As the school year kicks off, students are working on getting back into the swing of things, and relearning how to balance school and life. Instead of freaking out about all the work you have piling up, read these KICs. This week we have Afghani residents in fear of new Taliban rule, Rosalynn Carter dedicating a butterfly sculpture, Newnan rezoning, the world’s largest moth spotted in the U.S., and more info regarding the FBI’s raid on Trump’s home.

August 15, 2022 – Afghanistan residents in fear under new Taliban rule 

It’s been a year since the U.S.-led campaign to aid the violence-stricken country of Afghanistan was over. In a widely chaotic exit, western nations rushed to flee the country as the victorious Taliban quickly began taking over, and imposing their new “Inclusive Islamic Government.”

The Taliban wasted no time in enforcing policies that actively repress and discriminate against women and girls in many different aspects of their lives, causing havoc on the citizens of Afghanistan. The Taliban have decimated laws and procedures that have aided women and those suffering from domestic violence, and the country has now reported a surge in child marriages under the new laws.

Even those who are not living in fear under the new rule are in crisis as waves of hardship have hit every sector of the country. Millions are left in fear, and more are left unable to feed their families. Afghan citizens can only hope that these hard times will pass.

August 16, 2022 – Rosalynn Carter dedicates butterfly sculpture in Plains, Ga

Ahead of the former First Lady’s 95th birthday, Rosalynn Carter dedicated a monarch butterfly sculpture in a garden in Plains, Ga. The statue stands in the former First Lady’s childhood garden next to her childhood home.

The former First Lady and former President Carter attended the dedication ceremony on Saturday. It was meant to honor the former First Lady’s 95th birthday on Thursday. The sculpture is part of the former first lady’s continued advocacy of butterflies and their habitats. Peter Hazel created the sculpture.

The reason behind the monarch butterfly sculpture is to raise awareness of what the monarch needs to survive, because it was just added to the endangered species list. The sculpture was titled “Monarch Tree.” It is 15 feet high and 15 feet wide. The sculpture displays 18 butterflies on eight stumps.

August 17, 2022 – Newnan to consider 30-acre rezoning on Celebrate Life Parkway

Newnan city council is considering changing the zoning for 30 acres of land around Celebrate Life Parkway. The change would re-identify the area from a high density residential area to a mixed-use development district.

The proposal has sparked concern for public safety due to the increase in traffic and overall population. Both the Newnan fire department and police department have said that they would need additional service workers in order to deal with the impact the development district would have.

These changes would allow for multiple residential complexes as well as commercial space to be built along the parkway. Only 11 out of the 30 acres are fit to be developed, however. There will be a public hearing to discuss the proposal at the city council chamber on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

August 18, 2022 – World’s largest moth discovered in U.S. for first time

The atlas moth is considered one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan of 10 inches. This monstrous moth was spotted in the U.S. for the first time.

This moth is typically tropical, so it is unclear whether it would survive in Seattle’s climate where it was found. Although little is known about the insects, their host plants are cherry and apple trees.

Officials are trying to determine whether this is a one-off incident, or if there is a population of atlas moths in the area.

August 19, 2022 – Justification for FBI raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home is wonky

The surveillance powers of the FBI are being brought into question after poor justification for last week’s raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home. 

FBI are using Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act to justify their raid on Trump. “Section 702” as it is known is meant to gather electronic communications from foreign targets. It is not being used for that purpose, however, and is highly controversial due to its ability to sweep up the communications of Americans.

The GOP is furious over the raid and the reason for it. Director Wray gave a statement that he was planning on “reforming” the FBI’s laws and guidelines. Whatever reason is given, it is not looking good for the reputation of the FBI.