TORONTO -- Three Indian leaders in Ontario are being sued by Canadian National Railways for their roles in protests that blocked an arterial rail line in 2007. The suit dates to April 21, 2007, when Mohawks blocked the main east-west CN tracks in Deseronto, 135 miles east of Toronto, The Globe and Mail reported Friday. "The blockades have caused damages through increased yard congestion at CN's facilities, including increased costs of yard crew activities," the suit alleges. ... [full story]

WASHINGTON -- Shoddy wiring throughout U.S. bases in Iraq and Afghanistan pose great risks for American troops, a top U.S. Army inspector says. Jim Childs, a master electrician and the top civilian expert in an Army safety survey, called the wiring he inspected "some of the worst electrical work I've ever seen." More than half the 30,000 buildings his group checked "failed miserably," he said. "With the buildings the way they are, we're playing Russian roulette," Childs ... [full story]

BAGHDAD -- A U.S. soldier died in Baghdad of non-combat related injuries, the Multi-National Force announced Friday. An investigation was planned, the MNF told the KUNA news agency. The latest death, which occurred Wednesday, raised the number of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq since March 2003 to 4,261, the military said. Copyright © 2009, by United Press International. All Rights Reserved. [full story]

BEND, Ore. -- The Pacific Northwest’s leading independently-owned real estate brokerage, The Hasson Company Realtors, recently announced it will again sponsor the 33rd Annual U.S. Bank Pole Pedal Paddle (PPP) competition in Central Oregon on Sat., May 16, 2009.   Each year, the event draws thousands of participants, including some of the top athletes throughout the Northwest as well as several “weekend warriors” from across the nation.        Much like the Nike Hood to Coast Relay and ... [full story]

BEND, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will once again be conducting “pre-season” boat inspections before the fishing opener on April 25/26. This is a chance for boat owners to get their boats out, ready and have a boating inspection decal applied to their boat before they ever hit the water. These parking lot inspections will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations: BEND:  All ... [full story]

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon House on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill giving vulnerable victims of sex crimes greater access to the criminal justice system.  HB 2441, sponsored and carried by Rep. Sara Gelser (D-Corvallis), would allow confessions to sex crimes against vulnerable adults and children to be admitted as evidence in a trial, even when the victim is unable to speak in court.  “This bill strikes the balance between protecting vulnerable victims of sex ... [full story]

Oregonians will soon have increased food benefits under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which calls for a more than 13 percent increase in federal food stamp benefits.   Food-stamp recipients use the Oregon Trail card to negotiate benefits electronically, and will see a 13.6% increase beginning April 1.  Governor Ted Kulongoski says the increase helps in two ways. The added benefits will help people who are feeling the impact of the economy and also help local ... [full story]

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon Attorney General John Kroger is warning consumers about emails that claim to be from McDonald's asking customers to complete a survey and receive $150. The email claims to have selected a "special" few to take the Satisfaction Survey. It appears to be authentic because it includes the Golden Arches logo and Ronald McDonald dancing. McDonald's is not responsible for the email and is warning customers on its Web site. The scam appears to be ... [full story]

LA PINE, Ore. -- A Canadian internet yellow pages company is now prohibited from offering its allegedly deceptive services to Oregon businesses, thanks to a complaint by a La Pine small business owner, the State’s Attorney General announced today.   "I am committed to protecting Oregon small businesses from fraud," said Attorney General Kroger. "When small businesses are victimized, we will respond aggressively." The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) took action against UnitedStatesBusinessPages.com in response to a complaint ... [full story]

BENTON COUNTY, Ore. -- Attorney General John Kroger today announced that two major Willamette Valley methamphetamine traffickers received the maximum prison sentences under Oregon sentencing guidelines.   Raul Oropeza-Juarez (left), and Efren Moreno-Vasquez (right) - mugshots  A Benton County judge sentenced Efren Moreno-Vasquez and Raul Oropeza-Juarez to three years in prison each with no possibility of early release. The two men were each convicted earlier this month of one count of Unlawful Distribution of Methamphetamine. The sentence is one ... [full story]