May Newsbytes #1

By: Staff Writer Gelsey Plaza 

Local

Governor Jerry Brown disclosed legislation on Tuesday that would substantially increase penalties for those who violate California’s rules for mandatory water conservation. The fines will increase from $500 per day to $10,000. After meeting with mayors to discuss the drought, Brown also said he will direct state agencies to streamline environmental reviews of local water supply projects. The state water board plans to require cities to cut water use by as much as 35 percent. Brown says that these measures “will strengthen the ability of local officials to build new water projects and ensure that water is not wasted.”

 

National

On Friday May 1, six police officers were criminally charged for alleged criminal connection in the death of the 25-year old black man, Freddie Gray. According to the police investigation, Gray’s spine was severed during the 45-minute ride inside a police wagon where his legs were shackled and his hands were cuffed behind his back. When he complained t hat he couldn’t breathe, the police officers reportedly paid no attention to his degrading condition. All six officers posted bond, with three initially paying $350,000 and the other three paying $250,000. Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says, “There will be justice for Freddie Gray, there will be justice for his family, there will be justice for Baltimore.”

 

International

On Saturday April 25, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, and its surrounding areas, killing thousands of people and injuring much more.  Mount Everest also experienced deadly avalanches during the quake.  According to CNN, more than 4600 people were killed, more than 9000 people were injured, eight million people are affected across 39 districts of Nepal, and one million children are in dire need of medical help. This is the deadliest natural disaster in more than 80 years. Fortunately, more than 15 countries and agencies are providing rescue and recovery assistance.

 

Quirky

A 90-year old tortoise is scooting around on a pair of wheels after being injured by a rat and having its front legs chewed off. With veterinary bills soaring over $1500, owner Jude Ryder of Pembrokeshire, Wales decided to turn to her son, who is a mechanical engineer. He designed the wheels from a toy plane and a custom axle. Ryder says that these wheels saved her tortoise’s life, and that now her tortoise can move at a faster speed than before.