Snow Leopard Makes Bronx Zoo Debut

A 17-pound snow leopard made its first public appearance at the Bronx Zoo this past week. The snow leopard was the first of its kind to be bred in captivity. The cub was born on April 9, and was 5-months-old at the time of his first display to the public. The Bronx Zoo has become a leader in snow leopard care and its work with snow leopards is a part of the species’ survival plan.

Treasury Poised to Lack Money for October Bills

The Treasury Department announced Monday that it would need Congress to raise the debt ceiling in order to pay the government’s bills. Without any changes, the Treasury Department would run out of money by mid-October. Republicans feel that they do not want to increase the debt ceiling until Democrats agree to take measures that are aimed at decreasing the nation’s deficits. Officials are worried about the consequences of what could happen if no deal is reached. The nation’s debt ceiling is currently at $16.7 trillion.

Tensions Continue to Rise in Syria

The U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said that a Western-led military attack on Syria is becoming more likely. The growing chances of a military strike come after the possible use of banned chemical weapons by Bashar Hafez al-Asaad’s forces. The attack reportedly left hundreds of people dead. There have been no specifics released about what kind of military strategy will be used, but military officials have conceded that the strikes will be limited.

Republican offers immigration reform plan

New Mexico Representative Steve Pearce is working to find a compromise between Democrats and Republicans for immigration reform. In his proposal, he plans to offer illegal immigrants the chance to stay in the United States as long as they are working, but would not offer citizenship over time. In order to gain citizenship, it would be necessary for illegal immigrants to return home and wait in line to gain legal entry to the United States. Pearce represents a district in New Mexico with a high percentage of hispanic constituents.

Fire near Yosemite National Park 

Officials reported on Tuesday that a massive fire near Yosemite National Park is 20 percent contained. The fire has burned 22,000 acres inside Yosemite and 179,480 acres in total, making it the seventh largest fire in California history. There were concerns that the ash from the fire would contaminate a nearby reservoir, but officials stated that the ash is non-toxic. Almost 3,700 firefighters have been tasked with quelling the flames.