Stories from May 16, 2021

Fiery train derailment prompts evacuation in Iowa town
Thick black smoke billowed into the air Sunday after a train derailed in northwest Iowa, prompting authorities to evacuate part of a nearby town.
'Second Amendment sanctuaries' facing first court test in Oregon
The first court test of whether local governments can ban police from enforcing certain gun laws is playing out in a rural Oregon county, one of a wave of U.S. counties declaring themselves to be "Second Amendment sanctuaries."
Trump critic Cheney cautions Jan. 6 riot could happen again
Rep. Liz Cheney, newly ousted from House Republican leadership for challenging former President Donald Trump, criticized GOP colleagues Sunday for downplaying the Jan. 6 riot and condoning Trump’s lies that the 2020 election was stolen, saying they were “complicit” in undermining democracy.
Coronavirus FAQ: Should I get my antibodies checked after I get vaccinated?
You might be tempted to take an antibody test to find out whether your COVID vaccine worked. But — no. Immunology experts say there is little to be gained, for now, from an antibody test, for a number of reasons.
Russian show 'Fake News' wages lone battle against the Kremlin's TV propaganda
There is almost no news alternative to government propaganda on Russian television — save for one channel known as TV Rain. It broadcasts a show called “Fake News,” which flippantly deconstructs the world according to the Kremlin.
A knitter, a rock climber and a mixologist offer tips on how to find a new hobby
When was the last time you did something just for fun — not to make money, or be productive, or because someone else wanted you to? Here are some tips on how to find and develop a new hobby.
CDC director defends decision to ditch masks
The head of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday defended the decision to ease mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, stressing that increasing political pressure had nothing to do with the abrupt shift in guidelines.
'The Plot' works as literary satire, but its mystery fizzles
Jean Hanff Korelitz's tale of dirty deeds in the world of letters skewers pompous male authors with sly humor — but her approach to the central mystery might have you guessing the ending too soon.
Above-normal temps; several rain opportunities this week
We have above-normal temps in the forecast this week, and many areas will also get some much-needed rain.
Authorities said the preteen girl was jumping on a trampoline with other children when a person in a vehicle shot at a home. The girl was hit by the gunfire and was last reported to be in very critical condition.
Some aren't ready to give up masks despite new CDC guidance
Jan Massie is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and can pretty much give up wearing a mask under the latest guidance from the CDC. But she's still covering her face, because of benefits she says are too great to give up.
Israel stages new round of airstrikes on Gaza City
Israeli warplanes unleashed a series of heavy airstrikes at several locations of Gaza City early Monday, hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled the fourth war with Gaza's Hamas rulers would rage on.
Gas pipeline operator says 'normal operations' have resumed
The operator of the nation's largest gasoline pipeline — hit on May 7th by a ransomware attack — announced Saturday that it has resumed “normal operations," delivering fuel to its markets, including a large swath of the East Coast.
A Union Pacific Railroad spokesperson said two of the derailed cars were leaking hydrochloric acid. After initially issuing a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents, authorities later said there was no danger to the public.