Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Illinois Chemical Plant Explosion Sends Toxic Smoke Into The Air
Black smoke can be seen from 40 miles away after a massive explosion at an Illinois chemical plant. It happened yesterday morning at Chemtool Incorporated in Rockton prompting a mandatory, full-scale evacuation. Now, residents and businesses within a one-mile radius of the plant are under a mandatory evacuation order due to the extra-alarm fire. Chemtool produce fluids, lubricant and grease products. If there’s good news, it’s that there are no reports of injuries. The problem, however – aside from what experts are saying is a potential environmental disaster – is that fire crews can do little to stop it. "The building is pretty much consumed," Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson told reporters. "We're thinking that this is going to be a several-day event to have all of this product burned off. And that's the best thing we can do right now."
2 Mask Dispute Leads To Deadly Shooting At GA Supermarket
A supermarket cashier is dead and two people are recovering after a confrontation over wearing a mask. The cashier at the Big Bear Supermarket in Dekalb County reportedly asked 30-year-old Victor Lee Tucker to put on a mask and got into an argument with the suspect. According to investigators, Tucker checked out, left the store and returned with a gun. "Tucker left the store without making his purchase, but immediately returned inside,” the statement reads. “Tucker walked directly back to the cashier, pulled out a handgun and shot her.” A sheriff's reservist on the scene pulled out his gun and shot the suspect. The officer was also shot twice and is in the hospital in stable condition. Tucker is also recovering from his injuries – and charges are pending. Neither the cashier nor the injured officer have been named.
3 Biden Cheers NATO, Looks Ahead To Putin Meeting
President Biden is calling the NATO summit very successful. Biden called the NATO alliance rock solid and unshakeable during a news briefing in Brussels. He said some powerful nations like Russia and China are continuing efforts to drive a wedge into NATO. He condemned threats to democracy around the world, which he said is sometimes prompted by "phony populism." As for his planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that’s set for tomorrow, Biden said he is "not looking for conflict with Russia, but we will respond if Russia continues its harmful activities." Biden went on to day that he couldn’t go into detail about his upcoming meeting because he didn't want to negotiate in front of the media. He said he plans to make it clear what the "red lines" are in areas where they don't agree. Biden called Putin "bright, tough and he is a worthy adversary."