News Digest

Friday, June 29, 2007 11:57 AM PDT

OREGON - Oregon lawmakers

adjourn their 2007 session

SALEM (AP) — The Oregon Legislature adjourned its 2007 session Thursday, after 172 days in which the majority Democrats were able to pass major increases in education funding, created the state’s first rainy day fund and gave same-sex couples most of the state benefits of marriage under a domestic partnerships bill. See story Page A3.

IDAHO

Central Idaho man faces fine for shooting wolf

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KETCHUM (AP) — A central Idaho ranch employee who shot and killed a wolf has been charged with violating the U.S. Endangered Species Act, which carries a maximum penalty of a $25,000 fine and six months in jail.

However, due to what officials called special circumstances, a fine of $275 is being recommended for Darlington resident George Gilbert. Gilbert, who works at a Stanley-area ranch that officials declined to name, reported to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game that he shot the wolf on June 7.

THE NATION

Crews gain ground on Tahoe wildfire during break from winds but fear forecasts of wind busts

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (AP) — A break in the weather helped firefighters gain ground on a stubborn wildfire near Lake Tahoe early Thursday, but officials cautioned that the reprieve may be short-lived because of blustery conditions in the forecast. Thousands of firefighters took advantage of the calm overnight conditions to keep the flames, which have destroyed 229 homes and forced about 3,500 people to evacuate, from spreading, said Rich Hawkins, a U.S. Forest Service fire commander. See story Page B1.

ODDS AND ENDS

Court: Feds allowed to seize only half Conn. house in drug case

BRANFORD, Conn. (AP) — A woman who claimed she was unaware that her husband was growing pot in the basement will get to keep her half of their house, while the government can seize her husband’s share, a federal appeals court has ruled.