West Fertilizer disaster lessons urge stricter safety rules
The State Fire Marshal’s Office released its report on the 2013 West Fertilizer Co explosion that killed 15 and injured over 200. It cites training gaps in volunteers, recommends sprinklers, fire‑resistant storage, and concrete facilities, with 46 sites identified storing ammonium nitrate in wooden bins. Legislative action and federal alignment are urged to prevent a repeat. Relatives say the town hopes lessons are learned.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
West Fertilizer Co
West
Waco
Brian Renegar
George Nors Sr
Nors
Renegar
Chris Connealy
Connealy
Congress
Carmen Bridges
Morris Bridges
Associated Press
Silence isn’t the answer to controversial commencement speakers
Stephen Chapman argues against silencing guest speakers at college commencements. He notes several disinvitation cases, defends free inquiry, and urges letting controversial figures speak to expose ideas and let audiences respond. He cites Hirsi Ali, Lagarde, Rice, Birgeneau, and others, urging education to foster critical thinking rather than censorship.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Brandeis
Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Rutgers
Condoleezza Rice
Smith
International Monetary Fund
Christine Lagarde
University of California, Berkeley
Robert Birgeneau
Haverford
Wall Street
Foundation For Individual Rights In Education
Skidmore College
Skidmore
Rice
Iraq
Birgeneau
Lagarde
Ali
Barack Obama
Notre Dame
Rick Santorum
St. Joseph’s University
Odessa American thumbs up for students finishing the school year
The Odessa American invites reader opinions on current topics with a thumbs up nomination for those ready to buckle down and finish the school year strong. Email onletters oa0a.com and note the thumbs nomination.
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P.O
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ODESS
AIM Media
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William R
Rick” Starks
Patrick Canty
Laura Dennis
Kirk Walt
Ea A
Jou
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Tolads
Blade
Kevin SE
Obervero
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Stephen Chapman
Chapman
The
Chicago Tribune
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