Well, Panthers, it’s the first week of November. Tuesday was a big day this week with an asynchronous learning day for students, elections, and the Braves winning the World Series for the first time since 1995. The first week of November has had its mix of celebrations and tragedy including murder at a wedding in Afghanistan, a Gwinnett County student being shot at the bus stop, a celebration of Colin Powell’s life.

November 1 – Afghanistan wedding guests shot dead after playing music during reception

Three wedding guests were shot at an Eastern Afghanistan wedding on Friday night due to music being played at the reception. The three assailants identified themselves as members of the Taliban before firing. Two people died in the shooting that injured 10 others.

A Taliban spokesman stated that permission was not given to kill anyone for playing music. Although the Taliban disproves the playing of music they have yet to place a ban on it. The three suspects asked for the music to be stopped before firing. 

An investigation is in place to discover whether the incident was based on a personal feud. Two suspects have been arrested. A third suspect escaped. 

November 2 – Central Gwinnett student shot at the bus stop 

A 16-year-old boy was placed on life support after being shot waiting for the school bus in a Lawrenceville neighborhood. Lawrenceville Police confirmed that while the 10th grader was waiting for the bus, he was ambushed around 6:30 am. He was rushed to the hospital after being found in critical condition.

His classmate, a 17- year-old student at Central Gwinnett, was taken into custody and faces charges related to the shooting. The principal of the school, Mr. Orr, said that rumors are circulating about the condition of the student after the shooting, but nothing is confirmed. An 18-year-old has also been suspected of being related to the shooting and has also been taken into custody.

According to a local police officer, the two students had a history of altercations that led to this. Counseling for students at Central Gwinnett is available after the event. Orr has also requested for extra resource officers on campus.

November 3 – Devastated mother seeks justice

Fulton County sheriff’s deputy Shakeema Jackson was killed as well as her brother Lavory Brown. Their mother now seeks justice.

Evidence suggests that it was Shakeema Jackson’s husband who pulled the trigger on November 3. Jaquavia Jackson, Shakeema’s husband, was later arrested for the murders. 

Zona Inman, Shakeema and Lavory’s mother, was notified of the crimes by her son-in-law. She has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for the funerals of both her children.

November 4 – Ithaca, New York becomes first U.S. city to begin decarbonization of buildings

The city council of Ithaca, New York, approved the full decarbonization of its buildings on Wednesday night.

Ithaca will be the first city in the United States to begin the process of 100% decarbonization. The plan targets the decarbonization of buildings because they make up 40% of the city’s carbon emissions. The project includes the electrification of 1,000 residential buildings and 600 commercial buildings in the first wave of an overall inventory of 6,000 buildings.

Although it is the first, it is predicted that Ithaca will not be the last U.S. city to begin the project of 100% decarbonization.

November 5, 2021 – Colin Powell’s “Life well lived”

Colin Powell’s funeral was held on November 5, 2021, at the Washington National Cathedral after he died of Covid-19. His family and former colleagues attended the service to honor his achievements.

Colin Powell was the first country’s Black secretary of state and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and retired as a four-star general. President Joe Biden, the First Lady, and former President Barack Obama also attended the ceremony to pay their respects.

 Multiple family members and close friends attended the service and spoke about his character. They said he was “the ultimate team player” and he was a friend to all.