Tragedy struck a Washington paper mill on Tuesday when a tank containing a corrosive chemical mixture burst, leading to the death of at least one person. Authorities reported that nine others remain missing following the incident at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview.

The accident also resulted in injuries to nine individuals, including a firefighter. The severity of the injuries varied, with some being minor and others critical, officials confirmed.

As the situation developed, the focus shifted from rescue to recovery operations. Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein stated at a news conference, “At the moment, we are not aware of any rescues that are yet to be made.”

IN RELATED NEWS: AN EXPLOSION AT A LOUISVILLE FACTORY HAS LEFT 2 DEAD AND SEVERAL INJURED, COMPANY CONFIRMS

EXPLOSION AT LOUISVILLE FACTORY KILLS 2, INJURES SEVERAL, COMPANY CONFIRMS

Damage is seen following a chemical tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, Washington. (City of Longview via AP)

The cause of the collapse remained under investigation.

Emergency crews responded Tuesday morning after a tank containing a chemical mixture known as “white liquor” ruptured at the facility. White liquor is a corrosive chemical mixture used in the paper-making process.

Officials initially estimated the tank contained about 80,000 gallons of the substance, but later revised the amount to roughly 900,000 gallons.

CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS WARN MASSIVE CHEMICAL TANK WILL LIKELY SPILL THOUSANDS OF GALLONS OR ‘BLOW UP’

The exterior of the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. is shown, after a tank containing hazardous liquid imploded, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Longview, Wash. (AP Photo/Claire Rush)

Authorities said approximately 90,000 gallons may still remain inside the damaged tank, which remains unstable and continues to complicate recovery efforts.

Several people suffered injuries ranging from minor to critical, including burns and inhalation injuries. One firefighter was among the injured.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray addressed the community during the news conference.

NEWSOM DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN ORANGE COUNTY AS FAILING CHEMICAL TANK NEARS CATASTROPHIC EXPLOSION

Longview Fire Department Battalion Chief Matt Amos spoke at a press conference in Longview, Wash., Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the site of a paper mill where a chemical tank failure killed at least one person and left others unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Claire Rush)

“I know there’s a lot of questions about how all of this happened and I want to assure you that we will all continue to pressure to get answers to those questions,” Murray said. “This community deserves that.”

Officials said there was no direct threat to the surrounding community.

The incident comes days after roughly 50,000 California residents faced evacuation orders tied to a hazardous materials emergency at an aerospace facility in Orange County.

On Tuesday, officials lifted the final evacuation order for residents in Garden Grove living near a damaged chemical tank at GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems that had previously been at risk of exploding after a tank containing highly flammable methyl methacrylate (MMA) overheated and became compromised. Officials said the immediate risk of explosion, fire or leak had passed.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries faced a torrent of ridicule on social media this Wednesday after he shared an image intended to celebrate the New York Knicks’ long-awaited return to the NBA Finals. This momentous occasion marks their first finals appearance in 27 years.

However, rather than focusing on the Knicks’ achievement, the conversation shifted quickly to the Brooklyn Democrat’s altered appearance in the image. The photo, showcasing Jeffries in an all-white Knicks hat, seemed noticeably edited. Observers noted changes that appeared to smooth out age lines, enhance his jawline, and refine his cheekbones, leading to a flood of comments and critiques.

Among the many who pointed out his photo’s digital alterations, Sarah Gallagher, an aide for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, took to social platform X to highlight the edits. She humorously remarked, “[B]abe wake up hakeem jeffries [sic] is using facetune [sic] again.” Her lighthearted jab was echoed by others, including GOP communications consultant Alex Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer, who previously served as a principal deputy communications director at the White House, quipped, “Hakeem Jeffries looks like a JV baseball coach going through marital troubles.”

The criticism wasn’t confined to X, as Jeffries’ Instagram post also attracted a barrage of similarly blunt and biting comments. At 55, Jeffries may have intended to share in the excitement of the Knicks’ success, but the conversation quickly veered into unexpected territory.

The 55-year-old’s Instagram comments were no less vicious.

“How many AI photos are you gonna post,” asked one user, while another pronounced the image: “Just bizarre.”

Still another user accused Jeffries of trying to mush his hometown team, writing: “No. Do not do this. Do not put your lobbyist-approved, corporate liberal, cheugy ass stink on this team. Leave it alone congressman.”

The photo fail came almost a full year after Jeffries was called out for posting an obviously doctored photo of himself on Instagram, in which a bench he was standing against was wildly warmed around his hips in a failed bid to make him appear taller.

Sugar Ray Leonard, the renowned boxing figure, has recently leveled startling accusations against his youngest son, Daniel Leonard, in the wake of an attempted intrusion at the family home.

Reports surfaced on Wednesday via TMZ that 25-year-old Daniel Ray Leonard found himself escorted from the premises by police, having infringed upon a restraining order. Allegedly, Daniel was caught twisting the exterior door handles in an effort to gain entry, though it remains unclear if he succeeded in entering the residence.

The LAPD confirmed that Daniel had breached the restraining order on the day of the incident. Subsequently, as reported by the New York Post, Sugar Ray Leonard took further legal action, filing a request for an additional restraining order later that day.

In a move that has captured public attention, the boxing icon’s legal documents reveal his claims that his son is battling addiction, engaging in theft, and committing these acts on a daily basis. The allegations have added a complex and personal layer to this unfolding family drama.

In that file, the boxing legend shockingly claimed that his son was an addict, a thief and that he steals ‘every day’. 

In a handwritten declaration, Sugar Ray wrote: ‘He has overdosed 4 times. They had to bring him back to life 2 times at the hospital! 

Daniel Ray Leonard is pictured with his dad Sugar Ray and mom Bernadette back in 2017 

In February 2025, Bernadette posted a photo of Sugar Ray and Daniel with a cryptic caption which stated: ‘We will get through this faze’

‘He has stolen extreme amounts of money valuable items! He [illegible] steals every day for years! My son Daniel Leonard has been a drug addict for 7 or 8 years at least. His behavior has gotten worse over the years!’ 

In the file, Sugar Ray also alleged that there were two separate incidents this month which led the former boxing champion to filing for the restraining order. 

According to the 70-year-old, one incident occurred at his Pacific Palisades home on May 19. ‘We had a physical altercation where he pushed me and got ugly!’ he said. 

‘The police officers were needed at that moment! The police officers came and [Daniel] was escorted off our property because of where things were headed.’

He claims that he was given a temporary restraining order against his son but, the very next day, Daniel attempted to enter the family home, leading to his arrest. 

‘I love my son but he has become a danger not only himself but to his family! My wife is extremely afraid along with me daughter Camille!’ Sugar Ray continued.

‘His behavior has gotten worse every day. We haven’t had a day of peace in 9 years which is the reality of his addiction! Scared for my family!’

According to the New York Post, court records showed that a judge swiftly granted Sugar Ray’s request and ordered Daniel to remain at least 100 yards away from the boxing legend and his wife, Bernadette Robi.

The Leonards live in a sprawling $46.5 million estate in the Pacific Palisades, California

More recently, Daniel (R) was pictured alongside the family – and Magic Johnson – last August

The restraining order runs until June 15, which is when a hearing is set to discuss a more permanent resolve to the situation. 

Meanwhile, according to jail records, a hearing on Daniel’s alleged restraining violation has been scheduled for June 25. 

It is believed that Sugar Ray still lives on a luxurious $46.5 million estate in the exclusive Upper Riviera area of the Pacific Palisades. It has been listed for sale multiple times over the past few years but has not sold.

Daniel is the youngest son of Sugar Ray Leonard and his second wife Bernadette Robi, and his fourth son overall. 

Sugar Ray, now 70, had his first son – Ray Jr – with his first wife Juanita Wilkinson in 1973, before adding a daughter – Camille – with Bernadette.

He and Bernadette went on to have another two sons, Jarrel and then Daniel, but their family life has remained private despite the boxing legend’s fame and fortune. 

In February of last year, Daniel’s mother Bernadette posted a cryptic caption on Instagram alongside a photograph of Sugar Ray and Daniel – her husband and son.

A photo showed the pair standing together on a beach with Sugar Ray’s arm around Daniel’s shoulder, and the caption read: ‘Happy Valentine’s to my hearts!!! Love you both beyond and we will get through this faze!’

The Justice Department has initiated a criminal probe into E. Jean Carroll, a former columnist for Elle magazine who accused former President Donald Trump of sexual assault, according to several insiders with knowledge of the situation.

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Sources indicate that the investigation is focusing on whether Carroll committed perjury during her civil lawsuits against Trump, following which she received a $5 million award.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has stepped away from the investigation due to his previous involvement in representing Trump in related matters, according to the sources.

The investigation was first brought to light by CNN, with insiders noting that it is being overseen by Andrew Boutros, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

READ MORE | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois announces comprehensive reforms to grand jury procedures

The probe is just the latest among a series of investigations launched by the department into political foes of President Trump, a number of which have faced significant obstacles in the courts and grand juries.

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on the investigation to ABC News. Attorneys for Carroll also declined comment.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

ABC7 Chicago contribute to this report.

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual assault that may be distressing to some readers.

A judge has decided that the teenage stepbrother accused in the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner on a Carnival cruise ship will remain free until his trial. This decision came as new details and a timeline regarding the alleged incident were revealed in recently unsealed court documents.

Timothy Hudson faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse after Kepner was discovered dead in November 2025 inside a cabin on the Carnival cruise ship, which was headed towards Miami, according to federal court filings.

On Wednesday morning, Hudson was spotted entering the James Lawrence King Federal Justice building for a hearing where prosecutors argued for his detention until the trial set for September.

The judge ruled in favor of Hudson remaining out of jail on bond prior to the trial, with specific conditions in place. The U.S. Marshals Office will look into potential housing arrangements for Hudson in the Tampa region.

PROSECUTORS WARN ANNA KEPNER’S STEPBROTHER SHOULDN’T ROAM FREE AFTER ALLEGED CRUISE SHIP MURDER

Miami, FL, May 27th 2026 Timothy Hudson arrives at the James Lawrence King Federal Justice building in Miami, FL. He was charged in connection with the death of his stepsister on a Carnival Cruise in November 2025. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)

Timothy Hudson enters Miami Federal Court with a public defender on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. He was charged in connection with the death of his stepsister on a Carnival Cruise in November 2025. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)

Newly unsealed court documents revealed more details about the allegations against Hudson and a timeline of how authorities say the night unfolded before Kepner was found dead.

Timeline from night of alleged murder:

Nov. 6, 2025, dinner: Prosecutors say Kepner left dinner because she wasn’t feeling well, saying that she had mouth pain from her braces and an upset stomach, and returned alone to cabin 8343.

7:35 p.m.: CCTV allegedly shows Hudson entering the cabin.

7:38 p.m.: CCTV allegedly shows Kepner entering the same cabin. Prosecutors say she was never seen leaving again.

7:51 p.m.: Kepner’s 13-year-old brother briefly entered the cabin and later told investigators he saw Anna alive.

7:51 p.m. to 10:13 p.m.: Prosecutors say Kepner and Hudson were alone in the cabin for roughly three-plus hours.

10:13 p.m.: Prosecutors say Hudson exits the cabin and looks left and right down the hallway.

10:53 p.m.: Prosecutors say Hudson places the privacy sign on the cabin door and goes back inside.

11:21 p.m.: Kepner’s younger brother returns briefly to the cabin. He later tells investigators he did not see her inside.

12:09 a.m.: The brother returned again. Prosecutors say Hudson blocked him from entering, told him he was changing and made him wait outside for a couple of minutes.

12:09 a.m.: The brother said the bathroom and closet doors were open, and the cabin lights were on.

Morning of Nov. 7: Prosecutors say Kepner’s phone, which was missing from the cabin, was tracked by ship Wi-Fi/router data moving along the same path as Hudson.

9:26-9:55 a.m.: Prosecutors say CCTV and router data placed Hudson, and allegedly Kepner’s phone, near the jogging track, smoking area and later near the trash-bin area where the phone was found.

11:24 a.m.: Cabin attendants discovered Kepner’s body, prosecutors say, wrapped in bedding and partially hidden under a bed, with a box of life vests positioned to obscure it.

Prosecutors said a rape kit collected during Kepner’s autopsy included vaginal swabs that tested positive for male DNA, and one swab also tested positive for sperm.

According to the transcript, FBI lab testing excluded another sexual partner, identified in the document as a minor witness, and found “very strong support” for Hudson as the male DNA contributor. Prosecutors said FBI lab testing found the DNA mixture was 120 sextillion times more likely if Kepner and Hudson were the contributors than if Kepner and an unknown, unrelated person were contributors.

Timothy Hudson enters Miami Federal Court with a public defender on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. He was charged in connection with the death of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, on a Carnival Cruise in November 2025. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)

Federal prosecutors say Hudson was previously released to a family member while the case was still being handled under the Juvenile Delinquency Act. But after the case was transferred to adult prosecution and a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment, the government asked the court to revisit that release decision.

In the filing, prosecutors argued that under adult bail standards, Hudson “is a danger to others and should be held in pretrial detention.”

In a court sketch, Timothy Hudson is seen in Miami federal court on Wednesday, May 27. Hudson is accused of murdering his stepsister, Anna Kepner, and sexually assaulting her. (Lothar Speer  )

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Florida-based criminal defense attorney Tim Jansen told Fox News Digital he found that the teen boy being released before the trial was striking, given the severity of the charges.

“I don’t know how they got released into the custody of someone with these charges. I find that alarming,” Jansen said.

Jansen said the allegations, if proven, would give prosecutors a compelling public-safety argument.

In a court sketch, Timothy Hudson is seen in Miami federal court on Wednesday, May 27. Hudson is accused of murdering his stepsister, Anna Kepner, and sexually assaulting her. (Lothar Speer  )

CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP DEATH: FAMILY DYNAMICS MAY EXPLAIN INVESTIGATORS’ SILENCE, LEGAL EXPERT SAYS

“He’s 16 years old, looking at the spending the rest of his life in prison,” Jansen said. “I would argue as a prosecutor, he is both a flight risk and a danger to the community. He’s already [allegedly] sexually assaulted and killed one person. He’s demonstrated his ability not to conform. And I believe the court will detain.”

WATCH: Lawyer stunned teen accused in Anna Kepner murder is roaming free

Prosecutors argued that the alleged crimes were among “the most serious, egregious, and violative crimes one person can inflict upon another” and said no combination of conditions could assure the court that Hudson would not be a danger to others. They also noted that he currently lives in a home where minors reside.

The government’s motion says Hudson was not released on bond, but rather under a release order with conditions.

FBI WEIGHING STATE OR FEDERAL CHARGES AGAINST 16-YEAR-OLD IN ANNA KEPNER CRUISE SHIP HOMICIDE CASE: LAWYER

Anna Kepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother is accused of sexually assaulting and intentionally killing her on Carnival Cruise Line’s Horizon ship. (Shauntel Kepner/Facebook)

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Authorities later ruled her death a homicide caused by “mechanical asphyxiation,” according to documents previously reviewed by Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Hudson’s attorney for comment.

Jeffrey Kepner and Shauntel Kepner leave court in Melbourne, Fla., on Dec. 5, 2025. The couple, who lost their daughter Anna Kepner on a Carnival Cruise the previous month, attended an emergency custody hearing amid an ongoing dispute between Shauntel and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson. (Mark Sims for Fox News Digital)

FATHER OF TEEN ALLEGEDLY KILLED BY STEPBROTHER ON CRUISE SAYS HE CAN’T ‘RELIVE’ TRAUMA AT MURDER TRIAL

Kepner’s parents have voiced their outrage that Hudson is not jailed pending his trial.

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“We’re upset that he’s still out. We’re six months in, and he should already have been arrested, and yet he’s free to do whatever he wants right now,” Christopher Kepner told the Daily Mail. “That’s our problem. He’s been able to do whatever he wants and go where he wants, but the family’s been sitting here unable to do anything.”

Anna Kepner was identified as the passenger who died onboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. (Instagram/AnnaKepner)

If convicted, the teen could face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

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“I want to see him in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. He does not need to be free. He does not need to be in the general public, around any kids or women in general,” Christopher Kepner said.