Free Republic

Two drag performers and roommates are removing their damaged items from their North Seattle townhome after it went up in flames Saturday due to somebody else’s illegal fireworks. "This isn’t just our home, it’s also our place of work. We get ready here," said Sreya, who preferred to go by their drag name. "And I design for other performers.” No injuries were reported, but residents of three townhomes were displaced. Investigators ruled the fire was accidental and likely caused by fireworks. They estimated the loss to be $100,000. At 12:38 a.m., more than an hour after the fire was first...

Soldiers of 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (SCR), prepare to raise the regimental flag over the headquarters during a transfer of authority event on Camp Liberty, Sept. 8. The 2nd SCR out of Vilseck, Germany, relieved the Arrowhead Brigade, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, out of Fort Lewis, Wash. Photo by Spc. Leith Edgar, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. CAMP LIBERTY — The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (SCR) “Dragoons” replaced the 3rd “Arrowhead” Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division as the quick-reaction force for the Iraqi capital Sept. 13, allowing the Arrowhead Soldiers to return home to...