Beirut explosion, Qatar busts spy cells: Latest developments in Mideast war

An explosion rocked the Lebanese capital and Israel said it was launching a new overnight wave of strikes on Iran, as the war engulfing the Middle East continued into Wednesday.
The Times of Israel

Loud explosion reported in Beirut

A loud explosion is heard by an AFP journalist in the Lebanese capital Beirut shortly after midnight on Wednesday, as Israel and Hezbollah trade strikes and rocket fire.
Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project

Seven Years Before Beirut Explosion, Lebanese Military Failed to Flag Deadly Cargo

The MV Rhosus was allowed to sail into Beirut’s port carrying 2,750 tons of potentially explosive ammonium nitrate, even after an inspection by the Lebanese navy, documents show. Lebanon's Armed Forces failed to include the inspection in a report submitted to the government after the blast.
ABC 7 Chicago

Lebanon explosion: DePaul graduate, Chicago man relieved family in Beirut mostly untouched by blast

CHICAGO (WLS) -- After video of a monstrous explosion in Beirut began spreading across the globe, one Chicago resident worried about his family. "I was just trying to keep calling everyone and keep texting everyone." Rami Ghannam said. Most of his family ...