In this edition of the National News Roundup, America watches as tragedy unfolds in Boston, MA and West, TX. Closer to home, memories of the 2001 anthrax attacks resurface after letters with ricin are sent to important government figures.

Suspect in Boston Marathon bombing arrested, investigation begins
Nearly two hours after the winner crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon, two bombs exploded in the finishers’ area killing three and injuring close to 300. Later in the week, bombing suspects Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev killed an MIT police officer and led officers from numerous local, state and federal units on a chase. America woke up Thursday to the news that the younger brother was still on the loose. He was found Friday night and is currently being questioned. The heartbreaking story of two American-raised young men-turned terrorists has a local aspect as well: their uncle, Ruslan Tsarni, lives in Montgomery Village and has given numerous interviews to the media including one where he called his nephews “losers.” Read more here.

Explosion at fertilizer plant in West, Texas kills 15 and injures 200
In a televised address to the nation after Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was arrested, President Barack Obama reminded Americans to also remember the victims of the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion, which killed more people but gained less media attention. The plant produces farming chemicals and caught fire before exploding into flames. Many of those killed in the explosion were first responders. Read more here.

Elvis impersonator wrongfully accused in Ricin letter case
Letters containing Ricin, a highly toxic protein, were sent to President Obama and Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi. The letters caused many to remember the Anthrax attacks of 2001 when letters were sent to Senate offices and media organizations, killing 5 and infecting 17 others. At no time were any people in danger due to security procedures put in place after 2001 to ensure that all mail is scanned at an outside facility before being sent to Capitol Hill. Originally, officials had a suspect in custody, Elvis impersonator Paul Kevin Curtis, but he was recently released. Read more here.