Offbeat News

Offbeat Intruder charged in overnight feast at supermarket

By Associated Press Published: May 14, 2013 at 8:02 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 8:02 AM PDT

Authorities in Kentucky have charged a man who officers say had an overnight feast in a closed supermarket outside Louisville.

Offbeat Cop trying to help cat in tree needs fire department rescue

By Associated Press Published: May 14, 2013 at 8:10 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 8:10 AM PDT

Authorities say a New York police officer who went after a cat stuck in a tree got caught himself and needed a little help getting back down to the ground.

Offbeat Billionaire Richard Branson swaps suit for skirt to honor bet (Photo Gallery)

By SEAN YOONG Associated Press Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:10 PM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 11:12 PM PDT

British business magnate Richard Branson has lost his latest job because of orange juice.

Offbeat Watch: Bowie's 'Space Oddity' performed...in space! (Video)

By Hanna Brooks Olsen Published: May 13, 2013 at 7:45 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:10 AM PDT

Commander Chris Hadfield's video dispatches from the International Space Station have captured the hearts of space nerds (and regular people) worldwide, as he's explained how even basic tasks like dental care function without gravity. But it's his most recent video, where the Canadian musician and explorer performed a classic hit by David Bowie, that has drawn attention to his array of talents and generally friendly nature.

Offbeat Bumbling crooks accidentally dial 911 during crime

By Associated Press Published: May 20, 2013 at 7:50 AM PDT Last Updated: May 20, 2013 at 12:24 PM PDT

Two suspects arrested for breaking into a car in Central California accidentally called 911 on a cellphone, which led police to them.

Offbeat UN's new weapon to fight hunger: edible insects (Photo Gallery)

By FRANCES D'EMILIO Associated Press Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:06 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:06 AM PDT

The U.N. has new weapons to fight hunger, boost nutrition and reduce pollution, and they might be crawling or flying near you right now: edible insects.

Offbeat Derelict mom books tell blunt truths about parenting

By LEANNE ITALIE,Associated Press Published: May 11, 2013 at 3:33 PM PDT Last Updated: May 11, 2013 at 3:33 PM PDT

The authors behind a fresh round of parenting books love their munchkins, to be sure, but there's something about the scorched earth narrative that sells memoirish parenting books these days.

Offbeat Boxer Mike Tyson set to become a cartoon detective

By Associated Press Published: May 10, 2013 at 5:52 PM PDT Last Updated: May 10, 2013 at 5:52 PM PDT

Adult Swim says it's turning Mike Tyson into a cartoon detective.

Offbeat Oregon smokejumpers skydive into illegal pot garden

By Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 4:48 PM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 4:48 PM PDT

A team of smokejumpers parachuting into a fire in the mountains of Southern Oregon landed in an illegal marijuana garden being prepared for growing season.

Offbeat Miracles happen: Woman survives harpoon shooting

By STAN LEHMAN, Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 7:35 AM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 7:36 AM PDT

A 28-year-old woman miraculously survived after her husband accidentally shot her in the mouth with a harpoon, Brazilian officials said Wednesday.

Offbeat Cemetery officials ban profanity on rapper's headstone

By Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 7:41 AM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 7:41 AM PDT

Commissioners at a Massachusetts cemetery have said no to profanity on headstones.

Offbeat Treasury Secretary's loopy signature improving (Photo Gallery)

By Associated Press Published: May 8, 2013 at 7:34 AM PDT Last Updated: May 8, 2013 at 7:47 AM PDT

Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew may not have succeeded yet in getting a grand budget bargain with Congress, but at least his handwriting is improving. And it is expected to be even better when the time comes for him to affix his "Jacob Lew" to the nation's currency.

Offbeat Action cameras gone wild

By Shannon L. Cheesman, Multimedia Journalist / Travel & Outdoors Published: May 7, 2013 at 1:11 PM PDT Last Updated: May 7, 2013 at 1:11 PM PDT

It's one of the latest trends among photographers - wearable 'action' cameras that allow us to share unique perspectives of the world around us.

Offbeat Remodeling gone wrong: House destroyed by fire, falling tree

By Associated Press Published: May 7, 2013 at 12:46 PM PDT Last Updated: May 7, 2013 at 12:46 PM PDT

Firefighters say things got out of hand last weekend after one of three workers arriving about 6 a.m. for a house remodeling job south of Florence built a warming fire in the carport.

Offbeat Alaska moose head donated to Navy's newest warship

By Associated Press Published: May 7, 2013 at 11:59 AM PDT Last Updated: May 7, 2013 at 11:59 AM PDT

An Anchorage man has donated a trophy moose head and antlers to the Navy's newest warship.