Happy Friday, Panthers! As hinted in the headline, Taylor Swift’s 12th album released today, “The Life of a Showgirl.” While you are listening to her album, take a look at this week’s KICs. This week we have women in Argentina marching in a protest, a Michigan church shooter, a 25-year-old having a relationship with a 16-year-old, and the government shutdown leaving millions confused.
World – Women in Argentina march to protest murders of three young women
In Buenos Aires on Saturday, thousands of Argentinian women marched in order to protest the deaths of three women who were murdered on a social media livestream.
Morena Verdi, Brenda Del Castillo, and Lara Gutierrez were 20 years old, also 20 years old, and only 15 years old, respectively. The three victims’ bodies were found buried in a suburban Buenos Aires backyard five days after their disappearance. The livestream was organized by drug gang members who wanted to send a “warning” to the 45 gang members who watched it.
Five suspects have currently been detained thanks to the joint efforts of two countries’ police forces. The suspected gang leader behind the livestream, believed to be a Peruvian man in his 20s, remains at large.
National – More on Thomas Sanford, the Michigan church shooter
This past Sunday, Marine veteran Thomas Sanford, shot up a Michigan church. He injured eight, killed five, and left many distressed.
His motives sparked from an ex-girlfriend who went to an LDS church. He often spoke of his hatred toward the religion, especially after he separated from his partner. Sanford was also abusing drugs and alcohol.
Sanford rammed his truck into the side of the church, which created an open fire, before firing bullets. After the attack, he died in a shoot out with police officers.
State – 25-year-old found with 16-year-old girl
In April 2025, a father in Coweta County called 911 on a 25-year-old male. Austin Sweatman, 25, was arrested in Coweta County after being discovered hiding in a 16-year-old girl’s closet.
The father and daughter’s name have not been released. It is known that the girl’s dad saw Sweatman climbing through his daughter’s window. When police arrived the man was found with only boxer shorts and arrested. The 16-year-old and 25-year old were confirmed to be in a relationship and when their smartphones were searched, explicit photos were found.
Sweatman has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor. The investigation is still underway and Sweatman is being held at Coweta County Jail.
Politics – Government shutdown leaves millions confused
The federal government has shut down due to Congress failing to reach a funding deal on Sunday. The parties were arguing over enhanced Obamacare subsidies.
According to the White House, federal workforce layoffs are “imminent.” However, essential agencies and activities are still available. Government shutdowns normally do not have much economic impact, but experts have pointed out that this one could be different due to Donald Trump’s previous funding threats.
The shutdown is expected to last until next Friday, but the deadline could be extended. This is now the second government shut down during Donald Trump’s presidency, with the first being in 2018.