Crescent Moon display on Tempe’s ‘A’ Mountain destroyed; Muslim community calls for tolerance

CNN Newsource on March 19, 2026

By Josh Kristianto

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    TEMPE, AZ (KNXV) — Members of the Muslim community at Arizona State University and across Tempe say they are shocked and saddened after a 15‑foot crescent moon installation on “A” Mountain was found destroyed Tuesday, just before the end of Ramadan.

The large crescent, erected in mid‑February to mark the start of the holy month, had become a visible symbol of prayer, fasting, and reflection for Muslims in the Valley.

destroyed; Muslim community calls for tolerance

Members of the Muslim community at Arizona State University and across Tempe say they are shocked and saddened after a 15‑foot crescent moon installation on “A” Mountain was found destroyed Tuesday, just before the end of Ramadan. The large crescent, erected in mid‑February to mark the start of the holy month, had become a visible symbol of prayer, fasting and reflection for Muslims in the Valley. By: Josh Kristianto Posted 1:11 AM, Mar 19, 2026 and last updated 1:23 AM, Mar 19, 2026 TEMPE, AZ — Members of the Muslim community at Arizona State University and across Tempe say they are shocked and saddened after a 15‑foot crescent moon installation on “A” Mountain was found destroyed Tuesday, just before the end of Ramadan.

The large crescent, erected in mid‑February to mark the start of the holy month, had become a visible symbol of prayer, fasting, and reflection for Muslims in the Valley.

The video player is currently playing an ad. “For us, the crescent symbolizes the coming of Ramadan but then also the coming at the end of Ramadan to the new lunar month, which is the month of celebration,” said Imam Omar Tawil of the Islamic Community Center of Tempe.

ASU Muslim students, who have installed the crescent in recent years, much like other faith groups display crosses or menorahs during their holidays, said they were devastated to see the structure destroyed.

“It was really disheartening to see that,” said Kaif Imam, a member of the ASU Muslim Students Association. “Saw some images — it was completely broken.”

“It was devastating to just completely see the work that we’ve done… and just the representation,” said Wid Alsabah, who helped put up the display. “Not even just the work, but the symbol of Muslims being targeted this way.”

Tempe police have launched an investigation into who damaged the religious symbol. In a statement, the city condemned the act, saying, “There is no place in our community for this kind of hate. People of all faiths are welcome in Tempe, and they have the right to feel safe and be safe.”

Gokhan Dorum, CEO of the Sema Foundation, said incidents like this underscore the importance of religious tolerance in the Valley. “When you have tolerance, it’s easier for us to come together to celebrate, be happy, and share our happiness and life,” he said.

The vandalism comes on the heels of another incident earlier this month, when police arrested a man accused of shooting paintballs at a North Phoenix mosque. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego publicly condemned that attack.

Tempe police said they are increasing patrols around places of worship during religious holidays. City leaders also plan to meet with faith leaders to discuss ways to maintain safety and peace.

Despite the setback, community members say they intend to continue their traditions and remain visible.

“This is my home, this is my country, and just like any other American, you’re not getting rid of me,” Imam Tawil said.

Alsabah echoed that sentiment, saying more representation — not less — is the path forward. “I think the more that we put this up, the more we put more representation, the more knowledge hopefully we’ll be able to see throughout our city.”

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. ­­­KNXV verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Rideshare drivers say Waymo is giving rides to unaccompanied kids, violating state permit

CNN Newsource on March 19, 2026

By J.R. Stone

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A labor group representing Uber and Lyft drivers has filed a complaint with state regulators, alleging that Waymo is violating its permit by allowing unaccompanied minors to ride in its autonomous vehicles in the Bay Area.

The California Gig Workers Union submitted the complaint to the California Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday, claiming the practice breaks state rules.

“They should follow the same rule that we follow!” said Uber and Lyft driver Hector Castellanos, who supports the union’s action.

“I’m a driver, if I get a minor in my car, I can be deactivated, or if we have an accident with a minor, it can be a huge, huge problem. So, I believe Waymo have to follow the same rules that we have,” Castellanos said.

Waymo’s website states that minors must be accompanied by an adult. Uber and Lyft operate teen ride programs in some states, and Uber’s website says the program is available in parts of Los Angeles, but Castellanos said it is not currently offered in the Bay Area.

Some San Francisco parents said they would trust Waymo over human drivers if regulators allow unsupervised teen riders.

“You can’t trust anyone nowadays, you know. There’s so many stories that you hear about what happened to people in Ubers and all that, so I’d rather a Waymo any day,” said Arienne Barrow.

At Washington Square Park, no parents interviewed supported letting their children ride alone in an Uber or Lyft.

“If I had a choice between a random Uber driver and AI, a driverless vehicle, at this moment I’d say AI all day. Waymo, unless the Ubers are run by women. If there was an only-woman app that had women who are verified as a child specialist, I would allow them to take my child,” said Mark Daniel.

“I’ve been in a Waymo and it’s great. You know I’m unsure of the permitting process, but I hope they could expedite that and get the proper permitting,” another parent said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Bay Lights set to return to the Bay Bridge after $11M restoration project

CNN on March 19, 2026


KPIX

By Brad Hamilton

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — Hard work done in the dark is about to bring the famed Bay Lights back to the Bay Bridge.

Bart Ney, who has spent the majority of his 30-year career at CalTrans, has focused on one of the busiest and biggest overpasses in the world.

“I was on the team that built the new eastern span. I’ve worked on the Bay Bridge for 20 years,” Ney told CBS News Bay Area.

On one particular night, he’s happy to work the late shift to see firsthand the finishing touches on the revitalization of the Bay Bridge lights.

First introduced in 2013, the original collection of over 40,000 bulbs that lit up the structure sparked attention like never before.

“The original Bay Lights were such a hit globally. We had media from all over the world doing stories on the Bay Lights, kind of putting the Bay Bridge kind of back in everybody’s view,” he explained.

However, in 2023, the lights were shut off after years of environmental wear. That decision was made by the artist behind the project, Leo Villareal.

“There was kind of an uproar in San Francisco. People said, ‘We want this back, this has become part of my therapy,’ it has become part of the city,'” Villareal told CBS News Bay Area.

The project, privately funded, cost $11 million to replace the original installation and embark on a new chapter.

“The exciting thing for me is that the way it provokes a sense of wonder and awe,” Villareal added. “It just dazzles people and people can’t help but talk to one another.”

Ney adds that the positive feedback they’ve received since announcing the return is just another sign that this project was worth the time and effort it took to make it happen.

“There is 48,000 individual LED lights in this installation. The western spans of the Bay Bridge are two miles long. They are over 500 feet above the water at the highest points, so it’s a lot,” Ney said.

On March 20th, an official ceremony will celebrate the relighting of the Bay Bridge.

But on this night, the crews who made it happen are having a little celebration of their own.

They’ve spent countless long hours in the dark, bringing the shine back to the Bay Bridge.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Bay Lights set to return to the Bay Bridge after $11M restoration project

CNN Newsource on March 19, 2026

By Brad Hamilton

Click here for updates on this story

    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — Hard work done in the dark is about to bring the famed Bay Lights back to the Bay Bridge.

Bart Ney, who has spent the majority of his 30-year career at CalTrans, has focused on one of the busiest and biggest overpasses in the world.

“I was on the team that built the new eastern span. I’ve worked on the Bay Bridge for 20 years,” Ney told CBS News Bay Area.

On one particular night, he’s happy to work the late shift to see firsthand the finishing touches on the revitalization of the Bay Bridge lights.

First introduced in 2013, the original collection of over 40,000 bulbs that lit up the structure sparked attention like never before.

“The original Bay Lights were such a hit globally. We had media from all over the world doing stories on the Bay Lights, kind of putting the Bay Bridge kind of back in everybody’s view,” he explained.

However, in 2023, the lights were shut off after years of environmental wear. That decision was made by the artist behind the project, Leo Villareal.

“There was kind of an uproar in San Francisco. People said, ‘We want this back, this has become part of my therapy,’ it has become part of the city,'” Villareal told CBS News Bay Area.

The project, privately funded, cost $11 million to replace the original installation and embark on a new chapter.

“The exciting thing for me is that the way it provokes a sense of wonder and awe,” Villareal added. “It just dazzles people and people can’t help but talk to one another.”

Ney adds that the positive feedback they’ve received since announcing the return is just another sign that this project was worth the time and effort it took to make it happen.

“There is 48,000 individual LED lights in this installation. The western spans of the Bay Bridge are two miles long. They are over 500 feet above the water at the highest points, so it’s a lot,” Ney said.

On March 20th, an official ceremony will celebrate the relighting of the Bay Bridge.

But on this night, the crews who made it happen are having a little celebration of their own.

They’ve spent countless long hours in the dark, bringing the shine back to the Bay Bridge.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Police investigate if razor blade found in woman’s taco salad at restaurant was intentional

CNN Newsource on March 19, 2026

By Chase Houle

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    MORROW, Georgia (WXIA) — Sabrina Wideman-Reese said she was eating at Las Trojas on Mt. Zion Road in Morrow on Sunday when she bit into something sharp.

“Why would somebody do this? It could have turned out worse.”

She said a 1.5-inch razor blade was mixed in with her lettuce, cheese and meat. According to Wideman-Reese, she felt something cut her lips and tongue before realizing what it was.

After spitting out her food, she said she saw the blade.

The incident comes at an already difficult time for Wideman-Reese. She says she buried her husband, the father of her two daughters, less than two weeks ago.

“He, he fought hard to stay here with us, but he God said otherwise.”

She said finding the blade only added to a very traumatic time in her life.

“I was thinking that my kids would have been orphans if I would have swallowed it,” she said.

The Morrow Police Department said there is an active criminal investigation into the incident, including whether the blade ended up in the food accidentally or intentionally.

Out of curiosity, 11Alive’s Chase Houle looked up when their last health inspection occurred.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health Las Trojas was last inspected on Feb. 5, receiving a score of 81. The report noted about a handful of violations, including containers of food stored on the ground. The report also noted that many of the violations had be cleared up at the time of the inspection.

When Houle asked for a comment, the restaurant’s manager declined.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

La Pine Rural Fire District halts all debris burning amid wildfire risk and warm weather

KTVZ on March 19, 2026

Tracee Tuesday

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The La Pine Fire District has shut down all debris burning in its service area after a wildfire yesterday and amid an unseasonably warm weather pattern.

Officials issued the closure just hours ago, warning residents that any outdoor burning of yard waste or other debris is no longer allowed. The move is aimed at reducing the chance of new fires igniting as temperatures remain above normal for this time of year.

The district said the restriction will remain in effect until further notice and urged residents to keep an eye on official channels for updates. Fire crews are also asking the public to report any illegal burning or suspicious activity near wildland areas.

Debris burning in Central Oregon is already tightly regulated during dry periods, and local fire agencies often lean on these temporary closures to manage risk when conditions turn favorable for fast‑moving flames.

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“Hall of Flowers” brings budding cannabis businesses to Ventura

KEYT on March 19, 2026

Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) A cannabis trade show called “Hall of Flowers” is underway.

The show is taking place at the Ventura County fairgrounds.

It has a festival vibe.

Industry insiders get a chance to listen to panel discussions.

They are also invited to sample things to eat, drink and smoke.

There are exhibitor booths indoors and outdoors throughout the fairgrounds.

Companies from the Central Coast are taking part, too.

Raw Garden Marketing Vice President Bill Boland grew up when marijuana was illegal.

Now he is helping the industry grow.

“The amazing thing is brand Raw Garden is so driven towards clean cannabis, ” said Boland, ” They are really pushing this clean cannabis movement and providing a clean product for people to enjoy so that is really exciting, I am glad to see that in the Industry.”

Hall of Flowers continues on Thursday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are intended for people who work in the cannabis Industry.

For more information visit https://hallofflowers.com

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Idaho State Students Present at Annual Research and Creative Works Symposium

KIFI on March 19, 2026

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Every year, Idaho State University hosts students from across all programs and disciplines to present their research. This includes undergraduate and graduate students, who are judged on their posters and presentations by faculty members.

This event gives students the opportunity and experience of presenting research to those outside their field of work. Associate Dean of the Graduate School Tracy Collum said students from both the Pocatello and Meridian campuses participate. She also said this was the largest number of participants in the 12 years of the symposium, with around 250 students. Organizers had to split the group into several sessions to accommodate.

“It gives them a sense of what a professional conference can look like, and they’re able to present in a way that they haven’t been able to probably in class or with colleagues,” said Collum. “It just gives them a wider immersive experience to put on their resume, especially if they win. But also it gives them a very good experience to provide information to another audience that might be outside their discipline, to be able to provide information about their research and the work that they’ve been doing.”

Students presented research of all kinds, from the tiniest cell biology to major patient rehab in physical therapy.

One student, Sydney Walsh, showcased her case study from a patient in physical therapy with fear avoidance in treatment. She said this case from her clinical rotation in South Carolina stuck with her and is going to help her in the future.

“I think what I’ve learned from this the most is to have patience with the patients. And to treat the individual themselves not just the injury using a bio psychosocial appraoch,” Walsh said.

The projects the students have worked on are helping them further their knowledge and skills for the workforce. The winners of each session got cash prizes. Collum said the event has more than just the student presentations.

“We also have the keynote speaker each year. This year we have doctor Dr. Devaleena Prada, who’s from the biology department, and she is giving a talk about soaring into the light for research,” she said.

The presenting students also enjoy a luncheon prior to the event. Community members and fellow students stopped by to see the packed student union building ballroom all afternoon.

For many of the student presenters, it wasn’t just about the experience of a professional conference, it was about passing along their passion for the projects.

“I think fear avoidance It’s it’s really important to talk about, lots of our patients experience it,” said Walsh. “I think this is really important to discuss. And this was a case that really stuck with me when I was on my first rotation, so i just really wanted to share.”

For details on this year’s winning presenters, see the Idaho State University Graduate School Instagram page.

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Bend to expand Franklin Avenue with new lanes and sidewalks

KTVZ on March 19, 2026

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend is finalizing plans to expand Franklin Avenue, a project scheduled to begin this May. The construction will add new vehicle lanes, bike lanes and expanded sidewalks to the thoroughfare.

The expansion is part of the city’s five-year capital projects plan. Franklin serves as a busy corridor for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and the project aims to improve safety and infrastructure along the route.

To accommodate the expansion, the city is using eminent domain to acquire necessary land. This legal process allows the government to seize private property for public use in exchange for market value. One specific location included in this acquisition is the Les Schwab Tire site on Franklin.

The first phase of the construction will focus on replacing a water pipe that dates back to the 1930s. City officials stated the land acquisition is necessary to provide enough space for the additional vehicle lanes, bike lanes and expanded sidewalks planned for the corridor.

Garrett Sabourin, primary engineer for the City of Bend, said the project will be divided into stages to manage the flow of traffic on the busy thruway.

“So looking at some stage closures along the portion of the road and then the main foreclosures at the crossing, spreading those out into two separate phases to try to limit some of the impacts to the downtown area,” Sabourin said.

While the project aims to improve multi-modal transportation, some local residents have expressed concern regarding the impact on daily travel. One resident noted that Franklin serves as a primary route for many people in the city and raised questions about how the work will affect east-west crossings during the construction period.

A town hall meeting regarding the project is scheduled for April 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Newberry Hotel.

Sabourin said the city is currently working with contractors to finalize the construction schedule.

“Our next steps now are to, to start kind of putting a little bit more detail to that schedule with our contractor and come to an agreement with them for an amendment that will come back to council in June,” Sabourin said.

The amendment will include a set schedule and completion date for the project.

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‘No weapons offense’ on Lincoln University’s campus after active shooter alert sent to students

KMIZ on March 19, 2026

Ryan Shiner

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

After law enforcement investigated, it was determined there was no weapons offense that occurred on Lincoln University’s campus on Wednesday night.

The school had sent out a text message alert to students at 8:32 p.m. stating: “LU Alert: Active shooter at Dawn Hall. Take cover or remain off campus! Weapons offence in the Parking lot of Dawson.

A follow up alert was sent at 8:56 p.m. giving an “all clear” message, but still told students to stay clear of the area as police were still investigating.

Jefferson City Police Department Lt. Curtis Finke told ABC 17 News in an email that there was “no weapons offense or indication of such.” JCPD had assisted LU police in the response.

“It was quickly determined a disturbance occurred on campus and the scene was made safe,” the email from Finke says.

An officer on the scene told an ABC 17 News reporter there was a “disturbance” between a group of local residents and students who came from the downtown area. The officer said no weapons were involved and no injuries were reported.

Check back for updates.  

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