Welcome back from winter break, Panthers! This week at the Mill was exciting for everyone, with the spring musical, “Pippin,” happening Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Along with “Pippin,” we also had a surprise change early this week, with assistant Principal Krystin Hall leaving to become Whitewater High School’s new principal. With everything going on, it might be nice to relax and read some KICs. This week we have Trump’s new social media, Ahmuad Arbery’s killers found guilty, a Tesla chase, financial impacts of Russia invading Ukraine, and America’s involvement with the Russia-Ukraine war. 

February 21 – Trump launches social media app a year after Twitter ban

Former President Donald Trump released his new social media app named “Truth Social.” The app is supposed to encourage others to ignore political views and enjoy online time with their loved ones.

“Truth Social” was released a year after he was banned on Twitter and claims the app is to limit big companies taking away users’ free speech. The app is similar to Twitter, allowing people to post comments, photos, and videos. However, just hours after the launch, users were complaining of bugs, saying they were shut off of the app for hours.

The app was the No. 1 free app Monday morning, attracting the millions of people that follow him on Twitter who can now share their opinion and lives with others.

February 22 – 3 men who killed Ahmuad Arbery found guilty of all federal hate crime charges 

Three men who killed Ahmuad Arbery have been found guilty of federal hate crimes. The verdict came a day after the final arguments closed up in the case on Monday afternoon. In the courtroom, no cameras were not allowed but reporters could listen in as the verdict was read by teleconference. 

Travis and Greg McMichael, as well as Roddie Bryan, were found guilty of interference with rights and attempted kidnapping. Travis McMichael was found guilty of brandishing and discharging a gun in the commission of a violent crime. Greg McMichael was found guilty of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. 

The panel of eight white people, three black, and one Hispanic received the case Monday following a week-long trial in the U.S. District Court in Brunswick, Georgia. The jurors adjourned for the night after about three hours, then they started again at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning. The jury deliberated for less than four hours in total. The men will have 14 days to appeal and sentencing will happen in three to four weeks. This is the first time in Georgia history that anybody has been convicted of a federal hate crime.

February 23 – Offenders in 90-mph Tesla chase facing multiple drug charges 

Nicolas Morin, age 24, and 20-year-old Emma Oakes Porcella, local Peachtree City residents, are in jail with multiple drug charges after running from the police in a Tesla. Both suspects are sitting in jail, facing charges of obstruction, felony fleeing, distributing controlled substances, misdemeanor marijuana, and speeding. 

At 9 p.m a Tesla was reported going 90 mph on Georgia Highway 74 South. While the officers were trying to avoid another car, they lost sight of the Tesla which was being driven recklessly. 

Morin initially refused to exit the vehicle. After suspects were under arrest, officers found a large amount of cocaine, THC wax, mushrooms, and leaf marijuana. 

February 24 – Russian invasion of Ukraine causes Dow Jones to fall 800 points

Due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, the United States economy is plummeting. Inflation is increasing at an alarming rate. 

The Dow Jones industrial average futures are down 800 points. The cost of one barrel of oil shot up to $100. This is the highest it has been since the last invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2014. 

Investors are on edge because of rising inflation. They are also worried about the Federal Reserves’ plan to raise interest rates. 

February 25 – Voters divided on response to Russian invasion of Ukraine 

Americans are split on how Biden should respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as the United States becomes more involved in the conflict through troop deployments to NATO countries and sanctions toward Russia. 

A study conducted by the Associated Press shows that most Americans think the United States should only play a minor role in the conflict. However, 26% of respondents say America should play a major role, starkly contrasting the 20% of Americans saying America should have no role. 

While Americans acknowledge the conflict, most Americans are more focused on other issues that have affected them more personally, such as crime and inflation.