Attack of the clones as Star Wars fans design own lightsabers

Frustrated by the lack of quality lightsabers in toy shops, Makoto Tsai did what any self-respecting hardcore Star Wars fan would do -- he studied engineering at college and then spent years perfecting a replica. As fans gather globally on May 4th for what has become the unofficial Star Wars Day -- this year mourning the death of towering Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew -- many will be clutching one of Tsai's lightsabers, made in his workshop near Taipei. Local and ethnic Chinese fans are offered a half price discount, providing that they pass a written test "to prove they have enough passion for Star Wars".

Tesla ends 'Spartan diet' and seeks $2.3 billion to fund expansion

Tesla's plan to issue shares and convertible debt comes after the company repeatedly pushed back forecasts for turning a profit. Many analysts had calculated that Tesla - which burned through $1.5 billion in the first quarter - would not be able to carry out its growth plans without new cash. Shares of Tesla rose 4.3 percent to close at $244.10, while the yield on Tesla's existing $1.8 billion junk bond fell to its lowest level in over a month.

1 dead, 3 missing after migrant raft overturns in Rio Grande

WASHINGTON (AP) — A 10-month-old baby was found dead Thursday and three other migrants were feared drowned after their raft flipped in the night on the Rio Grande as they tried to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, law enforcement officials said.

Man falls 70 feet into Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano — and survives

A man was rescued but seriously injured after falling into Hawaii's Kīlauea caldera this week, National Park Service officials said.

Caribbean nation of St. Lucia quarantines cruise ship over measles case

Dr. Merlene Frederick-James said in a video statement posted to YouTube on Tuesday that the St. Lucia Ministry of Health ordered the restriction after conferring with the Pan American Health Organization and others about the risk of exposure to islanders. The ministry learned of the confirmed measles case from "two reputable sources," and in light of current measles outbreaks in the United States and the highly infectious nature of the disease "we thought it prudent that we quarantine the ship," Frederick-James said. NBC News, citing a St. Lucia Coast Guard sergeant, reported the boat in question is named Freewinds, which is the name of a 440-foot vessel owned and operated by the Church of Scientology.

As Trump Allows Cuba Lawsuits, Young Lawyer Sees Vindication

For the first time, the Trump administration will allow lawsuits in U.S. courts against firms operating on seized Cuban property, including multinational corporations based in Canada and Europe, which accounts for the island’s biggest source of foreign investment. Some Cuba watchers are projecting a flurry of legal activity, while foreign governments and corporations are preparing to defend billions in assets. The European Union and Canadian governments have jointly warned that suits could prompt them to complain to the World Trade Organisation.

'It was a lot of shots': 911 calls from UNC Charlotte shooting describe campus in chaos

One of the callers told a 911 operator she had escaped from the class where the shooting unfolded. “He was still shooting when we left.”