News Stories for Wed., Oct. 18, 2017

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Nearly two decades after a woman was killed in Salem, Oregon, lawyers for the man convicted of murdering her have asked a judge to allow DNA testing of crime-scene evidence. They say the tests could lead to the real killer and exonerate Jesse Johnson. But the judge says he must study whether he can authorize the testing. The case shows that while DNA tests have set free many wrongly convicted people, getting authorization for them to be carried out can be challenging.

Portland police are warning people about counterfeit prescription drugs circulating in the area that may have deadly amounts of fentanyl and other potent opioids. It’s a scourge causing accidental overdose deaths locally and across Oregon, said police say.  In Oregon, 80 people have died in accidental overdoses from synthetic opioids since 2014, but the deaths have accelerated at an alarming rate in the last year, said Dr. Karen Gunson, state medical examiner. Of the 80 deaths, 75 have occurred since 2016, she said.

The United States’ Columbia River Treaty with Canada can be amended in 2024. U.S. Rep. Greg Walden has called on the Trump administration to take a strong stand in those talks. He says that when the treaty was first implemented in 1964, Canada came out on top, and that needs to be equalized. He said the inequity wasn’t obvious when the treaty was first enacted, over time it became obvious. The treaty sets forth a formula for water storage, flood control, and hydro power. Walden joins with several other lawmakers from Oregon and Washington in saying the formula is “severely outdated.”

The Madras Boys soccer team beat Gladstone yesterday and lead the Tri Valley league.  There are 2 more games left – tomorrow vs Corbett and next Tuesday against Crook County.  Madras is now ranked 5th in the state for 4A Boys Soccer.  If they finish #1 in their league – they are guaranteed a playoff spot.  Play in game participants will be determined after next Tuesday.