Story from KEZI news on the unveiling of the Japanese Memorial in Eugene, Oregon

Fires scorch western Canada and US. Sparked by lightning and dry conditions, over 400 wildfires raged across Canada's British Colombia province, consuming nearly 60000 hectares by Sunday, August 1, with hundreds of firefighters working to contain them from the ground and with helicopters and other equipment. Sadly, two responding pilots gave their lives to the effort when their water-equipped plane lost control on Saturday evening near the small town of Lytton. To the south in Oregon, USA, a wildfire known as the Rooster Rock spread to nearly double its size by Wednesday, scorching 4200 acres. Residents of 30 homes had to evacuate, with another 70 houses on alert, as a building, shed, and families' belongings were consumed. Temporary flight restrictions were implemented in the area as crews worked to extinguish the blaze using helicopters and air tankers. With our condolences to the loved ones of the brave pilots, we thank all Canadian and US officials and fire personnel for your tireless efforts to ensure people's safety in containing the flames. With Heaven's grace, may our more caring eco-stewardship alleviate such dangerous events as these.

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Two firefighters from the Medford, OR, Fire Department died April 24, 2008, while riding in a RZR ATV near Jacksonville, OR. More at www.mailtribune.com online.

This video shows a Oregon news report about two fire fighters who were dismissed because they did not speak Spanish.

Aaron checks out the economic devastation of Bend Oregon with help from youtube user www.youtube.com Sixth fastest growing city link www.ci.bend.or.us Oregon foreclosure rate jumps link www.oregonlive.com

A few clips from the 4/30 show of Oregon News

www.mditv.com -- If you want to spark a brawl gather together some lawyers, doctors and others from across the political spectrum and say two little words medical malpractice. Some will argue passionately that tort reform is essential to control health care costs and that high premiums are forcing some doctors to quit. Others will argue that with equal passion against limiting a patient's right to seek compensation and that while some specialists pay high premiums, malpractice insurance and awards account for just a tiny fraction of the nation's health care bill. Yet despite the strong views, tort reform didn't really figure into the new federal legislation on health care except for 50 million dollars to fund some state demonstration projects to test proposed reforms. That mismatch between passion and action doesn't surprise some veterans of tort reform battles in Oregon.

KOHD News Bend Oregon

It is TRUE! Douglas