Latest news with #MuslimAmericans
Sky News AU
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Donald Trump made ‘huge inroads' with Muslim Americans in last election
New York Post Editor at Large Kelly Jane Torrance says US President Donald Trump has made 'huge inroads' in the last election with Muslim Americans. Ms Torrance told Sky News senior reporter Caroline Marcus that Donald Trump has already 'delivered more' in some ways than former US president Joe Biden. Donald Trump is currently in the Middle East, meeting with Arab leaders.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DuPage County Board District 5 incumbents Sadia Covert, Dawn DeSart to seek reelection
Two Democrats who have represented Naperville on the DuPage County Board for the past seven years will be vying to keep their seats in next year's midterm elections. Sadia Covert and Dawn DeSart have confirmed that they will be running for reelection in District 5. Covert will be seeking a four-year term while DeSart will be running for a two-year term. District 5 comprises most of Naperville and sections of Aurora in DuPage. Covert's and DeSart's intentions to run come in the wake of Naperville City Councilman Ian Holzhauer announcing last week that he will be challenging Covert for the four-year District 5 seat as a Democrat. Holzhauer was just elected to a second term on Naperville City Council. He announced his bid for county board hours after being inaugurated. 'We work hard for our seats,' Covert said in a call last week. 'We paved the way and we have to fight. We always have to fight to retain our seats. This is my first primary on the county board, so it's very different for me. … All I do know is that women have to stand tall and strong.' Covert was first elected to the board in 2018. A Naperville resident for more than a decade and a half, Covert is a licensed attorney and one of the founding partners of Covert Marrero Covert LLP. She initially ran for county board to expand the body's representation, she said. Before Covert was elected, 'there were absolutely zero South Asian and Muslim Americans on the board,' she said. Asked what she would do with a third term, Covert listed off several priorities. She wants to focus on continuing to ensure community members have access to housing and basic necessities, she said. She'd also said she'd like to see through ongoing work to preserve cultural diversity and cultural heritage in the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton. As chair of the Technology Committee, Covert is also interested in exploring how artificial intelligence can be integrated into the board's work, a project that has already started, she said. 'Being in the midst of things, it's important to have the same people working on these initiatives and just seeing them through,' Covert said. Covert also said she was surprised to hear about Holzhauer's bid for board. 'He didn't even have the courtesy to give me a call to let me know,' she said. The county's 18-person board is divided into six districts, with three seats apiece. Alongside Covert and DeSart, District 5 is also represented by Saba Haider, of Aurora, who was elected to the board last fall after unseating former Naperville City Council member Patty Gustin. Her term continues through 2028. Seats are elected separately. When more than one candidate from a party vies for a seat, there's a primary election to decide who gets the nomination. Covert emphasized that she wants to focus on her own race. 'We work very well together as a board,' she said. 'I'm just happy to serve. It's been an honor to serve all my constituents.' DeSart, who has likewise sat on the board since 2018, said in an email Monday that she 'never considered not running for my seat.' 'I've accomplished so much through my work on the board that I feel compelled to continue the work,' she said. A graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, DeSart is former reporter for NBC-TV Channel 5 in Chicago. She continues to work as a journalist in the radio broadcast industry, she said. DeSart first moved to Naperville in 1980 with her family. She later moved to Aurora in 2016. Prior to serving on the board, DeSart was a member of the Indian Prairie District 204 School Board from 2009 to 2013. To her, the biggest issue facing the county right is 'all of the federal government's cuts to the food insecure, to heating grants, to homelessness,' DeSart said. 'It's going to be up to the county to help those most in need,' she said. Asked if there are any initiatives or issues she hopes to focus on should she be reelected, DeSart said, 'Food insecurity is number one, and the need will only get greater.' It's a subject that's addressed at almost every meeting of the board's Human Services Committee, of which she's a member, she said. She added that working 'with our state legislators has never been more important.' DeSart serves as chair of the board's Legislative Committee, which advises and provides recommendations to the board relating to state and federal legislation, according to the county's website. 'There are many initiatives I'd still like to accomplish,' she said. tkenny@
Chicago Tribune
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
DuPage County Board District 5 incumbents Sadia Covert, Dawn DeSart to seek reelection
Two Democrats who have represented Naperville on the DuPage County Board for the past seven years will be vying to keep their seats in next year's midterm elections. Sadia Covert and Dawn DeSart have confirmed that they will be running for reelection in District 5. Covert will be seeking a four-year term while DeSart will be running for a two-year term. District 5 comprises most of Naperville and sections of Aurora in DuPage. Covert's and DeSart's intentions to run come in the wake of Naperville City Councilman Ian Holzhauer announcing last week that he will be challenging Covert for the four-year District 5 seat as a Democrat. Holzhauer was just elected to a second term on Naperville City Council. He announced his bid for county board hours after being inaugurated. 'We work hard for our seats,' Covert said in a call last week. 'We paved the way and we have to fight. We always have to fight to retain our seats. This is my first primary on the county board, so it's very different for me. … All I do know is that women have to stand tall and strong.' Covert was first elected to the board in 2018. A Naperville resident for more than a decade and a half, Covert is a licensed attorney and one of the founding partners of Covert Marrero Covert LLP. She initially ran for county board to expand the body's representation, she said. Before Covert was elected, 'there were absolutely zero South Asian and Muslim Americans on the board,' she said. Asked what she would do with a third term, Covert listed off several priorities. She wants to focus on continuing to ensure community members have access to housing and basic necessities, she said. She'd also said she'd like to see through ongoing work to preserve cultural diversity and cultural heritage in the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton. As chair of the Technology Committee, Covert is also interested in exploring how artificial intelligence can be integrated into the board's work, a project that has already started, she said. 'Being in the midst of things, it's important to have the same people working on these initiatives and just seeing them through,' Covert said. Covert also said she was surprised to hear about Holzhauer's bid for board. 'He didn't even have the courtesy to give me a call to let me know,' she said. The county's 18-person board is divided into six districts, with three seats apiece. Alongside Covert and DeSart, District 5 is also represented by Saba Haider, of Aurora, who was elected to the board last fall after unseating former Naperville City Council member Patty Gustin. Her term continues through 2028. Seats are elected separately. When more than one candidate from a party vies for a seat, there's a primary election to decide who gets the nomination. Covert emphasized that she wants to focus on her own race. 'We work very well together as a board,' she said. 'I'm just happy to serve. It's been an honor to serve all my constituents.' DeSart, who has likewise sat on the board since 2018, said in an email Monday that she 'never considered not running for my seat.' 'I've accomplished so much through my work on the board that I feel compelled to continue the work,' she said. A graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, DeSart is former reporter for NBC-TV Channel 5 in Chicago. She continues to work as a journalist in the radio broadcast industry, she said. DeSart first moved to Naperville in 1980 with her family. She later moved to Aurora in 2016. Prior to serving on the board, DeSart was a member of the Indian Prairie District 204 School Board from 2009 to 2013. To her, the biggest issue facing the county right is 'all of the federal government's cuts to the food insecure, to heating grants, to homelessness,' DeSart said. 'It's going to be up to the county to help those most in need,' she said. Asked if there are any initiatives or issues she hopes to focus on should she be reelected, DeSart said, 'Food insecurity is number one, and the need will only get greater.' It's a subject that's addressed at almost every meeting of the board's Human Services Committee, of which she's a member, she said. She added that working 'with our state legislators has never been more important.' DeSart serves as chair of the board's Legislative Committee, which advises and provides recommendations to the board relating to state and federal legislation, according to the county's website. 'There are many initiatives I'd still like to accomplish,' she said.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Eid in Washington: Steps toward inclusion and equity
In Washington state, we pride ourselves on fostering diversity and inclusion. Yet, an essential part of our community remains unrecognized – the more than 100,000 Muslims living in Washington. Last Sunday, Muslim Americans — our neighbors, colleagues, classmates and friends — celebrated one of their most significant religious holidays of the year, Eid al-Fitr. The other, celebrated on June 6 and 7 this year, is Eid al-Adha. However, these sacred days are not officially acknowledged by the state. As Muslim Americans, we know when Christmas is. It is woven into the fabric of our society and calendars. Yet, when Eid arrives, many of us must choose between religious obligations and professional or academic responsibilities. Students often miss school to celebrate Eid with their families because the academic calendar does not account for this reality. Muslim students have had to choose between attending milestone events — such as graduation — or observing their religious holiday because school administrators failed to recognize its significance. Likewise, working Muslim adults frequently struggle to take time off for Eid. Many are also unable to attend Jummah Prayer, Islam's equivalent of Sunday service, which is held on Fridays, due to work obligations. This lack of accommodation highlights a broader issue of religious inclusivity. Senate Bill 5106 seeks to change that by granting legislative recognition to Eid, ensuring that Muslim Washingtonians feel seen, valued, and respected. Importantly, this bill does not call for additional paid state holidays; it simply asks for official legislative recognition, just as we recognize Lunar New Year, public lands day, and yes, even water safety day. As the only Muslim lawmaker in the state House of Representatives, I introduced companion legislation, House Bill 1434 because I've seen firsthand how learning about diverse holidays fosters unity. Schools teach about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, making these celebrations widely understood and respected. However, Muslim students often feel their faith and traditions are invisible in the classroom. This bill serves as a reminder of my own days as a student and offers hope for youth like my 15-year-old brother and his peers, who live in a world that celebrates both our differences and our unity. When it comes to contributing to society, Muslims have been anything but invisible. Historically, they pioneered surgery, algebra, universities, hospitals, and even invented the toothbrush. More recently, influential Muslim Americans like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Mahershala Ali and Ilhan Omar have helped shape our culture, sports and civil rights movements. Despite these contributions, most people cannot name three Muslim inventions, three influential Muslims, or even the two holidays this bill seeks to recognize. This lack of awareness is not harmless — it reflects a deeper marginalization of Muslim identity in American society. For too long, negative narratives have shaped how Muslims are perceived leading to widespread discrimination. More than 50% of Muslim students have faced bullying in some states, and nearly 40% of Muslims have reported experiencing heightened discrimination since the ongoing violence against Gaza began. Another 10% report encountering discriminatory policies and practices at work once a week or more. Muslim communities have frequently been 'othered' in policy and public discourse. Having the governor sign Senate Bill 5106 into law is a statement of progress, sending a clear message within and beyond Washington's borders that our state values Muslim residents. This legislation is about more than marking a date on the calendar — it is about fostering understanding, respect and representation. While cherishing our constitutional freedom as Americans to celebrate and practice our faiths free of fear and judgment, we must ensure that recognition and inclusion extend to all communities. Muslims are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal recognition. Rep. Osman Salahuddin, D-Redmond, represents the 48th Legislative District. He was appointed to the House of Representatives in January of 2025 and serves concurrently on the Redmond City Council.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Demonstrators protest against President Trump and Elon Musk throughout Tampa Bay
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Demonstrators took to the streets to protest Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Saturday, but it wasn't the only event that took place in the Tampa Bay area. From Tampa to Lakeland, the 'Hands Off' rallies were organized to protest federal workforce and spending cuts that organizers say are impacting seniors and veterans. 'I am not alone in knowing that there are plenty of other people who feel the same way, and it's time to speak up,' said protester Ross Gottstein. Thousands blame Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. 'I had a wife who was a veteran. I have two daughters-in-law who are veterans, one of whom is still active in the military. I just can't believe we're doing this to the people who have served us, the people who have protected us.' Demonstrators said they're standing up for democracy and sending a message to leaders in Washington to stop 'DOGE.' 'So I think that those of us who are sitting at home talking to each other about how terrible things are need to come out and say something, because if not, you know, our elected officials aren't really doing it for us right now,' one demonstrator said. Some protesters fear that free speech has been threatened under the Trump administration. They don't agree with his administration's policies to manage illegal immigration. Some even said there's unfair treatment because of their religion. 'I represent Muslim Americans in our agency, and we have had to recommend to permanent residents and green card holders not to travel at all because they're being stopped by border protection. They're being stopped by TSA. They're being questioned, detained for hours on end when they have every right to be in this country,' demonstrator Mary Marks said. When asked about the protests, in an email to NBC News, the White House said President Trump plans to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for those who are eligible. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
