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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Criminal probe opens in train crash

From Wire Reports

Lac-Megantic, Quebec – Canadian authorities said they have opened a criminal investigation into the fiery wreck of a runaway oil train in this small town as the death toll climbed to 15, with dozens more bodies feared buried in the burned-out ruins.

Quebec police Inspector Michel Forget said Tuesday that investigators have “discovered elements” that have led to a criminal probe. He gave no details but ruled out terrorism and said police are more likely exploring the possibility of criminal negligence. Provincial police spokesman Sgt. Benoit Richard said no arrests have been made.

The death toll rose with the discovery of two more bodies Tuesday. About three dozen more people were missing.

Scores injured in Beirut explosion

Beirut – A car bomb exploded in a crowded parking lot in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Tuesday, killing no one, but wounding about 50 people in what was a rare attack inside one of Hezbollah’s most secure areas.

The explosion, in an area surrounded by the homes, offices and military installations of the powerful Shiite militant organization, destroyed several cars and sparked a series of small fires.

A previously little known jihadist group fighting in Syria, the 313 Special Projects Brigades, claimed responsibility on its Facebook page, saying the blast was retaliation for Hezbollah’s support for Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Murdoch to appear before U.K. panel

London – News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch will accept an invitation to appear before a committee of the British Parliament to discuss taped comments he made about a police investigation into journalists’ phone hacking and alleged illicit payments to British authorities.

Murdoch’s comments, secretly recorded during his visit to the News Corp.-owned Sun tabloid in March, have exploded into a controversy over whether the press baron was condoning the payments to officials by suggesting such behavior was part of the “culture of Fleet Street.”

“Mr. Murdoch welcomes the opportunity to return to the Select Committee and answer their questions. He looks forward to clearing up any misconceptions as soon as possible,” News Corp. said in a statement.