Panthers, it has been a good run. Today marks the last KIC intro this editor-in-chief will ever write, as I officially finish high school today. So while I’m giving my last “ew,” “blah,” and “yuck” edits, take a look at these KICs. This week we have thousands evacuating from Mount Sumeru, voting in the runoff, injuries at an apartment shooting, COVID guidelines in China, and Russia freeing an American prisoner.    

December 6 –  Thousands evacuate from wrath of Mount Sumeru 

After coating roads and homes in volcanic ash, Mount Semeru erupted in Indonesia on Sunday, causing nearly 2,000 residents of Jakarta, Indonesia, to evacuate. It is advised to stay at least 10.5 miles away from Semeru’s eruption center, due to the extent of the spread of the volcanic ash. 

The spread of the dangerous ash has caused a distribution of over 20,000 face masks in order to bypass the threat of respiratory health risks. In addition, evacuees are able to stay in community halls for safe shelter. 

This eruption has been followed by a series of earthquakes. However, no tsunami impact followed the event. 

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December 7 – Polls open in Georgia for the senate runoff election 

The battle ends here with the election of either Republican candidate Herschel Walker or Democratic candidate Raphael Warnock. Last month, Democrats flipped the senate, and this is going to affect how Georgians vote. 

Although Georgia has a Republican governor, this might not help Walker since governor Brian Kemp did not help Walker’s case back in the primary election. Voters are more worried about Walker winning the election and becoming Georgia’s senator than Warnock taking the win again. Some people think that Walker is more incompetent and Warnock has more experience with him being the incumbent.

Walker endorsed the former president Donald Trump and this did get him a nomination for senator but it is not helping him in the long run. Many say that Walker is not meant to be a politician, and that having Trump’s backing is not enough to secure Republican votes.

December 7 – Person injured at apartment complex shooting 

Officials were called to an apartment complex in southwest Atlanta around 2:40 p.m. after a reported shooting. One person was found shot and in critical condition, and was rushed to the hospital immediately. 

Officers swarmed the area, paying close attention to the font for the apartment building where the shooting happened. Investigators say that the shooting was targeted, and they believe the shooting was caused by an argument that escalated too far. 

There have been no arrests so far and the victim’s identity has not been released.

December 8 – Zero-COVID guidelines brings mixed feelings in China
Workers across China are unsure how to react to the country’s newfound relaxation on COVID rules. Numerous residents have expressed happiness and relief. Others questioned how the new rules would roll out.

On Wednesday, China’s health authorities overhauled the zero-COVID policy, but still kept some restrictions. Other than those restrictions, China has largely scrapped health code limits. 

Despite the fact that many welcomed the changes, others still have a spark of disbelief. Since Wednesday, there has already been a contradiction on how the guidelines should be implemented. Regardless of the mixed feelings, locals continue to adapt to the new regulations.

December 8 – Russia frees WNBA star in prisoner swap

WNBA player Brittany Grimer is returning to the U.S. after being released from Russia in a prisoner swap on Thursday. The swap was between Grimer and a notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout. The swap took place in Ukraine.

President Biden authorized the swap for Bout after facing pressure following Grimer’s case. The Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the swap was successful, and Biden has confirmed that Grimer is safe and on a plane returning to the U.S.

Grimer was detained in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after officials received reports that she was carrying vape canisters in her luggage. She pleaded guilty in July, but was not sentenced until August. Her lawyers said that the punishment that she received was out of line for her offense.