US Physician Behind Suicide Law Dies

Portland - A physician who campaigned for the U.S. state of Oregon's Death With Dignity Act has died using lethal chemicals obtained under the law he championed. He was 83.

A spokesman for the organization Compassion and Choices says Peter Goodwin died Sunday at his home surrounded by his family. Goodwin told the Oregonian last month he's battled a rare brain disorder for six years.

Oregon was the first state to allow terminally ill patients to take their own lives with the help of lethal medications supplied by a doctor.

The act was the result of a long campaign by Goodwin, and he's called it his greatest legacy.

5,000 Homeless Americans Live in Tent Cities

By Noel Brinkerhoff

 

United States - While the U.S. unemployment rate has improved slightly in recent months, the rosy news of better times ahead contrasts with the difficult reality still haunting many Americans, especially for those living in tents to survive.

 

It is estimated that at least 5,000 individuals today call “tent cities” their home. These makeshift, and unhealthy, settlements have sprung up in more than 50 cities, including Portland, Oregon; Lakewood, New Jersey; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Pinellas Park, Florida; and Bakersfield, California.

 

Some of the tent cities house a few dozen, while others provide shelter for as many as 300. Many are supported by local churches while others face eviction because of safety code violations.

 

The conditions of the encampment in Ann Arbor have been described as “unhygienic." There are no toilets and electricity is only available in the one communal tent where the campers huddle around a wood stove for warmth in the heart of winter,” according to the BBC News.

Odd Stories: Stolen Rabbits Returned

Portland - Sadly for more than a dozen freed rabbits, they were returned to their unfortunate fate.

Farmer Levi Cole, an instructor for the Portland Meat Collective, said 18 of his rabbits were taken from him the day before he was supposed to teach a class about raising, slaughtering, and cooking them.

The owner of Portland Meat Collective, Camas Davis, claims ten one-day-old baby rabbits were left behind and died of neglect. However, there is serious doubt as to if the babies ever existed.

Erin Ford, a board member of the animal rights group Rabbit Advocates said whoever stole them dropped them by the house of one of their volunteers. All but one were, named Roger, was retrieved from Rabbit Advocates' lawyer's office.

Members of the group say they are still trying to persuade the meat collective to not slaughter the rabbits.

"If they stay in our care, it will be a good result. If they don't, I don't like to think of what the end result will be for these darling little furry ones, " said vice president said Mary Huey.

Odd Stories: Man Falls Through Ceiling, Into Hands of Police

Portland - After threatening some of his relatives with bodily harm, Aaron Deon Kinsey barricaded himself in the attic.  The relatives called police to take him to jail but after discovering he wasn't a threat at the moment, the police decided to check up on him later.

Shortly after they left him alone, the police heard a noise.  It was Kinsey as he fell through the ceiling.

After being sent to the hospital for a few minor injuries Kinsey was charged with domestic violence, fourth-degree assault, and harassment.

Criminal Enters Home to Watch T.V.

Portland - Instead of doing what most criminals would after breaking into a house, one man decided to sit down and watch television.

Oregonlive reports 32-year-old Jason Bastrom entered the house through an unlocked front door when he was discovered by the homeowner.  After calling 911, the owner called a nearby family member.

During the confrontation the family member noticed Bastrom had a hand in one of his pants pocket, leading him to think he may have a weapon.  A single strike to the head was enough to knock out Bastrom, who remained unconscious until the police arrived to arrest him.