In a Nutshell
National News
NYC subway cars derail
Two Manhattan subway cars unexpectedly jumped off their tracks Sunday near Central Park, causing more than 400 people to have to be evacuated from the tunnel. Some trains were still being detoured on Monday, as authorities tried to figure out what caused the two cars to derail.
Amazon.com sues New York
Amazon.com is suing the state of New York over a new law that would require online companies to collect sales tax from customers in New York. Currently, residents are obligated only to a kind of honor system about reporting the tax for online purchases when they file state tax returns. Proponents of the new law say it could bring in as much as $50 million by requiring internet stores to collect the tax.
Man orders beer-can coffin
An Illinois man loves beer so much; he wants to be buried in it. Bill Bramanti purchased a Pabst Blue Ribbon-themed coffin to prove just how much he loves the drink. The silver coffin is decorated in PBR’s signature red, white, and blue colors. On Saturday the 67-year-old threw a party at his house, filling the coffin with ice and his favorite brew.
Tesla Roadster debuts
The zero-emissions sports car that’s been several years in the making is finally coming to the market this week. The Tesla Roadster, with a starting sticker price of $109,000, can go from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds — despite using a lithium-ion battery pack as its only mean of energy. The car can travel 225 miles on one charge, and its makers say it takes only 3.5 hours to charge.
Cruise ship passengers get stranded
A cruise ship of nearly 1,000 people on board ran aground Sunday, leaving its passengers and crew members largely stranded by the incident. After three tugboats tried unsuccessfully to remove the ship, Coast Guard officials said there is no immediate harm to the ship; therefore those aboard are not in danger. The Coast Guard also recommended evacuating the 984 passengers from the ship.
Tragedy overshadows Derby
It was the undefeated Big Brown who came in first at the 134th Kentucky Derby this weekend, but his win was overshadowed by the death of the only female horse to enter the Derby. Eight Belles, who came in 2nd place, fractured both her ankles shortly after crossing the finish line. Eight Belles, the first filly in the Derby since 1999, was euthanized on the track shortly afterward.
Girl carries baby to hospital
A 17-year-old California girl gave birth to a child last week while taking a shower. The teenager said she was getting ready for school when her birthing contractions took over. After giving birth, the woman walked to the hospital with the baby still attached to her. The woman has since decided to keep the baby and have her mother help her raise it so that she can continue her schoolwork.
Drunk man pleads guilty to flight threats
A Cleveland-area man pleaded guilty on Friday to interfering with a flight crew member on a flight out of Columbus, where he mouthed off that he was a federal agent who had “enough bullets for everyone” on his flight. According to court documents, Todd Tornstrom made the threats after drinking four Long Island Iced Teas and a shot of vodka at an airport bar.
Local fugitive makes ‘America’s Most Wanted’
Rebecca Parrett, a former Dublin executive, has the distinct honor of making it on the television show “America’s Most Wanted” fugitive list. Pratt was convicted in March of securities fraud after the collapse of the National Century Financial Enterprises. Officials say she may be hiding in Arizona, and that there is a reward for information that leads to her arrest.
Ohio News
Former OSU player charged in shooting
Former Ohio State defensive end Derrick Foster was charged with attempted murder last week after firing at Columbus police officers. Foster’s attorney said in court that the former Buckeye thought the officers were robbers breaking into his home. The officers were searching for drugs at the time. Foster has so far been denied bail for his role in the incident.
Originally Published: Issue 647 - May 7, 2008
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