2 to 6. Credit or debit card abuse On April 2, a female staff member reported the attempted unauthorized use of her university procurement card, UTA Police Capt. Mike McCord said in an email. The attempt was declined, and there was no pecuniary loss to the university. Credit or debit card abuse is a state jail felony punishable by imprisonment of 180 days to two years, a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both. The case is still active. Assault On April 3, a female student reported unwanted physical contact by another female student, McCord said. Assault is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $4,000, up to one year in jail or both. The case is still active. Theft of property On April 6, an unaffiliated male reported the theft of his headphones, McCord said. Theft of property valued between $100 to $750 is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail or both. The case is still active. Graffiti On April 6, a UTA Police Department officer found graffiti on a bike repair station, McCord said. Graffiti with a pecuniary loss of less than $100 is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The Arlington Public Library is hosting various events throughout April for Arab American Heritage Month. Celebrated in April, Arab American Heritage Month honors the rich culture and heritage of Arab Americans and their contributions to society. Angela Harris, an adult services librarian, said the idea to honor Arab American Heritage Month has been around for a few years, but this year it finally came together with help from local Arab community members. “It's important, especially in librarianship, that we recognize all cultures, that we welcome all cultures, that we appreciate all cultures, especially when they make up our actual city,” Harris said. Arab American Heritage Month: Teens Give Back From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. every Monday in April., teens in grades 7–12 can earn volunteer hours by creating bookmarks celebrating Arab American Heritage Month at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. The bookmarks will highlight Arab American contributions to history and will be shared with library patrons throughout the month. Art After Dark: Arab American Heritage Month From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, residents can visit the Northeast Branch Library for a hands-on evening of art and culture. The event will include a calligraphy demonstration using traditional bamboo reeds and pens, and teach attendees to write their names in Arabic on canvas and create a Hamsa hand keychain. Guests can also explore a gallery of painted works by local artists. Calligraphy Workshop: Arab American Heritage Month From 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the Northeast Branch Library, residents can discover Arabic calligraphy with Hayder Mohsin, a master of the art, according to an article from the City of Arlington. Attendees will learn about traditional styles like Kufic and Naskh, and gain insight into Mohsin’s experience using Baghdad and Ottoman techniques. Tea Time: Arab American Heritage Month Focus is April! From 6 to 7 p.m. April 23, residents can take their taste buds “on a trip around the world” at the East Library and Recreation Center. During tea time, guests will explore the history and cultural significance of various teas, coffees and hot drinks. Vision and Verse: A 2-Day Celebration of Arab Heritage Join a rich cultural evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 26 at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library in Rebrary A, where Iraqi literary critic Hatem Al-Sakr and Jordanian novelist Nemah Ayyad will discuss literature, identity and heritage, followed by an interactive Q&A. Attendees are invited to share poetry, stories or music during an open mic celebrating Arab heritage. Traditional attire is welcome. On April 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Excellence Room, enjoy a bilingual poetry reading by Iraqi poet Hasan Al-Nassar, with English translations by Haidar Mazen. The evening explores themes of war, exile and resilience, spotlighting the experiences of war-widowed women. @taylor._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Intercultural Student Engagement Center will host a series of events throughout April. Though recognized in May, students will be able to honor the community’s cultures and traditions. Through April 29, students can go to these events and experience dance performances and cultural exchanges. Aysia Thi Nguyễn, Intercultural Student Engagement Center student development and outreach coordinator, said students can expect immersive experiences and learn more about the history of the AAPI community at UTA and beyond. “These events are important for students and the UTA community as they are essential to UTA’s mission and vision as an institution,” Nguyễn said in an email. “These community events help promote engagement across campus through collaboration and innovation to drive our students to become global leaders beyond their time at UTA.” All events are free and open to UTA students, staff, and faculty. Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month events AAPI Heritage Month Movie Night: At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, the Intercultural Student Programming Board will host a screening of Everything Everywhere All at Once in the University Center’s San Jacinto, Neches and Penderales rooms. Free snacks and boba will be provided. One Night in Asia: From 6:30 to 9 p.m. April 28 in the Rosebud Theater, this annual celebration highlights the rich cultures and traditions of the Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community with free food, fun and giveaways. International Dance Day Festival: From 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 29, the Chinese Culture and Language Association will host its festival in the Rosebud Theater. The event will feature a variety of dance performances, celebrating the art and expression of the human experience. “This festival style performance is for all culture and performance arts communities on campus to celebrate and support one another,” Nguyễn said. @samip.parajuli.54

The City of Arlington is hosting its annual Electronics, Recycling and Paper Shredding event from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the UTA Parking Lot on the southeast corner of Mitchell and Cooper. Residents can recycle any broken or unwanted electronics and bring up to two boxes of paper to shred per vehicle. Proof of Arlington residency is required to participate in the free event. Susan Schrock, City of Arlington communications coordinator, said they will collect paper and electronics until the truck is full. Residents are welcome to bring household machines as long as they do not contain Freon, a trademarked compound that has been implicated to be a major cause of global warming, according to Britannica. Partnering with Republic Services, a leading company in environmental services, Schrock said the company will help residents safely dispose of unwanted electronics and sensitive documents. “Our goal is to get this message out to residents, so they have a way of disposing of their unwanted electronics beyond just setting them on the curb or taking a trip to the landfill.” For disposal of large items, residents can contact Republic Services at 817-317-2000. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Editor’s Note: The story was last updated at 5:25 p.m. April 10. We’re working to continue updating with information. UTA confirmed Thursday that 27 students had been impacted by the federal government’s recent efforts to terminate visas, according to a universitywide email. The university does not have specifics behind the decisions to revoke visas, President Jennifer Cowley said in the statement. The announcement follows various universities statewide confirming that their international students have experienced a change in their visa status. UTA officials are contacting affected students to provide information and support based on each student’s circumstance and preference, a university spokesperson said in an email. Visa revocation and legal status termination are not the same, according to a policy brief by the American Immigration Lawyers Association. If a person’s visa is revoked by the U.S. Department of State, only their ability to reenter the U.S. is affected. Revocation does not impact the nonimmigrant’s status or require them to immediately depart from the country. Individuals with expired student visas can remain in the U.S. past the date listed on their visa, so long as they continue renewing their status, according to the brief. The Department of State can revoke a student’s visa if they fail to maintain its terms, which can include an insufficient course load or working without authorization, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a press briefing March 28 that the Department of State has revoked more than 300 visas, which include both student and visitor visas. Rubio also ordered diplomats to scour visa applicants’ social media postings using artificial intelligence-assisted reviews. While immigration officers have arrested international students related to their involvement in pro-Palestinian causes, President Donald Trump’s administration did not provide reasons for recent attempts to strip visas, sparking confusion as to why students are being targeted. Multiple international students at Texas universities have experienced a change in their visa status without being provided a reason. Texas A&M University confirmed Thursday that the Trump administration revoked 19 students’ legal status, according to The Battalion. On Wednesday, 27 University of North Texas students’ visas were revoked, according to the North Texas Daily. Also, 19 UT Dallas students’ visas were terminated, according to The Retrograde. While UT Austin confirmed multiple international students were affected by the visa revocation, the university did not confirm an exact number, according to The Daily Texan. UTA is working closely with national associations, Cowley said in her statement. The American Council on Education, along with 15 higher education associations, sent a letter requesting a briefing to better understand agency policy and any planned actions related to international students. International students must obtain one of three types of visas to study in the U.S., according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The F-1 visa is granted to international students enrolled full-time at accredited campusesThose with M-1 visas attend vocational and other nonacademic programsThe J-1 visa is authorized for students participating in exchange visitor programs Host universities and the federal government oversee information on student visa status and track their legal residency status through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System database. In 2023, UTA had 9,662 active visa records, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement data. Office of International Education staff members are also monitoring the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System daily to identify new changes to students’ statuses and ensure timely outreach, Cowley said. “International students are and will remain valued members of the Maverick community. We have a long history of welcoming students from all over the world,” she said. UTA has not received reports of federal ICE or Customs and Border Protection officers being present on campus, said Brandon Wright, Student Success and Transitions assistant vice president, in an email to international students Monday. Students can utilize free Counseling and Psychological Services for confidential mental health support. The Office of Talent, Culture and Engagement offers an Employee Assistance Program to provide confidential resources and support for faculty and staff. University administration, along with the executive orders/federal change task force led by Shelby Boseman, Office of Legal Affairs chief legal officer, will continue to monitor and assess the situation, providing updates should there be additional implications for the UTA community, Cowley said. @DangHLe news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Héctor Sánchez Barba, a nationally recognized leader in Latino civic engagement, delivered the Center for Mexican American Studies’ annual Distinguished Lecture in the Bluebonnet Ballroom on Wednesday evening, bringing awareness to its community and politics. Sánchez Barba focused his career on protecting democracy and immigrant rights while championing Latino civic engagement. His speech focused on rising anti-Mexicanidad, or anti-Mexican, sentiments across the United States and the political power that Mexican and Latino votes have. Anti-Mexicanidad’s negative impact extends beyond any one demographic, he said. “All of this comes with anti-Mexican policies of exclusion that become anti-immigrant. It becomes anti-Muslim. It becomes anti-anything that doesn’t ‘belong.’” The solution, he said, is in political representation. “Mexican Americans are the most underrepresented group in the nation in the most important spaces of power,” he said. Sánchez Barba said organizing and empowering communities can help promote better civic engagement, but the Latino community has not achieved that yet. Almost 60% of households in the community have never received a call to help them get civically engaged. “Working-class families that have access to the educational system, or universities, etcetera, are thoroughly excluded from the democratic process, and that’s very worrisome,” he said. Texas, particularly, has untapped potential, with the second-largest Hispanic population, but one of the lowest investments in Latino political organizing in the country, Sánchez Barba said. “We are the most ignored communities, particularly Mexican Americans, when it comes to everything political,” he said. “If we want to change the current situation that we’re facing as a nation, we must change the tactics we’re doing and the configuration with the political power.” Still, Sánchez Barba feels confident in his community and said it’s important to continue empowering organizations like the Center for Mexican American Studies to keep paving the way forward. He said the more they understand the Mexican community, the better it will be for all of Congress. “This is about opportunities, and it’s about hope. It’s about the future,” he said. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Progressive Student Union and Students for Justice in Palestine members and other supporters gathered outside the University Center on Wednesday to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stepping onto UTA grounds with little announcement. ICE and Texas Border Patrol officers were at the Maverick Activities Center for a criminology and criminal justice career fair on March 27, sparking the student organizations to hold the ICE Off Campus rally. Ryan Hoffman, Progressive Student Union member, said it was irresponsible of the university to bring ICE to campus without notice, especially when UTA has an international student population of over 6,000. “We’re demanding an end to the invitation of ICE on campus, and although we know the university can’t realistically keep ICE off campus, we’re also asking them to implement MavAlerts to warn whenever ICE is on or near campus,” Hoffman said. Coming from a family that immigrated from Costa Rica, he said he’s seen his own family, who came to the U.S. legally, be profiled. He said seeing the hate bestowed upon immigrants and mass deportations happening around the country is “horrifying.” In an email sent out Monday, UTA informed students that the university has not received federal reports of ICE or Customs and Border Protection being on campus. Seraphine Pecson, Progressive Student Union vice president, said student activism sometimes feels like talking to a brick wall. Across the country, she said she has seen the government taking steps to suppress their actions. Last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered diplomats to search social media posts of visa applicants to deter the acceptance of those suspected of criticizing the U.S. and Israel, according to the New York Times. Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and Palestinian activist, was one of the “first of many” to be detained as President Donald Trump’s administration cracks down on immigration laws and on-campus opposition to the war in Gaza, despite being here legally, according to the Associated Press. “We’re entering a new phase of struggle in which the government is certainly more afraid of the masses than ever before,” Pecson said. “They finally recognize student action for what it is.” Sana Abu, Students for Justice in Palestine vice president, said she has been fighting for the liberation of her country long before now, and that passion has been amplified since coming to university. Abu said the main demand from Students for Justice in Palestine is for UTA to divest from all companies sending aid to Israel. “Our tuition money should not be going to kill families, children, men, women in countries overseas,” she said. Bilingual education junior Roque Sanchez said he went to the protest to be a voice for those experiencing injustice. While this may not affect all communities, he said it affects his peers. “You can make a difference, because it can feel pretty helpless at times. I’ve felt that for a while now, but you can do something about it. You can change your reality by coming out here,” Sanchez said. @amandaLaldridge @taylor._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

In its 130 years, UTA has never had a memorial service to honor the Mavericks who’ve died while working or earning their degree — until now. A Fallen Maverick is an initiative recognizing these individuals, allowing the UTA community to show the loved ones of those who died that they support and care for them. Its first ceremony is open to everyone from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday in Texas Hall, marking the end of SpringFest. “One of the primary goals of this initiative is to ensure that the people who love the Mavericks that we have lost know that we love them too,” said Jonikka Davis, Student Affairs associate director for marketing and communications. When Mr. UTA Florencio Gobellan noticed the university was the only one in North Texas without a memorial service like this, he wanted to start the tradition at UTA. He brought the idea to Lowell Davis, Student Affairs vice president, who agreed it was time to bring this initiative to campus. Pulling inspiration from universities nationwide, including the University of North Texas and the University of Florida, Gobellan said he did extensive research to ensure they were honoring the fallen Mavericks respectfully. Lowell Davis, Student Affairs vice president, and Andrew Miller, Student Affairs senior associate vice president and dean of students, worked to make a list and reach out to Fallen Maverick families through personalized letters. Student Activities coordinator Chrysta Porter said Counseling and Psychological Services has been supportive of this initiative, helping them on the back end by ensuring they’re handling the families with care. “UTA has been in existence for 130 years, but some of the ways that we approach grief and loss have certainly changed in the last couple of decades,” Jonikka Davis said. “We are excited to partner and include support systems like CAPS to bring this event to the forefront.” The ceremony will include a roll call of remembrance where names of the Fallen Mavericks are read aloud, a moment of silence with a bell toll for each name and a student showcase. Gobellan said there are three things making this event unique to UTA. The Gateway Tower on the corner of UTA Boulevard and South Cooper Street will be turned off from 4 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday, UTA’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps all-female color guard will have a presentation of colors and students will give various performances. “It’s extremely important for people to know that this is a lot more than an event. This is an event that is gonna help us honor them and hopefully give these families some kind of closure,” he said. Porter said UTA prides itself on being a community that cares for its students, and this is the perfect opportunity to show that. “It’s a time where it’s change happening. It’s a time where it’s a transition for a lot of people, and knowing that we’re still there for you as a community to help and be there no matter what the circumstance is,” Porter said. @amandaLaldridge news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Levitt Pavilion’s grass was still wet from the morning rain as the cast and crew of Shakespeare LIVE made final preparations at dress rehearsal. Over two years after the idea was introduced, Shakespeare LIVE performed its first production of As You Like It, a comedy about how confusing romance can be. With less than 24 hours left before their first performance, actors focused on preparing lines and hitting their marks — not what the weather might have in store. A little rain was not going to stop them from taking the stage. Dance Theatre of Arlington is Shakespeare LIVE’s fiscal sponsor, allowing them to operate as a nonprofit and have various sponsors help fund production, pay crew and cast members and make it free to attendees. Out of the 100 people who auditioned for the production in November, only 13 were cast. Director Raphael Parry has directed and performed in over 30 productions written by William Shakespeare and other classical writers. He said it was a jittery process waiting for rehearsals to start. The cast rehearsed at the Arlington Museum of Art and Levitt Pavilion. Parry compares the first day of rehearsals to the first day of school with growing nerves. When the cast and crew first came together, they had seven weeks to practice and prepare for a fight scene, musical numbers and the production’s dialogue and movements. But when rehearsals started, the actors gelled together. “It turned out this cast is fantastic. They’re hugely talented,” Parry said. “They get along so great. They’re like a family to each other. They take care of each other.” Actor Rudy Lopez heard about Shakespeare LIVE through associate director Claire Parry. She told him about the company and encouraged him to audition since he’s an Arlington native who loves Shakespeare. “It was so fun to get to connect with what I love doing, which is Shakespeare, and being in a place where it’s so accessible,” Lopez said. He was cast as Touchstone, a character providing comedic relief throughout the play. “He’s like a clown character, and my basis is in clown-anything,” Lopez said. “I am a clown through and through.” Actor Gwen Mowdy graduated from UTA in December with an acting degree and also heard about the play from her friend, Claire Parry. Mowdy played the role of Celia and said she had some experience with As You Like It going into the production from taking a Shakespeare class at UTA. She also performed a monologue from the show in the past for other auditions. “Other productions, like contemporary productions, get really artistic in their design or their direction, their vision. Shakespeare’s words are so artistic just by themselves, so that’s really exciting,” she said. “I love to read, and I love literature, so that’s cool to be able to combine those things on stage.” As the starting time drew nearer on opening day, the rain stayed away. Attendees began showing up minutes before drawing the curtains, eagerly waiting on chairs, blankets and tarps. Arlington resident David Hopkins, 47, said after going to Shakespeare Dallas for many years, it was nice to be able to see a play in his city. “Arlington is more than just a place for people to go for football,” Hopkins said. “This is a place that has arts. It has entertainment, it has music, it has great food. It’s nice to know that downtown Arlington can provide all of that.” After months of preparing, it was finally time for the actors, donned in Shakespearean costumes, to take the stage and perform. As lights illuminated the stage and the first actors entered the scene, the crowd began to clap and cheer. It was apparent how engaged the audience became when the wrestling match between Orlando, played by Joseph Tully, and Charles, played by Jarrod Wells, broke out in the first 15 minutes. Attendees cheered on Charles as he urged chants of his name and laughed when he was easily defeated. The audience kept their eyes glued to the stage as actors told jokes and pulled at their heartstrings. There was a moment in the night when the crowd stood silent for Jaques, played by Shawn Gann, as he delivered his monologue in the play’s second act. “All the world’s a stage — and all the men and women merely players,” he announced. Lopez said the line is beautiful. To him, it means every day brings new opportunities to show off someone’s true self and that everyone shares and goes through experiences of life together. “You just have to take every opportunity you can to showcase your best self. Especially with your peers and your family and just everybody around you, because all the world’s a stage, everybody’s looking at you,” he said. Rosalind, played by Mia Azuaje, ended the show by addressing the crowd with an epilogue. When she concluded, the crowd gave the production a standing ovation. “This has been a really great presentation of As You Like It,” Hopkins said during intermission. “It’s not a play that’s done very often, so it’s really exciting to get to see this one on stage — you won’t get many opportunities. It’s been a lot of fun.” With an overcast sky and a slight breeze, opening night came and left. Attendees began filing out of Levitt Pavilion into downtown with smiles on their faces. “I think it’s a sign of a great city to have a Shakespeare company like this,” organizing committee member Kevin Carr said. “We’ve worked hard to bring this to life, and I’m so happy now that people get to enjoy it,” Carr said. “This is what it’s all about.” @wall035203 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention program held a female-led self-defense class Tuesday at the Maverick Activities Center in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. RVSP will be holding events until the end of the month. The class was taught by three UTA alumni from the TX Black Belt Academy, a martial arts school that teaches kickboxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu and karate classes. RVSP assistant director Sydney Moreland said the class was put together to create a safe space for students on and off campus. “I think it’s really nice to have an opportunity to get to learn those kind of skills so that I can feel safer walking the streets by myself,” cinematic arts junior Jess Smith said. The class began with students stepping onto a padded mat in the main gym of the Maverick Activities Center while the instructors went over social awareness and the levels of escalation. Afterward, the instructors began teaching how to get out of common grabs and holds that someone might find themselves in. Instructor Cierra Jackson said events like this are important for mental and physical safety, and ensure students can get out of dangerous situations. “We want to make sure that you can escape out of any emergency hold or anybody that’s trying to grab you,” she said. RVSP will continue National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with Teal the Night Away on Wednesday and Trauma-Informed Yoga on Thursday. Sexual Assault Awareness Month events end with Survivor Ally Training on April 24 and Denim Day on April 30. “The goal of our program is to create a safe campus and a place where survivors can take up space and feel comfortable,” Moreland said. @wall035203 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

As the university celebrates its 130th birthday, UTA President Jennifer Cowley is already looking toward the next 30 years. Cowley eyed Parker County in west Fort Worth, one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, and wondered where it will be by then. She realized that’s where UTA can be the seed to help the community blossom. A new campus, UTA West, was announced in August 2024. “UTA is more than a place, y’all. It is an idea — an idea that a great university can transform the lives of its students and the community it serves,” Cowley said. Nine months later, community members, alumni, students and staff met at the intersection of Interstate 30 and 20 at the western gateway of Fort Worth in Parker County on April 3 to commemorate the official groundbreaking of UTA West. “Parker County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, and they don’t have a university here,” Cowley said. “If you think about the students that are growing up here, they don’t have access to a great university partner. As you look at how much this is going to grow, it’s going to be important that they have a hometown university.” Over 300 people gathered to hear remarks from Cowley, John Hall, vice president for UTA administration and economic development, and Walsh Companies CEO Ryan Dickerson. The 51-acre west campus purchased last August by the UT System Board of Regents will soon rest within the Walsh Ranch development in Parker County near Aledo, Texas. The expansion will serve educational and workforce needs in the region and will welcome undergraduate and graduate students fall 2028. “Universities don’t just exist in communities, they exist for the community,” said Tamara Brown, Academic Affairs provost and senior vice president. Brown said with the region’s rapid growth, the university must prepare graduates to meet the workforce needs of rising businesses and companies. UTA and its alumni accounted for $28.8 billion in economic impact on Texas annually, according to the university’s fact sheet. It’s one of 21 universities in the U.S. to receive both Carnegie R-1 ranking as a top research university and Hispanic Serving Institution designations. UTA West is expected to be an economic powerhouse for the area, with its first year projected to generate more than $200 million in economic impact, Hall said. The university also plans to serve over 10,000 students as part of its multi-year plan. When complete, the project’s economic impact from campus operations and student spending is projected to generate almost $3 million in gross product and create more than 2,200 jobs in Texas. Cowley said the next steps are designing the infrastructure and building and prioritizing which academic programs will be housed. While the university is still discussing which programs UTA West will offer, Brown said it will include engineering, health care and business courses. As the university grows, more will be added based on surveys and community needs. “We’re just as committed to continuous improvement in the Arlington campus as we are about building this new campus,” Cowley said. UTA had over 41,000 students in fall 2024. That semester, the College of Nursing and Health Innovation had 11,923 students, the College of Engineering had 9,633 and the College of Business enrolled 6,529. Former Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams said he believes North Texas is poised to become the higher education hub of the southwest. “[Students] can come here and be assured of getting a great education,” Williams said. “This isn’t a startup, this is a very established university.” Mr. UTA Florencio Gobellan and Ms. UTA Jennifer Sanchez were among those with shovels, picking them up and digging into the dirt to show support for the new campus. With young family members at home, UTA West will now be a higher education option for them, Gobellan said. A university in Fort Worth gives more students easier access to a college education. “UT Arlington is so well known for their resources. We have a great nursing school, a great school in social work, we’re a leading research university, and I just can’t wait to see the same thing here at UTA West,” he said. Leonardo Gonzalez Sangri, global practice director of HKS Inc., said the project is a great opportunity to explore the future of higher education. Gonzalez Sangri and his team of architects leading UTA West hope to create a place of innovation for students and faculty members, he said. “We’ve had an incredible impact in Arlington for 130 years, but as we think about the growth of our region, it’s an opportunity to expand that great Maverick education right on this west side,” Cowley said. @amandaLaldridge news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The Department of Kinesiology began National Public Health Week with a kickoff party Monday on the University Center mall and in the Palo Duro Lounge, shedding light on the topic for students. The celebration included tables of both student and outside organizations with connections to the department, food, a DJ and chances to play games for prizes. Anita Corbitt, public health clinical assistant professor, said the department wanted to go big with this year’s celebration, highlighting its presence on campus. Public health junior Alejandro Salazar said everyone participating is trying to spread the word about what public health is, the different aspects of it and how it works behind the scenes. Salazar had a booth set up advocating for Solar Under the Sun, an organization that installs solar power systems in single-family homes. “Our table falls under a different aspect of public health, which is global health,” he said. “This is specifically related to energy, poverty or infrastructure.” Public health senior Kristal Diaz worked at a booth for her communication for health professionals class. She said events like the kickoff party and National Public Health Week are important because they bring awareness to what public health is. “A lot of people don’t really know what public health professionals do,” Diaz said. “When they come out here, we can show them how important it is in our community.” Her booth had a Jeopardy-style quiz testing students about general public health knowledge. As students walked to and from classes around 11 a.m., booths began to get more foot traffic. Kinesiology junior Jaime Adams said he wanted to come support the kinesiology table at the event and see the game his friends at the table made. Some students might not have chosen their major yet, so seeing departments in action at events like this may help them decide. The Department of Kinesiology will hold daily events this week, including the Healthy Tarrant County Collaboration breakfast and a graduate panel discussion Tuesday, a research roundtable Wednesday, a Public Health Career Day on Thursday and a Sexual Health Day on Friday. “This is something that will highlight the department itself in showing that, ‘Hey we’ve got this really great program here and it is really needed,’” Corbitt said. @wall035203 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Flags, signs and chants calling out President Donald Trump and Elon Musk waved Saturday as residents gathered at the Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse in Arlington. About 377 responded to the call, but that expectation was far exceeded. Rallying in opposition to the Trump administration and its policies, the Hands Off movement saw over 1,200 demonstrations Saturday across Texas and the nation, according to an Associated Press article. Protesters of various organizations and backgrounds lined the nearly 200-foot stretch along both sides of Abram Street, voicing their fears regarding recent federal decisions and orders that have turned the country into a hotbed for demonstrations. Organizer Judy Knapp said the group came out to protest Saturday because people are afraid of losing social security and tanking stock markets. The current administration is “just not working,” she said. Recent sweeps of tariff changes and increases by Trump have left global markets in the red and made nations around the world threaten to put out retaliatory tariffs of their own, according to an Associated Press article. Arlington resident Carol Raburn, 70, said she attended because she was angry with what Trump has done in his current term. The rally gives her hope that the damage can be undone. As a UTA alumna and member of the Progressive Women of Arlington, — an organization fighting for transparency in government, social and economic justice, health care and environmental safeguards — Raburn estimated the rally brought thousands of attendees who share the same anger. “We are protesting the Trump regime,” said Fort Worth resident Elizabeth Doucette, 78. “This is awesome because there are so many older people, seniors, that are being directly affected by what Trump and his minions are doing. We need to keep this momentum up.” Doucette said that although the youth need to show up, the older generation will be the example of how to protest. “We can do it peacefully, but we have to be very blunt about what we are saying,” she said. “Hands off social security, Medicaid, immigrants, everything. We need our free speech back, among everything else.” Signs at the event ranged from memes about penguins receiving tariffs to more serious messaging about Medicare and education. One sign read “MAPA: Make America Poor Again,” while another said “So Much Wrong, So Little Cardboard.” When asked why the protest matters, Arlington resident Mike LaFon pointed to a sign a supporter held ahead of him. “Stop fascism,” he read. As a volunteer for Powered by People, an advocacy group pushing young people to register to vote, LaFon said he’s tired of Democrats who don’t show up at the polls. At events like this, he talks to people about the cause. His passion to push back against the current administration is driven by fear — not for himself, but for his family. “I’ve got a granddaughter coming up,” LaFon said. “She’s just about turned 18, and it scares the hell out of me the way things are turning.” Richard Foreman, American Postal Workers Union member and Arlington resident, said the United States Postal Service is one of the last services aiding private communication and is the most successful, self-funded government agency. New changes to postal workers’ retirement funding have created issues, he said. Additionally, Trump has been clear in his intent to put the USPS under the Department of Commerce, which would place new leadership and policy upon the agency. Foreman blames Musk for his changes made through the Department of Government Efficiency, but said Trump is at fault for allowing him that power. He said what the government is doing borders on totalitarianism. Arlington has grown far more diverse than when Foreman grew up there, he said, and it’s important to keep mobilizing that community for the cause. “We don’t have the money, but we got the power of the people,” he said. Chants about anti-fascism rang out from the protesters throughout the rally’s duration. Some yelled “no Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA,” while others targeted Musk, “hey hey, ho ho, fascist Elon has got to go.” Arlington resident Mark Tenorio, 32, said the protest means everything to him. “For the last few years, there’s just been rhetoric upon rhetoric spread by people of the MAGA and we are trying to take back what is rightfully ours,” Tenorio said. “This country deserves the truth, and we are tired of lies being spread.” @wall035203 @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

President Donald Trump announced Friday that he would sign an executive order further delaying the U.S. TikTok ban by another 75 days. In a TRUTH Social post, Trump said his administration has been working on a deal to save TikTok and has made “tremendous” progress. “We do not want TikTok to “go dark.” We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the Deal,” the post read. White House officials believed they were nearing a deal for the app’s operations to be spun off into a new company based in the U.S. and owned and operated by a majority of American investors, with China’s ByteDance maintaining a minority position, according to an Associated Press article. However, Beijing withheld the deal Thursday after Trump announced wide-ranging tariffs around the globe, including against China. ByteDance representatives called the White House to indicate that China would no longer approve the deal until there could be negotiations about trade and tariffs. “We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs (Necessary for Fair and Balanced Trade between China and the U.S.A.!),” Trump said. “This proves that Tariffs are the most powerful Economic tool, and very important to our National Security.” On his first day in office Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order initially delaying the ban by 75 days and restoring TikTok services in the U.S. The application became unavailable Jan. 18 following the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to uphold a bill previously passed by Congress that forced ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to sell the app. ByteDance refused to sell, leading to the eventual shutdown. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act states the extension would allow the Trump administration to determine an appropriate course forward to protect national security while avoiding an abrupt shutdown of the platform. Though service was restored in January, the application was taken off app stores and users could not receive updates. As of now, TikTok and other ByteDance properties are available for download. @hjgarcia0 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Dallas-Fort Worth residents can anticipate a calm, sunny week with temperatures slowly warming up throughout. Brennen Darrah, National Weather Service meteorologist, said the start of the week will feel cooler, with highs in the upper 60s Monday. By midweek, the area will warm up into the upper 70s. “This upcoming week it’s actually gonna be pretty quiet,” Darrah said. No rain or thunderstorms are expected this week, he said. Darrah said DFW is expected to slowly warm up as April continues, heading into late spring. @samip.parajuli.54 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

UTA students, faculty and alumni united with shovels in hand Thursday in Fort Worth for the official breaking ground ceremony of the university’s new campus, UTA West. The UT System Board of Regents approved the west Fort Worth land purchase last August. The westward expansion is dedicated to serving educational and workforce needs in the area. Located within the Walsh Ranch development in Parker County near Aledo, Texas, the new campus encompasses 51 acres of property dotted with oak trees and bluebonnets. UTA West will welcome undergraduate and graduate students in fall 2028 and is part of a multi-year plan to serve over 10,000 students. “Of course, none of this happens without vision, hard work, collaboration and being blessed with the best partners and community members,” said John Hall, vice president for UTA administration and economic development. Beyond education, UTA West is expected to be an “economic powerhouse” for the region, as its first year is projected to generate over $200 million in economic impact, Hall said. The campus will serve as a hub for innovation, industry partnerships and workforce development. When complete, the project’s economic impact from campus operations and student spending is projected to be almost $3 million in gross product and create over 2,200 jobs in Texas. President Jennifer Cowley said as the region expands quickly, so does the need for high-quality education, allowing Fort Worth and Parker County residents to benefit from a top national research university that provides workforce and research development. “We took up that scrappy start and our can-do attitude, and we have grown into one of the nation’s largest and most impactful research universities,” Cowley said. We’re taking that dream and heading west.” By the end of spring, she said a UTA West office will open near Willow Park, Texas, allowing prospective students and their families to visit and learn about admissions, advising, financial aid and other essential services to become a Maverick. Jennifer Roye, College of Nursing and Health Innovation clinical assistant professor said she worked in this area about 25 years ago when there was only one exit to take. Now that it’s grown into what it is today, she said there’s a need for a higher education presence within the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “I know that there’s a need for all of our programs out here on the other side of the Metroplex,” Roye said. “So I’m excited to see it.” @amandaLaldridge news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The South Street Art Festival is returning for its 11th annual event Friday to Sunday in Downtown Arlington. The festival will be at 300-500 Block E. South St. and runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. As the longest-running and only fine arts festival in the Cultural Arts District, the free, family-friendly event hosts up to 100 national, regional and local artists, offering visitors a chance to browse and purchase original pieces. Several artists will perform live music throughout the festival, and attendees are free to bring lawn chairs, but no coolers will be allowed inside. Food vendors will also be available for people to enjoy snacks while visiting. The venue is pet-friendly, but pets must be leashed and follow all other City of Arlington dog ordinances. Steve Moya, South Street Art Festival owner and producer, said the festival uses a juried application process to select artists across 14 different categories. Painting, jewelry and photography are usually the categories with the most applicants. About a dozen artists have been at the festival with Moya since the beginning, through the challenges and successes, he said. They make the festival what it is today. “We want all the artists to be top quality, no matter where they're coming from,” he said. Moya said it’s exciting to bring in new artists each year, along with new musicians and food vendors. His goal is to create an atmosphere where people can fall in love with artists’ work and come back every year. The festival's catalog of art is large, from ceramics to woodturners, with something for everyone, said Moya. “I hope that [people] take the time to really look at the artist's work and not just walk through the event,” he said. Before the festival became a thriving staple of Downtown Arlington, Moya traveled the country selling his own artwork. In 2011, after coming back from a show in Kansas, he realized they didn’t have one in their own backyard. In 2012, he started his first festival Art on the Green at Richard Greene Linear Park, held in the spring. In 2013, he created the South Street Art Festival, held in the fall. Art on the Green was shut down in 2019 due to construction, and the South Street Art Festival moved to the spring in 2022, but Moya’s dedication continues through his current festival. What keeps him going is the people. “It's being able to give back to the community, to do something that nobody else is doing,” Moya said. “We do this all for the citizens of Arlington, and it's so they can have an event that they can be proud of.” news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

This is a crime wrap-up from March 27 to 31. Assault On March 26, officers were dispatched to a disturbance in which an unaffiliated female reported being pushed by her unaffiliated girlfriend, UTA Police Capt. Mike McCord said in an email. The girlfriend was arrested for assault and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and was transported to the Arlington Police Department jail. If the assailant is married to or in a relationship with the victim, assault is a third-degree felony punishable by a fine not exceeding $10,000, imprisonment of between two to 10 years or both. Criminal Mischief On March 28, officers investigated a damaged door, McCord said. Criminal mischief of $100 to $750 in pecuniary loss is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. The case is still active. Criminal trespass On March 30, officers investigated unauthorized access in a closed building by a male student, McCord said. Separately, on March 30, an officer investigated unauthorized access in a building after hours by a male student, McCord said. If the offender has not been previously convicted of trespassing on higher education property, the offense is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500. If the offender has previously been convicted of trespassing, the offense is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $4,000, up to one year in jail or both. The first case is still active. Reckless damage or destruction of property On March 31, a male student reported damage to his parked vehicle, McCord said. Reckless damage or destruction of property is a class C misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $500. news-editor.shorthorn@mavs.uta.edu

Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war. Shakespeare dawns in Arlington with a live stage production. Shakespeare LIVE is bringing local Dallas-Fort Worth talent to the stage for its production of As You Like It at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in Levitt Pavilion. UTA alumni have teamed up with current faculty and staff to bring the production to life. All performances are free and open to the public, with free parking available in the area. As You Like It is a comedy about how confusing romance can be. Director Raphael Parry previously worked as the executive and artistic director for Shakespeare Dallas for 22 years and is bringing that expertise to Arlington. Parry said he believes William Shakespeare to be one of the greatest playwrights who ever lived, and showcasing his work has been an incredible journey. “He offers artists an incredible opportunity to explore the human condition in ways that other writers don’t present as well,” he said. “His use of language and poetry is just phenomenal.” LouAnn O’Donnell, co-founder and executive producer, said Levitt Pavilion is a perfect place for the community to come together and enjoy one of the venue’s first theatrical productions. “We just see ourselves as an offering in the arts world that we hope people will appreciate, enjoy and partake in,” said Mike O’Donnell, co-founder and executive producer. @wall035203 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu