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Put the Iraqis in Charge

This article that recently ran in the Oregonian, is one Oregon man's vision of a plan that could bring about much needed change to the war in Iraq.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Conservatives know we must send a strong message to the insurgents that the United States will not quit until success is achieved. Liberals know such a message encourages the Iraqi government to play the slacker. Both are correct.

How does the United States create a compelling motivation for the Iraqis while simultaneously demonstrating U.S. fortitude and endurance? Answer: Transfer Baghdad to Iraqi security soon.

Community Sex Offender Notification Issued in Cornelius

The state decision to release the sex offenders into the neighborhood was made without giving notice to the residents of this Cornelius community.

(CORNELIUS, Ore.) - A recent decision by the Oregon Psychiatric Security Review Board means serious sex offenders will take mandatory walks through a Cornelius neighborhood on a regular basis.

The decision to re institute this policy has law enforcement officials in the area alarmed, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a Community Sex Offender Notification to residents in the City of Cornelius.

Federal Judge Blocks Oregon’s Domestic Partnership Law

The law scheduled to take effect January 1st would give some spousal rights to same-sex couples.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - In a shocking move today, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) which postpones Oregon’s Domestic Partnership law from going into effect on January 2nd 2008 as scheduled. Basic Rights Oregon argued in their amicus brief to the court that the delay of this state law is unfair and uncalled for.

Rise in Oregon`s Minimum Wage Set to Take Effect

Lowest-paid workers will keep up with inflation, but many won't escape poverty.

(SILVERTON, Ore.) - The ushering in of the New Year will bump up Oregon's minimum wage by 15 cents, helping low-wage earners keep pace with inflation. Despite the increase, many at the bottom rung of the pay scale will remain mired in poverty, according to the Oregon Center for Public Policy.

Oregon's minimum wage will increase from $7.80 to $7.95 per hour on January 1, 2008, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries announced earlier this year. The increase reflects the rise of the cost of living as defined by the Consumer Price Index and is mandated by Ballot Measure 25, approved by voters in 2002.

Pacific Storms Continue to Pound the Northwest (VIDEO)

Snow Predicted in the Mountains of Washington and California

(State College, Pa.) - A seemingly never-ending train of Pacific storms will continue to roll through the Northwest this weekend, with rain and heavy mountain snow forecast through Sunday.

Rain will fall today in coastal areas west of the Cascades, while snow will fall in the mountains of Washington and California. Several inches of snow could fall today in the foothills around Seattle.

Guantanamo Bay Detainee Transfer Announced

There are approximately 275 detainees currently at Guantanamo.

(GUANTANAMO BAY) - The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of ten detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to Saudi Arabia. These detainees were determined to be eligible for transfer following a comprehensive series of review processes.

The DoD says the transfer is a demonstration of the United States' desire not to hold detainees any longer than necessary.

Working Smoke Alarm Alerts Residents of House Fire

One pet cat was found deceased, but 2 other cats, 2 rats and a dog survived. Logan the dog was transported for smoke inhalation. In keeping with the season, Keizer firefighters picked up the vet's bill.

(KEIZER, Ore.) - Keizer Fire crews responded to a house fire at 1973 Petty Grove Ct NE this morning just after 8:30 AM, where they found a garage at the residence engulfed in flames.

Rod Conway with Keizer Fire says the first arriving firefighters reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the attached garage with fire spreading into the living area of the house.

Chinese Rights Lawyer Beaten, Family Says, While Staging Prison Hunger Strike

Guo first drew international attention as part of the legal team helping the villagers of Taishi, Guangdong province, to prepare a recall case against their elected village chief amid allegations of corruption during a land deal.

(HONG KONG) - Prominent Chinese civil rights lawyer Guo Feixiong has been beaten in prison and is now on the thirteenth day of a hunger strike, his wife and sister have told Radio Free Asia.

He was beaten December 18th, she said, the fifth day after he entered the prison in Meizhou. A fellow prisoner beat him while more than 200 other prisoners looked on, Guo’s wife, Zhang Qing said.

Unusual `Loggerhead` Sea Turtle Washes Ashore Near Seaside

Though loggerheads have been spotted as far north as Alaska they only come ashore in this region when distressed.

(SEASIDE, Ore.) - Christmas Eve brought an unusual and ancient traveler to the north Oregon coast – one so old it’s related to the dinosaurs. A large sea turtle washed up just north of Seaside, on a beach in Gearhart.

The loggerhead sea turtle was reported still alive after drifting up with the tides in the early afternoon of December 24th. It died shortly after it was recovered by staff at the Seaside Aquarium, dying sometime on Christmas day.

Crash North of Eugene Leaves Man Critically Injured

One man was ejected from his car by the force of the crash.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Oregon State Police are investigating a Friday morning two-vehicle crash on Highway 99W north of Eugene that left a Eugene-area man critically injured. Police say the other involved driver was operating his pickup with suspended driving privileges and was not injured.

The crash happened at 7:07 AM when a 1996 Ford Ranger pickup driven by 33-year old Kenneth T. Ford of Springfield, was northbound on Highway 99W in the left lane approaching the intersection with E. Enid Road, according to State Police Spokesman Greg Hastings.