Happy Friday, Panthers! As y’all probably know, we are monitoring a huge ice storm coming our way. Make sure you head out today to get all your needed supplies to prepare for power outages, closed roads, and hopefully shut down schools. While you are bundling up in the cold weather, take a look at this week’s KICs. This week we have a measles outbreak reaching record-breaking numbers, predictions of an ice and snow storm in North Georgia, and President Trump talking with Russia and Ukraine to end the war.
National – Measles outbreak making record-breaking numbers
A year ago today, West Texas saw the first case of measles that caused a weekly outbreak ever since. Before it officially ended, there were 760 cases and two fatalities just in Texas.
This was the largest outbreak the US had seen since 2019. Other states like South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona, have seen cases as well. The beginning of 2026 has seen the worst cases, with restaurants, schools, churches, and airports closing.
The entire upsurge has surpassed 2,200 confirmed cases. More than 95% of those cases have been from unvaccinated people.
State – Predictions of ‘significant’ ice and snow in North Georgia
Weather predictions have shown forecasts of heavy snow throughout Northern Georgia. The cold weather brings with it structural risks such as power outages, disruptions in commute, and risks of bursting pipes.
So far professionals have confirmed that a strong winter storm system is moving toward the region. The National Weather Service anticipated a harsher cold forecast over the weekend. With the exact intensity unknown, the storm is anticipated to bring with it a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow.
According to FOX5 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist David Chandley, the largest threat for ice accumulation is in the metro area. He goes on to say how the real threat would be the snow that brings down power lines and trees.
Politics – President Trump sees an end to the war between Russia, Ukraine
On Thursday, President of Ukraine Zelenskyy said that representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States would hold their first three-sided meeting. Before their meeting, Zelenskyy stressed that any peace agreement would have to include security backing for Ukraine by American power.
On the talks of the war, Zelenskyy acknowledged the process made by the U.S.-led negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy believes they are in the “last mile” of the road to peace. Although they are close to the end, both parties know that it will be a difficult road. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy described his meeting with President Trump as “productive and substantive.”
In response, President Trump said he had a “good” meeting with Zelenskyy and called for Russia’s war on Kyiv to end. That same day, Trump finalized a framework deal that would include total access to Greenland.