Date: 12/14/2015 03:59 AM
AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/277
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Authorities say a fire that sent flames soaring 70 feet in the air was caused when a tractor-trailer hauling fuel crashed into railroad tanker cars filled with liquid asphalt. Police say the truck driver died, and authorities continued to investigate the cause of yesterday’s crash. The fire occurred on a side track owned by Portland & Western Railroad.
HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says a corporal who was fired over domestic violence allegations is now facing criminal charges. Jonathan Christensen turned himself in yesterday, two days after a grand jury indicted him on charges of coercion, official misconduct, assault and strangulation. Attorneys for Christensen and Christensen’s union did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – A winter storm dumped snow in southern and central Oregon, knocking out power for thousands and causing several highway closures. Pacific Power says 25,000 people lost power in Grants Pass, Medford, Roseburg and elsewhere in southern Oregon. Utility officials said people should be prepared for their electricity to be out until this evening. In central Oregon, nearly 9,000 customers of Midstate Electric Coop lost power, including much of La Pine.
SEATTLE (AP) – Seattle may soon become the first city to let drivers of ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft collectively bargain over pay and working conditions, a move opposed by the companies and one seen as a test case for the changing 21st century workforce. The city council is to vote today on whether to extend collective bargaining rights for app-based ride-hailing services that are part of the growing on-demand economy.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
