Oregon lawmakers want Sessions out, millions in tax refunds remain unclaimed and a new chapter unfolds in the Sweet Cakes court battle.
Oregon delegation calls for Sessions’ resignation
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from the ongoing investigation into Russian connections to the Trump administration yesterday following news that he met with the Russian ambassador twice while serving as senator on the Armed Services Committee. But Oregon’s congressional delegation is calling for his resignation, OPB reports. Rep. Kurt Schrader called Sessions’ actions “inexcusable,” while Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said he can no longer be trusted. Sen. Ron Wyden favors a special prosecutor to investigate.
100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon announced
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Oregon bakers take BOLI ruling to appeals court
Gresham-based Sweet Cakes by Melissa attracted attention nationwide for refusing to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple’s wedding. Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries ruled the bakers, Aaron and Melissa Klein, violated discrimination law in denying service. They were ordered to pay a fine of $135,000 to the couple. The Kleins have argued their appeal in front of the Oregon Court of Appeals yesterday, the Oregonian reports. The business owners argue the fine violated state law as well as their rights as artists to free speech.
Rep. Mike McLane tapped as Oregon federal prosecutor
McLane, R-Powell Butte, serves as the House Republican leader. The Trump administration has reportedly selected him as candidate for the state’s U.S. Attorney, the Portland Tribune reports. McLane has allegedly been a candidate since November. He has a background in business law and previously worked for Stoel Rives and Miller Nash.
Wallowa County wolf dies as result of USDA trap
The wolf, OR-48, bit into a cyanide-filled trap Feb. 26, Capital Press reports. The use of these traps, known as M-44 devices, was apparently in violaton of an agreement between the USDA Wildlife Services and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to avoid using the traps in areas frequented by wolves. The traps are used to kill coyotes, wild dogs and foxes.
Oregonians have $14 million in unclaimed federal tax refunds
The Internal Revenue Service announced it has $1 billion in unclaimed tax refunds, including more than $14 million owed to Oregon tax payers, the Oregonian reports. The refunds are a result of about 1 million people failing to file 2013 tax returns. That’s about 15,500 Oregonians. The IRS says these tax payers have six weeks to file or they forfeit their refunds.
PenAir drops flight from Klamath Falls
It was just one month ago that PenAir announced the addition of a third flight between Portland and Klamath Falls. That additional flight is now cancelled, Herald and News reports. PenAir officials say they have been unable to stick to the current schedule without delays.
