1st Oregon News Minute from the AP

Date: 01/08/2016 03:59 AM

AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/273
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

BURNS, Ore. (AP) – An Oregon sheriff met with the leader of a small, armed group that has been occupying a national wildlife refuge for almost a week and asked them to leave peacefully. Harney County Sheriff David Ward and Ammon Bundy plan to talk again today. The group objecting to federal land policy seized buildings at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oregon’s high desert country on Saturday.

COQUILLE, Ore. (AP) – A former Coos County deputy district attorney has filed a lawsuit against the county and District Attorney Paul Frasier for wrongful termination and retaliation for whistleblowing. The World reports that Michael Chartrey is accusing Frasier of trying to dissuade him from disclosing information about unlawful activity of another deputy district attorney. Frasier would not comment on pending litigation other than to deny the allegations.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A group of sustainable energy advocates have partnered with power companies to try to reduce coal consumption in Oregon. The coalition of environmental groups has agreed to drop its bid to force power companies to offer 50 percent renewable energy by 2040, but instead will ask the Legislature to pass a similar proposal. The coalition has reached an agreement with Pacific Power and Portland General Electric to draft a proposal that will debut at the House Committee on Energy and Environment meeting.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Portland and Nike have announced that the company will sponsor the city’s planned bike-rental program. Beaverton-based Nike will pay $10 million over five years and put its name and logo on a fleet of 1,000 bicycles. The program is expected to start this summer.

 

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.