News Analysis: week 2

Local

Madison, WI- The legislative Audit Bureau report found that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has not been abiding by its own policies. In regards to monitoring and policing pollution of large livestock farms and wastewater treatment plants, the DNR has failed to distribute violation notices in 94% of the 558 instances according to the Wisconsin State Journal.

There is heavy enforcement for polluters to file annual compliance reports according to the DNR, however auditors found that only 36 of 1,900 reports were officially documented as having been received by the DNR. In addition, the report found that the DNR has been extending permits without review, a strict violation of their own policies,

A spokesman for the DNR, James Dick, defended the DNR in a statement claiming the agency often uses other means and tactics instead of distributing violation notices in order to obtain compliance from violators. One example Dick provided was discussing the violation directly with the violator, however according to the DNR policy; violation notices were called in all 558 cases disclosed in the audit.

According to the Journal Sentinel, Dick stated in an email that "because DNR uses other means to obtain compliance, the number of (notices of violation) is not an indicator of whether an environmental issue was addressed."

The problem lies within the lack of staff to be able to thoroughly investigate all violations. In an effort to rectify this situation, Senator Robert Cowles (co-chairman of the Legislators Audit Committee) is inquiring a funding amount needed by the DNR in order to "set things right,"WPR stated.


Reasoning

I chose to brief this story because it hits many components of a newsworthy story. Not only is this a relevant and timely story, but its effects impact the entire state. The DNR is supposed to be a credible and reputable source, so to find out that they have been "cutting corners" so to speak is frightening in a sense.


National

Calabasas, CA- A wildfire broke out on Saturday afternoon forcing 5,000 people (3,700 homes) from their homes. According to Los Angeles County Deputy Fire Chief John Tripp, the fire is on the slope of a canyon and has already consumed 516 acres of land.

According to CNN, an evacuation was ordered for the residents of Calabasas and Topanga when the fire originally broke out, however the residents of Calabasas were given the all clear to return to their homes as of Sunday morning. In a statement made in USA Today, Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector, Joey Marron said 30% of the fire was contained as of Sunday morning as well.

The fire was caused by a pickup truck that crashed into a powerpole on the Mulholland highway in Calabasas. As a result, the pole fell causing the transformer to explode and thus ignite the fire.

Currently there are 400 firefighters, as well as water dropping helicopters working to combat the fire, Fox News said. Because of the location however, Tripp explained "...Its very dangerous for us to do a direct attack." Additionally, Battalion Chief Dennis Cross told KNBC-TV "We're dealing with a fire that's moving in every direction simultaneously... we can't get to everybody."

Authorities are advising residents that have not been ordered to evacuate, to take precautions and remain inside as much as possible as the whereabouts of ash of the fire are completely unknown and uncontrollable.


Reasoning

I chose to brief this story because although wildfires are common to California, the nature of this fire is not. I found it extremely interesting that the high temperatures, and dry weather were such strong influences on the severity of the fire. As calabasas is known to be a wealthier city, home to many celebrities such as Jessica Simpson; it will be interesting to see what kind of attention this fire gets compared to a forest fire for example.



International

Thailand- Buddhist monastery, Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno; otherwise known as the 'Tiger Temple' has lost all 137 of its tigers as of Saturday. According to CNN, the tigers will be moved to a governmental sanctuary in Ratchaburi province.

Despite being a popular tourist attraction, as well as financial goldmine to the monastery (bringing in an estimated $3 million annually), the Tiger Temple has received a great deal of scrutiny over the years. Though the temple has been accused of keeping the tigers in "jail like enclosures, feeding them poorly, and physically abusing them" by both conservation organizations as well as former temple workers; according to the National Geographic, the Temple has denied everything.

The removal of the tigers occurred after federal officials filed charges upon finding 40 dead tiger cubs in a freezer at the Buddhist temple. Five men, including three monks have been charged with possession of endangered animal parts without permission. Though the individuals have since been released, an ongoing investigation is still being pursued, and if sentenced could result in a maximum of four years in prison and/or a $1,100 fine.

Department of National Parks spokesman, Adisorn Nuchdamrong stated "we've confiscated all the hard disks of closed circuit cameras in this temple for police to find evidence of wrongdoing," according to the BBC

Reasoning

I chose to brief this story, partially because of the shock factor. The Buddhist religion, and monks in specific are known for being peaceful and preserving all life forms; so for a story of this nature to break is very uncommon. I also chose this story because it is not a "case closed" situation. There are still many unanswered questions as the investigation continues, and I felt this story allowed for multiple interpretations and viewpoints as well as the potential for an open discussion.