Alabama News

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Alabama woman says DHS claim about detained husband’s Iranian army service is fake news: ‘He fought ISIS’

The wife of a man detained by ICE in Alabama is refuting claims the Department of Homeland Security made Tuesday that his military past in Iran was justification for his arrest.

DHS issued a press release Tuesday stating it arrested 11 people originally from Iran over the weekend who officials claimed “were terrorists or violent extremists.”

“We have been saying we are getting the worst of the worst out — and we are. We don’t wait until a military operation to execute; we proactively deliver on President Trump’s mandate to secure the homeland,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

Ribvar Karimi was identified as one of the individuals detained after he was taken into custody on Sunday in Locust Fork. The DHS press release incorrectly identified the location as “Locust, Alabama.”

“Criminal illegal aliens arrested include an individual with admitted ties to Hezbollah, a known or suspected terrorist, and an alleged former sniper for the Iranian army,” the release stated.

DHS states that Ribvar served as a military sniper for the Iranian Army from 2018 to 2021 and at the time of his arrest had an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card.

“He entered the U.S. on a K-1 visa, which is reserved for aliens engaged to be married to American citizens, in October 2024 under the Biden administration. Karimi never adjusted his status — a legal requirement — and is removable from the United States. He’s currently in ICE custody, where he’ll remain pending removal proceedings,” the release stated.

Ribvar was detained months after he married his wife, Morgan Karimi, who is now weeks away from the birth of their child.

“I just wish that, if I could get anything out there about Ribvar, it would be that he loves our country,” Morgan said in a Facebook video in response to the DHS claims.

“He’s not a terrorist. He did do military service. He was a sniper. He did serve two years during this time. What they’re not telling anybody is he himself fought ISIS he never fought an American soldier.”

In a Facebook post Tuesday, Morgan Karimi says the talking points about his former military career are “exaggerated and far from the truth.”

In the video, Morgan said she and Ribvar voluntarily gave ICE his Iranian army identification card.

“Just to clear the fake news being from Iran, you are required to serve 2 years mandatory or you can’t get a passport to leave,” Morgan said. “All of this was turned into immigration during his visa process AND he passed a background check. This was NEVER hidden from anyone! I have all of the documents proving this.”

Ribvar, she wrote, was allowed into the country after more than a year of background checks. “He fought ISIS himself,” she wrote.

Morgan, who is 31-weeks pregnant, is now fighting for her husband’s release.

The arrests came the same weekend that the U.S. bombed two of Iran‘s uranium enrichment plants, an escalation among the two countries.

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South Dakota eager for Trump’s statue garden near Mount Rushmore despite local opposition

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Officials in South Dakota are pushing hard to build President Donald Trump ‘s proposed National Garden of American Heroes in the Black Hills near Mount Rushmore, but the effort has sparked a backlash from Indigenous groups who see the area as sacred.

A mining company has offered to donate 40 acres (16 hectares) less than a mile from Mount Rushmore, where massive sculptures of four of the nation’s most prominent presidents are carved out of granite.

“The Black Hills mark the perfect location to achieve your vision for the National Garden of American Heroes,” Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden wrote in a letter to Trump. “Together, we will make this project happen in a way that honors America’s heroes, takes advantage of South Dakota’s natural beauty, and incorporates the most iconic monument to our greatest leaders: Mount Rushmore National Memorial.”

But the Black Hills have long been the subject of disputes between South Dakota and its tribes. The 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie recognized that the Black Hills belong to the Sioux people, but the U.S. government seized the land less than a decade later to mine for gold. A 1980 Supreme Court decision found that the U.S. violated the treaty, but the tribes refused the $1.3 billion in compensation they were offered and maintained their rights to the land.

Indigenous groups also oppose drilling project

The mining company, Pete Lien & Sons, also has had conflicts with Indigenous groups in the area, most recently because of an exploratory drilling project for graphite near the sacred Lakota site of Pe’ Sla. The company also is working with theme park designer Storyland Studios to build an attraction in the Black Hills opposed by some Indigenous groups.

“It’s absurd for Storyland Studios and Gov. Rhoden to claim they care about preserving history while they watch Lien & Sons attempt to destroy Pe’ Sla, and do nothing,” said Taylor Gunhammer, an organizer with the Indigenous advocacy group NDN Collective.

“They are the ones erasing and paving over history, not preserving it,” Gunhammer said.

Rhoden’s press secretary, Josie Harms, wrote in a statement that the garden “will have no disruption to either state or tribal land” because the tract of land is owned by Chuck Lien, owner of Lien & Sons, and his family.

Pete Lien & Sons did not respond to multiple requests from The Associated Press for comment.

Trump’s garden to feature 250 statues of historical figures

Trump signed an executive order earlier this year to build the garden, to feature 250 life-size statues of historical figures in honor of the country’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Applications for sculptors are due in early July, though the administration no longer seeks to have it completed by next summer.

The U.S. House has approved $40 million for the project, which is being overseen by the Department of Interior and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Senate hasn’t yet approved the funding.

Trump first announced the project in his first term in a July 3, 2020, speech at Mount Rushmore at a time during the Black Lives Matter movement when some protesters were tearing down statues depicting Confederate generals and others.

“Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our Founders, deface our most sacred memorials, and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities,” Trump said in that speech. “But no, the American people are strong and proud, and they will not allow our country, and all of its values, history, and culture, to be taken from them.”

In a 2021 executive order, Trump called for statues depicting a range of prominent figures, from the likes of Amelia Earhart, Muhammad Ali and Steve Jobs to more controversial ones like Christopher Columbus and President Andrew Jackson. No site was selected, however, and the garden was never funded by Congress.

The Department of Interior said the revived garden project is still in the “planning and discussion phase” and declined to say which sites it is considering.

It’s unclear if any other states are seeking to host the statue garden.

As governor, Noem offered land for the garden

When Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was the state’s governor, she offered the mining company’s 40 acres of land in the Black Hills. Her successor, Rhoden, doubled down on that offer in his letter, emphasizing the site would be “in sight of Mount Rushmore.”

South Dakota Republican U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson also wrote a letter to Trump, and said he will “keep advocating for this iconic landmark to make its home in the Black Hills” in a social media post.

Darren Thompson, director of media relations for the Indigenous nonprofit Sacred Defense Fund, called for more discussions with Indigenous groups in the Black Hills.

“It’s a very touchy and sensitive subject that I think requires input by the local Indigenous people who have claim to the land and cultural ties to the land,” Thompson said.

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Brand-new Nike ‘Lights Out’ New York Mets collection just dropped with free shipping

As the 2025 MLB season nears its midpoint, the New York Mets remain one of the league’s most exciting teams. Sitting with a 46-32 record, the Mets are the fifth-best team in the league, even above the crosstown rival Yankees.

The Mets have been pumping out tons of new gear for players and fans recently. Whether it’s the Stars and Stripes collection or All-Star game apparel, Mets fans have plenty of options to choose from for new gear.

Throw another hat into the ring, as Nike and MLB debuted their ‘Lights Out’ collection, as each team gets an all-black look. The entire Mets collection can be viewed here.

Here’s some of the gear listed for the Mets ‘Lights Out’ collection:

All of the items above are eligible for free shipping with code “29SHIP” at checkout.

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Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Marshall and Cullman counties Tuesday – gusts up to 40 mph

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Tuesday at 1:54 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 2:30 p.m. for Marshall and Cullman counties.

The storms are foreseen to bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).

“At 1:54 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Brooksville, or 9 miles southeast of Arab, moving west at 15 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

The alert is for Holly Pond, Douglas and Baileyton.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
• Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay cautious:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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How to win 50 free Sweeps Coins at Spree Casino this week with just a single spin

Spree Casino has gained a reputation for offering its players some incredibly exciting promotional offers. Not long ago, this online sweepstakes casino launched its Spot On promotion that allows players to win 50 Sweeps Coins simply for playing a selected slot game.

This exciting promotion runs every week. From now until June 29, players can enter this promotion by making at least one spin playing the popular slot game Coin Express.

Through our Spree Casino promo code link, new players can get 1.03 million Gold Coins and 32 Spree Coins for $9.99 to play Coin Express in the Spot On promotion. No promo code is needed if you use our link.

Spree Casino promo code at a glance

How to win 50 SC playing the Spot On game at Spree Casino this week

Spree Casino is one of many online sweepstakes casinos that launched in 2024. It has managed to grow its player base considerably every month.

At least part of this platform’s growth can be attributed to the incredible bonuses and promotions it offers.

One of Spree’s best promotions is known as the Spot On offer. It runs every week, allowing players to win 50 Spree Coins (known as Sweeps Coins at most sweepstakes casinos) by playing spotlighted slot games.

The rules of the Spot On promotion are extremely simple.

Simply make at least one spin playing the highlighted slot game during the promotional period running from Monday to Sunday. One lucky player who makes a spin will be randomly chosen to earn the 50 Sweeps Coin prize.

This week’s highlighted game is Coin Express. Learn more about what this game has to offer below:

Coin Express

Spree Casino’s variety of games is impressive. Players have access to more than 1,000 high RTP slots, each of which comes from a world-class developer such as Pragmatic Play, 3 Oaks Gaming and BGaming.

Coin Express is the game connected to this week’s Spot On promotion.

This is a great five-reel slot developed by 3 Oaks Gaming. It features five paylines, a maximum payout of 5,000x your wager with an average return-to-player (RTP) rate of 95.69%.

There is no specific theme connected to this game. It looks more like one of the classic real money slots found in Las Vegas casinos with common casino slot symbols such as various fruit and BAR symbols.

Players are sure to enjoy the fun bonus features connected to this game.

Gold Coins act as bonus symbols and can appear at any time. Land six or more of these to trigger the Hold & Win round, in which only bonus symbols with random values appear throughout the grid and offer massive payouts.

This game also features collect mechanics, sticky symbols and four different jackpots.

Anyone looking for the chance to win 50 Spree Coins playing this week’s Spot On game at Spree Casino can take part. Play one spin on Coin Express and wish for the best.

Spree Casino promo code: How to claim this offer

Spree Casino’s variety of promotions is fantastic. Perhaps this platform’s best offer is its welcome bonus, which allows new members to earn 1.03 million Gold Coins and 32.5 free Spree Coins.

This can be described as a two-part bonus.

All new players of Spree Casino receive 1 million Gold Coins and 2.5 Spree Coins as a no purchase sign-up offer. With one additional purchase of $9.99, players will earn an additional 30,000 Gold Coins and 30 free Sweeps Coins.

Claiming this bonus is simple. Here are the steps to do so:

1. Click any of the Spree Casino promo code links or banners shown on this page.
2. Click the Sign Up Now button on the Spree Casino landing page.
3. Create a new account with Spree Casino by providing the requested information, including your name, email address and home address. No promo code is needed to claim the offer if you use one of our links.
4. Immediately receive 1 million Gold Coins and 2.5 Spree Coins after registration.
5. Make a purchase of Gold Coins for $9.99 via the platform’s online store to receive an additional 30,000 Gold Coins and 30 free Spree Coins.

The entire process should take players less than 10 minutes. Players can then use their coins to immediately enter into the Spot On promotion for the chance to win an additional 50 Sweeps Coins.

Spree Casino promo code terms and conditions

Spree Casino always sets clear terms and conditions for players. Fortunately, they are all very reasonable and similar to the rules set by the other best sweepstakes casinos in the US.

Below, I highlight some of the rules connected to the Spree Casino promo code offer, along with some basic rules that all members of Spree must follow:

• The 30,000 Gold Coins and 30 free Spree Coins are earned with a purchase of $9.99;
• All Spree Coins earned from this offer come with a 1x playthrough requirement;
• All members of Spree Casino must be age 18 or older;
• Spree Casino is not available in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, Washington and West Virginia.

Spree Casino continues to establish itself as one of the top online sweepstakes casinos in the country.

With online real money casinos still limited to only seven states, sweeps casinos like Spree serve as the best legal alternative to play casino games online.

Check it out today to see for yourself why it grows more popular every month.

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Stanley surprise drops its highly-anticipated Summer Edit collection

Within the last few weeks, Stanley secretly stocked select retail stores with its latest pastel-themed summer collection that sent the internet into a frenzy as eagle-eyed shoppers shared early finds. Now, the full Summer Edit is available to shop online, featuring fresh, limited-edition designs perfect for summertime.

The Stanley Summer Edit collection includes Stanley’s viral Quencher tumblers and other fan-favorite products in new dreamy summer hues. Given the brand’s track record of fast sellouts, especially after a secretive in-store release, these cups are expected to fly off the shelves.

If you’ve been waiting to score the newest Stanley styles, now is the time to shop the Summer Edit before it sells out. All products included in this new collection are as follows:

• Quencher® 30 oz Tumbler (Flip Straw 2.0) – $35. Available in fresh summer shades like Pink Mesa Sunset, Lichen, Agave, Petrol and Prickly Pearca.
• Quencher® ProTour 40 oz Tumbler – $45. Featuring enhanced insulation with a soft-touch lid, offered in Pink Mesa, Lichen, Agave and Prickly Pear
• 30 oz IceFlow™ Flip Straw Tumbler – $35. Double-wall vacuum insulated with leakproof straw lid, in summer edit colors Pink Dusk Stitch, Pink Mesa, Agave, Lichen, Petrol and Prickly Pear
• All-Day Midi Lunch Boxes – $60, and All-Day Mini Lunch Boxes – $45. Part of “Let’s Grab Lunch” lineup, designed to keep meals cool and secure. Available in matching Summer Edit hues
• Adventure Easy Carry Outdoor Cooler – $80. Ruggedly lightweight, leakproof and boasting more than twice the foam insulation of a typical cooler, this Adventure is ideal for tailgates, fishing trips and even all-day festival festivities.
• Adventure Fast Flow Water Jug 2G – $55. A rugged handle and leak proof design means you can take it anywhere and the double-wall foam insulation will keep drinks cold for hours (iced for 2 days). The high-flow spigot also removes easily for cleaning.

Those interested can browse the entire Stanley Summer Edit here.

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McDonald’s to stop selling fan-favorite sweet treat

Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s collaboration has come to an end.

The companies announced Tuesday that they’re ending their partnership, putting a final pin in the plan to sell Krispy Kreme’s doughnuts in McDonald’s locations.

In a press release about the decision, Krispy Kreme explained that while they were initially excited to collaborate with McDonald’s, the business model ultimately wasn’t profitable for the doughnut chain.

READ MORE: McDonald’s closes all locations of spinoff restaurant; New drinks coming?

“Our two companies partnered very closely, each supporting execution, marketing, and training, delivering a great consumer experience in approximately 2,400 McDonald’s restaurants,” said Josh Charlesworth, the CEO of Krispy Kreme, in the press release. “Ultimately, efforts to bring our costs in line with unit demand were unsuccessful, making the partnership unsustainable for us.”

The companies first announced the plan in March 2024. Last month, Krispy Kreme delayed the rollout. In its earnings report, the doughnut chain said it was “reassessing the deployment schedule with McDonald’s while it works to “achieve a profitable business model for all parties.” The two companies later announced that they wouldn’t launch the sale of Krispy Kreme doughnuts in any remaining McDonald’s locations.

READ MORE: McDonald’s announced return date for fan-favorite snack item

According to CNBC, Krispy Kreme doughnuts were sold in only about 2,400 of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. stores as of March 30.

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Teen idol, ‘Here Come the Brides’ actor, dead at 81: ‘He was my Prince Charming’

Bobby Sherman, a 1960s teen idol and pop singer, died at the age of 81.

His second wife, Brigitte Poublon, announced the death Tuesday after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in March.

“Bobby left this world holding my hand — just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace through all 29 beautiful years of marriage. I was his Cinderella, and he was my Prince Charming,” she posted.

“Here Come the Brides” actor was signed as a regular vocalist for the ABC musical variety show “Shindig!” in 1964.

“As he rested, I read him fan letters from all over the world —words of love and gratitude that lifted his spirits and reminded him of how deeply he was cherished,” Poublon’s post read. “He soaked up every word with that familiar sparkle in his eye. And yes, he still found time to crack well-timed jokes—Bobby had a wonderful, wicked sense of humor. It never left him. He could light up a room with a look, a quip, or one of his classic, one-liners.”

The actor/singer was known for such musical hits as “You Make Me Happy,” “Hey Little Girl,” “Happiness Is,” “Little Woman,” “La La La (If I Had You),” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Hey, Mister Sun,” and “Julie, Do Ya Love Me.”

He also appeared on such shows as “Getting Together,” “The Mod Squad, Emergency!” and “Murder She Wrote.”

Sherman made the announcement via actor John Stamos’ Instagram because she and Stamos are good friends.

“From one ex teen idol, to another – rest in peace, Bobby Sherman,” Stamos posted.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

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9-year-old who drowned with his cousin while fishing ‘meant the world to many’

Family and friends are asking for help burying an 9-year-old boy who drowned over the weekend while fishing at a Midfield rock quarry.

Rashad Jackson was fishing Saturday afternoon with his paternal grandmother and his 26-year-old cousin, Stephon Gardner, when he slipped off the platform on which he was standing and fell 10 feet into the water.

Gardner jumped in to try to save Rashad but neither resurfaced, and their bodies were recovered the following day after a lengthy, overnight search.

“Rashad meant the world to many,” according to a GoFundMe organized by Deaqualin Sankey.

Rashad was a rising fourth-grader at Charles Brown Elementary School, where his favorite subjects were math and reading.

He loved the color blue, and going fishing, said those who knew and loved him.

Rashad was the oldest of four siblings. He leaves behind three sisters, including the youngest who was born just three days before Rashad drowned.

Authorities were dispatched at 5:04 p.m. Saturday to Bessemer Avenue and Myrtle Avenue in Birmingham on a report of a person who fell in the water.

The address was updated to 1550 Hartman Industrial Boulevard in Midfield, which runs alongside cement and concrete manufacturer Holcim Birmingham Slag Plant.

BFRS Battalion Chief Clay Hendon said when first responders arrived on the scene, they learned Rashad fell into the rock quarry while fishing. Gardner then jumped in after the boy.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, Birmingham police, Midfield Fire and Rescue and Midfield police, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and dive specialists UCI Underwater Criminal Investigators all contributed in the search and subsequent recovery.

Authorities said the dive teams stopped their search Saturday night at dark but boats equipped with sonar stayed out all night at the property western Jefferson County.

About 2:30 a.m. Sunday, the sonar “pinged” at about 82-feet deep, so divers were focusing on that spot.

Their bodies were recovered just after 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

“Right now, we’re trying to raise money to give Rashad the proper goodbye he deserves,” according to the GoFundMe.

“Anything you can give—no matter how small—will help cover funeral and burial costs, and financial support for the immediate families, including Rashad’s siblings.”

Donations can be made here.

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Future of this popular chain restaurant is in limbo

The era of Bahama Breeze may come to an end soon.

Late last week, Rick Cardenas, the CEO of Darden, the parent company of Bahama Breeze, told investors that the company will be considering strategic alternatives” for Bahamas Breeze, such as selling the chain or “converting restaurants to other Darden brands,” reports Fox News.

In May, Darden closed 15 Bahama Breeze restaurants. A spokesperson for Bahama Breeze told USA Today the shutdowns occurred in multiple states, including Florida, Illinois, Tennessee and Nevada. CNN reported the closures represent more than a third of Bahama Breeze’s current locations.

In a statement to USA Today, spokesperson Kiara Buckner said closures of the Darden-owned chain come after evaluations of restaurant performance across the country.

The Caribbean-themed chain has just 29 restaurants remaining nationwide.

According to Fox News, Cardenas said Darden has decided that Bahama Breeze’s remaining 28 restaurants and its brand are no longer a “strategic priority.”

“We also believe that this brand and these restaurants have the potential to benefit from a new owner,” Cardenas said.

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