DAILY NEWS / TRENDING NEWS

 Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, several U.S. communities have declared October 14, 2025—his birthday—as Charlie Kirk Day, honoring his legacy of civic engagement and free speech.

Kirk was killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with murder in what officials are calling a politically motivated attack.

Kirk was known for founding Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization focused on campus activism.

The Wakulla County School Board in Florida unanimously approved a proclamation naming October 14 “Charlie Kirk Day of Peaceful Civic Discourse”. Students will receive lessons on constitutional rights, freedom of speech, and American values, aligned with Florida’s education standards.

Superintendent Richard Myhre said the initiative aims to promote healing and understanding through education.

In Riverton, Utah, Mayor Trent Staggs issued a proclamation honoring Kirk’s legacy. The city encouraged residents to mark the day with acts of service, dialogue, and community engagement.

Staggs described Kirk as a personal friend and praised his commitment to civil discourse.

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution declaring October 14 a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, led by Senator Rick Scott. President Donald Trump also issued a Presidential Proclamation, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide from September 10 to 14.

While many supporters view the proclamations as a tribute to free speech, critics argue that Kirk’s controversial views make him an inappropriate figure for civic celebration. NAACP leaders have called for the Wakulla County proclamation to be rescinded, citing concerns about inclusivity and student safety.

The designation of Charlie Kirk Day reflects both admiration for his activism and the complexities of honoring polarizing public figures. As October 14 approaches, schools and cities must navigate the balance between civic education and community sensitivity.

For full details, read WTXL’s coverage of Wakulla County’s proclamation, MSN’s report on the controversy, and Fox News’ live updates on the Senate resolution. Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of civic education initiatives or a timeline of Charlie Kirk memorial events.

 September 18, 2025 marks the return of National Cheeseburger Day, a celebration of one of America’s most beloved comfort foods. From sizzling patties to melty cheese, this annual event brings together burger lovers and restaurant chains for a day of indulgence and unbeatable deals.

A Bite of Cheeseburger History

The cheeseburger’s origin story begins in Pasadena, California, where teenager Lionel Sternberger added cheese to a hamburger in 1924. The experiment was a hit, and by the 1930s, diners nationwide were serving their own cheesy variations.

In 1935, the term “cheeseburger” was trademarked by a Denver drive-in, cementing its place in American culinary lore.

Why We Celebrate on September 18

Though the date’s selection remains unofficial, September 18 has become a fixture in the food world. It’s a day when restaurants roll out exclusive offers, and burger fans line up for their favorite cheesy creations.

Top Cheeseburger Deals for 2025

Here are the best promotions available this year:

• McDonald’s: Double Cheeseburger for $0.50 via app

• Burger King: Free Bacon Cheeseburger with $1 purchase for loyalty members

• White Castle: BOGO Cheese Sliders with promo code “SAYCHEESE”

• Buffalo Wild Wings: Buy one burger, get one free – dine-in or delivery

• Sonic: App users get one free Double Sonic Smasher with purchase

• Applebee’s: Cheeseburger + Fries for $8.99, available online and in-store

• Dairy Queen: Free Double Stackburger with $1 app order

• Carl’s Jr.: Half-price Western Bacon Cheeseburger with drink purchase

Most deals are app-exclusive or require loyalty membership, so check your favorite chain’s website for redemption details.

How People Celebrate

National Cheeseburger Day is more than just a meal—it’s a movement:

• Foodies share burger photos and reviews online

• Restaurants host burger-building contests

• Families grill at home and experiment with toppings

• Influencers post rankings of the best local cheeseburgers

Whether you’re dining out or cooking in, it’s a day to celebrate flavor and tradition.

National Cheeseburger Day 2025 is the perfect excuse to enjoy a classic American dish. With deep roots in culinary history and a lineup of mouthwatering deals, September 18 is a must-mark date for burger fans everywhere.

For full details on this year’s promotions, visit Merca20’s deal roundup, Yahoo’s McDonald’s offer breakdown, and USA Today’s cheeseburger coverage. Let me know if you’d like a curated list of the best local burger joints or a recipe guide for gourmet cheeseburgers at home.

 A tragic accident at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park has left the community reeling after a 32-year-old man died following a ride on the park’s high-speed coaster, Stardust Racers. The incident occurred on September 17, 2025, and has prompted an investigation into ride safety and medical protocols.

The guest, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers, a dual-track coaster known for its intense launches and synchronized racing elements. He was rushed to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Universal immediately closed the ride and issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming cooperation with authorities.

According to Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries, and the death was ruled accidental. The exact nature of the injuries remains unclear, raising questions about whether the ride’s design or a medical condition played a role.

Industry experts say the findings are unusual and warrant further investigation into the ride’s restraint systems and operational procedures.

Epic Universe opened in May 2025 and is Florida’s first major theme park addition in over two decades. While large parks like Universal conduct their own safety inspections, they must report serious incidents to state regulators.

Since opening, Epic Universe has logged three safety reports, including dizziness and chest pain on various attractions.

Universal has not provided a timeline for reopening Stardust Racers, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala has sparked renewed scrutiny of theme park safety protocols, especially for high-speed thrill rides. As Epic Universe continues to draw crowds, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of guest health screening, ride engineering, and emergency preparedness.

For more details, see MSN’s autopsy report, CBS News’ coverage, and Florida Today’s ride analysis. Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of Florida’s theme park safety laws or a technical overview of Stardust Racers’ ride system.