Einstein’s relativity letter nets $62,500

LOS ANGELES — A letter Albert Einstein wrote to one of his sons in 1945 explaining the connection between his theory of relativity and the atomic bombs that had just been dropped on Japan has sold at auction for $62,500.

The letter was one of 27 by Einstein that were auctioned Thursday by Profiles in History. In all, they fetched more than $420,000.

Others included two that Einstein wrote in the 1940s, explaining his thoughts on God to a man who had written to ask. They sold for $28,125 and $34,375, respectively.

Still others covered Einstein’s thoughts on McCarthyism, Nazism and personal matters.

Man arrested, 4 hurt in shot at NYC hotel

NEW YORK — A man arrested after police say a gun in his pocket went off at a swank New York City hotel is facing charges including reckless endangerment and assault.

Police say 42-year-old Vladimir Gotlibovsky also tampered with physical evidence after his gun discharged inside the famed Waldorf Astoria hotel.

Authorities say the Brooklyn man was at the Park Avenue hotel Saturday night as a wedding taking place. But exactly what caused the shot was unclear.

Police say four people were hit by shrapnel from the bullet or debris such as marble or glass. All had minor injuries.

Diploma covers list wrong state seal

KELSO, Wash. — High school graduates in Kelso, Wash., discovered an error when they received their diplomas during Saturday’s graduation ceremony.

The covers protecting the diplomas carried the state seal of Oregon. Kelso High School is in southwest Washington. The diplomas, which are valid, listed the correct high school.

Students will receive new diploma covers.