Patrick Kennedy checks into rehab

Providence, R.I. – Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who has struggled with depression, alcoholism and addiction for much of his life, said Friday that he has checked into a medical facility for treatment.

The Rhode Island Democrat, who sought treatment three years ago after an early morning car crash near the U.S. Capitol, said in a statement that his recovery is a “lifelong process” and that he will do whatever it takes to preserve his health.

“I have decided to temporarily step away from my normal routine to ensure that I am being as vigilant as possible in my recovery,” said Kennedy, the son of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. He did not say exactly what he was being treated for, and did not disclose the facility’s location.

Two doctors die on McKinley climb

Anchorage, Alaska – Two experienced climbers have fallen to their deaths on Alaska’s Mount McKinley.

National Park Service rangers have recovered the bodies of 39-year-John Mislow, of Newton, Mass., and 36-year-old Andrew Swanson, of Minneapolis.

The climbers, both doctors, were roped together when they fell Thursday afternoon along Messner Couloir, a steep, hourglass-shaped snow gully on the 20,320-foot mountain, North America’s tallest peak. The climbing partners began an ascent of the mountain’s West Rib route on May 30.

The deaths bring to four the number of fatalities at McKinley this climbing season, which runs through early July.

Detainee photos dropped from bill

Washington – Congressional negotiators have agreed to drop amendments to a supplemental appropriations bill that would have banned the release of photos depicting alleged detainee abuse and would have restricted bringing Guantanamo detainees to the United States.

The agreement on those issues should speed passage of the bill, which provides $79.9 billion for the Pentagon to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Another $10.4 billion would go to the State Department and other “international affairs and stabilization” efforts in Pakistan.

The agreement came after President Barack Obama wrote a five-paragraph letter promising to fight to prevent disclosure of the photos.