The world at a glance . . . United States

Sequim, Wash.

First assisted-suicide death: A woman with late-stage pancreatic cancer has become the first person to die under Washington’s assisted-suicide law. Linda Fleming, 66, died at home surrounded by family members, a physician, and her pet Chihuahua, after taking drugs prescribed under the state’s “Death With Dignity” law—which voters approved in a referendum last November. “The pain became unbearable, and it was only going to get worse,” Fleming said in a statement released after her death. Under the Washington law, patients may apply for life-ending drugs if doctors determine their condition is terminal and they have six months or less to live. It’s modeled on Oregon’s assisted-suicide law, under which more than 400 people have died since it passed in 1997.

Artesia, N.M.

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Bush feels free: In a rare public appearance, George W. Bush said last week that no longer serving as president of the United States has been “liberating.” Addressing graduating seniors at a high school in Artesia, Bush said, “I no longer feel that great sense of responsibility that I had when I was in the Oval Office.” He realized that his life was returning to normal, he noted, when Barney, the family dog, stopped to relieve himself during a walk with Bush. “There I was,” he said, “former president of the United States of America, with a plastic bag in my hand.” Since leaving office in January, Bush has given only one speech, in Canada, and is writing a memoir of his presidency.

Chicago

A change of heart: A firsthand experience with waterboarding has changed the mind of one formerly enthusiastic advocate of the harsh interrogation technique. Conservative radio host Erich “Mancow” Muller last week underwent waterboarding during his live radio program. With a paramedic looking on, Muller was strapped to a 7-foot board with his feet slightly elevated; a wet towel was placed over his face, and water was poured into his nose. Within seven seconds, Muller desperately signaled for the treatment to stop. “It was way worse than I thought it would be,” Muller said. “It was instantaneous, and—I don’t want to say this—absolutely torture.” The Bush administration’s use of waterboarding on suspected terrorists has been hotly debated in recent weeks, with former Vice President Dick Cheney, among others, arguing that it does not constitute torture.

New Ulm, Minn.

Cancer fugitive returns: A 13-year-old boy who fled to California with his mother rather than undergo court-ordered chemotherapy has returned home and will submit to the treatment. Daniel Hauser, who is suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, fled with his mother, Colleen, last week, evading a judge’s order to undergo chemotherapy. The family wanted him to use an alternative treatment based on Native American traditions. During a court hearing, Colleen Hauser said she now accepts that chemotherapy is the best treatment for her son. The case has inflamed debate about the state’s right to order medical care for children over the objections of their parents.

Lisbon, Ohio

Mountain lion attacks: A 10-year-old girl visiting a friend’s suburban Ohio home this week was attacked and bitten by a mountain lion that’s kept there as a pet. The incident reportedly occurred when Bailey Stine entered the animal’s cage while its owner’s back was turned. Stine was airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where she was reported in good condition. The family reportedly keeps several full-grown lions caged in their yard, as a hobby. Experts said the attack easily could have been much worse. “Any of the big cats can kill a small child literally in a second,” said zoo director Penny Miller. “They’re predators and they look at a little child as prey.” Chris Joseph, who owns the lions with her husband, said they have permits for the animals.

Washington, D.C.

Kerik indicted: Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik was indicted this week for lying to federal investigators after former President Bush nominated him to head the Department of Homeland Security. Kerik, 53, allegedly gave false and misleading information about his ties to a contracting firm that performed renovations worth $255,000 to his New York City home. Kerik, a protégé of former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, withdrew from consideration for the Homeland Security post after questions were raised about the immigration status of a nanny he employed. His attorney said Kerik would be vindicated.