Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, successfully sued the city of San Jose to allow his Gulfstream V private jet to land during nighttime hours, despite a curfew aimed at reducing noise pollution. The legal battle, which lasted two years, ended with a court ruling in Ellison's favor, highlighting his determination to get his way and his willingness to challenge city ordinances.
Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved amending the city's noise ordinance to allow broadcasts of the Muslim call to prayer, known as the adhan or azan, at all times. Minneapolis becomes the first major American city to do so. The amendment is expected to be signed into law by Mayor Jacob Frey next week. The move is seen as a step towards religious freedom and diversity in the city, which has a booming East African population.
Minneapolis has become the first major US city to allow the Muslim call to prayer to be broadcast over speakers five times a day, year-round. The city council unanimously agreed to amend the noise ordinance, which had previously prevented dawn and late evening calls at certain times of the year due to noise restrictions. The decision was made during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and drew no organized community opposition. The move has been praised as a demonstration of the US's commitment to freedom of religion.