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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Plano, TX

Home Care Plano, TX

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Plano High School and Gymnasium - Texas State Historical Marker gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Plano, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Plano, TX

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care in Bedford TX, staff are benevolent, attentive, generous,thoughtful, and kindhearted. They work with your schedule and accommodate you the best they can. For a company that have been in business over 23 years, they still take pride in who they employee as well as the families they assist. I am very grateful to be working for a company that works from their heart.”

Veronica B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Nice vibes welcoming workers best people to work with.they work with ur schedules and set up work time that are convenient to work with.”

Mi D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Nice vibes welcoming workers best people to work with.they work with ur schedules and set up work time that are convenient to work with.”

Guadalupe R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service of your employee, Shameka Kelly. Through your agency, Ms. Kelly was connected to our family to serve as a caregiver for my sister Victoria who was in the late states of ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease and required 24-hr. care at home. Shameka served as full-time caregiver under the direction of Victoria’s husband Ron, who was able to keep my sister at home until her passing this past March. This catastrophic and incurable disease rendered my sister completely paralyzed—wheelchair bound, unable to speak, bathe, eat or even lift a finger to do anything for herself. Shameka did what most caregivers would not or simply could not do because of the stamina and patience required to care for Victoria. Before Shameka, we hired a multitude of caregivers who came and went—sometimes only after one day—because of how strenuous and taxing being a caregiver to my sister was. Day after day, Shameka arrived for the job with a smile on her face and the patience and commitment to go with it. My sister Victoria grew to love Shameka, as we all have. It was a great comfort to us because we knew that if Shameka was on duty, my sister was in good hands. Shameka’s character, integrity, humor, honesty and professionalism are beyond reproach. She is an extremely caring individual who is always upbeat, optimistic, and patient. She was an answer to prayer for our family and became more than a caregiver—she became part of our family. She has my highest recommendation for any task or client that may be placed before her. And we will be forever grateful. Kindest Regards, Pamela Meek North Richland Hills, TX”

Pamela M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent service and friendly staff!!!”

Stefan S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great company and friendly, caring staff!! Highly recommended!”

Lauren R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very terrific company and great customer service. They found a place for my parents very quickly! I highly recommend.”

Kevin M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very kind people to the elderly. Vicki is a caring person. This is a wonderful organization. Highly recommend.”

Emily C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Rarely do I give a 5-star rating to any company, but this is clearly a deserved rating. I would highly recommend Always Best Care of Ft. Worth. Their care and attention to detail is excellent. After 2 1/2 years of service to our family, they became an extension to our family. Many times they went above and beyond expectations. They communicated very well with family members.”

Brian

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Plano, TX?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Plano, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Plano, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Plano, TX
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Plano, TX
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bob Woodruff Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Plano, TX
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Capital Grille or visit Downtown Plano, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Plano, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Plano, TX

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Plano, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Plano, TX

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TX's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Plano, TX

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Plano, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Plano, TX

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Plano, TX

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Juniper Village at Spring Creek
  • Sunrise of Plano
  • The Waterford at Plano
  • Silvermark Memory Care
  • ALLEGRO ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES
  • DaySpring Senior Living
Home Care Plano, TX

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Plano, TX

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Plano, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Plano, TX

Latest News in Plano, TX

4 Plano restaurants closed: Moldy food, 30 live roaches found in inspections

Four Plano restaurants were temporarily closed by health inspectors for violations including moldy food, roaches and other unsanitary conditions, according to city records.There were 125 restaurant inspections between April 13 and April 26, according to the city’s restaurant inspection data compiled by the Star-Telegram.Plano’s inspection data is on a 100-point system. A score of 100 is a perfect score and 70 is considered to be extremely poor.Each restaurant or other location that serves food receives betwee...

Four Plano restaurants were temporarily closed by health inspectors for violations including moldy food, roaches and other unsanitary conditions, according to city records.

There were 125 restaurant inspections between April 13 and April 26, according to the city’s restaurant inspection data compiled by the Star-Telegram.

Plano’s inspection data is on a 100-point system. A score of 100 is a perfect score and 70 is considered to be extremely poor.

Each restaurant or other location that serves food receives between one and four routine inspections per year.

Four restaurants were closed for imminent health hazards during this inspection cycle, according to the city’s inspection reports.

Town Desis at 6832 Coit Road Ste 200 was closed after being cited for over 40 violations. The health inspectors found various hazards including contaminated food, unsafe temperatures, cross-contamination, lack of hand washing, broken equipment, and operating without proper oversight. The restaurant received a failing score of 53.

Lahori Kabab at 6832 Coit Road Ste 225, was closed during this inspection cycle and was also cited for over 40 violations. Health inspectors observed under-cooked chicken, cross-contamination, lack of hand washing, dirty equipment, and a roach infestation. The restaurant received a failing score of 62 for operating without proper food safety oversight.

Kumar’s South Indian at 3948 Legacy Drive Ste 112 received a score of 64 and was shut down for “gross unsanitary conditions,” including dirty equipment, improper cooling and food storage, broken plumbing and dish-washing systems, pest issues, and operating without a valid food permit or proper food-grade equipment. The restaurant failed a follow-up inspection and was ordered to remain closed until the violations listed have been corrected and a written approval is obtained from the city’s health department.

Jaffa Mediterranean Cuisine at 3200 Alma Drive was closed due to various health violations including unsafe food temperatures, moldy and contaminated food, over 30 live roaches, illegal pesticide use, cross-contamination, and operating without a certified food manager on site. The restaurant received a score of 66.

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Two restaurants, El Fenix at 810 N. Central Expressway Ste 100 and Express India at 3393 N. Central Expressway Ste 100, were temporarily closed due to lack of hot water in both establishments.

Both restaurants have re-opened after the hot water issue was corrected.

There were 20 follow-up inspections during this cycle.

Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants within the city limits of Plano for April 13th - April 26th, 2025. A score of 100 is a perfect score and 70 is considered to be extremely poor. Each establishment receives between one and four routine inspections per year. To search the restaurant inspections, type in a keyword or restaurant name. You can also sort by score.

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Steve Wilson [email protected]

Some data analysis in this chart was conducted using AI. For more information on how the Star-Telegram and McClatchy newsrooms are using AI, go here.

EPIC City's vision sparks backlash amid political scrutiny in Texas

PLANO, Texas — Before there were any maps or renderings, EPIC City was just an idea by Imran Chaudhary and a colleague. It was their answer to a growing problem, literally.“Plano is getting filled up. There is no space left.” Chaudhary said.With 10,000 members and counting, the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) w...

PLANO, Texas — Before there were any maps or renderings, EPIC City was just an idea by Imran Chaudhary and a colleague. It was their answer to a growing problem, literally.

“Plano is getting filled up. There is no space left.” Chaudhary said.

With 10,000 members and counting, the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) was outgrowing its ability to serve local area Muslims. Chaudhary tells WFAA they purchased 402 acres near Josephine to build EPIC City — a master-planned community featuring homes, retail, a mosque, a school, and even a hospital.

Imran, EPIC member and president of Community Capital Partners (CCP), is leading development. But a promotional video posted more than four weeks ago sparked backlash, prompting public outcry and political scrutiny. Remnants of that promotional video can still be found on social media but it was taken down by CCP and EPIC.

“We don’t want to have more hate. We want to make sure we clarify first our position,” Imran said as an answer to why the video was pulled from the original sites.

The backlash that ensued led to a large gathering at a Collin County Commissioners meeting.

“I didn’t realize how far we haven’t come since 9/11,” said attorney Dan Cogdell for EPIC and CCP.

Cogdell is a well-known defense lawyer who once represented Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton during his impeachment trial.

Opposition reached the highest levels as Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. John Cornyn, and Paxton launched investigations — from civil rights and securities, to zoning, fair housing, to consumer protection violations. Abbott has even called on several municipalities to disclose any and all dialogue between them and EPIC City. The latest investigation announced on Wednesday by Paxton calls for Plano ISD to disclose any communication between Epic City and school board members.

“I think the legal phrase is total bull****," Cogdell said. "None of those violations have occurred and none of those violations will occur."

The project is entirely funded through people willing to purchase shares in the project. All told, there are 500 investors who have signed on for EPIC City. Imran tells WFAA that EPIC City welcomes all people and that it is not exclusionary.

“A Christian could buy a share?” WFAA asked.

“Yes. Absolutely, anybody. It is open to everybody,” Imran said.

WFAA posed some of the questions to Choudhary directly that came up on social media and in the commissioners' meeting that were highly critical of the project. To which, Choudhary answered law enforcement would 'absolutely' have access to patrol the neighborhood. The developer is in the process of reaching out to both Hunt and Collin County Sheriff's Offices.

Choudhary also said the 402-acre development would not be gated or closed off. WFAA even asked, whether EPIC City would impose Sharia, a polarizing term understood to be a moral code a practicing Muslim lives by, but also a term used by critics to stir fear and misinformation.

“We follow state and federal laws in every aspect of the way," Imran answered. "There’s no such thing as having your own rules or tribunals."

The backlash has led to death threats and explicit voicemails for weeks. Cogdell says the vitriol can be traced back to the politicians.

"When the grandmother in her garden hears Waxahachie hears Sharia law she immediately thinks there's beheadings, they're marrying 5-year-olds, and there's no-go zones. That's why Abbott used those words. It's red meat to their base," Cogdell said. “It’s insulting, it’s inaccurate, it’s dangerous, it’s gubernatorial hate speech.”

Epic City remains a field — no permits, no ground broken. Yet it’s already the most talked-about development in North Texas.

Plano speller wins the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee

Faizan Zaki's enthusiasm for spelling nearly got the better of him. Ultimately, his joyful approach made him the Scripps National Spelling Bee champion.The favorite entering the bee after his runner-up finish last year — during which he never misspelled a word in a conventional spelling round, only to lose a lightning-round tiebreaker that he didn't practice for — the shaggy-ha...

Faizan Zaki's enthusiasm for spelling nearly got the better of him. Ultimately, his joyful approach made him the Scripps National Spelling Bee champion.

The favorite entering the bee after his runner-up finish last year — during which he never misspelled a word in a conventional spelling round, only to lose a lightning-round tiebreaker that he didn't practice for — the shaggy-haired Faizan wore the burden of expectations lightly, sauntering to the microphone in a black hoodie and spelling his words with casual glee.

Throughout Thursday night's finals, the 13-year-old from C.M. Rice Middle School in Plano, looked like a champion in waiting. Then he nearly threw it away. But even a shocking moment of overconfidence couldn't prevent him from seizing the title of best speller in the English language.

With the bee down to three spellers, Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane missed their words back-to-back, putting Faizan two words away from victory. The first was “commelina,” but instead of asking the requisite questions — definition, language of origin — to make sure he knew it, Faizan let his showman's instincts take over.

“K-A-M,” he said, then stopped himself. “OK, let me do this. Oh, shoot!”

“Just ring the bell,” he told head judge Mary Brooks, who obliged.

“So now you know what happens,” Brooks said, and the other two spellers returned to the stage.

Later, standing next to the trophy with confetti at his feet, Faizan said: “I'm definitely going to be having nightmares about that tonight.”

Even pronouncer Jacques Bailly tried to slow Faizan down before his winning word, “eclaircissement,” but Faizan didn't ask a single question before spelling it correctly, and he pumped his fists and collapsed to the stage after saying the final letter.

Faizan finished in second place in 2024 and returned to the Bee this year for his fourth try at the cup.

The bee celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, and Faizan may be the first champion who's remembered more for a word he got wrong than one he got right.

“I think he cared too much about his aura,” said Bruhat Soma, Faizan’s buddy who beat him in the “spell-off” tiebreaker last year.

Faizan had a more nuanced explanation: After not preparing for the spell-off last year, he overcorrected, emphasizing speed during his study sessions. He had no regrets about showing that enthusiasm, even though it nearly cost him.

“No offense to Bruhat, but I think he really took the bee a little too seriously,” Faizan said. “I decided to have fun with this bee, and I did well, and here I am.”

Those are among the hallmarks of well-coached spellers, and Faizan had three coaches: Scott Remer, Sam Evans and Sohum Sukhantankar.

“He's crazy. He's having a good time, and he's doing what he loves, which is spelling,” Evans said.

Said Zaki Anwar, Faizan's father: “He's the GOAT. I actually believe that. He's really good, man. He's been doing it for so long, and he knows the dictionary in and out.”

With the winner’s haul of $52,500 added to his second-place prize of $25,000, Faizan increased his bee earnings to $77,500. His big splurge with his winnings last year? A $1,500 Rubik’s cube with 21 squares on each side. This time, he said he’d donate a large portion of his winnings to charity.

Texas well-represented at spelling bee in 2025

Out of 243 champion spellers competing in this year's Scripps National Spelling Bee, 22 were from Texas and four were from North Texas.

The other 18 Texas children competing in the annual spelling bee are listed below. As they're eliminated, details are in parentheses after their name.

AbileneSariah Titus, 12, 7th grade (Out in Round 6, misspelled paraclete as paracleat)

AmarilloArnav Parat, 12, 7th grade (Out in Round 9, misspelled tatpurusha as tatpurasha)

AustinThevaan Butani, 11, 5th grade (Out in Round 5, misdefined flagrant)Tarini Nandakumar, 14, 8th grade (Out in Round 6, misspelled culmen as culmin)

Corpus ChristiIsaac Cancio, 14, 8th grade (Out in Round 9, misspelled choristate as christate)

DallasAvishka Dudala, 12, 7th grade (Out in Round 7, misspelled voltinism as voltonism)Faizan Zaki, 13, 7th gradeShreyansh Zadoo, 14, 8th grade (Out in Round 7, misspelled neoteny as neotini)

El PasoAnaya Tonde, 10, 4th grade (Out in Round 3, written test)

Fort WorthBrihasa Veduru, 12, 7th grade (Out in Round 10, misspelled cardueline as carduiline)

HoustonNoah White, 10, 4th grade (Out in Round 6, misspelled categorem as catagorem)Luke Nguyen, 14, 8th grade (Out in Round 3, written test)Zachary Teoh, 8, 2nd grade (Out in Round 5, misdefined manifold) Teoh was the youngest speller in the Bee.

LaredoAlejandro Martinez, 14, 8th grade (Out in Round 4, misspelled keelblock as kielblock)

LubbockMichael Tesfaye, 14, 8th grade (Out in Round 3, written test)

McAllenCaleb Giuoco, 14, 8th grade (Out in Round 6, misspelled petiole as pettiole)

MidlandShreeya Sivakumar, 14, 8th grade (Out in Round 5, misdefined dirge)

OdessaKrish Patel, 14, 8th grade (Out in Round 3, written test)

San AngeloJarah Abarquez, 14, 8th grade (Out in Round 1, misspelled Beaux arts as bozar)

San AntonioSiyonamithra Kandala, 13, 7th grade (Out in Round 9, misspelled soukous as sucuse)

VictoriaChev Diondrei Bondoc, 12, 6th grade (Out in Round 3, written test)

WacoAarav Sargurunathan, 13, 8th grade (Out in Round 3, written test)

Texas spellers, with 16 wins, have won more national bees than spellers from any other state. The last champion from Texas was Harini Logan, of San Antonio, in 2022. The last champion from North Texas was Rohan Raja, of Dallas, in 2019.

Rodents and roaches found in latest Plano restaurant inspections

One restaurant was cited for repeat violations and rodents and roaches were found at others in the latest round of Plano health inspections, according to the inspection report.The report compiled by the Star-Telegram includes data from May 4 through May 17 and 161 inspections.Plano’s restaurant inspections function on a 100-point system: 100 is considered a perfect score and 70 is considered extremely poor.Nine establishments scored below 80 in this round of inspections:Rodents or roaches were found at two e...

One restaurant was cited for repeat violations and rodents and roaches were found at others in the latest round of Plano health inspections, according to the inspection report.

The report compiled by the Star-Telegram includes data from May 4 through May 17 and 161 inspections.

Plano’s restaurant inspections function on a 100-point system: 100 is considered a perfect score and 70 is considered extremely poor.

Nine establishments scored below 80 in this round of inspections:

Rodents or roaches were found at two establishments:

Curry Blends/Atithi Venue/Atithi Ventures, LLC, 9060 Independence Parkway, was cited for serious food safety failures, including storing raw chicken above ready-to-eat foods, leaving eggs out at 81°F, thawing meat in pooling water at a soiled sink and failing to discard 20 gallons of spoiled food prepared as far back as February, according to the report. The restaurant was also noted to have poor employee hygiene and contaminated equipment.

Some data analysis in this chart was conducted using AI. For more information on how the Star-Telegram and McClatchy newsrooms are using AI, go here.

Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants within the city limits of Plano for May 4th - May 17th, 2025. A score of 100 is a perfect score and 70 is considered to be extremely poor. Each establishment receives between one and four routine inspections per year. To search the restaurant inspections, type in a keyword or restaurant name. You can also sort by score.

A Flourish table

Steve Wilson [email protected]

Popular North Texas shopping destination area bought for $785M

The property includes about 344,000 square feet of retail, 444,000 square feet of office, and 782 multifamily housing units.PLANO, Texas — A popular North Texas shopping hub was recently bought by investors for $785 million.Plano's Legacy West, the shopping destination at the southwest corner of the Dallas North Tollway and State Highway 121, was acquired by Kite Realty Group, an Indiana-based real estate investment trust, in a joint venture with Singapore-based GIC announced in late April.The property includes abo...

The property includes about 344,000 square feet of retail, 444,000 square feet of office, and 782 multifamily housing units.

PLANO, Texas — A popular North Texas shopping hub was recently bought by investors for $785 million.

Plano's Legacy West, the shopping destination at the southwest corner of the Dallas North Tollway and State Highway 121, was acquired by Kite Realty Group, an Indiana-based real estate investment trust, in a joint venture with Singapore-based GIC announced in late April.

The property includes about 344,000 square feet of retail, 444,000 square feet of office, and 782 multifamily housing units, according to a press release.

Legacy West features 300,000-plus square feet of restaurants, retail and entertainment, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren, and more. Kite Realty Group also owns Southlake Town Square in North Texas.

“In addition to another strong quarter, the KRG team is proud to announce the acquisition of Legacy West through a recently formed strategic joint venture with GIC, a global institutional investor,” said Kite Realty Group Chair and CEO John A. Kite in an April 30 press release on their 2025 first-quarter operating results. “Legacy West is an iconic mixed-use asset with significant mark-to-market potential that further establishes KRG’s prominent presence in the Dallas MSA.”

Kite owns a 52% majority interest in Legacy West, with GIC owning the other 48%. Kite's share of the purchase was $408 million, according to a press release.

As part of the deal, the joint venture assumed a $304 million mortgage at a 3.8% annual interest rate, according to a press release.

Our content partners at the Dallas Business Journal report that the Legacy West property was originally developed by Karahan Cos., KDC, and Columbus Realty on land surrounding the old JCPenney headquarters.

“The intersection of [State Highway] 121 and the toll road is what I call downtown North Texas," Bob Young, executive managing director at retail real estate firm Weitzman, told the Dallas Business Journal. ”We cooperate and compete with everybody to elevate the standards and have a better product for the consumers. I just think that's kind of a personality of what's happening in North Texas."

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