Panthers, we are back! Since school is back in session, so are KICs. This week includes a monsoon storm flooding Pakistan, an update on Hurricane Erin and its deadly tides, a family searches for a missing loved one, and Trump DOJ debates on the recent manipulation of crime data.
World – Monsoon storms flood Pakistan
Monsoon season has devastated Pakistan leading to major losses. As of June 26, an estimated 650 lives have been lost with over 350 of those lives being lost within the last 72 hours.
With most deaths being directly caused by the flash flooding and structural collapse, many citizens feel as though the government has not been doing anything in response. Residents of afflicted areas have made it known that the government has either not visited them or diminished their concerns when they did. Many have expressed feelings as if their poverty is the reason the government shows little to no interest in alleviating their situation.
According to the World Bank, Pakistan holds one of the highest risk levels in the world due to flood exposure and tropical cyclones. A study from 2020 cited the leading cause for these devastating storms as climate change’s effects.
National – Hurricane Erin expected to bring deadly tides to east coast
As Hurricane Erin continues to make its way inland, it has been downgraded from a category 4 to a category 3. Hurricane Erin continues to work its way inward at 8 mph and is expected to stay at a category 3.
Currently, Hurricane Erin has 125 mph winds and is expected to stay around the same speed or slow down as it reaches land. While affecting the whole east coast and starting up deadly currents and waves, North Carolina’s Outer Banks are expected to be hit the hardest. Forecasters say that the hurricane is unusually large and they are waiting to see how the size will progress.
As the hurricane reaches land, forecasters are saying that it could reach back up to a category 4. They are waiting to see how things progress throughout the week as the hurricane comes inland.
State – Family searches for missing loved one
Cheree McCroskey was last seen in May in Gwinnett County. Now, police and family are desperately searching for her.
McCroskey moved to Georgia from North Carolina around one year ago. According to McCroskey ‘s sister, she would frequently call home and ask for money, but she had not heard from her in some time. McCroskey struggles with bipolar disorder and was living in and out of homeless shelters.
According to Gwinnett County Police, McCroskey was last seen next to Herrington Road in Lawrenceville on May 26. Police are still searching for McCroskey and encourage anyone who might know where she is to reach out.
Politics – Trump DOJ debating the manipulation of crime data
Trump’s Department of Justice is investigating Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department for manipulating crime evidence. The investigation sparked quickly because of the city’s battle against federal law enforcement under Trump’s administration.
In a social media post, Trump seemed to admit to the mishandling of the crime scene. The Justice Department did not make a statement. However, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Pamela Smith are incorporating themselves into the investigation on Wednesday.
Although the crime rate has been skyrocketing, city officials are denying the allegation, saying that it has been at an all time low. Officials have been relocated around the city to hopefully seek a drop in these statistics.