Category: Florida

Lanterns and crescents: more retailers court Ramadan buyers

Muslim Americans are welcoming the recognition of their culture in big retail stores in the US, such as Target’s first dedicated Ramadan and Eid collection, which includes decoration kits. Many are applauding retailers for making it easier for them to bring their families the cheer that marks other faiths’ holidays. However, some are debating the merits of buying Ramadan decor from big retailers versus supporting small, Muslim-owned businesses, and caution against excessively commercializing a religious period. Ramadan is a month of fasting, increased worship, and charity, and such recognition shows that Muslim stories are valid and out there like a normal thing.

“States Offer Billion-Dollar Subsidies to Lure Microchip and EV Plants Amid Fierce Competition”

States are offering record-high subsidies to attract multibillion-dollar microchip, electric vehicle, and battery factories. Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas have already made billion-dollar pledges, with more to come. Companies are being lavished with grants, low-interest loans, tax breaks, and more to spur economic development. This is due in part to federal subsidies and inflation-juiced tax collections in the wake of the pandemic. The number and size of state subsidy packages are unprecedented, leading some experts to call it a “Wild West moment” for economic development.

“Deadly Tornadoes Ravage Midwest and South, Leaving Devastation in their Wake”

Deadly tornadoes swept through parts of the South and Midwest, leaving at least 11 people dead and causing widespread damage. The storms also brought wildfires to the southern Plains and blizzard conditions to the Upper Midwest. The town of Wynne, Arkansas was hit particularly hard, with four fatalities and roads full of debris. In Belvidere, Illinois, the roof of a theater collapsed during a heavy metal concert, killing one person and injuring 28. Sullivan County, Indiana also reported three deaths. The storms caused damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles throughout the region.

Doomsday plot? After 3 years, slain kids’ mom to stand trial

Get an inside look into the bizarre case of Lori Vallow Daybell, who stands trial on murder, conspiracy, and grand theft charges in the deaths of her two children. Her husband, Chad Daybell, faces the same charges, and both are also charged in the death of Chad’s late wife. Learn more here.

New Tennessee law allows police officers in private schools

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed a law allowing private schools to hire school resource officers. The move comes after a shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville left six dead, including three children. The law clarifies statutes that had prevented private schools from working with local governments to hire officers. Republican leaders have also discussed securing windows and glass, adding magnetic locks on doors, modernizing camera systems, and increasing armed guards. The law is effective immediately and does not make it mandatory for private schools to contract with local law enforcement.

Mourners gather for 1st Nashville school shooting funeral

Family and friends mourned the loss of Evelyn Dieckhaus, one of three children killed in a Nashville school shooting. The funeral was held at Woodmont Christian Church, where Evelyn was remembered as a “shining light” who loved art, music, animals, and snuggling with her older sister. The service was closed to the media, but many women and girls wore pink dresses to honor the family’s request to dress in pink and green. The church’s senior minister spoke about the need to spread Evelyn’s light to a world filled with darkness and pain, echoing the family’s sentiments.