Happy Friday, Panthers! It is officially the first day of Women’s History month. After you’re done taking down your Black History month decorations and putting up your Women’s History month decorations, make sure to check out this week’s KICs. This week includes Palestine’s prime minister resigning after five years, a UGA student murdered by an illegal migrant, severe storms in north Georgia closing roads, a new Italian Ice restaurant opening in Peachtree City, and Trump’s trial being postponed.
World – Palestine’s prime minister resigns after 5 years of service
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh officially sent in his resignation from office on Monday. At a cabinet meeting, Shatayyeh said that the new reality of the Gaza Strip demands a new government and political arrangements.
Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas, who had elected Shtayyeh for office, made his stance on the matter clear. After the end of this war, he wishes for the Palestine Authority to govern the enclave. Though his idea is not widely shared by his people, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly rejected the idea.
The change shows the willingness of Western-backed authorities to help usher in a reform sought out by the United States. Netanyahu had Israel continue open-ended security after a conflict with Palestinian officials. The Palestinians reject the role and seek independence in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
National – UGA nursing student slayed by illegal migrant
On February 22, University of Georgia nursing student Laken Hope Riley was found in the woods near a jogging trail. Her death ignited an immigration debate in the city of Atlanta. The killing of the nursing student was allegedly done by a Venezuelan migrant.t
Riley had gone out for a run on Thursday morning, according to campus police. Later that morning, a friend of Riley reported her missing when she did not return. Officers searched a forested area of the campus near a lake where Riley was found with visible injuries indicating an attack.
The next day, authorities arrested Venezuelan citizen Jose Ibarra, 26, and charged him with homicide. Records show that Ibarra arrived in the United States in September 2022 after crossing the U.S. – Mexico border illegally near El Paso.
State – Severe storms disrupt northern parts of state
On February 28, severe storms were reported to be moving through metro Atlanta. The weather caused trees and power lines to fall, blocking roads and impeding traffic.
The storms worsened and caused road closures in several counties, including Dekalb, Cobb, and Hall. The news updated people on places to avoid, noting down trees and other obstructions.
There were no additional reports of flooding.
Local – Jeremiah’s Italian Ice announces Peachtree City location
With summer just a few months away, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice’s local franchise owner Henry Rolon and his wife Edgines are opening a new location in Peachtree City. The owners discovered their love of Italian ice while living in Florida, and it sparked the interest to start their own business.
The company began to branch out slowly, and the couple moved to Peachtree City from Florida, hoping to find a perfect place to open their business. After searching around metro Atlanta, he finally decided to open a location in his new hometown. There are 24 different flavors you can enjoy, with sugar-free versions of each. Customers have the option of choosing ice, soft-serve ice cream, or gelati, a mixture of Italian ice and ice cream.
The business couple have plans to include a mural inside the establishment highlighting different cities, including some Peachtree City landmarks. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is planned to open in late May or early June, just in time for the summer season.
Politics – Judge for Trump’s case expected to set trial date
A hearing to set the trial date for former president Donald Trump is being held today in Fort Pierce, Florida. The federal judge who oversees the classified documents is expected to finalize the date today.
This crucial trial can affect if Trump, leading Republican candidate, will face charges for hiding top secret documents from government investigators this year. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has recently postponed the trial multiple times already, but will revisit the date at the pivotal hearing today.
Federal Prosecutors have requested a July 8 trial date ahead of hearing. Defense lawyers have stated that there was no way that a fair trial could be held this year at the time Trump is looking into the Republican presidential nomination.