National

Aug 10, 04:31 PM

Current Headlines: Storm disrupts NYC commute

NEW YORK - A torrential downpour sent water surging through New York's subway system and highway tunnels and across airport runways yesterday, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and one big question: How could 3 inches of rain bring the nation's largest mass transit system to a halt? The storm, which also spawned a rare tornado, hit just before dawn. By rush hour, the subway system was virtually paralyzed when pumping stations became overwhelmed. Bedlam resulted from too much rain, too fast; some suburban commuters spent a half day just getting to work. (AP)

New suspect in Bish case?

Massachusetts State Police detectives are investigating whether a man arrested this week for an attempted abduction in Brimfield is connected to the case of Molly Bish, the Warren, Mass., teenager who disappeared from her lifeguard post in 2000 and whose remains were found three years later, according to a spokesman for the Worcester district attorney. "His mug shot and this artist's sketch are very similar, so we would like to talk to him," said Tim Connolly, the spokesman. (The Boston Globe)

Plastics hazard examined

WASHINGTON - A federal advisory panel yesterday found no strong evidence of health hazards from a chemical commonly found in plastics, but left the door open for further investigation. At issue is a chemical called bisphenol A, which is in products ranging from baby bottles to the coatings inside food cans. Some research links the chemical to reproductive abnormalities and other health problems in animals. That and widespread exposure to the plastic prompted the National Toxicology Program to appoint an expert panel to review the science. The panel found little if any reason for concern for the general population. But when it came to exposure for fetuses or young children, the panel found what it called "some concern" about links to neural or behavioral problems.

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