1st Oregon News Minute (despite the headline)

Date: 12/24/2013 03:59 AM

AP-ID–1st NewsMinute/267
Here is the latest Idaho news from The Associated Press

 

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Alaska Airlines cancelled 24 flights over the last two days after flu-stricken pilots and flight attendants called in sick. An Alaska spokeswoman says about 270 passengers were affected by cancelled flights. Off-duty pilots and flight attendants have volunteered to work while their colleagues are out sick. The airline doesn’t expect to cancel any more flights because of illness.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Portland police say a 44-year-old man has been charged in a shooting that followed an allegation of stolen Christmas presents. Police learned of the shooting Saturday, when a 31-year-old man went to the hospital with a wound not considered life-threatening. Martin Hartley pleaded not guilty yesterday to assault with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon.

LA GRANDE, Ore. (AP) -The Union Pacific has called a halt to a decades-old Christmas tradition. For the first time in 60 years, Santa Claus won’t arrive in La Grande aboard a train, bringing goodies to children waiting at the depot. The La Grande Observer reports the railroad won’t allow workers to make the one-mile run into town while on duty. A train conductor says federal rules prevent off-duty volunteers from running a train. A company spokesman says the railroad is focusing on efficiency.

SEATTLE (AP) – Machinists who are on vacation will still get a chance to vote on a proposed contract with Boeing Co. Union officials said in a message to members that they are developing an absentee ballot process for those who cannot make it to the polls on Jan. 3.

 

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.