Breaking: Shooting at Fort Hood

It's happened again. "Welcome to Ford Hood: Home of America's Armored Corps," the sign at the entrance says. This evening the base is on lock-down after a shooting. See USA Today for more.

U.S. House schedule for Friday, November 15, 2013: Upton's 'Keep Your Health Care Plan Act' vote today

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor....

What to watch today ... "Keep Your Health Care Plan Act" sponsored by Congressman Fred Upton will be voted on today, a bill President Barack Obama has declared he will veto if it makes its way to his desk. Points of view: Ezra Kline - Wonkblog at the Washington Post / Twitchy / Fox News / USA Today

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH

On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.
First votes expected: 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Last votes expected: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

H.R. 3350 - Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013 (Closed Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Fred Upton / Energy and Commerce Committee / Ways and Means Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on “Our Nation of Builders: Training the Builders of the Future” (Friday, November 15th, at 9:30 a.m.)

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'USA Today' is #1 in national circulation

Sometimes referred to as the nation's newspaper, USA Today has been ranked #1 in national circulation:

The agency that tallies newspaper circulation figures used by advertisers has changed its methodology to account for the increasingly diverse array of digital distribution channels, making USA TODAY once again the national leader in total circulation.

Rounding out the top five:

• The Wall Street Journal's five-day average circulation fell to 2.27 million from 2.29 million a year ago. The paper, which surpassed USA TODAY as the nation's top newspaper in circulation in 2009, prints a general weekend edition but no Sunday paper.

• The New York Times' five-day average circulation rose to 1.89 million from 1.61 million a year ago. Its Sunday edition had 2.39 million readers, up from 2.1 million a year ago.

• The Los Angeles Times' five-day average circulation climbed to 671,797 from 641,370 a year ago. The Sunday edition reported 963,751 in circulation, up from 962,194.

• New York Daily News' five-day average circulation fell to 467,110 from 535,875 a year ago. Its Sunday edition fell to 587,063 from 655,647.

Break's over ... Congress returns to D.C.

They're back. Congress returns to D.C. Monday from their five-week summer break with plans to tackle a full schedule. First up is the controversial decision on whether to use military force in Syria, a subject that has divided Americans on both sides of the political aisle. Another hot-button topic is facing those who want a government shutdown in October when the new fiscal year begins. Immigration is still front-and-center and promises to cause fireworks. Other issues concern the NSA and government surveillance, gun control, voting rights, closing Guantanamo, and food stamp cuts.

From USA Today:

Congress returns today with 39 legislative days scheduled before the end of the year to debate the most consequential foreign policy vote (Syria) under President Obama, resolve pressing budget deadlines and determine whether an immigration overhaul has a fighting chance before the 2014 elections. Expectations are low for great successes in a divided institution plagued by partisan intransigence and abysmal approval ratings.

Majority Leader Eric Cantor published Monday's schedule for the House of Representatives.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Arizona wildfire tragedy claims 19 firefighters

In what may be the largest loss in Hotshot history, tragedy struck Sunday night as officials confirmed that 19 Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshot firefighters were killed while battling the Yarnell Hill wildfire that has consumed over 1,000 acres.

The news brings to light the heartbreaking reality of fighting dangerous western wildfires.

The local Fox affiliate reported more about the fire:

The wildfire was likely caused by a lightning strike Saturday night.

The Yarnell Hill fire, about 35 miles southwest of Prescott, has burned about 1,300 acres and forced the evacuation of 50 homes.

The fire started Friday and has not yet burned down any structures, but Sunday night firefighters pushed the blaze back away from communities, hoping to keep the blaze from overtaking any homes.

Reports are that a flashover killed all 19 even though they deployed their fire shelters.

It is reminiscent of the July 2, 1994, wildfire on Storm King Mountain near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, also known as the South Canyon fire, when 14 Hotshots were killed. It, too, was started by a lightning strike. Firefighters were trapped when winds shifted in the extremely rugged terrain.

More details about the breaking Arizona fire from USA Today. Prayers for the families and friends of those who were lost.