Why Flags Are at Half-Mast Across Florida Today
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Flags are being flown at half-staff across Florida on Thursday to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando.
Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday instructed that flags should be flown at half-staff between sunrise and sunset the following day.
He said: "Nine years ago, on June 12, 2016, a shooter claiming alliance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant committed a horrific act of terrorism at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Forty-nine people were killed and fifty-three were wounded.
"As a mark of respect for the victims, their families, and the many affected by this tragedy, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bloomberg
12 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
UK Government's Tax on Private Schools Cleared by London Court
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's controversial tax on private school fees survived a legal challenge in a boost for the policy that was a key plank of the Labour Party 's manifesto at last year's general election. Several private schools and parents on behalf of their children sought to challenge the plan to impose 20% value added tax on independent schools, which is expected to raise as much as £1.5 billion ($2 billion) this financial year. Siding with the government, a panel of London judges declared that the taxation policy pursued an entirely legitimate purpose.
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Jim Cramer Says America Won't Be 'Truly Liberated' Until It Strikes Rare-Earth Deals With Other Countries: US Doesn't 'Have The Cards'
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Jim Cramer warned that the United States must cut deals with nations other than China for rare-earth minerals, or we'll never be 'truly liberated" from Beijing's grip. What Happened: The CNBC 'Mad Money' host told viewers on Wednesday that China mines about 60% and refines roughly 90% of the world's rare earths. This, as Cramer described earlier this month, gives China "a stranglehold" over supply chains that feed electronics, autos and defense hardware. Trending: Let your money work smarter: . No hidden fees, no commitment. "What the heck were we thinking when we started a trade war without having this rare-earths issue all buttoned up and ready to go?" he asked, adding that Washington doesn't 'have the cards" while it depends on Chinese exports already throttled by new licensing rules. Cramer urged the White House to waive steep tariffs and strike rapid supply pacts with Brazil, Vietnam and Australia, countries he said hold the raw materials for earth minerals and magnets. "We need to make these rare-earth deals with the same alacrity that the White House gave out the reciprocal tariffs on 'liberation day,'" Cramer said. Jim Cramer isn't the only one sounding the alarm bell. Officials have long warned that America's reliance on China for rare-earth minerals creates a strategic threat and in April, China slapped export restrictions on those minerals after President Donald Trump raised tariffs It Matters: According to a Reuters report, Trump said on Wednesday that Beijing would 'supply the minerals up front' as part of a tentative trade framework still awaiting his and President Xi Jinping's signatures. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick insists that the accord will ease the curbs, yet analysts note China could tighten shipments again if talks stall. Automakers have already sounded alarms. A Reuters survey found that some European suppliers were idling plants, while others warned of shutdowns by mid-July. An older report reveals companies are willing to "pay any price" for alloys and magnets. Reacting to the development, U.S. Futures were down on Wednesday night, with the S&P 500 futures down 0.30%, trading at 6,011; Nasdaq futures down 0.32%, at 21,818.50; and the Dow Jones futures, trading at 42,764, down 0.34%. Read Next: Level up your portfolio tracking with Snowball Analytics: see all your investments in one dashboard with real-time stock and dividend tracking for free today. Photo courtesy: Shutterstock This article Jim Cramer Says America Won't Be 'Truly Liberated' Until It Strikes Rare-Earth Deals With Other Countries: US Doesn't 'Have The Cards' originally appeared on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Axios
14 minutes ago
- Axios
Focus groups: North Carolina swing voters mostly OK with Trump's LA response
A majority of North Carolina swing voters in our latest Engagious / Sago focus groups supported President Trump's deportations and activation of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles, despite some concerns about civil rights and government overreach. The big picture: These Biden-to-Trump voters' desire to eject undocumented migrants from the U.S. — and their critical views of California and Democrats — shape how they see this massive test of executive power playing out far from their own hometowns. Seven of 12 panelists said they support the president's activation of the National Guard and Marines in L.A. despite Gov. Gavin Newsom's and local officials' objections. Three disapproved; two didn't have an opinion. Eight of the 12 said they believe Democrats prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens. Why it matters: "Democrats who doubt their party remains out of touch with swing voters will be stunned by what these North Carolinians told us about immigration," said Rich Thau, President of Engagious, who moderated the focus groups. How it works: Axios observed two Engagious / Sago online focus groups Tuesday night with North Carolinians who said they voted for Joe Biden in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2024. The panelists included nine independents and three Republicans. While a focus group is not a statistically significant sample like a poll, the responses show how some voters are thinking and talking about current events. What they're saying: "The stance California has on illegal immigration only enables all these people, and they're not going to stop it," said Gregory D., 43, of Greensboro. "So we need to bring it up another level. It needs to stop. California doesn't want to stop it." "It's in the best interest of the nation that we call this, I don't know, uprising, call it what you want, but yeah, that needs to get nipped in the bud, just like George Floyd and all that sh*t should have," said Alex H., 44, of Charlotte. Butch F., 58, of Mebane, said he believes illegal immigrants got government assistance that reduced North Carolinians' access to disaster funds. Gerius J., 33, of Charlotte, said he's for diversity but wants to "do it the right way. Get the right paperwork, the right documentation." He said Democrats "have always wanted illegals to come here," and if anyone objects, "you're the bad guy. And as a U.S. citizen, I'm not the bad guy. I just want things to be done the right way." The other side: Karen L., 61, of Wilmington, said of Trump's immigration actions, "When he first started out, it seemed like he was really going after the criminals — like, the ones committing murder and rape — and he was getting all of them. And we don't want them here if they're [here] illegally, especially. But now ... it's way too extreme, and he's violating civil rights, and he's causing more chaos than anything." Rachid O., 46, of Raleigh, said the administration should prioritize arresting and deporting criminals, above all undocumented immigrants. Many undocumented immigrants pay taxes "so they contribute to the country," he said. Between the lines: Shifting the focus to combating illegal immigration may help him with some voters who have cooled on his performance in other areas. Several panelists voiced concerns about the economy, tariffs and political corruption and objected to Trump's moves to cut university research, or possible Medicaid cuts in the spending and tax-cut bill before Congress. "It's getting harder and harder to afford things," said Kimberly S., 37, of Sanford. "We are just kind of told, 'Hey, you just got to bear with us just a little bit more,' and it doesn't feel like it's getting any easier." Shauna S., 54, of Harrisburg, said when it comes to tariffs, "There's no plan, and it's been erratic. It appears to be an opportunity to manipulate the markets, and I really want someone to investigate where and who's actually gaining financially every time these tariffs are being threatened and then removed. I'm just curious what's really happening."
