5 Things To Know This Morning

Aug. 17, 2012 — -- Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.

1. Dallas Employs Aerial Spraying for West Nile Outbreak
The city and county of Dallas conducted aerial spraying of insecticide over 49,000 acres overnight to combat the mosquito population there that has caused a massive outbreak of West Nile virus. It has killed at least 10 people and caused at least 200 others to fall ill in Dallas alone.

2. Washington Residents Return After Wildfire
Residents in Washington state were allowed to return to their homes on Thursday after they were forced to evacuate because of a large wildfire there, while firefighters continue to battle blazes in rural Idaho and California. The Taylor Bridge Fire is about 75 miles east of Seattle and has burned an estimated 22,000 acres.

3. Government Issues Warning After MegaBus Accidents
The government has issued a nationwide emergency bulletin based on a string of mega bus accidents. Federal investigators say that bus companies that violate tire restrictions could be forced out of service.

4. Soldier Suicides Doubled in July
Suicides among active soldiers more than doubled in the month of July from June, making it the highest for any month since the Army began reporting suicides in 2009. The Army, is the only military branch that issues monthly press statements regarding suicides.

5. Amount of US Carbon Dioxide Released Lowest in 20 Years
The amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere in the US has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. Government officials say this drop is because cheap natural gas has prompted power plant operators to switch from dirtier, burning coal.