AVALON CELEBRITY INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASH

AP (Avalon Press) - Local authorities on Venus have reported at least one fatality after a hoverbike crashed into a passenger transport outside the Caiman Hotel and Resort.

Former Avalon hoverbike racing champion Cole Robinson has been identified as the rider of the bike involved in the crash. No other fatalities have been reported at this time and sources indicate that the passenger transport was in fact unoccupied.

Robinson had retired early from racing at the age of 30 after almost losing his legs in a crash during his last race on the Avalon Circuit. Since then, Robinson had been involved in charitable endeavors, including the Andromeda Refuge Relief, as well as endorsement deals with Zap Pop soft drinks and Distance Racing Supplies.

"He was beloved by so many and touched so many lives," said Robinson's agent and friend Calum Barclay in a statement released this morning, "At this time we ask that his fans respect his family's privacy as they mourn his loss."

Robinson was unmarried and is survived by his parents, both respected scientists in the Avalon science community, and two younger sisters.

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UNITY OPERA HOUSE RENOVATIONS COMPLETE

AP - After months of renovations, after a faulty water main caused extensive damage, The Unity Michner has released the full spring schedule of shows which are not strictly limited to operatic performances.
Opera House is ready to open its doors once again. The Opera House director, Alec

"This is a new era for the old opera house," Michner said in a statement, "there are going to be new voices filling her halls this season!"

The schedule includes performances by the Avalon Philharmonic Orchestra, the Unity Opera Troupe, as well as popular acts in a variety of musical styles including blues, jazz, rock and soul.

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EARTH HISTORY MUSEUM NOW OPEN!

AP (Avalon Press) - After years of preparation, the Earth Historical Preservation Society's museum of Earth History is finally open to the public. Council Chair Presley and EHPS Founder Professor Cornelius Thorne were on hand for the opening ceremony early this morning in Unity Central.

"Today marks a great day in Avalon history," Professor Thorne said in his public address to the gathered crowd, "as we create a doorway to the history of the planet our forefathers once called home."

The Earth History Museum contains a variety of exhibits that cover different historical periods in Terran History, including fully animated and interactive presentations.

"I think kids are going to love the dinosaurs," Councilman Presley said, "and I think the adults will get a kick out of the Woodstock presentation. The Jimi Hendrix android is very accurate...and does a pretty mean version of Little Wing."

Other exhibits include the Hall of Honors, honoring those lost in the countless wars fought upon the planet Earth.

"I'm glad Avalon has moved past such conflicts," Professor Thorne said, "it can be very sobering to see all the names of those who gave their lives on Terran soil."

Professor Thorne is referring to Avalon's long-standing position on Galactic Neutrality and the station's commitment to being a refuge for war-displaced citizens of worlds from all over the galaxy.

"I think it serves a very important lesson," Professor Thorne added, "the alien refugees who come to Avalon can see that we were not immune to war, but have risen above it."

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LAWSUIT PENDING AGAINST PLUTO-MADE HOUSEKEEPER DROIDS

AP (Avalon Press) Pluto - Henderson Dynamics has filed a lawsuit against Pluto-based robotics firm Snappy Bots after a class-action lawsuit was threatened against both the manufacturer and distributor of faulty housekeeping robots.

Henderson Dynamics has offered full refunds to customers who purchased the faulty droids and is, in turn taking their manufacturer, Snappy Bots, to court. This is the second time in five years that Snappy Bots has been accused of producing malfunctioning products. The previous suit was settled out of court with an unnamed plaintiff.

Customers have reported that the pluto-manufactured robots have sped up their housekeeping duties to dangerous levels, ruining furniture, destroying counter-tops and endangering family pets.

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