It was astounding to see the power of what I witnessed earlier, so our main objectives right now structure protection, just making sure that we keep everyone safe and we protect that park at all cost. 

 

 

 

Vicky Ryan was talking about Yosemite National Park, which has lost at least 12,000 hectares to the fire. This thing is so massive. It’s also threatening some power and water supplies in San Francisco, more than 100 miles west of the park. Thousands of firefighters have been going after this. They have had 7% contained on Sunday. It was 15% contained by last night. That’s like saying it was 15% fenced in. It will have to be 100% contained before it can potentially be considered controlled.

 

 

 

Yesterday we also talked about Syria’s government offering access to inspectors from the United Nations. The Syrian government and rebel forces, the two sides in Syria’s civil war, have accused each other of using chemical weapons. UN inspectors are there to figure out if chemical weapons were used, but not to determine who might have used them. During their work yesterday, one of the inspectors’ vehicles was hit by sniper fire. No report of injuries. And the United Nations didn’t say who might have been responsible for the shooting. Despite that, the inspector team describes Monday as a very productive day and said it planed to keep working in Syria today. That includes interviews with witnesses, doctors and survivors. The UN team also collects samples. Experts say chemical traces can be found in survivors and plants for months after an attack takes place. UN’s work could have an impact on whether or not other nations take actions against Syria. United Nations officials say the use of chemical weapons must be punished. And US Secretary of States John Kerry agreed with that statement yesterday, saying there must be accountability.

 

 

 

When Ty Carter was a teenager, he didn’t have a lot of friends. He joined the marines, but was demoted and then discharged after a fight with a roommate. But yesterday, the man who once described himself as not exactly hero material was awarded the nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. Carter enlisted in the army in 2008 and received the medal for his actions in Afghanistan. He was stationed at Combat Outpost Keating in 2009 when there was an attack by Taliban fighters. During the battle, Carter, who is now a staff sergeant, volunteered to cross through enemy fire multiple times to get supplies to other soldiers. Since returning home, Staff Sergeant Carter has struggled with PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. He spoke openly about it. It’s a part of what he calls the invisible wounds of war. During yesterday’s ceremony, President Obama praised Staff Sergeant Carter’s heroism and his effort to raise the awareness about the disorder.

 

 

 

To any of our troops or veterans who were watching in struggle. Look at this man, look at this soldier, look at this warrior. He is the toughest as they comment. If he can find the courage and the strength to not only seek health but also to speak out about it to take care of themselves and stay strong, then so can you.

 

 

 

US President keeps a pretty full schedule. For example, yesterday in addition to the ceremony for Sergeant Carter, President Obama had meetings with faith leaders and with the winners of a national debate tournament. What if you could get on a President’s schedule, if you have five minutes, what would you want to talk about? So we ask some high school juniors and seniors for this installment of CNN’s student news finder.