Local Politics

Politics Coquilles plan Medford video gambling operation

By Associated Press Published: May 13, 2013 at 9:25 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 10:41 AM PDT

Oregon's one-casino-per-tribe policy is being tested by the Coquille Indian Tribe as it pursues a slightly different gambling operation in Medford.

Politics Opponents seek statewide vote on immigrant driver's card law

By The Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 4:07 PM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 4:08 PM PDT

The Oregon House has given final approval to a bill that would grant driver's licenses to immigrants living in the country illegally.

Politics Dalai Lama: 'Faith and reason should go together' (Photo Gallery) (Video)

By Ian Parker, KATU News and KATU.com Staff Published: May 9, 2013 at 3:44 PM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 5:21 PM PDT

The Dalai Lama, in town for the first time in 12 years, gave a spiritual message about the environment Thursday morning at the University of Portland, urging the packed audience that “faith and reason should go together.”

Politics Weather trumps sequester: 'Biggest part of our budget is snow removal' (Photo Gallery)

By LEE JUILLERAT, Klamath Falls Herald and News Published: May 9, 2013 at 2:32 PM PDT Last Updated: May 10, 2013 at 8:10 AM PDT

Unusually warm weather combined with a far below average winter snowfall means one of the expected impacts of federal sequestration will not slow the opening of roads and facilities at Crater Lake National Park.

Politics University of Oregon, faculty union at odds over pay (Video)

By Lauren Lee KVAL News with KVAL.com staff Published: May 9, 2013 at 2:33 PM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 4:14 PM PDT

The union wants a 7 percent raise across the board over the next three years. The university has proposed a 4.5 percent raise across the board plus merit raises over three years

Politics Bill advances that would give a break to some young sex offenders

By Lauren Gambino, Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 8:47 AM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 8:47 AM PDT

Some young offenders convicted of having sex with underage partners would be able to request the crime be removed from their records under a bill narrowly passed by the Oregon House on Wednesday.

Politics Ore. Governor to feds: 'No casino in Medford'

By Associated Press Published: May 7, 2013 at 12:45 PM PDT Last Updated: May 7, 2013 at 12:46 PM PDT

Gov. John Kitzhaber has asked the federal government to reject a proposal by an Oregon tribe to start a casino in Medford.

Politics Rodman to North Korea: 'Do me a solid' and free former UO student

By KVAL News and The Associated Press Published: May 7, 2013 at 11:55 AM PDT Last Updated: May 8, 2013 at 10:26 PM PDT

Dennis Rodman sent a tweet calling on North Korea to release former University of Oregon student Kenneth Bae, who was sentenced to 15 years hard labor on accusations of plotting to overthrow the government.

Politics ODOT@100: 'Roads in Oregon were simply improved paths' (Photo Gallery) (Video)

By Tom Adams KVAL News with KVAL.com staff Published: May 7, 2013 at 9:23 AM PDT Last Updated: May 7, 2013 at 3:41 PM PDT

The first horseless carriage arrived in Oregon in 1899. Early motorists shared the dirt roads with horse-drawn buggies and pack animals. So in 1913, out of the mud came the Oregon State Highway Department, later renamed ODOT in 1969.

Politics Oregon gun-control bills lack support in Senate

By The Associated Press Published: May 6, 2013 at 11:50 PM PDT Last Updated: May 6, 2013 at 11:50 PM PDT

Senate President Peter Courtney said Monday the bills won't get a vote on the Senate floor because there isn't enough support for them to pass.

Politics Seattle PD loosens pot, tattoo rules for new recruits

By Michael Harthorne Published: May 6, 2013 at 3:46 PM PDT Last Updated: May 7, 2013 at 10:26 AM PDT

While you probably won't see officers with Mike-Tyson facial tattoos smoking joints while on bike patrol, the Seattle Police Department has loosened some of its regulations for new recruits in an effort to employ officers who better reflect the community they serve.

Politics Immigrants cheer signing of driver's card bill (Photo Gallery)

By Lauren Gambino, Associated Press Published: May 1, 2013 at 3:50 PM PDT Last Updated: May 2, 2013 at 12:48 AM PDT

Gov. John Kitzhaber has signed a bill that will let people living in Oregon without documentation obtain driver's licenses and he was cheered on by a large crowd of immigrants.

Politics Kitzhaber to sign immigrant driver's card bill

By Lauren Gambino, Associated Press Published: Apr 30, 2013 at 4:47 PM PDT Last Updated: May 1, 2013 at 12:31 AM PDT

The Oregon House has given final approval to a bill that would grant driver's licenses to immigrants living in the country illegally.

Politics Plastic bag ban extends beyond grocery stores (Video)

By Jessica Porter KVAL News with KVAL.com staff Published: Apr 30, 2013 at 4:37 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 30, 2013 at 6:37 PM PDT

The plastic bag ban starts Wednesday, and it's going to change more than just grocery shopping.

Politics American held by North Korea attended UO (Video)

By Lauren Lee KVAL News with KVAL.com staff Published: Apr 30, 2013 at 4:21 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 30, 2013 at 6:35 PM PDT

An American accused by North Korea of plotting to overthrow the government attended the University of Oregon in the late 1980s.