Nation briefs 08/19/2015

California pushes right-to-die bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California lawmakers announced Tuesday they are making a new push to allow terminally ill patients to end their lives legally after opposition from religious groups and hesitance from fellow Democrats helped stall efforts earlier this year. The bill allowing doctors to prescribe life-ending drugs was renewed by legislators in a special session on health care convened by Gov. Jerry Brown. It comes after at least two dozen states have introduced aid-in-dying legislation this year, though none has passed a bill. Doctors already may give life-ending drugs in Oregon, Washington, Vermont and Montana. The right-to-die movement has been galvanized by the highly publicized case of 29-year-old Brittany Maynard, a California woman with brain cancer who moved to Oregon to take her life legally. She argued in widely viewed online videos she should have been able to access life-ending drugs in her home state.

Carter to discuss his cancer Thursday

ATLANTA -- Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter plans to discuss his recent cancer diagnosis, making his first comments since revealing he has the disease last week. The Carter Center on Tuesday said Carter will hold a news conference Thursday morning at its offices in Atlanta. The event will be closed to the public, the statement said. Carter, 90, announced Aug. 12 liver surgery found cancer that has spread to other parts of his body. That written statement indicated the cancer has spread but did not identify its type or say where it originated. Carter said he would rearrange his schedule for treatment at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, where a spokesman wouldn't comment. His initial statement said further information would be provided when more facts are known.

Cashier with sword foils machete holdup

PITTSBURGH -- Two ninja-clad teens armed with a machete and expecting an easy robbery at a convenience store got quite a shock when a cashier pulled out a sword and started chasing them. Surveillance video showed the teens entering Perry Market on Friday night. One went behind the counter with his machete and demands money. But cashier Jewad Hayih was prepared, pulling out a sword to knock the smaller weapon out of one teen's hand. A customer grabbed the second suspect, but he broke free, and both teens ran away. The suspects remained at large Tuesday.

Brewer releasing pope-inspired beer

CAPE MAY, N.J. -- A New Jersey brewery is releasing a limited-edition beer to commemorate Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia next month. Cape May Brewing Co. co-owner Ryan Krill says his company is brewing 500 gallons of YOPO, or "You Only Pope Once." The pope-inspired beer is a hoppy pale ale with 5.5 percent alcohol and will be available only on draft. Sales representative Justin Vitti says the beer pairs well with a nice cut of Argentinean beef -- calling to mind Francis' home country. The beer will be available at the brewery's tasting room and watering holes throughout Philadelphia and New Jersey beginning Sept. 21.

-- From wire reports