Happy winter break, Panthers! After working so hard during February, students and teachers are in dire need of a break. We start off the week with a arrested Super Bowl halftime performer, Trump urging tariffs, a daycare worker charged with sexual assault, and a K9 deputy retiring. Enjoy your winter break, Panthers, and see you soon!
World – Super Bowl LIX halftime performer arrested for protesting humanitarian crisis
During Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, a background performer held up a flag emblazoned with the words Sudan and Gaza. The performer was soon detained and arrested, but the protest brought up ongoing issues.
The current war between Hamas, who rules Gaza, and Israel began a ceasefire on January 19, but tensions are still present and there are still worries over how long the peace will hold. In Sudan, a 2019 uprising led to their autocratic president being removed and democracy being quickly established, but the chiefs leading the country’s Rapid Support Force led a military coup, and the country is still unstable. A war between Sudan’s military and the RSF began in 2023 and still continues in a war estimated to be bloodier than the civil war.
Several American artists have written music surrounding these two wars, and they have created a link between the two because of their devastation. Violence and tension continue to surround these countries, and the concern over the instability has made its way to the United States and the Super Bowl LIX halftime show.
National – Trump urges 25% tariffs on US aluminum and steel imports
On February 10, President Trump said he would impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States. The administration is also considering additional tariffs on pharmaceuticals, computer chips, and automobiles.
During his first term in the White House, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminum. Earlier this month, he authorized a wave of tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. Last week, the President agreed to a 30-day pause on threats to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, and another 10% tariff on Canadian oil, natural gas, and electricity.
Trump claims these tariffs are necessary to ensure greater cooperation from the countries to stop illegal immigration and prevent fentanyl smuggling. He also promised that a use of tariffs will boost domestic manufacturing and raise revenues for the federal government. The Associated Press says that unjustified tariffs will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures.
State – Fulton Daycare worker charged with sexual and physical assault of preschoolers
A former daycare worker is out on bond after she was charged with sexual and physical assault of 12 preschoolers. Now a 13th is coming forward filing a lawsuit against the same worker.
Tulsi Patel was arrested six months ago for charges brought against her but is already out on bond, and was formally charged with aggravated child molestation. This is actually the second time Pulsi has done something like this as it has recently come out at Cornerstone preschool in Forsyth County. A new victim’s family is now coming forth with a lawsuit after they had come forward saying she abused their child to the point of bleeding.
Pulsi was released on bond on January 17, 2025, but with the new allegations she is now awaiting another trial. The owner of Cornerstone is also awaiting trial for not previously reporting the abuse.
Local – After 10 years of service, K9 deputy retires
A Bloodhound named Copper retired after 10 years of service with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
Copper joined the sheriff’s office in November 2015 when she was 12 weeks old. She started her career tracking and finding a wanted felon, and over her career she and her partner responded to more that 150 calls. She handled homicides to armed robberies, saving lives along her journey
Enjoying her retirement, she will continue to live with her owner, Lieutenant Thamert.