Overdoses, assaults found at college party
ROSLYN, Wash., Oct. 9 (UPI) -- A party near Central Washington University resulted in several overdoses and possible assaults, police said Saturday.
Shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, Cle Elum-Roslyn-South Cle Elum police responded to a report of an assault and possible poisoning or overdose at a party in Roslyn, KIRO-TV, Seattle, reported.
Friends of the victim led police and Kittitas County sheriff's deputies to a home in Roslyn, where about 50 young people were at a party.
Police said they interrupted a possible sexual assault in progress and found several people in critical condition from overdosing on an unknown substance.
Twelve victims were taken to hospitals, and one was listed in critical but stable condition, CNN reported. About 35 other people were questioned, but police did not say how many were arrested.
Miners sustained by cards, cans and faith
COPIAPO, Chile, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- The 33 miners trapped underground in Chile for more than two months have maintained remarkably good spirits, judging by their messages and videos.
Their shelter measures 538 square feet, CNN reports. A 3-foot-high, 130-foot-long shaft has served as their lavatory.
The men survived off canned tuna and a jar of peaches until a drill pierced their chamber's ceiling Aug. 22, 17 days after the mine roof collapse trapped them.
The temperature has hit 85 degrees at times, and about 2,300 feet of rock separates them from the surface.
Their well-being has been the No. 1 priority since the world learned they were alive. Except for eye irritation from the dust, the men had no real injuries. Health officials' top concern has been making sure their bodies and minds don't atrophy.
Officials packed long metal tubes with oxygen, vaccines and sustenance, liquid proteins and vitamins at first because the men were not ready for solid food. The supplies are delivered down small bore holes.
They received playing cards, dominoes, lights, cameras and a Chilean flag. They also were given a crucifix and statuettes of saints to build a shrine.
Dutch coffee shops irked at proposed rules
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Coffee shop owners in Amsterdam are protesting a proposal to clamp down on the establishments that have become a worldwide draw for pot aficionados.
"For sure, if the reforms go through it will impact business," Maciej Truszkowski, owner of a small coffee shop, told the Financial Times.
The new coalition government in the Netherlands has proposed regulations for the coffee houses that would turn them into "members only" clubs, which would effectively bar the tourists who fly into Amsterdam for a lost weekend.
"It's a head-on attack," said Gerrit Jan ten Bloemendal, vice chairman of the Netherlands Cannabis Platform.
The Times said Saturday the new regulations were part of a broader law-and-order program spearheaded by the far-right Freedom Party, which made noticeable gains in the June election. Dutch political analysts say it is also a reflection of growing social conservatism among Dutch voters.
Remark about Whitman irks Brown supporters
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Leaders of women's groups say California gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown should apologize for the vulgar word used against opponent Meg Whitman.
A recorded conversation taking place in Brown's campaign office included someone suggesting Whitman be referred to as "a whore" over her proposal to exempt public safety employees from her pension-reform plan.
The conversation was recorded on a voice machine when Brown left a message but apparently failed to disconnect the line. Although the conversation was private and Brown never publicly used the word, Brown's Democratic allies have taken offense at the remark.
"It is never acceptable for anyone, particularly a man, to call another woman a whore and particularly someone of Meg Whitman's stature," said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who told the Los Angeles Times she would continue to back Brown.
Brown's campaign issued what the Times said Saturday was a tepid apology, and Brown has yet to address the issue personally.
Some political analysts told the newspaper Brown would have to confront the new crisis directly and quickly. "The longer this statement is out there and it's ambiguous who said it or if it was him, that hurts him," said Jennifer Lawless, director of the Women and Politics Institute at American University.
