Arizona's Emergency; 'Kate's Law' Vote; 10 Commandments Destroyed: Patch Morning Briefing

Good morning! It's Thursday, and the weekend is almost upon us. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

Goodwin Fire Triggers State Of Emergency in Arizona

Arizona residents are fleeing their homes and seeking safe ground in response to the ever-growing Goodwin Fire, which triggered Gov. Doug Ducey to declare a state of emergency. The fire, which has burned more than 20,000 acres since it started on Saturday, has forced evacuations and road closures. The governor's declaration entails that additional resources be made available for fire suppression efforts. (Patch)

Kate's Law Heads To The House Floor

Members of the House of Representatives will vote today on "Kate's Law," a bill named for Kate Steinle, who was killed by an undocumented immigrant. It would impose harsher penalties on immigrants who are deported for crimes but return to the United States. The legislation comes as a part of a push, championed by President Trump's campaign, to crack down on immigration-related crime. (Chicago Tribune)

Tulsa's 10 Commandment Destroyer Is Back (Watch)

Police are pressing charges against Michael Tate Reed II, a 32-year-old resident of Van Buren, Arkansas, who they say rammed his car into a controversial, day-old monument of the Ten Commandments erected on the Arkansas Capitol lawn. Reed apparently posted a manifesto explaining his actions to Facebook right before the Wednesday morning crash — then streamed the act itself on Facebook Live. (Patch)

Quick Hits

Jake The Diamond Dog Carries Water To Umps, Wins Ballpark Hearts: Video (Patch)

Movies Out July 4th Weekend: 'Despicable Me 3,' 'Okja' And More (Patch)

Yoga Is Riskier Than You Think (Patch)

Supreme Court Asked To Hear Case Against Mississippi's Confederate-Style Flag (Patch)

12 Percent Of Americans Like Senate Health Care Bill: Poll

A majority of Americans say either that Obamacare should be left in place with no changes or with minor adjustments. (Patch)

Utah's Jason Chaffetz Leaving Congress, Heading To Fox News

Fox News Channel says Sen. Jason Chaffetz will be a contributor effective July 1, offering political analysis on various Fox programs. (Patch)

Transgender Student Sues Over Florida School’s Bathroom Policy

A transgender student in St. Johns County is suing for the right to use the boys’ bathroom at his high school and $1 in damages. (Patch)

America’s Cats And Dogs Are Getting Fatter, Pet Obesity Report Says

Minnesota has the most obese cats and dogs. To find svelte pets, go to Mississippi, according to the 2017 State of Pet Health report. (Patch)

Meanwhile, Across The Atlantic...

Germany is preparing to vote on legalizing gay marriage this Friday, and Chancellor Merkel has announced she no longer opposes the move. (The Guardian)

Murder In Brooklyn Ends Grudge Born In Chinese Village 20 Years Ago

"Since he couldn’t find the victim’s sons, he sought retribution by killing the victim instead, even though he had no involvement in the dispute," prosecutors said in a statement released Wednesday. (Patch)

Oops, Michigan Man Won't Get Mistaken $2.7M Severance

A laid-off worker at Trico Products was told he'd get $81,000 severance pay every week for 34 weeks. But that was a mistake. (Patch)

This Day In History

1613 — The Globe Theater, where William Shakespeare's company performed his plays, was destroyed in a fire. It would be rebuilt on the same site.

1974 — Isabel Perón, the first female president of Argentina, is sworn in to her historic role.

Famous Birthdays

1947 — Richard Lewis, an American comedian and actor known for his role in "Anything but Love"

1967 — Jeff Burton, an American stock car race who won 21 victories at the Sprint Cup Series

Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images