1st Oregon News Minute from the AP

Date: 02/12/2015 03:59 AM

AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/257
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber says he’s not resigning. Kitzhaber released a statement yesterday saying he was elected to do his job and intends to continue. Newspaper editorial boards have called for Kitzhaber’s resignation over allegations that his fiancee, Cylvia Hayes, used his office to land contracts for her consulting business. The state attorney general has launched a criminal investigation.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The mastermind of an interstate diamond-theft ring has been sentenced to 9½ years in federal prison. Michael Young was the last of nearly a dozen defendants sentenced in the case that stretched from Florida to Oregon. The crew led by Young stole expensive diamonds from more than 20 stores. The owners of Saxon’s Fine Jewelers in Bend told Hernandez the theft delayed their retirement, caused their insurance rates to skyrocket and traumatized their salesperson daughter.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Environmentalists are warning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency they will sue to force the agency to protect endangered salmon from toxic chemicals that regularly wash into Oregon rivers. Northwest Environmental Advocates filed a 60-day lawsuit notice yesterday. The group wants the agency to make sure Oregon has limits on four chemicals: copper, cadmium, aluminum and ammonia.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Transit officials say a light-rail train and a vehicle have collided in north Portland. The Oregonian reports that two people were taken to a hospital after yesterday’s crash. TriMet officials say initial reports indicate the vehicle made a left turn into the path of a southbound train.

 

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.