Introduce Legislation to Reduce Gasoline Consumption by Half a Trillion Gallons by 2028 U.S. Senator Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) is supporting legislation that will help Oregonians driver farther on a gallon of gas.  The Fuel Economy Reform Act of 2007 introduced by U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), would reduce America’s gasoline consumption by more than half a trillion gallons by 2028 and greatly decrease our dependence on foreign oil.  This would be the first change ... [full story]

The Oregon Supreme Court heard arguments in an Astoria environmental pollution case and a personal injury liability case against the city of Lakeside during its annual visit to the University of Oregon School of Law on Tuesday, March 6. Oral arguments were heard in the Knight Law Center, with the sessions open to the public. Chief Justice Paul De Muniz presided, along with associate justices Thomas Balmer, Robert Durham, Michael Gillette, Rives Kistler, Virginia Linder ... [full story]

2,000 Oregonians work in the hardwood plywood industry; International Trade Commission review would investigate unfair Chinese trade practices U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon applauded Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus’ decision to formally request that the International Trade Commission (ITC) conduct a review of the U.S. hardwood plywood and wood flooring industry.  Nearly 2,000 Oregonians work in the hardwood plywood industry.  “I applaud Chairman Baucus’ decision to request an International Trade Commission study to ... [full story]

46 Oregonians ended their lives under the Death with Dignity Act in 2006; a 21 percent increase over previous year Today the Oregon Department of Human Service (ODHS) released the ninth annual report on the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, which collects information on compliance with law and makes this information available to the public each year.  The report released today shows that in 2006, 46 Oregonians ended their lives under the Death with Dignity ... [full story]

Earlier today, Gladstone Police and Clackamas County Interagency Task Force detectives raided the Gladstone home of a husband and wife suspected of running a thriving prostitution business. Detectives executed a search warrant at 1400 Cornell Avenue, and interviewed Christina Lee Smith, 43, and her 24-year old husband Austin J. Batchelor.    Suspected prostitution house at 1400 Cornell Ave., Salem. (Inset: Austin J. Batchelor) – Photos provided by GPD Police began the investigation after community members reported frequently ... [full story]

A California man driving a stolen car was arrested Wednesday afternoon following a 52-mile police chase at speeds over 130 miles per hour (mph) on Interstate 84 in the Columbia Gorge, Oregon State Police (OSP) reported. A multi-agency enhanced patrol was actively working in the area, and the increased presence of state, county, and local officers aided in the suspect’s safe apprehension.   Officers chased a stolen car over 52 miles at speeds in excess of ... [full story]

25 percent of electricity will come from new renewable sources by 2025 under Senate Bill 373 Salem – Today Governor Ted Kulongoski urged the Legislature to support Senate Bill 373, which establishes a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that ensures 25 percent of Oregon ’s electricity comes from new renewable sources by 2025.    “This bill – Senate Bill 373 – is at the heart of my energy agenda this session,” the Governor told legislators.  “It is the centerpiece ... [full story]

Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are asking the public’s help in locating an 18-year-old suspect they have identified in a December 2006 murder that occurred on Dunsmere St. SE near Macleay Road SE, south of Salem, Oregon. Investigations are attempting to find Juan Manual Lopez-Pacheco, a known associate of the Brown Pride Raza (BPR) gang who goes by the nickname of “Pelon”, said Deputy Kevin Rau.    The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is looking ... [full story]

Dems lead House to approve time-out for legislators who become lobbyists; bill now moves to SenateSALEM--House Democrats led the Oregon House today to approve, 38-22, a bill that prevents former legislators from lobbying the Oregon State Legislature for one full legislative session after their terms expire. Oregon already has such limitations in place for the State Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and other officials in key regulatory departments. "We are elected to represent the public and should ... [full story]

The national average gas price rose another 12-cents in the past week to $2.49.  That's an increase of thirty-one and a half cents in the last month.  During the same time period, Oregon's statewide average price climbed nine cents to $2.61, an 18-cent per gallon gain in a month.  Energy analysts attribute the early and rapid surge in prices to strong oil prices, unusually high consumer demand, and the switch from winter grade fuel to cleaner ... [full story]

John Matthew Gillmore was sentenced to a 63-month term of imprisonment for distributing child pornography and for committing wire fraud John Matthew Gillmore, 41, a resident of Corvallis, Oregon, was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann Aiken to serve a 63-month term of imprisonment for distributing child pornography and committing wire fraud. The United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, Karin J. Immergut, announced that Gillmore pled guilty to distributing child pornography on ... [full story]

Newspaper advertising and 30-second television and radio ads that the Oregon Lottery began running Monday are probably the nation’s first warning frequent gamblers about the dangers of electronic gambling machines, says Jeff Marotta, problem gambling services manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).  “This is a major step for a state lottery to take,” Marotta said Monday. “Some state lotteries have responsible gambling campaigns but those efforts fall short by placing the entire ... [full story]

The Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office has positively identified the body found Thursday afternoon in the North Umpqua River as Jeffrey Schmidt, a 22-year old Oregon State University student from Medford who has been missing since a traffic crash in that area on November 19th. Oregon State Police and Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies were notified about 1:15 p.m. March 1 that a body was sighted in the North Umpqua River near milepost 47 on Highway ... [full story]