Salem-News.com - News with Video Page 243

Celebrating Holidays in the Afghanistan War Zone (VIDEO)

An inside look at the winter holiday for military forces stationed in Afghanistan. This special holiday video mini-documentary was first produced in 2008.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - People in a war zone are limited in the ways they can celebrate holidays, but last year in Afghanistan they managed to keep the spirit alive in a number of ways.

I spent the last holiday season covering the war in Afghanistan where I was an embedded reporter with the Oregon National Guard's 41st Brigade Combat Team.

One Lane Re-opens on U.S. 30 west of Clatskanie

On December 11th the Lower Columbia River Highway was closed near Clatskanie from a slide several football fields long of mud, trees and other debris.

(CLATSKANIE, Ore.) - Traffic is once again moving on a stretch of highway near Clatskanie, Oregon that was ravaged by a mudslide last week. Oregon's Department of Transportation has re-opened one lane of U.S. 30 west of Clatskanie at milepost 67.

But they say motorists should still expect delays, as flaggers and pilot cars will control traffic through a limited section of this recently damaged roadway.

Wreaths Across America Honors Oregon Veterans (VIDEO)

Q. Madp of IraqWarHeroes.org has spent the last several years of his life as a volunteer photographer at the funerals of our war dead.

(WILSONVILLE. Ore.) - Wreaths Across America is a national program that remembers and honors veterans who served during the holidays. Organizers say the event takes the opportunity to remember the fallen; honor those who serve; and teach children the value of freedom.

This year's event took place in several locations in Oregon, and the images featured here were recorded by Q. Madp at the service that took place at the Willamette National Cemetery, the home of the Oregon Korean Veterans Memorial.

Giuliani, Romney, McCain Offered $10,000 to Prove Their Statements on Medical Marijuana (VIDEO)

Pinocchio Billboard Accompanies Press Conference Challenge by Patients to Candidates: "Prove What You Said or Stop Lying"

(MANCHESTER, New Hampshire) - At a press conference in front of Rudy Giuliani's Manchester headquarters this morning with a massive mobile truck billboard in tow, a representative of the Marijuana Policy Project joined two New Hampshire patients to challenge presidential candidates Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and Mitt Romney to back up their statements regarding medical marijuana.

They're asking the candidates to produce scientific evidence of their claims that medical marijuana doesn't work, offering the legal maximum $10,000 campaign contribution to any of the three who can prove that their statements are true.

FEMA and State Officials Look at Oregon Flood Disaster Areas (VIDEO)

FEMA will decide if the damages are beyond the capabilities and resources of state and local governments.

(SALEM, Ore.) - At the request of Governor Ted Kulongoski, federal and state officials are conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments on homes, businesses and public facilities hard hit during this week’s storm and flooding.

According to Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) Director Ken Murphy, PDA teams consisting of representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and OEM will visit and inspect damaged areas, document damages and talk with local officials.

World Famous Motorcycle Jumper Evel Knievel Dies (VIDEO)

He has been suffering from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis for many years. Many people have expressed amazement in his being alive at all after the traumatic injuries the stuntman suffered and eventually recovered from.

(CLEARWATER, Fla.) - He was a hero to a generation that grew up fascinated with muscle cars and motorcycles, larger than life and the real leader of the pack.

Evel Knievel Jr., legendary motorcycle stuntman, died today in Clearwater, Florida at the age of 69. He will always be remembered for his ability to survive horrendous crashes and his drive, a passionate ambition to always do something no other rider in their right mind would even consider, often with great success.

Virtual Vigilantes Hold the Watch Over MySpace Teen`s Suicide Tragedy (VIDEO)

The name and address of Lori Drew is out, even directions are being published. She's the woman who posed as a 16-year old boy, and allegedly caused Megan Meier to commit suicide.

(SALEM, Ore.) - One of the most shocking stories about MySpace revealed so far is the suicidal saga of a little girl who was tricked by a neighbor's mom into thinking she was communicating with a boy in her age group.

As it turns out a neighbor, the mother of a teen herself, was posing as a teen boy and communicating with Megan on MySpace. When the character turned on her, the 13-year old hung herself. Now her parents and bloggers all over the nation are demanding justice.

Quiet Riot Lead Singer, Kevin DuBrow, Dead at 52 (VIDEO)

The original band was started by Randy Rhoads in 1975, but broke up in 1979 when Rhoads went on to join Ozzy Osbourne's band.

(LAS VEGAS) - The lead singer of the 1980s heavy metal band Quiet Riot, has died.

Kevin DuBrow died at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to TMZ.com. He was 52. The Clark County coroner's office was examining the body to determine the cause of death, according to TMZ.

New Documentary Showcases Local Race Car Driver with a Heart (VIDEO)

"Wheels of Speed Heart of Compassion" is the story of local race car driver Rich Bailey.

(SALEM, Ore.) - If you live in the Salem/Keizer area and follow local motorsports, then the odds are good that you have heard of Rich Bailey.

A talented drag car driver and longtime local resident, Bailey is always front and center at car events, but his biggest talents may be in his attitude, it is infectious with good will, and most of his activities have a hard time containing it.

Blue Ghost Recorded on Ohio Gas Station Camera (Video)

The owner told Salem-News that this isn't the first time he has been witness to something that defied explanation.

(PARMA, Ohio) - Could an Ohio gas station be built atop an old Indian burial ground? That's what one man says in Parma, Ohio, an incorporated city southwest of Cleveland, where a gas station owner caught something he wasn't at all trying for.

A security camera caught a blue ghost on video, and it seems to be in no apparent hurry; the recording lasted half an hour.