Last modified: Thursday, July 24, 2008 10:50 AM PDT News Digest: GOOD AFTERNOON OREGON Oregon PUC considers coastal area code FLORENCE (AP) — The Oregon Public Utility Commission is visiting the coast this week to hear what residents have to say about a new telephone area code — the fourth for Oregon. The state adopted a 541 code when it began to run out of numbers for the 503 code that had served the entire state for decades. But now the 541 code is expected to run out of numbers by 2011. Democrat Schumer optimistic in Oregon Senate race WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Sen. Charles Schumer said Wednesday he was confident that Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley can win against incumbent Sen. Gordon Smith this fall. Schumer, who heads the Democrats’ campaign committee, called Oregon a ‘‘moderately pro-Democratic state’’ and noted that President Bush lost the state in 2000 and 2004. Merkley, the Oregon House speaker, ‘‘had a strong quarter’’ financially and has done well as a candidate since dispatching Democratic rival Steve Novick in a primary, Schumer said at a news conference. UTAH Groups want Mormon colleges in Nevada, Illinois SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Two groups want to open private colleges in Nevada and Illinois aimed at students who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The proposed schools would be Nauvoo University in Nauvoo, Ill., and Desert Valley Academy in Moapa Valley, Nev. IDAHO Idaho Falls’ historic building to be demolished IDAHO FALLS (AP) — An 71-year-old building whose roof collapsed under heavy snowfall last year is slated to become a new Idaho Falls parking lot. The Nick’s Trading Company and Lottery building, built in 1937, will torn down by August.