It is gameday, Panthers! Football hosts their first home game tonight, and not only that, but it is against rival school Whitewater. We hope to see everyone there tonight. While you are waiting for the game to start, check out this week’s KICs. This week has ceasefire talks between Israel and Palestine, missing Americans following a yacht capsizes, a mother and son being found after an Amber aler, an 11-year old found by a SWAT team, and Vice President Kamala Harris standing with Israel.
World – Ceasefire talks may be last chance to free hostages
Diplomatic discussions in Israel might present an opportunity to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deals. U.S. Secretary of State Anothony Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and expressed optimism regarding that discussion.
The U.S. is actively making negotiations with Israel’s leader that are intended to establish peace in the long-standing gap between Israel and Hamas. However, this goal does not seem attainable to Israeli and Hamas leaders in Israel who continue to accuse each other of inexcusable cynicism. A compromise has yet to be reached.
Discussions will continue between the Israeli government and Hamas leaders. The U.S. will continue to make negotiation attempts in hopes of aiding in the efforts toward peace.
National – Americans among missing after yacht capsizes
Early on the morning of August 19, the yacht Bayesian capsized off the coast of Italy, leaving six people missing. Storms and bad weather had wreaked havoc on Italy, and though seafarers expected rough water, just how rough they were took the Bayesian by surprise.
A flare was sent out from the vessel at around 4:30 in the morning, but by the time anyone got to the site, the ship had already sunk. Fifteen people were rescued, including a 1-year-old girl and her mother, but one body was also found and six are still missing, including British entrepreneur Mike Lynch. Many of these missing people are Americans.
The Bayesian was found 164 feet under the water near Sicily, and those missing are still being searched for. Most of them are thought to be inside the vessel.
State – Amber alert recalled, mother and son found safe
On Tuesday evening, a 32-year old mother and her 4-year old son were abducted from their Roswell home and an Amber alert was sent out. They were found at 1 a.m. several hours after being abducted. When found, they were safe and unharmed.
The main suspect of the abductor is the mother’s boyfriend Brain Thomas Betenia. The police spotted his car and decided to pursue the car. After a brief chase, the deputies were able to pull Betenia over. At the time of the abduction the police put out two different alerts one for the mother and another for the son that have since been canceled.
Betenia has since been taken into custody and will be questioned. As of right now Begonia’s charges are not known and it is not known when they will be released.
Local – 11-year-old rescued by SWAT
Sending a distress call, a woman reported her boyfriend had assaulted her and threatened to kill her family. When deputies arrived at the scene, they spoke to the caller outside the home, learning an 11-year-old child was still in the home, possibly in danger.
The Coweta County SWAT and Criminal Investigation Unit were dispatched with Newnan and Fulton County providing additional support. After waiting, the team was able to rescue the child from the home, unharmed. They soon began to negotiate with the alleged threat.
Michael Burns surrendered and was taken into custody. Burns has been charged with aggravated assault and simple battery-family violence.
Politics – Harris stands with Israel while sympathetic to Gaza
Throughout her vice presidency Harris and President Biden have been full throttle in support of Israel, and with increased pressure from pro-Palestine protesters have responded to their worries. Harris is continuing her stand with Israel while now showing sympathy for Palestinians.
During her speech, Harris spoke heavily on the situation in the Middle East. Harris said that she fully believes in Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas attacks. At the same time, however, she also shared sympathy with the innocent lives lost in Gaza in their terrible situations. Harris also shared her intent of ending the fighting between the countries by freeing the hostages so Palestine can thrive as a free country.
Many members of the democratic party have pressured Harris to end her current relations with Biden in the election as his pro-Israel stance has caused tension between many people. However, Biden has made a speech earlier this week expressing sympathy with the protestors as well.