News In Brief

SCHOOL-BUS SAFETY

Six days into 2000, and all looks safe and sound. But don't tell that to Bruce Beach of Horning's Mills, Ontario. He has buried 42 school buses underground to form a labyrinthine bunker. Just in case the end is near - as he anticipates - he hopes the shelter can house 500 people. The facility includes air vents, a nursery, a dentist's chair, and a soundproof room for people to let off aggression, just in case the close quarters get a bit too close.

BREEDING BREAKFAST

Claiming the strange dark shells floating with the flakes and nuts in their cereal were actually sawtoothed beetles, a Vermont couple is seeking $120,000 in damages. Michael and Frances Concoran are suing the Kellogg Co. of Battle Creek, Mich., charging that a box of its cereal purchased in 1997 led to a kitchen of insects and a nine-month battle against infestation. Bugged by the bad publicity, the cerealmaker is denying responsibility.

Nevada's new-housing boom mirrors population growth One of the least-populated states in the country is home to some of its fastest-paced housing growth. Nevada witnessed a 47.8 percent increase in its new-unit construction rate between 1990 and 1998, according to the Census Bureau. No state comes close to matching the state's building rate, but a glance at the Top 10 indicates a lot of home construction is focused in Western states. The growth leaders, based on percentage increase in new housing units from April 1, 1990, to July 1, 1998:

1. Nevada 47.8%

2. Utah 22.1%

3. Idaho 21.8%

4. Arizona 20.8%

5. Georgia 20.7%

6. North Carolina 19.5%

7. South Carolina 18.2%

8. New Mexico 18.1%

9. Oregon 17.4%

10. Washington 17.4% Associated Press

(c) Copyright 2000. The Christian Science Publishing Society