News Digest:
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 10:33 AM PDT
Good Afternoon
Oregon
Jobless rate jumps to 6 percent
SALEM (AP) — Oregon’s jobless rate jumped half a percentage point in July, and the state’s economy lost jobs for the fourth month out of the last five.
The state Employment Department said Monday the jobless rate has now reached 6 percent — up from 5.5 percent the month before and its recent low of 5 percent in early 2007.
The July figures show notable job losses in three sectors: construction, manufacturing, and educational and health services.
West Nile virus shows up in S. Ore.
MEDFORD (AP) — Earlier than ever, West Nile virus has surfaced again in Southern Oregon’s Jackson County.
County officials say this is the fifth year that the disease has shown up — mosquitoes trapped a few days ago were found to be carrying the virus. Health officials say most human cases of West Nile virus are relatively mild, and only 20 percent of people bitten by an infected mosquito will experience even mild illness.
Ore. lawmakers hoping for a pay raise
SALEM (AP) — State legislators are looking into how to get the public behind their hopes for a pay raise — such as closing loopholes in how lawmakers use campaign money for office and personal use.
Legislators have historically used the money campaign contributors give them for expenses that have nothing to do with winning elections: awards night dinners, apartment rent during sessions, or gas money for trips home after a week in Salem.
Sen. Kate Brown, D-Portland, said if lawmakers are to win public support for a salary increase, they’ll have to close such loopholes.
IDAHO
155 fighting lightning-caused wildfire
KAMIAH (AP) — More than 150 firefighters are battling the 800-acre Church Fire near Kamiah. Monday, fire managers reported that the lightning-caused blaze was about 40 percent contained. It was first reported on Thursday, and it’s burning about three miles southeast of Kamiah in north-central Idaho.
Firefighters are reinforcing the existing fire line, while hand crews are working to extend the fire line along the fire’s western edge.
