Fox News Latest Headlines
At least 82 killed after massive gas explosion rips through coal mine in China
At least 82 people were killed and more than 120 others hospitalized after a massive gas explosion ripped through a coal mine in China late Friday, according to the Associated Press (AP). Two people remained missing.
The catastrophic blast at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, located in China’s northern Shanxi province, marked the country’s deadliest mining disaster in recent years.
Local officials, who have launched an investigation into the incident, said they uncovered "serious violations" by the mine’s operator, Shanxi Tongzhou Coal & Coke Group.
The explosion also triggered a wave of heightened safety inspections across China’s coal sector, tightening the supply outlook for coking coal and sending prices soaring Monday, according to Reuters.
EARTHQUAKE 50 MILES FROM MOUNT EVEREST LEAVES AT LEAST 95 DEAD IN TIBET
According to the AP, the explosion triggered a chaotic scene where thick smoke engulfed the mine and suffocated many victims underground.
One miner lost consciousness, while many others suffered from toxic gas exposure, the outlet added, citing state broadcaster CCTV.
The explosion has reportedly intensified scrutiny from Chinese officials, who said investigators found multiple violations at the site, though details remain unclear.
8 SKIERS FOUND DEAD, 1 MISSING AFTER MASSIVE LAKE TAHOE AVALANCHE
In 2024, China’s National Mine Safety Administration had previously classified the mine as disaster-prone due to its "high gas content," the AP reported.
State media also reported that blueprints provided by the mine did not match the site’s actual layout, complicating rescue operations, the outlet added.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a full-scale effort to rescue those still missing and ordered a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable, the AP said, citing official Xinhua News Agency.
SIBANYE WORKERS BEGIN TO SURFACE AFTER ACCIDENT AT SOUTH AFRICAN GOLD MINE
The state-run outlet later reported that company officials connected to the disaster had been "placed under control," according to the AP.
China has suffered a string of deadly mining disasters in recent decades even as officials have pledged to strengthen oversight of the sector.
In 2023, at least 53 people were killed in Inner Mongolia following reports of a collapse at an open-pit mine.
In 2009, a reported explosion at a coal mine in Heilongjiang province left 108 people dead.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Baby pulled from vehicle trapped in raging floodwaters in dramatic rescue caught on video
Body camera footage has captured the dramatic rescue of a baby trapped inside a vehicle stranded in rising floodwaters on Saturday as floodwaters appeared to sweep the car toward a creek in Beeville, Texas.
The incident, which occurred about 100 miles southeast of San Antonio, unfolded as heavy storms dumped rain across the region, rapidly turning roadways dangerous.
According to police, the sudden downpour overwhelmed a low-water crossing, catching a vehicle as it entered the crossing.
"Recently, officers and firefighters responded after a vehicle drove into a flooded creek crossing and began getting pushed by the rushing water," Beeville Police Department said in a Facebook post Saturday.
Officials warned that conditions deteriorated within minutes, noting that fast-moving rain left no time for barricades to be placed before the vehicle arrived at the crossing.
A fire chief assisting at the scene had attempted to flag down the driver, who ultimately did not see the crew in time, police said.
Footage shows the vehicle becoming stranded as water levels rapidly rose, reaching up to the top of its wheels. An officer in the video can also be heard reporting that the car was being pushed toward a creek by the surging water.
OFFICERS LOOK BACK ON HOW THEY REVIVED BABY TRAPPED UNDER CAR: 'THE LORD'S NOT DONE WITH HER'
As crews assessed the situation, the driver was heard screaming to a nearby officer that a baby was inside the vehicle.
The responding officer then ran through the floodwaters, opened the door, and pulled out the carriage containing the infant.
After carrying the baby back to safety, another responder was seen quickly using a jacket to shield the child from the continuing rain.
TEXAS FLOOD SURVIVORS SHARE HARROWING STORIES, SEARCH CONTINUES FOR THOSE STILL MISSING
"Thankfully, nobody was hurt," police said, indicating that the driver was also safely rescued from the vehicle.
Beeville police used the video as a stark warning about the dangers of floodwaters, stressing that "what may look passable one minute can quickly become dangerous the next."
"It does not take much moving water to push a vehicle off the roadway, and by the time you realize how dangerous it is, it can already be too late," the department said.
"If barricades are up around a roadway or crossing, please do not drive around them. They are there for a reason. Going around barricades not only puts lives at risk, but it is also a criminal offense."
Drivers are urged to slow down during heavy rain and avoid flooded areas, including creek crossings and other low-lying roadways.
"No errand, shortcut, or destination is worth risking your life or your family’s safety," police added.
Deadly suicide blast rips through Pakistan train route, killing at least 23
At least 23 people were killed and about 70 others wounded in a major attack Sunday morning after a suicide bomber targeted a passenger train in Pakistan, according to The Associated Press (AP).
The assault — in Quetta, the capital of southwestern Balochistan province — occurred when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a railway line as a passenger train passed, causing two train cars to overturn and catch fire. The region has long been the site of a low-level but persistent insurgency involving separatist and militant groups.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a militant separatist group fighting for the province’s secession from Pakistan, reportedly claimed responsibility, saying it was targeting a train carrying security personnel.
The Times of India reported that the train was carrying army personnel and family members traveling from Quetta to Peshawar for the Eid holidays; AP reported more generally that the BLA said it targeted a train carrying security personnel. The area is also known for having a strong security presence.
SUICIDE CAR BOMBER ATTACKS SCHOOL BUS IN PAKISTAN, KILLING AT LEAST 5 PEOPLE
The blast reportedly sent shockwaves through the area.
According to witness accounts and images circulating on social media, the force of the explosion caused two train cars to overturn and burst into flames, sending thick black smoke into the sky, The AP said. Nearby buildings were also heavily damaged, and more than a dozen parked vehicles were impacted, the outlet added.
Several victims were reportedly transported to local hospitals. Among the wounded, about 20 were reported to be in critical condition, according to doctors cited by The AP.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, calling it a "cowardly act of terrorism" and saying that those responsible would be brought to justice.
"I strongly condemn the heinous bomb explosion near Chaman Phatak, Quetta, which has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and left many others injured. Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan. We remain steadfast in our determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," he said.
"I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of the injured. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the people of Balochistan in this hour of grief."
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti alleged that the group is supported by Indian-sponsored proxies aimed at destabilizing Pakistan. The two countries have long been locked in a bitter dispute over territorial claims in Kashmir, though India has consistently denied such accusations.
"The terrorists of Fitna Al-Hindustan are proving their savagery by targeting innocent civilians, women, and children," Bugti said, describing the group as "evil originating from India."
"Those who shed the blood of innocent people deserve no leniency. Let the enemy hear this: there will be no safe haven left for terrorists in Balochistan. We will hunt down the terrorists, their facilitators, and their masterminds one by one and bring them to justice, and this war will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated."
The BLA has increasingly carried out large-scale suicide operations targeting Pakistani security forces and infrastructure in Quetta, according to The Times of India.
In 2024, at least 26 people, including soldiers, were killed in a suicide bombing at a train station in Balochistan.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Victor Wembanyama scores 33 as Spurs dominate Thunder in Game 4 to even Western Conference Finals
The San Antonio Spurs have evened up the Western Conference Finals in dominant fashion, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder, 103-82, on Sunday night.
With both teams winning two games now, it will be a pivotal matchup in Game 5 back at Paycor Center in Oklahoma City on Tuesday night to see who will have the upper hand heading into a decisive Game 6.
One of the biggest stories in this game revolved around the Thunder’s 3-point shooting percentage. It was such an advantage in Game 3’s victory, as they shot 44.7% and 48.1% from the field overall.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
But the Spurs adjusted their defense, and it showed in Game 4 as the Thunder shot just 6 of 33 from beyond the arc (18%), resulting in only 33% shots made from the field.
San Antonio wasn’t much better, making only 27% of their 3s (9 of 33) and shooting just 39% from the field. However, they were playing aggressively and getting chances at the charity stripe, shooting 32 free throws compared to Oklahoma City’s 18.
The aggression was clear from both teams, but it was San Antonio making the best of those moments, and it began in the first quarter.
The Spurs got out to a hot start, owning a nine-point lead after the first quarter and moving it to double digits by halftime to the home crowd’s delight. Then, in the third quarter, the Thunder were struggling to hit shots, as they started to turn the ball over, which the Spurs have capitalized on all season long.
San Antonio scored 25 of its points off the Thunder’s 20 turnovers, and they were finding success in fast-break moments, too.
At one point, the Spurs had a 25-point lead, and it’s always sweet for a team to rest its starters in the fourth quarter with a victory in hand.
Victor Wembanyama was back to his efficient ways from the floor, leading the Spurs with 33 points (11 of 22), while nailing three 3-pointers, collecting eight rebounds and dishing five assists. He also had three blocks on the other end.
But Stephon Castle (13 points, three rebounds, six assists), Devin Vassell (13 points, six rebounds, three assists) and De’Aaron Fox (12 points, 10 rebounds, five assists) all contributed well in the starting five in the winning effort. The Spurs also had six bench players score, including Dylan Harper, who finished with seven points and five rebounds.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a poor shooting night, hitting just six of his 15 shots, though he made all seven of his free throws. He had four rebounds, seven assists and four turnovers for Oklahoma City.
As always, the Thunder had solid contributions from its bench, but it wasn’t to their standards. Players like Aaron Wiggins and Jared McCain, pivotal pieces in Game 3’s win, shot a combined 3 of 21 from the field for eight total points.
These two top seeds in the West will battle Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Teen sailor killed aboard USS West Virginia at Pearl Harbor identified after 82 years through DNA analysis
The remains of a 17-year-old sailor killed during the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor are returning home more than 84 years later for a proper burial.
Royle Bradford Luker will be laid to rest with full military honors in Plainview, Arkansas, on May 30, according to his obituary. He will be buried alongside his parents, including his father, who was a World War I veteran.
"As a Fireman Third Class in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. West Virginia, he gave his all and was killed in the line of duty during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941," his obituary from Cornwell Funeral Homes stated.
His burial was arranged after modern forensic testing and DNA analysis comparing his remains with DNA from living relatives confirmed his identity decades later, the obituary said.
PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY MARKS 84 YEARS SINCE ATTACK
For his service and sacrifice, Luker reportedly received numerous military honors, including the Purple Heart, awarded to those wounded or killed in combat, and the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, which recognizes extraordinary heroism by military units under enemy fire.
Other honors and awards listed in his obituary include the Gold Star Veteran designation, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
Luker was among the 106 crewmen killed when the USS West Virginia was struck during Japan’s surprise assault on Pearl Harbor.
For decades, he was listed as killed in action, while his remains were unidentified and interred as unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. His name was also memorialized on the Courts of the Missing there.
BOB FERNANDEZ, A 100-YEAR-OLD PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR, DIES PEACEFULLY AT HOME 83 YEARS AFTER BOMBING
Nearly 82 years after his death, Luker was officially accounted for on May 29, 2024, after authorities exhumed numerous caskets for modern forensic and DNA testing, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
The teen sailor was the son of George F. Luker, a WWI veteran, and Nettie Estelle David Luker, according to his obituary.
Family members, some of whom lived in Arkansas during his deployment, reportedly said Luker was remembered "with pride and love."
According to the obituary, he is survived by two nephews, Donald Bradford Henderson and John Luker, as well as a niece, Becky Downen Lensing.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"More than 80 years later, DNA from Royle Luker and a family's willingness to share their DNA bridged the gap between loss and knowing," his obituary stated. "He will now be returned home and laid to rest."
According to the U.S. Navy, the USS West Virginia was moored at Ford Island in 1941 when Japanese aircraft launched torpedoes against the battleship. The ship suffered multiple torpedo hits and eventually sank to the shallow harbor floor.
Popular snack food gets patriotic makeover in time for America's 250th summer festivities
To celebrate America's 250th birthday, Superpretzel is turning its iconic stadium snack food into a star-shaped offering for the summer festivities — joining a number of other brands that are releasing special-edition products this year.
The pretzels are crafted in the shape of "America's most iconic symbol" and are "patriotic from the freezer to the fork," Superpretzel said in a news release.
"America’s 250th is a celebration people will remember for years to come, and we wanted to create something simple, fun and shareable for families to enjoy together," said Lynwood Mallard, chief marketing officer at J&J Snack Foods.
STEAK ‘N SHAKE’S $2.50 STATUE OF LIBERTY MILKSHAKE GOES VIRAL: ‘ROLLING THE DICE ON DAIRY’
The food is made in a place steeped in history, the company noted.
"Each star-shaped pretzel is produced in the Philadelphia area, where the nation's founding began. This regional heritage makes the Star Pretzel more than a seasonal novelty. It is a snack with history baked in, coming straight from the heart of 'Pretzel Country.'"
In addition to being sold at sports and amusement parks, movie theaters and other entertainment venues, Superpretzels can be found in the freezer aisle of most grocery and mass retail stores nationwide.
The company said the snack can be "freezer-to-oven ready in minutes" and recommended preparing it in an air fryer for extra crispness.
The star pretzels will be released on Memorial Day — and will be available until September.
HOW TAVERNS, ALE AND HEARTY MEALS FUELED AMERICA'S FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE AMID CONTINENTAL CONGRESS
Several other heritage brands are joining the America 250 celebration with limited-edition, patriotic-themed food and drink offerings, as Fox News Digital previously reported.
Maker's Mark announced that starting June 1, bourbon lovers will be able to buy the Kentucky-made liquor in a bottle featuring its "signature hand-dipped red wax, accented with a white wax dip and a blue rendition of its iconic seal."
A portion of the proceeds from sales of the limited-edition bottles will go toward Farmer Veteran Coalition, which Maker's Mark reported is "a national nonprofit that has helped more than 58,000 U.S. veterans build meaningful careers in agriculture."
Pillsbury announced its contribution to the celebration is a line of Funfetti Stars & Stripes products, including "festive cake mixes and vibrant frostings in patriotic colors."
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
The Sparkling Ice company is collaborating with Life Savers candy to release a new red, white and blue variety 12-pack of its zero-sugar sparkling water.
The brand is also partnering with rapper Flavor Flav, "because he has an innate ability to connect old school with a new era," Lisa Holcomb, vice president of Sparkling Ice parent company Talking Rain, said in a release.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
Coca-Cola will look different this summer season, too — the company announced it's rolling out special America 250 packaging and collectible mini-cans designed to celebrate the unique features of all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Cheerios also said it's releasing a special birthday cake-flavored cereal, set to hit shelves in commemorative red, white and blue boxes.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Mountain Dew went all-out in honoring the nation's special occasion.
The soda company has rebranded itself "American Dew" — and added stars and stripes to its bottles and cans.
Oreo got in the spirit of things by unveiling its new Firecracker Pop Oreo cookie, created in partnership with Popsicle.
The red, white and blue crème consists of blue raspberry, lemon and cherry flavors, and is sandwiched between golden Oreos.
Brandi Glanville believes she contracted 'sexually transmitted ringworm' in her throat
Brandi Glanville is concerned she contracted a "sexually transmitted ringworm" in her throat.
Glanville, 53, disclosed her medical concerns with former adult film star Lisa Ann while on the "Brandi Glanville Unfiltered" podcast.
The "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star believed she contracted the infection while she was dating someone in the adult industry.
BRANDI GLANVILLE ENDS UP IN URGENT CARE AFTER TRYING VIRAL TIKTOK TREND
Lisa Ann noted that it was "very common on set" and that most people don't know what to look for when diagnosing.
"We had to train our makeup artists that when a new member of talent would show up, they would have to get naked in a window where there's good light, and they would inspect their body to see if they see any patches because it's incredibly contagious," Ann said.
BRANDI GLANVILLE THINKS PARASITE ATTACKED FACE AS 'BOTCHED' DOC CALLS HER 'TICKING TIME BOMB'
Ringworm is a common, highly contagious fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails, according to the Mayo Clinic. Despite its name, the infection is not caused by a worm.
Glanville thought she caught an infection in her throat, until a girlfriend told her about the condition.
"I knew nothing about it, and we're battling this weird thing," Glanville said before noting that she had all kinds of inconclusive testing.
"You see them when it's on the outside of your skin, but they can burrow in like if it's in your throat, they can burrow deep into your ears and all that."
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
She noted that her partner "did a lot of wrestling," which could be where he picked up the infection before passing it on to her.
"I think it's staph and ringworm, both, because ... I don't know," she confessed.
Glanville previously shared that she believed she picked up a parasite after visiting Morocco in 2023. She suffered from facial paralysis and initially was diagnosed with stress-induced angioedema.
After the initial diagnosis, she suspected she contracted a parasite in Morocco and said she could feel it moving within her face.
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Glanville previously told Fox News Digital that while no one had figured out what was truly wrong with her disfigured face, doctors had suggested "that it could be a parasite, but they're not sure."
Angioedema "is a reaction similar to hives that affects deeper layers of the skin. It can appear with hives or alone," according to the Mayo Clinic. Her symptoms remained, and in fact became worse. Glanville wasn't convinced angioedema was the problem, and put her health at the forefront of her mind in pursuit of an answer.
In February, the reality star discovered that her 20-year-old ruptured breast implants were to blame for her medical issues.
Prior to the revelation, Glanville admitted she spent more than $70,000 in an attempt to find an answer to the medical mystery that consumed her everyday experience and disfigured her face.
Knicks fans already paying nearly $280K for courtside NBA Finals tickets as team nears historic berth
The New York Knicks are one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, and if the mobs around Madison Square Garden after victories are any indication, it will be pandemonium in New York City if it happens.
Furthermore, a ticket to get into "The Garden" for the Finals is bound to be pricy, as they have throughout the playoffs. But no one may have expected what two courtside seats have already sold for.
Sports business reporter Darren Rovell confirmed a sale of two courtside tickets at MSG for the NBA Finals that went for a whopping $279,804.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The purchase was made on StubHub, the secondary ticket company, for what would be the Knicks’ first home game in the Finals. That would be Game 3, as the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs both have higher seeds than the Knicks in these NBA Playoffs.
Jaw-dropping is an understatement for a price of that magnitude, but that’s also have crazy it has been to see potential history for one of the most storied franchises in the sport.
NEW YORK READY TO COMBUST AS NYPD SHUT DOWN KNICKS WATCH PARTY OUTSIDE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
It’s been 53 years since the Knicks last won an NBA title, dating back to the years with Walt "Clyde Frazier," Phil Jackson, Dick Barnett, Willis Reed and Bill Bradley. The Knicks won two titles in 1970 and 1973, as Red Holzman’s squad was etched in basketball lore forever.
Since that 1973 victory, the Knicks have been to the NBA Finals just twice, the first in 1994 when the Houston Rockets secured a Game 7 victory, 90-84, to crush New York’s dreams.
Then, in 1999, the likes of Patrick Ewing, Latrell Sprewell, Allan Houston and current Knicks coach Rick Brunson, the father of All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, made it back to the Finals and faced off against a potential opponent this year — the Spurs.
But Tim Duncan and company got the job done in just five games, defeating the Knicks, 78-77, in Game 5 to celebrate their title on the MSG hardwood.
Knicks fans are hoping that’s not the case this time around, but they have to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers one more time after taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals after a road win on Saturday night. New York has now won 10 straight playoff games, and their only two losses in the First Round against the Atlanta Hawks came by one point.
As a result, fans are already looking at tickets for that Game 3 in the Garden. As of Sunday night, the cheapest ticket to get into the building on StubHub is going for $3,554 in Section 418.
For comparison, the cheapest ticket for a potential Game 1 of the NBA Finals at Paycor Center — the home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who lead the Spurs, 2-1, in the Western Conference Finals — is $1,252 on StubHub. The one floor seat available is going for $32,106 as of Sunday night.
The Knicks could earn their spot in the NBA Finals on Memorial Day, where they take on the Cavaliers in Game 4 in Cleveland at 8 p.m.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Far-left streamer Hasan Piker mocks shooting near White House, pokes fun at Trump's ballroom
Far-left Twitch streamer Hasan Piker made a seemingly sarcastic retort in response to the news of an alleged gunman who opened fire at a White House security checkpoint Saturday.
"Uh oh," Piker posted on X, resharing a viral video of ABC News White House correspondent Selina Wang ducking for cover on the White House North Lawn after hearing shots.
Piker then followed up with another post, mocking the construction of the White House Ballroom — a project for which the White House has increasingly emphasized security as a justification, particularly after President Donald Trump faced an unprecedented third assassination attempt last month at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton.
"Sources tell me the ballroom is safe! please god." Hasan posted.
VIRAL VIDEO SHOWS ABC REPORTER DUCKING FOR COVER AFTER GUNFIRE NEAR WHITE HOUSE
The Secret Service said the shooting began shortly after 6 p.m. near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
The alleged gunman — confirmed by multiple sources to Fox News Digital as Nasire Best — reportedly fired several shots toward a Secret Service booth before Uniformed Division officers returned fire, resulting in Best's death. Best, 21, from Maryland, is reported to have had a documented history of encounters with law enforcement and mental health concerns.
During the shooting, a bystander was also wounded, though officials have not said who fired the round that struck the person or released the person’s condition. No Secret Service agents were injured.
Trump was inside the White House at the time working on Iran peace talks and was briefed on the shooting.
WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS' DINNER SHOOTING SHARPENS FOCUS ON TRUMP’S BALLROOM CONSTRUCTION PROPOSAL
In addition to thanking Secret Service and law enforcement officers, Trump touted the security of the ballroom in a Truth Social post following the shooting.
"This event is one month removed from the White House Correspondent's Dinner shooting," Trump said. "And goes to show how important it is, for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. The National Security of our Country demands it!"
Piker also took to TikTok where he made a post featuring Wang's video and once more mocked the ballroom, by saying the shootings are only happening "because there is no ballroom" and "if they knew that there was a ballroom, you would basically stave off all potential shooters in the future because they would know how powerful the ballroom is."
The controversial far-left streamer has been an avid critic of the Trump administration, having questioned the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) Dinner by saying, "the right is using it to justify building Trump's ballroom lmao" in a post on Instagram last month.
Trump said the future White House ballroom not just as an event venue, but as a hardened security structure designed to support presidential operations and large gatherings amid heightened concerns following the WHCA dinner shooting.
The approved plan for the ballroom renovation includes an approximately 22,000-square-foot ballroom designed for roughly 1,000 seated dinner guests, within about 89,000 square feet of above-ground East Wing space.
Federal officials have served subpoenas to both Piker and CodePink co-founder Susan Medea Benjamin as part of a wider investigation into whether U.S. organizations and leaders violated U.S. laws and sanctions in supporting Cuba's communist regime, Fox News Digital has learned.
Piker and Benjamin are among those caught in a federal inquiry into whether activists who traveled to Cuba in March violated U.S. sanctions laws through the financing, coordination or delivery of goods to Cuba, including potential contacts with Cuban government personnel or entities on the island. The administrative subpoenas were sent to the pair by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Stampede erupts at South Carolina biker festival, 19 injured in late-night chaos
At least 19 people were evaluated for injuries early Sunday in a "stampede" during the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, officials said.
Emergency crews responded around 1:05 a.m. near a stage area along South Ocean Boulevard after reports of a stampede incident. None of the injuries appeared life-threatening, according to Horry County Fire Rescue.
"With the help of on-scene law enforcement, 19 patients were located and evaluated for injuries," Horry County Fire Rescue said. "… Three people were transported to the hospital with injuries, with the possibility of others self-transporting to local hospitals."
Due to the number of reported injuries, Horry County Fire Rescue declared a mass casualty incident a designation used to coordinate emergency response when multiple patients require evaluation.
AT LEAST 30 DEAD IN STAMPEDE AT THE MASSIVE MAHA KUMBH FESTIVAL IN INDIA, POLICE SAY
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Town of Atlantic Beach said the incident began when one person started running, triggering what officials described as a "brief chain reaction within the crowd that lasted only seconds."
"We want to express our sincere concern for anyone who was injured or impacted," the town said. "Any situation where individuals are harmed is taken seriously, and our thoughts are with those affected as they recover."
Multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies were already stationed throughout the event and responded immediately.
EMS crews treated injured attendees at the scene before the festival resumed normal operations, officials said.
VIRAL TEEN TAKEOVERS UNLEASH CHAOS NATIONWIDE AS MALLS, BEACHES AND RESTAURANTS BECOME BATTLEGROUNDS
"At no time were there any confirmed fights, weapons, or direct threats to public safety," town officials said.
Several crowd-control measures had been implemented throughout the weekend, including temporarily suspending incoming traffic into Atlantic Beach on Friday night and again Saturday evening.
"While any incident is unfortunate, it is also important to recognize that this isolated moment does not reflect the overall success of the event," the town said.
"The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival has been held for over 40 years and continues to attract visitors from across the country because of the positive experience it provides."
MAJOR US CITY URGES RESIDENTS TO WORK FROM HOME THIS SUMMER FOR HIGHLY UNUSUAL REASON
Officials said they will continue reviewing the incident with public safety partners to identify any additional safety improvements.
The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival is an annual Memorial Day weekend motorcycle rally that the town says has been reported to draw crowds in excess of 400,000 to the area, though those crowds can overlap with broader Myrtle Beach-area Memorial Day weekend visitors, for concerts, parties, and other entertainment events, according to the Town of Atlantic Beach website.
A spokesperson for Horry County Fire Rescue told Fox News Digital there were no additional updates to share.