I’m not going to lie, Panthers. This week has been odd. From last week’s abrupt end leading to every class being slightly behind to the fact that we have two football games this week, it has been quite weird. Good thing we can always count on KICs to stay normal. While you are returning to a sense of normalcy, check out this week’s KICs. This week we have borders redrawn due to glaciers melting, another tropical storm developing, a BioLab fire, supply runs due to Hurricane Helene, and campaign safety concerns.
World – Switzerland and Italy redraw border due to melting glaciers
On September 28, Switzerland redefined their border with Italy in the Alps due to melting glaciers between the two countries. The borders, being previously defined by the glacier ridges, are adjusting accordingly with the intent of economically benefiting both countries.
Although Switzerland has officially approved the agreement, Italy has yet to agree to the proposed shift in border. The legitimacy of this debate becomes more and more apparent as the impact of climate change continues to rise. Recorded melting rates are attributed to consecutive abnormally warm summers. These rates are estimated to gradually increase.
Ultimately, the shift in border lines will clarify what natural areas each country is responsible for maintaining. The approval process for the proposition is currently underway in Italy.
National – Forecasters believe another tropical storm may be developing
Although it is too early to know the possible impacts that will occur in the Tampa Bay region, forecasters for the National Hurricane Center are monitoring a tropical disturbance that could be entering the southern Gulf of Mexico sometime this week.
National Weather Service meteorologist Keily Delerme said that there is a 40% chance of it developing over the next seven days, calling it “an area of low pressure that is very disorganized.” Delerme also stated that “It could go anywhere in the Gulf, but if it impacted the same area, it would be even more devastating,” referring to the damage to Florida and the Tampa Bay area created by Hurricane Helene.
The name Kirk has already been assigned to a tropical system in the Eastern Atlantic that does not pose a threat to the U.S at the moment. That being so, the next named storm will be Leslie.
State – BioLab fire continues to cause problems
The EPA has set up a system for the residents of Rockdale County to know the air quality around them. On Sunday, there was a fire at BioLab and the air quality has been poor since the fire happened.
On Sunday at around 5:30 a.m. the fire was first reported. It was believed to be extinguished, but reignited around 12 p.m. Chemicals mixing with water and other chemicals has resulted in chemical smoke that has spread to surrounding counties and around parts of Georgia. At the initial start of the fire, thousands of the locals were evacuated while some were told to shelter in place. Since then there has been an order for the people to shelter in place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. every night.
People in Rockdale and surrounding counties have reported symptoms of chlorine exposure, but the EPA has said that everything is in the safe limits unless you have pre-existing respiratory issues. As of right now crews are working to help remove and clean up the materials causing the problems.
Local – Local pilots stage supply runs in wake of Hurricane Helene
Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, pilots from the metro Atlanta area conducted an airlift of emergency relief supplies to communities in North Carolina. Local pilots had planes bound for Asheville and Hickory, North Carolina.
Donations were sent through the Atlanta Regional Airport in Peachtree City, where local pilots were sent to fly supplies to areas most devastated in North Carolina. The Falcon RV Squadron, which is based in Peachtree City, coordinated the airlift. The airlift was conducted along with the Cajun Navy, a known disaster relief organization from Louisiana.
Word of the relief effort spread quickly, with requested donations of supplies for children including diapers, wipes, and ready-to-eat food. Other requested donations were feminine products, pet food, paper towels, and toilet paper.
Politics – Assassination attempts cause concern over Trump campaign safety
In the past few months, former President Donald Trump has had two attempts on his life–the first during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and the second at his golf club in Florida. Despite the attempts on his life, he claims to be unfazed, but the way he campaigns is having to change.
Iran has made multiple threats toward Trump and his allies. He accused President Joe Biden of denying him security resources in order to help his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. The US Secret Service denied this claim, and Trump now travels with extra security measures.
Trump continues to campaign and has brought the concept of divine intervention into his survival. With just over a month until the election, he and his security team are working to keep him safe.