More than two years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the subway under the destroyed World Trade Center reopened Sunday. In a ceremony led by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the reopening of the subway service was the first step in the anticipated reconstruction of the area. In a symbolic gesture, the first trip on the provisionally constructed station was taken by the eight subway cars that last left the station in 2001. A few minutes after those cars departed, the station was buried under the rubble of the disintegrating southern twin tower.
■ United States
Bear arms, or else
Residents of the tiny south-central Kansas town of Geuda Springs have passed an ordinance requiring most households to have guns and ammunition. Non-complying residents would be fined US$10 under the ordinance, passed 3-2 earlier this month by city council members, who thought it would help protect the town of 210 people. Those who suffer from physical or mental disabilities, paupers and people who conscientiously oppose firearms would be exempt. Geuda Springs has no local police force; the Sumner County Sheriff's department is responsible for the area. Sheriff Gerald Gilkey said the ordinance makes him concerned for the safety of his officers.
■ United States
Taylor defends Jackson
Actress Elizabeth Taylor said on Sunday that she believes pop star and good friend Michael Jackson is "absolutely innocent" of child molestation charges and will be "vindicated." In a statement, Taylor also criticized the press for behaving "abominably" toward Jackson, who was arrested this week on suspicion of sexually abusing a young boy. "Their whole reaction is that he is guilty. I thought the law was `innocent until proven guilty.' I know he is innocent and I hope they all eat crow," Taylor said of the press.
■ Algeria
Donkey meat sold as beef
A gang of butchers and vets in Algeria has been charged with selling tonnes of donkey meat as beef during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan when food prices rise sharply, state radio said. Authorities believe more than 55 tonnes of donkey meat were sold at knock-down prices at markets in the capital Algiers since August, but most during Ramadan. More than 1,500 donkeys were brought in from around the country and slaughtered in Algiers before vets certified the meat as beef, authorities said. Five butchers, four vets and an abattoir boss were arrested on Saturday.
■ United Kingdom
Gay couples gain rights
Same-sex couples will be given rights denied to heterosexual couples who choose not to marry, under legislation to be unveiled this week. The civil partnership bill will allow gay couples the same rights and responsibilities as married couples, including employment and pension benefits, inheritance and parental rights, recognition for immigration purposes, and exemption from testifying against each other in court. But heterosexual people who chose to cohabit will be denied this, which the opposition Conservatives are warning will prompt fierce clashes. A Department of Trade and Industry spokesman said the distinction was being made because heterosexual couples already had access to legal status through marriage.
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