Last Week in the World of News

by Paul Monte news editor

04/3

Hepatitis found in strawberries.

Strawberries imported from Mexico and processed in California have caused 153 hepatitis A infections among schoolchildren and teachers in Michigan.

Thousands of children in five other states, including Arizona, California, Georgia, Iowa and Tennessee may also be at risk.

They are being advised to get gamma globulin shots to help prevent the viral liver ailment, which generally causes a mild illness.

The contaminated strawberries were served as part of the school lunch program conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Inclusion of foreign food products in the program is illegal.

04/4

ABC signs film deal on the cult.

The American Broadcasting Company has signed a deal to develop a television movie based on the first-hand story of a former member of the Heaven's Gate cult. It will be produced by two entertainment companies that employed cult members to design websites on the Internet.

The Kushner-Locke Company and Interact Entertainment announced the deal after days of speculation about the whereabouts and plans of the former member, Richard Ford, who is also known as Rio D'Angelo.

A month after leaving the cult, Mr. Ford last week discovered the bodies of the 39 members who committed suicide in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. He received a package containing two videotapes announcing the members' intentions.