Deadly fertilizer plant devastates Texas town

Early Thursday in West Texas, an explosion occurred at a fertilizer plant. Around 15 people were killed and over 160 were injured. Officials say four firefighters are missing as well. The Department of Homeland Security said federal and state authorities are securing the area by shutting down nearby areas and restricting flights around it. The cause of the explosion is unknown. "Nothing at this point indicates we have had criminal activity, but we are not ruling that out," said William Patrick Swanton of the nearby Waco Police Department.

Deadly wave of bombings across Iraq

42 people were killed and 257 were wounded on Monday due to bombs across Iraq. The bombings took place in Baghdad, Anbar, Babel, Kirkuk, Salaheddin, Diyala, and Nasriya. Two of the bombs exploded near Baghdad's airport. Most of the attacks targeted the Shiites in Baghdad. Al Qaeda in Iraq have been responsible for attacks the last few months. Officials are worried that these ongoing violent attacks will effect the provincial elections that are coming up in the next five days.

Report: Child killed in Boston blasts ID'd

The 8 year old boy that was killed yesterday due to the explosions at the Boston Marathon has been identified as Martin Richard. Richard's mother and 6 year old sister were injured from the explosions as well. His mother had surgery due to damage to the brain and the younger sister lost her leg. Due to the two bombs, a total of 3 people were killed and 144 were hospitalized. Federal authorities are not sure who cause the explosions, but it believed to be a terrorist attack.

Rutgers fires coach Mike Rice

Rutgers fired coach Mike Rice on Wednesday due to the airing of a video of him physically and verbally abusing his team players. The video showed him shoving, throwing balls and yelling "gay slurs" during practice. Rice apologized, "for the pain and hardship that I've caused." Rice must face a $50,000 fine and attend anger management classes. There will be a national search to replace Mike Rice's position.

Atlanta schools cheating suspects to surrender

According to this article, officials have been accused of changing student test scores in order to receive more federal funds. A lawyer for two Atlanta teachers are about to turn themselves in. This has been considered one of the nation's largest test-cheating scandals. Today, 35 defendants are to surrender to authorities at Fulton County Jail. Beverley Hall, Atlanta Public School's superintendent, as well as other teachers, will face charges for theft, racketeering and false statements. Many of the teachers, under oath, swore that they did not cheat. "They have to seriously consider whether or not they want to go through a trial, run the risk of being convicted and possibly jailed," Attorney Torin Togut said.