Disasters

Judge: Blame in Italy cable car deaths rests with technician
The three suspects in Italy’s cable car disaster that killed 14 people were allowed to leave prison Sunday after a judge indicated that most of the blame fell on just one of them: a service technician who intentionally disabled the car's emergency brake because it kept locking spontaneously.
Italian cable car plunges to the ground, killing at least 14
A cable car taking visitors to a mountaintop view of some of northern Italy's most picturesque lakes plummeted to the ground Sunday and then tumbled down the slope, killing 14 people. A young child was hospitalized in serious condition with broken bones, authorities said.
21 die in extreme weather in China ultramarathon
Twenty-one people running a mountain ultramarathon have died in northwestern China after hail, freezing rain and gale-force winds hit the high-altitude race, state media reported Sunday.
Boundary Waters blaze could be sign of busy wildfire season
Rain and humidity slowed a wildfire burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, but the fast-growing blaze threatened some seasonal cabins Tuesday. Some living in northeastern Minnesota wonder if it's a sign of more fires to come.
A tornado tore through north Mpls. 10 years ago; limited support prolonged recovery process
The 2011 storm killed two men, uprooted thousands of trees and damaged buildings. A strong effort has been made to reforest the north side of Minneapolis after the tornado, but tree growth takes time. And in the limited federal response, some see evidence of environmental racism.
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.
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.
Palestinians flee as Israeli artillery pounds northern Gaza
Palestinians grabbed their children and belongings and fled neighborhoods on the outskirts of Gaza City on Friday as Israel unleashed a heavy barrage of artillery fire and airstrikes, killing a family of 6 in their home. Israel said it was clearing a network of militant tunnels ahead of a possible ground invasion.
Hamas rockets hit Tel Aviv as Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue
Israel warned that airstrikes on Gaza would continue over the coming days as at least 30 Palestinians and three Israelis were reported killed amid rising cross-border violence sparked by clashes in Jerusalem.