PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — As years go, Oregon's 2009 was bleak.
An Associated Press year-end survey found the news focused on the economy — an unemployment rate among the highest in the nation, foreclosures, bankruptcies and the misery that followed. That includes homelessness and great demand for relief such as food stamps.
The year also saw brutality. A mother forced two children off a Portland bridge — though one amazingly survived.
In Hillsboro, a woman was accused of murdering a pregnant woman by cutting her baby from her womb. More: Read story about murder suspect Korena Roberts
And near year's end, three young climbers died on Mount Hood. More: Read story about Mt Hood climbers
The bright spots in the survey?
The University of Oregon Ducks won the Pac-10 Conference to go to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1995. More: Read story about Ducks going to Rose Bowl
Earlier in the year, the Portland Trail Blazers made the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2003.
An Oregonian, marine biologist Jane Lubchenco, was named to run the agency in charge of the weather service and marine fisheries.
And just a few weeks ago, a Medford couple hunting a Christmas tree survived a couple of nights in the mountains and returned home safe and sound. More: Read story about Medford couple
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