Fires ravage Texas

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Fires ravage Texas
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Thousands of Texans have lost their homes in the
worst fire season in state history, which flared
again last weekend and destroyed about 850 homes.
About 1,000 homes have been lost since November
in fires that have burned 3.6 million acres. On
Tuesday, 125 wildfires were burning.
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In Other News

• California's Legislature sent Gov. Jerry Brown a
  bill seeking to ban the sale, trade or possession
  of shark fins on Tuesday, over the objections of
  two senators who called the measure racist
  because the fins are used in a soup considered a
  delicacy in some Asian cultures. It is estimated
  that fishermen kill 73 million sharks each year
  for their fins. Those in the know suggest it is
  particularly cruel because the wounded sharks
  often are returned to the ocean to die after
  their fins are removed. The fins can sell for
  600 a pound, and the soup containing shark fin
  can cost 80 a bowl.
• The death toll from a shooting at a Nevada IHOP
  restaurant has risen to four. A gunman carrying a
  variant of an AK-47 rifle opened fire on
  uniformed Nevada National Guard members as they
  were having breakfast at the Carson City
  restaurant Tuesday morning. In all, 11 people
  were shot. The attacker also died of a
  self-inflicted wound after the shooting.
  Authorities said they had not determined a clear
  motive.
• Despite adamant statements that no final
  decisions have been made about future U.S. troop
  levels in Iraq, discussions within the
  administration have included a potential option
  for keeping just 3,000 forces there beginning
  next year. There are currently more than 40,000
  U.S. troops in Iraq. The current agreement is for
  all troops to withdraw by year's end. However,
  the U.S. expects the Iraqis to request some U.S.
  troops to remain to aid in training and security.
• The Phillies won their MLB leading 90th victory
  last night against the Braves.