2nd Oregon News Minute from the AP

OR–2nd NewsMinute/256
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

 

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A handful of Oregon legislators hoping to keep their seats are facing challenges from members of their own parties. The campaigns are kicking into high gear now as ballots begin to arrive in voters’ mailboxes. The May 15 election won’t determine which party controls the Legislature, but it will bring an end to some hard-fought battles within both parties.

ALBANY, Ore. (AP) – Police in Albany say a man swiped the department’s Oregon flag and a U.S. flag — right after he was released from jail. Officers tell the Albany Democrat-Herald that 43-year-old Craig James Pitcher was charged with theft. Surveillance tape showed a man taking the flags early Friday and officers immediately identified Pitcher. Police recovered the Oregon flag.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Opponents of a proposal to ban the use of Native American names and images as mascots for Oregon high schools are seeking a waiver to allow districts to work out agreements with local tribes. The Oregon Board of Education is considering a rule that would strip state funding from any school or district that continues to use a Native American mascot after July 1, 2017.

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) – An 11-year-old boy is dead after colliding with a bus while riding his bicycle near downtown Vancouver. Police say Benjamin Fulwiler had been riding against the flow of traffic and crossed a street when the bus turned and the two collided. C-Tran says the driver was placed on leave while the crash is investigated.

 

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.