News briefs

Tunnel to Russia proposed

A group of entrepreneurs recently proposed building a tunnel that would go under the Bering Strait and would connect Alaska to Russia. The tunnel would cost an estimated $65 billion to complete. Some people such as Russian Economics Ministry officials are wondering who’s going to pay for the project. The tunnel’s organizers are attempting to get Russia and other countries to pay, but representatives have said they would only invest in the project when private investors commit to the tunnel. People lobbying for the tunnel claim that it will turn an economic profit in under 30 years due to oil and gas pipelines in addition to trains transporting cargo. The tunnel would take up to 20 years to complete.



New Earth-like planet discovered

Scientists in Europe have announced the discovery of the most Earth-like planet outside of the solar system. The planet lies much closer to its sun when compared to Earth, but the star is a red dwarf and therefore much cooler. The planet has liquid water and temperatures that have about the same range as our own planet. It also is five times heavier than Earth and at least 1.5 times bigger. This discovery will most likely spur new studies to find other planets that orbit red dwarf stars. Until recently, scientists didn’t consider those stars capable of hosting planets that could support life. The planet is 20.5 light years away from Earth.



Wiccan symbol allowed by VA

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently reached a settlement in a court dispute over the Wiccan pentacle appearing on government-issued headstones of fallen soldiers. The Wiccan pentacle is a five-pointed star which represents the elements earth, air, water, spirit, and fire. The pentacle has now been added to the current list of 38 symbols allowed on gravestones. Rev. Barry W. Lynn, director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said, “This settlement has forced the Bush Administration into acknowledging that there are no second class religions in America, including among our nation’s veterans.” Variations of the Wiccan pentacle have been used in movies as a sign of the devil.