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Effort to Defeat Oregon Anti-Discrimination Laws Squeaks Forward

Anti-Gay Referendum Effort Too Close to Call; Basic Rights Oregon's Hummel "encouraged," vowing close scrutiny of signature verification process.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Amid reports that their efforts to roll back Oregon's new anti-discrimination laws were faltering, anti-gay activists Thursday turned in barely enough signatures to meet the 55,179 minimum required by the Secretary of State to force a referendum on the laws.

Because of likely duplications and other errors by signature gatherers, it is too early to tell whether the effort was successful.

Iraq, Afghanistan War Operations Price Tag $190 Billion for 2008

The department had asked for $141.7 billion for war on terror operations in February.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - President Bush will ask Congress for another $42 billion to fund operations in the war on terror in fiscal 2008, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday.

The $42 billion request the president will submit includes $6 billion to support Army and Marine combat formations in Iraq through fiscal 2008, which includes surge forces in the country and the president’s announced intention to redeploy five Army brigade combat teams by next summer, Gates said.

Gas Leak Closes Road in West Salem

Traffic on Glen Creek Road was closed from Wallace Marine Park to Wallace Road for nearly an hour while NW Natural Gas workers located and sealed the leaking gas line.

(WEST SALEM, Ore.) - Salem Fire Department crews were dispatched to a report of a natural gas odor in the area of Glen Creek Road and Cornucopia Street NW that was called in by a passing motorist.

Health Advisory Issued for Lincoln City Beach

The advisory issued for water contact at D River State Park Beach.

(LINCOLN CITY, Ore.) - A public health advisory was issued Wednesday due to higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at D River State Park Beach in Lincoln County.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as storm water runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems and even animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

Oregon State Police Marijuana Bust Nets Three Pounds

One man was also arrested for cocaine possession.

(TILLAMOOK, Ore.) - Oregon State Police say three pounds of marijuana were seized during a traffic stop last Thursday. Three Vancouver-area were arrested as well on drug-related charges, following the traffic stop on Highway 6 about eight miles east of Tillamook when over 3 pounds of marijuana was discovered in their vehicle.

OSP Spokesman Lt. Greg Hastings, says the news of this arrest was delayed because police needed to attain a search warrant and conduct follow up investigation, and to ensure the release of this did not conflict with any other agency investigations.

UAW Strike Ends: Tentative Agreement Reached with GM

“We’re proud of this tentative agreement and we look forward to getting into the field and discussing it with our membership,” - UAW President Ron Gettelfinger

(DETROIT) - United Auto Worker negotiators reached a tentative agreement with General Motors at 3:05 AM today.

The strike by union members was recessed at 4:00 AM, and workers will report for work beginning with second shift today. Certain skilled trades workers may be notified to report to work earlier by management at their facilities.

Greg Walden Votes Against Oregon Kids

As men like Bush and Walden block a move to fund children's healthcare, the lifespan in the continental U.S. drops below Puerto Rico and Bosnia.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The annual cost of providing healthcare 10 million children is equivalent to 41 days worth of funding for the war in Iraq. Congressman Greg Walden apparently believes funding the war in Iraq is a good investment of yout tax money, but he thinks our children aren't quite worth it.

Man`s Death Ruled a Suicide at Salem`s Holman Park

The investigation determined the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon State Police detectives are completing the death investigation of a man found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday afternoon at Holman Wayside State Park along Highway 22.

On Tuesday, at approximately 5:45 PM, a bicyclist found the body of a 56-year old Keizer man in the parking lot of Holman Wayside State Park.

Second Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Benton County

This year in Oregon nine bats have tested positive for rabies including two bats in Benton County.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - Officials from the Benton County Health Department have confirmed a bat has tested positive for rabies.

On Sunday, September 16th, residents near Finley Wildlife Refuge discovered their dog had a live bat in its mouth. When the dog released the bat, the owners killed the bat and notified the Benton County Health Department.

State Fines PacifiCare for Claims Handling Violations

DCBS says the company denied health insurance claims without investigating them.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services has fined PacifiCare of Oregon, Inc. $34,000 for rejecting insurance claims without conducting a reasonable investigation and other violations of the state Insurance Code.

PacifiCare also was cited for failing to acknowledge and act promptly on claim communications, and not responding to inquiries from the DCBS director in a timely manner.