News Roundup 11/15/18
Photo Courtesy By: Getty Images
By: Raylene Camerano
1. Wildfire Death Toll Rises
California's deadliest wildfire reportedly started on Nov. 8th 2018 and continues to burn the counties of Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura. The Camp Fire in Northern California has taken the lives of 63 individuals and burned over 11,000 structures. The Woolsey Fire in Los Angeles and Ventura counties have taken three lives and burned over 400 structures. The fires combined have burned over 200,000 acres and only the Woolsey Fire has been over 50% contained. Hundreds of individuals are still reported missing while the fire continues to burn homes and businesses to ashes. Communities are continuing to evacuate while Cal Fire, along with firefighters from Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Montana, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington travel to California, continue to contain the fire.
2. Inmates Only Paid $1/hour As Firefighters
Inmates are currently taking part in the assistance to contain the raging wildfires in California. The volunteer program is held by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The inmates make $2/day and $1/hour during active fires. The inmates are carefully evaluated by the organization to approve they have nonviolent behavior. "According to the CDCR, the program saves the state between $90 and $100 million a year," reports CNBC. The program has also been scrutinized by Gayle McLaughlin when he ran for California Lieutenant Governor, calling the program "slave labor."
Source: CNBC
3. Parkland Shooter Faces More Charges
Nikolas Cruz, the 20-year-old charged with 17 accounts of murder in the first degree and 17 accounts of attempted murder from murdering students and faculty in the Parkland Fl. high school shooting, is facing more charges after brawling with a prison guard. Cruz already faces a possible death penalty and now possibly more charges. Police reports have identified Cruz in a surveillance video attacking Sgt. Raymond Beltran after he was told to stop dragging his sandals. Cruz attacks Beltran in the video and obtains possession of a taser from Beltran's belt before the sergeant got the upper hand and detained him.
Source: Washington Post
4. Trump Supports Prison Reform
On Wednesday Nov. 14th, President Trump stated he supports a bipartisan bill that will reform the prison and sentencing laws. "Today, I am thrilled to announce my support for this bipartisan bill that will make our communities safer and give former inmates a second chance at life after they have served their time," Trump stated. The bill works to help former inmates adjust to civilian life after their time is served. Employment options will be offered and federal inmates will have the opportunity to be placed closer to their families because, as Trump emphasized, "...We know that maintaining family and community ties is key to a successful re-entry in our society."
Source: New York Times
5. FDA Works to Reduce Minor Consumption of Cigarettes
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently trying to reduce the Timor consumption of menthol cigarettes and e-cigarettes. This limit of e-cigarettes would force the retailers to keep them under lock and key. “Our aim is to make sure no kid can access a fruity flavor product in a convenience store,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb stated. Gottlieb also said that because of the restriction, retailers will have to have a separate room for these products with an age-restriction.
Source: The Washington Post