1. “Deadly fertilizer plant blast devastates Texas town”

2. There was a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant on the edge of West, a small Texas town, killed an estimated five to 15 people, wounded more than 160, leveled dozens of homes and prompted authorities to evacuate half their community of 2,800. The Wednesday night blast shook houses 50 miles away and measured as a 2.1-magnitude seismic event. The big concern: anhydrous ammonia, a pungent gas with suffocating fumes that is used as a fertilizer. When exposed to humans, it can cause severe burns if it combines with water in the body. And exposure to high concentrations can lead to death. Its location -- next to an apartment complex, a nursing home and a middle school -- did not help matters.

3. In Other News
The U.S. Senate on April 17 defeated a compromise proposal to expand background checks on firearms sales. The final vote was 54 in favor to 46 opposed with two Republicans joining most Democrats in supporting the compromise. Due to procedural steps by Republican opponents, the amendment required 60 votes to pass in the 100-member chamber.
Investigators pinpointed two possible suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing after they appeared in images near the finish line moments before the blasts, a law enforcement official said. The twin blasts killed three and injured about 180 others Monday, sending shock waves nationwide. They left behind gruesome images of mayhem, destruction and shattered limbs.
Pat Summerall, the football player turned legendary play-by-play announcer, died Tuesday. He was 82. He was best known as a broadcaster for teaming with former NFL coach John Madden for 22 years.