Blast at a Tennessee explosives plant leaves 18 missing and feared dead, sheriff says
McEWEN, Tenn. (AP) — Officials say an explosion at a Tennessee explosives plant has left 18 people missing and feared dead. The blast occurred Friday at Accurate Energetic Systems, about 60 miles southwest of Nashville. The cause of the explosion is not yet known. A spokesperson for the Humphreys County Emergency Management Agency says there's no further danger of explosions. The scene was under control Friday afternoon. The company processed explosives and ammunitions for the military. Residents miles away reported feeling the explosion. Video shows flames and heavy smoke rising from the debris. The company has not responded to requests for comment.
Thousands of Palestinians return to what's left of their homes as Gaza ceasefire takes effect
WADI GAZA, Gaza Strip (AP) — Tens of thousands of Palestinians headed back to the heavily destroyed northern Gaza Strip as a U.S.-brokered ceasefire came into effect on Friday. The deal has raised hopes for ending the Israel-Hamas war, with all the remaining hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack set to be released within days. Questions remain over who will govern Gaza as Israeli troops gradually pull back and whether Hamas will disarm, as called for in U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who unilaterally ended a ceasefire in March, hinted that Israel might renew its offensive if Hamas does not give up its weapons.
Some Palestinians pack up and move north toward their homes in Gaza after ceasefire goes into effect
WADI GAZA, Gaza Strip (AP) — Tens of thousands of Palestinians displaced by the war in Gaza have started moving north toward their homes, or what remains of them, after a ceasefire agreement came into effect. Many are eager to go back, but are also burdened by the war's staggering losses and the vast destruction. Some wonder where they will stay or if they can afford the journey back. Others are not yet confident it's safe for them to immediately return. Israel's offensive, sparked by a Hamas' deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attack, has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused significant loss and suffering in Gaza.
Firings of federal workers begin as White House seeks to pressure Democrats in government shutdown
WASHINGTON (AP) — Mass firings of federal workers have begun. That was the announcement Friday from the White House as Republicans worked to exert more pressure on Democratic lawmakers to end the government shutdown. In a court filing, the budget office said well over 4,000 employees would be fired, though it noted that the funding situation was “fluid and rapidly evolving.” Democrats blasted the move as unions for federal workers quickly took the matter to court. President Donald Trump said of firings, “it'll be a lot,” and he suggested that those losing their jobs would be in areas that were “Democrat oriented.”
National Guard stands down in Illinois while troops patrol in Memphis with local police
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — National Guard troops are patrolling in Memphis for the first time, as part of President Donald Trump’s federal task force. The deployment comes a day after a federal judge in Illinois blocked troop deployment in the Chicago area for at least two weeks. It was unclear Friday how many Guard members were on the ground in Memphis or were expected to arrive later. In Illinois, two U.S. senators were denied access to an immigration enforcement building. Trump is pushing to deploy the Guard to several U.S. cities. His administration claims crime is rampant in those cities, despite statistics not always supporting that.
President Donald Trump is in 'exceptional health,' his doctor says, after visit to Walter Reed
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is in "exceptional health," according to his physician, who evaluated him Friday. Trump underwent a checkup at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The visit included lab tests, preventive health assessments, a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster. Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, Trump's doctor, says the evaluation was part of Trump's ongoing health maintenance plan. The assessment helps prepare Trump for upcoming overseas trips to the Middle East and Asia. Barbabella noted Trump's cardiac age is 14 years younger than his actual age of 79. The White House initially described the visit as a "routine yearly checkup."
María Corina Machado, a symbol of the political resistance in Venezuela and now Nobel winner
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — María Corina Machado, a key figure in Venezuela's opposition, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The award recognizes her efforts for a peaceful transition of power and her role as a unifying figure in the fractured opposition. Machado has been a prominent critic of Venezuela's ruling party since 2004. She has faced many challenges, including being ousted from the National Assembly and barred from public office. Despite setbacks, she won the opposition's presidential primary in 2023. However, ruling party loyalists blocked her from the ballot. Her recent support for U.S. policies has sparked divisions within the opposition.
Fear and vigilance rise as attacks on houses of worship intensify worldwide
Statistically, attending a weekly worship service is a remarkably safe thing to do. Global annual attendance totals many billions; the number of people killed in attacks on individual houses of worship in any given year is generally less than a few hundred. Yet recent high-profile deadly attacks have intensified anxiety and outright fear among clergy and worshippers worldwide. Just in the past six weeks there have been attacks on a synagogue in Manchester, England; a Michigan congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and a Catholic church in the United States hosting a Mass for school children.
Immigration crackdown stirs unease ahead of this weekend's Chicago Marathon
Questions have been swirling for weeks over whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents might target the Chicago Marathon. The race, which happens Sunday, draws thousands of runners from around the world and is a major tourism draw for the Windy City. Reflecting the unease about this year's event, organizers sent an email to participants Wednesday that referred to an immigration “Know Your Rights” page on the city’s website. An ICE spokeswoman, though, said rumors that agents will be at the race are false. Amar Shah, a 31-year-old participant, said that even though he was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, he’s worried that his Indian heritage could make him vulnerable.
How Bill Pulte learned the art of the attack, from his own family to Letitia James
WASHINGTON (AP) — Bill Pulte has become a significant player in the Trump administration. Known for his aggressive online persona and bitter public fights with several family members, Pulte currently serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. He has used his position to target Trump’s political adversaries, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, who was recently indicted. His past includes a contentious relationship with his family’s company, PulteGroup, and a public feud with relatives. Pulte gained attention on social media by giving away money, but his actions have also drawn criticism.
