In brief: Kennedy won’t seek re-election
WASHINGTON – Rep. Patrick Kennedy has decided not to seek re-election after eight terms in Congress, saying his life is “taking a new direction” just months after the death of his father and mentor, Sen. Edward Kennedy.
The Rhode Island Democrat taped a message with his decision to be aired on Rhode Island’s television stations Sunday night. The Associated Press viewed the message Thursday, ahead of the announcement.
“Now having spent two decades in politics, my life is taking a new direction, and I will not be a candidate for re-election this year,” Kennedy says.
Kennedy did not give a reason for his decision, but he began the message by saying it had been a difficult few years for many people, then segued into the death of his father.
Kennedy said in his ad that he remained committed to public service, and he thanked Rhode Island voters for supporting him through ups and downs.
He has been in and out of treatment for substance abuse since crashing his car outside the U.S. Capitol in 2006. Still, he has been comfortably re-elected twice since then, after making mental health care his signature issue in Washington.
Frisbee inventor dead at 90
MONROE, Utah – Walter Fredrick Morrison, the man credited with inventing the Frisbee, has died.
State Rep. Kay McIff, an attorney who once represented Morrison in a royalties case, said Morrison, 90, died at his home Tuesday.
Morrison sold the production and manufacturing rights to his “Pluto Platter” in 1957. The plastic flying disc was later renamed the “Frisbee,” with sales surpassing 200 million discs.
Wilson service set for Sunday
LUFKIN, Texas – A memorial service for former U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson will be held Sunday in Texas.
Wilson died Wednesday at the age of 76 in the eastern Texas town of Lufkin.
The Gipson Funeral Home said a memorial service will be Sunday afternoon at Angelina College’s Temple Theater in Lufkin.
Wilson will receive a Feb. 23 graveside service with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Condoms carry green message
TUCSON, Ariz. – An environmental group plans to distribute 100,000 free condoms across the U.S. beginning Valentine’s Day to call attention to the impact of human overpopulation on endangered species.
The packages have slogans such as “Wrap with care, save the polar bear,” and “Wear a condom now, save the spotted owl.”
The Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson said it will hand out six different condom packages with original artwork. The endangered-species condoms will be distributed in bars, supermarkets, schools, concerts, parties, and other public events.
The center’s Randy Serraglio said human overpopulation is destroying wildlife habitat at an unprecedented rate.