Beatrice Arthur Dies

The actress Beatrice Arthur died last weekend in her Los Angeles home at the age of 86. Arthur aired in several television programs including All in the Family, Maude, and The Golden Girls.

Conficker Worm Attacked

The conficker worm has finally attacked. It was originally believed that it would attack on April 1 but it did not. The virus takes over your computer and uses it to transport spam and viruses to other computers via email and other ways, even through CDs and USB drives. It also sends you an email to buy a fake anti-virus software and steals your credit card number. It is not known who is running this virus.

Possible Swine Flu Pandemic

Fears have escalated over the possibility of a Swine Flu pandemic after more cases were found in various areas of the United States. The same virus has killed 68 people in Mexico and sickened over a thousand. The increased fear occurred after it was announced that two new cases were confirmed in Kansas. In New York City eight kids had flu symptoms that have a possibility of being the swine flu. Most of the swine flu cases though still remain in Mexico.

ETSU Buyout Offer

ESTU has approved some employees for their buyout option. A little under 90 people applied for the option. Some of the benefits for the buyout include: 3 months of salary, your longevity payment, $500 for each year of service to ETSU, 6 months of health insurance and more.

Tabacco Tax Increase

The federal tax on tobacco has risen over 60¢ higher than before. The price has been steadily rising for years.

Exide Layoffs

On Wednesday the Exide plant in Bristol announced that they would be laying off 70% of their work force in May. The layoffs will all be at their Bristol plant and effect 567 people. The layoffs are because of the recession.

Man Killed by Mother

31 year old, David Crabtree was shot to death on Saturday by his mother, 70 year old Dorthea Williams. After killing Crabtree in his Kingsport home, Williams then killed herself. It is not yet known if Williams went to Crabtree’s home for the purpose of killing him. Both bodies are being sent to the Quillen College of Medicine for an autopsy.