Local Politics

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.

Politics Seattle police, anarchists busy prepping for May Day events (Photo Gallery) (Video)

By Joel Moreno Published: Apr 30, 2013 at 10:02 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 30, 2013 at 10:02 AM PDT

Seattle police don't want to see a repeat of last year's May Day riots, and they plan to set the tone early to fight any mayhem on Wednesday.

Politics Woman claims she was fired for inhaling second-hand pot smoke (Photo Gallery) (Video)

By Matt Markovich Published: Apr 30, 2013 at 9:59 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 30, 2013 at 10:19 AM PDT

You can't get drunk if the person next to you is overdoing it with the booze. But what if they were smoking pot? The consequences of breathing their second-hand smoke could lead to your firing or even a DUI.

Politics Plastic bag ban takes effect Wednesday

By Lindsey Riley Published: Apr 29, 2013 at 4:58 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 29, 2013 at 4:58 PM PDT

Paper or plastic? Soon, you won't have that option. The bag ban officially goes into effect Wednesday, May 1.

Politics Four things to watch this week in the Ore. Legislature

By Associated Press Published: Apr 28, 2013 at 7:40 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 29, 2013 at 6:51 AM PDT

Here are four things to watch this week in the Oregon Legislature.

Politics LaneCo proposes $466M budget

By KVAL News Published: Apr 26, 2013 at 4:15 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 26, 2013 at 4:37 PM PDT

The proposed fiscal year 2013-2014 budget is $34 million less than the current fiscal year.

Politics Students protest rising price of college tuition (Photo Gallery) (Video)

By Noah Gurevich, Oregon NewsLab Published: Apr 26, 2013 at 3:58 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 26, 2013 at 4:09 PM PDT

Students from universities and community colleges across Oregon gathered in front of the Oregon State Capitol on Thursday to voice their concerns over the rising cost of tuition.

Politics Draft rule ends federal protections for gray wolves (Photo Gallery)

By JOHN FLESHER and MATTHEW BROWN, Associated Press Published: Apr 26, 2013 at 2:35 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 26, 2013 at 2:52 PM PDT

Federal wildlife officials have drafted plans to lift protections for gray wolves across the Lower 48 states, a move that could end a decades-long recovery effort that has restored the animals but only in parts of their historic range.

Politics Bill seeks exemption to non-discrimination law (Video)

By RACHEL LA CORTE Associated Press Published: Apr 25, 2013 at 8:51 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 26, 2013 at 8:37 PM PDT

Several Republican lawmakers filed a bill Thursday seeking an exemption to the state's anti-discrimination laws just weeks after legal action was taken against a Richland florist who denied service to a gay couple for their upcoming wedding.

Politics Election worker in Oregon ballot-altering case to plead guilty

By Steven DuBois, Associated Press Published: Apr 25, 2013 at 12:05 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 25, 2013 at 8:43 AM PDT

Deanna Swenson of Oregon City was arrested last fall after another election worker saw her filling in ovals on ballots where preferences had been left empty by voters.

Politics Eugene moves to allow homeless to camp on vacant lots (Video)

By KVAL News Published: Apr 24, 2013 at 4:00 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 25, 2013 at 2:37 PM PDT

The Eugene City Council voted unanimously Wednesday afternoon to open the door to allow legal overnight camping for the homeless on vacant city land not already used as established parks.

Politics Oregon bars with patios face time restrictions (Photo Gallery)

By STEVEN DUBOIS, Associated Press Published: Apr 24, 2013 at 8:00 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 25, 2013 at 8:44 AM PDT

Members of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission are scheduled to vote Thursday on new time restrictions for bars with outdoor seating next to residential property.

Politics Officials: Legal marijuana law jeopardizes all pot prosecutions (Video)

By GENE JOHNSON, Associated Press Published: Apr 24, 2013 at 2:17 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 25, 2013 at 6:11 PM PDT

Prosecutors and crime lab scientists say a little-noticed provision in Washington's new law legalizing recreational marijuana has jeopardized their ability to go after any pot crimes at all, and they're calling for an immediate fix in the Legislature.

Politics Oregon House OKs bill allowing dogs in cougar hunts

By Associated Press Published: Apr 24, 2013 at 11:18 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 24, 2013 at 2:52 PM PDT

The Oregon House has approved a bill to let counties authorize the use of dogs to hunt cougars. Voters banned the practice statewide in 1994, with opponents saying it's inhumane.

Politics Oregon Senate gives green light to immigrant driver's license bill

By Lauren Gambino, Associated Press Published: Apr 23, 2013 at 2:38 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 23, 2013 at 10:28 PM PDT

The bill would allow immigrants, among others, who have lived in Oregon for at least a year and meet other requirements, to apply for driver's licenses without proving legal presence.