1st Oregon News Minute from the AP

Date: 09/25/2013 03:59 AM

AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/285
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

 

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Members of the public can speak to key state lawmakers tomorrow and Friday about issues to be considered in a special session of the Legislature. Gov. John Kitzhaber has called legislators to Salem next week to consider an array of legislation that he says would increase funding for public education. The plan would cut public-employee pensions, revise the tax code and prohibit local governments from banning genetically modified crops. Tomorrow’s 2:15 p.m. hearing is in Salem.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – The Marion County District Attorney’s Office says it will not file criminal charges against former Lane County Administrator Liane Richardson. Deputy District Attorney Paige Clarkson said Monday the decision was partly due to a settlement finalized last week that prevents Richardson from suing the county over her termination. Richardson was fired Aug. 6 after an investigation into how she converted unused vacation and sick leave and deferred compensation into immediate pay.

MILWAUKIE, Ore. (AP) – Clackamas County authorities have accused a 24-year-old Milwaukie-area man of luring three 13-year-old girls to his apartment, handcuffing and sexually assaulting them. Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Nikolai says Brandon Murdock James was arrested yesterday on charges including unlawful sexual penetration, kidnapping and sexual abuse. Arraignment is set for today.

THE DALLES, Ore. (AP) – Local officials have unanimously approved property tax breaks for a new Google data center in The Dalles along the Columbia River. The Oregonian reports that Wasco County commissioners voted in favor of tax breaks yesterday, while The Dalles city council approved the deal Monday night. Google already operates two data centers on its riverfront property in The Dalles. The company scheduled a groundbreaking for tomorrow morning.