Happy Friday, Panthers! I don’t know about you, but this week has felt extremely long. With the cold mornings and even longer days, we are in need of a good weekend. While you are resting this weekend, cozy up and read this week’s KICs. This week we have a runner who faces a bear attack in the Japanese woods, an immigration sweep sparking a protest in New York, the I-75 North at Jonesboro Road re-opening after a bridge strike, and the government shutdown continuing as the Democrats block federal worker pay.
World – Runner faces bear attack in Japanese woods
Billy Halloran encountered two Asiatic black bears on a run through the forests in Myoko, Japan. He is an avid runner who is well-experienced with these woods, even competing in an ultramarathon that journeyed through them.
Bear attacks have been rising in Japan, with the highest records since 2006. There have been over 100 attacks and seven fatalities since the beginning of the year. Scientists have identified this with climate change causing them to venture out into urban areas.
Halloran, thankfully, got away with only a broken arm and injured leg. He managed to defend himself and run back safely to the parking lot, even with these injuries.
National – Immigration sweep sparks protest in NYC
Federal immigration agents conducted a sweep on Canal Street in Manhattan, targeting vendors selling counterfeit goods. The operation quickly escalated as protesters confronted agents, attempting to block their vehicles and shouting “ICE of New York.”
The clash led to arrests and standoffs, with agents reportedly using pepper spray and tactical gear. The sweep was promoted by a conservative influencer’s viral video urging ICE to investigate the area. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the operation was obstructed by “rioters” who assaulted officers.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed protesters assaulted agents and disrupted the operation, prompting criticism from local leaders and civil rights groups.
State – I-75 North at Jonesboro Road partially reopens after bridge strike
In Meadowbrook Lane, there was an impact that created a visible hole in the bridge above it. Georgia Department of Transportation engineers examined the impact and the stability before they could repair it.
Drivers were diverted off at Mount Zion Road in order to re-enter I-75 further north. There were backups but stretched all the way to Hudson Bridge Road. Motorists were urged not to take I-675 as a different route.
There are repairs, but no estimate yet for when the lanes get reopened. Expect traffic delays in the morning. Two lanes on the interstate were observed to be reopened.
Politics- Government shutdown continues as Democrats block federal worker pay
Senate Democrats blocked legislation to pay federal employees who have been working without financial compensation. This loss was a part of the many failed partisan votes on the 23rd day of the government shutdown.
Democrats have stated that their reasoning for blocking the GOP measure was so that President Donald Trump could not pick and choose which types of workers received compensation during the government shutdown. In order for the measure to pass, it would need to have a simple majority, but fell short by 60 votes. Senate Republicans have blocked two alternatives that Democrats attempted to pass by unanimous consent.
One of the alternatives would pay all essential workers roughly $700,000 as compensation for the shut down. Since both essential and non-essential workers would be paid, the alternatives would prevent Trump from laying off any additional employees.