Nepal struggles in the wake of the quake. Freddie Gray’s funeral is today. So is the start of the Aurora movie theater shooting trial in Colorado.
It’s Monday, and here are five things to know for your New Day.
NEPAL EARTHQUAKE
Survival mode: Nepal is still in shock after this weekend’s series of earthquakes and powerful aftershocks. Stunned residents wander through the streets of Kathmandu, the capital city of 3 million people, digging through what’s left of their homes seeking what they can find of their former lives and missing loved ones. Many of the injured are being treated outside hospitals that are now overflowing. People are sleeping outside, shivering in the cold Himalayan Mountain air. Many of the city’s centuries-old buildings now lay in ruin. As of early this morning more than 3,000 are dead, but that number will surely rise.
MOUNT EVEREST
Americans killed: Saturday’s earthquake and avalanche killed at least 17 people on Mount Everest, including at least three Americans. Dan Fredinburg, a Google executive from the Bay Area, had been posting updates about his adventures in Nepal. Then his sister took over his account and told the world the bad news. Eve Girawong, a mountaineer and base camp medic from New Jersey, also died on the mountain. Her family said she was doing what she loved most — “helping others.” Tom Taplin, a filmmaker from Santa Monica, California, was making a documentary on Everest climbers, when wind stirred by the avalanche caused him to take a fall, CNN affiliate KABC reported.
FREDDIE GRAY
A call for peace: Freddie Gray’s wake was yesterday, the day after protestors and police mixed it up on the streets of Baltimore. Most of the protesters were peaceful, but a small handful smashed store windows, vandalized police cars, threw objects at officers, cursed at them and scuffled with them. About 35 people were arrested and six officers suffered minor injuries. Last night Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake appeared with faith leaders, saying the violence was “unacceptable” to her and renewing the call for a return to peaceful protests. Gray is scheduled to be laid to rest today.
AURORA MOVIE SHOOTING
Trial begins: It’s been almost three years since a gunman barged into a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” at a theater in Aurora, Colorado, killing 12 people and injuring 70 in a wave of gunfire. Shooting suspect James Holmes goes on trial today on 165 counts, including murder and attempted murder charges. He’s pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. For the survivors and families of the dead, the trial is a big, painful step toward healing that will undoubtedly bring back a flood of agonizing memories.
MOBILE BAY
Boating mishap: Two dead, five missing. That’s what the boating community in Mobile Bay, Alabama, is facing this morning after severe weather capsized boats in a regatta Saturday evening. Two bodies have been found. Authorities pulled 40 survivors out of the water but were still looking for five more people yesterday. Two aircraft and numerous boats searched more than 2,500 miles. More than 100 sailboats were taking part in the Dauphin Island Race Saturday when the boats were rocked by bad weather.
Those are your five biggies for the day. Here are a few others that are brewing and have the Internet buzzing.
Pitch perfect: If you’ve played “Mortal Kombat” before, you’re heard this song. But NOT like this.
Cop rock: Police officers sing pop songs in their squad car. Sounds like a new series.
Pass the salt: Darn kids won’t put the phone down at dinnertime? Try this.
Girl fight: Her name is Evnik; she’s Russian, and she probably can kick your tail.
Goldfinger: Turn your Apple Watch into gold (kinda).
Yes, we know we don’t have any cute, furry animals in the buzzies today. We’ll try to have some tomorrow.
