AP-OR–2nd Right Now/1153
GAY PRIDE-PORTLAND
Thousands turn out for Portland gay pride parade
(Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com)
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Thousands of people turned out for Portland’s gay pride parade on Sunday, saying it was important to show a spirit of empowerment rather than fear after the attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Like gay pride events in other cities this weekend, the celebration brought increased security. The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the event featured many of the traditional marks of a Pride Parade, including rainbow flags, tutus and wigs, as well as marching bands and massive crowds.
But hundreds of people also held signs that said “We are Orlando” on one side, and “Love conquers hate” on the other. The signs had the names of the 49 victims killed in the Orlando massacre.
Pride Northwest President James Waldner said about 8,000 people marched, and called the parade “an overwhelming expression of love and tolerance.”
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EVIDENCE TAMPERING INVESTIGATION
Oregon DA is gunning for justice in review of convictions
BEND, Oregon (AP) — A lab technician for the Oregon State police lab in Bend is suspected of removing drugs and replacing them with over-the-counter medications.
Because of the possible evidence tampering the district attorney in Deschutes County is reviewing more than 1,000 convictions. So far, he has recommended that 10 be overturned.
A work group formed by Gov. Kate Brown is investigating the Oregon State Police forensic laboratory system that’s used by all law enforcement agencies, medical examiners and prosecutors in the state.
On a national level, scandals have erupted in other states featuring rogue lab analysts.
EUGENE SCHOOLS-LEAD
Eugene to test older buildings for lead
(Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com)
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Drinking water at several public buildings in Eugene is being tested after reports of elevated lead levels at four city school buildings.
The Register-Guard reports that the testing will focus on decades-old community centers and pools. Results from testing conducted earlier this month at Sheldon Pool and Community Center are expected this week. In the meantime, bottled water has been distributed at the center as a precaution.
Eugene School District officials announced two weeks ago that elevated levels of lead had been found in some sinks and water fountains at Sheldon High School, Kennedy Middle School, Roosevelt Middle School and the district’s Education Center.
District spokeswoman Kerry Delf says the necessary repairs have been made, and subsequent testing found water to be at safe levels.
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FATAL CRASH-ARRESTS
Police make arrests in fatal crash near McMinnville
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Authorities have arrested two men in connection with a fatal crash last month near McMinnville that they suspect may have been caused by speed racing.
Twenty-four-year-old Jeremy Hopper and 22-year-old Andrew Olsen were arrested over the weekend. They both have been booked into the Yamhill County Jail on suspicion of manslaughter, assault and reckless driving.
Oregon State Police troopers believe Hopper and Olsen had been racing at the time of the May 4 crash on Highway 99.
Police say Hopper had been heading north when he lost control of his vehicle, crossed the center median and struck another vehicle driven by Claudio Martinez Marquez.
Marquez died at the scene.
The crash left Hopper, his 18-year-old passenger and Marquez’s 33-year-old passenger injured.
Olsen didn’t sustain injuries and remained at the scene.
BEAVERTON SHOOTING
Police: 1 dies after Beaverton shooting
BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) — Police say a man injured when a 19-year-old started shooting at a sports facility in Beaverton has died.
Twenty-three-year-old Andres Castorena was one of two people shot Saturday night outside The Courts, a business where customers can rent time on basketball and volleyball courts. Police say he died early Sunday. The other, 23-year-old Fernando Chaires, remains hospitalized but is expected to survive.
Police say the shooting happened when the two drove into the parking lot and an argument broke out involving an unknown number of pedestrians. The pair were shot multiple times.
Authorities said they identified 19-year-old Roshawn Travers, of Beaverton, as the shooter and arrested him.
CLIMATE CHANGE BILL
Markey: Bill would educate young people about climate change
BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Edward Markey says he wants to help educate young people about climate change.
The Massachusetts Democrat filed legislation last week that would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to create a climate change education program for all age levels.
Markey says the program would explore solutions to climate change, the dangers of a warming world and how changes in daily routines can have a global impact.
The legislation would also establish a grant program to support public outreach programs that improve access to renewable energy jobs.
The bill is co-sponsored by fellow Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren, of Massachusetts; Al Franken, of Minnesota; Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, of California; Jeanne Shaheen, of New Hampshire; Jeff Merkley, of Oregon; and Kirsten Gillibrand, of New York.
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Online: http://1.usa.gov/1QbZqfD
STATE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION
Washington Democrats wrap up state convention.
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Washington Democrats are wrapping up their final day of their state convention.
On Sunday, they are selecting the final 34 national delegates and eight alternates to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in July. Sixty-seven delegates were previously elected at the party’s May congressional caucuses.
The selection of delegates is a formality, and the two candidates are awarded delegates proportional to their finish at the Democratic caucuses in March. Sanders, who won the caucuses, will have 74 delegates from Washington state at the national convention in Philadelphia in July. Clinton will have 27. In addition, 17 superdelegates, most of whom have already pledged their support to Clinton, will represent the state at the convention.
On Saturday, they passed their party platform Saturday and voted on various party charter amendments and resolutions.
DERAILMENT PROTEST
Police arrest protesters forming blockade along rail tracks
VANCOUVER, Washington (AP) — Police arrested more than 20 people who formed a human blockade on tracks near the Washington-Oregon border in response to a recent oil train derailment along the Columbia River.
More than a 100 protesters attended Saturday’s demonstration in Vancouver. Organizers with the Fossil Fuel Resistance Network, which formed after the June 3 Mosier derailment, said they expected to be arrested.
A news release says that the protest was held to highlight risks associated with fossil fuel extraction and transportation. Some held signs that read “Ban the bomb train.”
The derailment forced evacuations in Mosier, about 70 miles from Portland. Less than 10 gallons of oil entered the river.
Oregon transportation officials have asked for a halt to the massive oil trains because of concerns over the strain they put on the rail tracks.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.