Billy Graham out of hospital after fall

October 12, 2008

ASHEVILLE - Evangelist Billy Graham was released from the hospital yesterday, sore and bruised but not seriously injured, after he tripped and fell over one of his dogs at his North Carolina home, hospital officials said. The 89-year-old Graham stayed overnight at Mission Hospital in Asheville with discomfort and bruising. X-rays showed no broken bones, spokeswoman Merrell Gregory said in a release. (AP)

PETROLIA - A corrosive liquid overflowed from a tank at a chemical plant in western Pennsylvania yesterday, evaporating into a toxic cloud that snaked along the ground and forced about 2,500 to flee. At least three residents were believed to be injured. A material called oleum, similar to sulfuric acid, leaked from a tank at the Indspec Chemical Corp. plant in Petrolia, said plant manager Dave Dorko. Authorities were concerned about the potential for respiratory damage and skin burns, said Freda Tarbell, spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Protection. Authorities went door to door to residents within 2 miles to evacuate. Residents were taken to shelters in nearby towns, and officials said they did not know when they would be allowed to return. (AP)

ST. HELENA - Hundreds of firefighters are battling a fast-growing wildfire that is threatening homes and wineries in California's Napa Valley. Fire officials say the blaze has burned 300 acres in the rugged hills outside the wine country town of St. Helena. The fire is expected to be contained today. CalFire spokeswoman Nancy Carniglia says the fire has destroyed at least two structures and threatens 200 homes and several wineries. About 100 residents left their homes under voluntary evacuation orders Friday night, and an evacuation center has been set up at a high school. (AP)

DENVER - Qwest Communications International Inc. says it has reached a tentative agreement for a four-year contract with a union representing about 20,000 employees. The company made the announcement yesterday. Members of the Communications Workers of America last month rejected a tentative three-year agreement with Denver-based Qwest, after the previous contract expired Aug. 16. (AP)