Last modified: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 12:22 PM PST News Digest: OREGON — Former ODE accountant charged in federal fraud case SALEM (AP) — A former accountant at the Oregon Department of Education is facing fraud charges after embezzling nearly $1 million intended for charter schools and anti-drug programs, according to charges filed in U.S. District court. Brent Crosson was fired from the state Department of Education last August. But during his time there, Crosson allegedly diverted $925,000 to CGA Wholesale — an online guns and ammunition dealer that he owned. See full story, Page A2. Senate backs tougher rules for Ore. driver’s licenses SALEM (AP) — The illegal immigration issue simmered just below the surface Monday as the Oregon Senate approved a bill to require proof of legal U.S. residence to get a driver’s license in the state. The measure was sent to the House on a 23-7 vote after backers said Oregon’s loose rules have made the state a target for noncitizens who seek to obtain identification cards for “nefarious’’ purposes.   Several senators who voted “no’’ said the requirement will create hardships for many of the state’s undocumented workers and force them to drive unlicensed with no insurance. IDAHO Lawmakers try once again with bill to regulate elk firms TWIN FALLS (AP) — A bill has been introduced in the Idaho Legislature to ban new domestic elk farms and the hunting of elk on existing farms, where hunters pay thousands to shoot a trophy animal. Sen. David Langhorst, D-Boise, introduced the bill in January, though he acknowledged it had no chance of passing. Last session, some elk ranchers blocked a plan endorsed by the Idaho Elk Breeders Association that would have licensed elk farms, saying it was a violation of their property rights. More rigorous Democrat-backed plans also failed.