Arizona Fire 10 Percent Contained; New Zealand Rocked By Earthquake

By Mark Memmott

Published June 13, 2011 at 7:36 AM EDT

Good morning.

Our own Eyder Peralta and Andy Carvin have been in the middle of the push to solve the "Gay Girl in Damascus" mystery, as you may have read Sunday evening. They, along with bloggers and reporters from other news outlets, helped reveal that the blogger who many thought was "Amina" and who many feared had been arrested by authorities in Damascus was actually Tom MacMaster, an American from Georgia whose university records show is in a medieval studies graduate program at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Andy was on Morning Edition today to talk with host Steve Inskeep about the story.

Eyder will have a post up shortly about a conversation he had with MacMaster earlier today.

As for other stories making headlines, they include:

-- Arizona Fire 10 Percent Contained: "Residents of Springerville and Eagar [Ariz.] began streaming home Sunday to ash-dusted roofs and smoke-filled neighborhoods as officials reopened the twin towns five days after a wildfire evacuation. ... Although the danger from flames abated in those two White Mountain communities, authorities warned that anyone returning will have to cope with smoke conditions that may be hazardous. ... The Wallow Fire, still only 10 percent contained, is the second-largest blaze on record in Arizona. The fire started May 29" and has burned nearly 444,000 acres. ( The Arizona Republic)

-- Christchurch, New Zealand, Rocked By Another Earthquake: "Another 50 Christchurch buildings are likely to come down after the latest round of earthquakes hit the devastated city today. Authorities have confirmed there has been no loss of life or serious injuries in this afternoon's major aftershocks, but are warning that thousands of residents should prepare for a night without power or water and expect further aftershocks." ( The New Zealand Herald)

In February, a major quake caused extensive damage and deaths in Christchurch.

-- Republican Presidential Contenders Debate Tonight:"Candidates seeking the Republican Party nomination for the 2012 presidential election have a chance at a debate tonight to find differences, however subtle, to separate themselves from the pack. ... Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, businessman Herman Cain, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum are scheduled to participate." ( The Union Leader)

The debate is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET. It's All Politics will be live-blogging.

-- Dallas Beats The Heat To Win NBA Championship:Led by tournament MVP Dirk Nowitzki, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat 105-95 Sunday night and took the NBA championship. "A season that began with Miami celebrating the signings of [LeBron] James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh — along with the promise of championships — ended ... with the Dallas Mavericks hoisting the title trophy for the first time in their franchise history." ( The Associated Press)