Surprise earthquake...Israel closes West Bank and Gaza

WEST SALEM, Ill. (AP) It came as a big surprise in an area not used to earthquakes. A magnitude 5.4 earthquake early today near the southern Illinois town of West Salem rocked people awake in neighboring Indiana and even in Milwaukee, 350 miles to the north.

There are no reports of injuries.

JERUSALEM (AP) Israel has closed off the West Bank and Gaza for the Jewish Passover holiday. The closure will last until the end of the holiday on April 26th. Palestinians are banned from entering Israel, except for doctors and lawyers and in humanitarian cases.

Washington (AP) Pope Benedict has prayed with victims of clergy sex abuse. A spokesman says the pontiff met privately yesterday with five or six victims at the Vatican embassy in Washington, offering them encouragement and hope. Benedict addresses the U.N. today in New York.

SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) They're hoping for less chaos as a custody hearing resumes in Texas today for 416 children swept up in a raid on a polygamous sect two weeks ago. A child-welfare investigator says at least five girls under 18 are now pregnant or have children.

NEW YORK (AP) Two metals experts have a new book out blaming lower quality rivets for the sinking of the Titanic. The authors say the builder, Harland and Wolff of Belfast, Northern Ireland, needed to build the ship quickly and at reasonable cost, which may have compromised quality.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-18-08 0540CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list