Portland law firm releases Boy Scout records on child abuse
In a historical move, a Portland law firm released nearly 1,400 pages of Boy Scout files on volunteers who have been suspected of abusing children, The Oregonian reports. This is the first time the public has had access to the records, released Thursday, which are decades old and document the 1,247 volunteers suspected of child abuse between 1965 and 1985.
The files show that the Boy Scouts often covered up the suspected child abuse after pressuring the suspected pedophiles to quit. Court records suggest that these offenders continued to abuse children outside the Scouts.
According to CNN, the law firm is also requesting Congress audit the Boy Scouts’ policy on child abuse to see if it is up to standard.
Oregon Symphony cancels Carnegie Hall trip
Due to financial reasons, the Oregon Symphony has canceled its return trip to Carnegie Hall next May, according to The Oregonian. The symphony, which was invited back to Carnegie Hall after playing there in 2011, was forced to cancel the $300,000 trip.
The symphony has had to make additional cuts due to its budget deficit, including reducing salaries and cutting three staff positions.
Middle East debate escalates on TriMet vehicles
In response to a pro-Palestine ad that was run on TriMet vehicles, a pro-Israel group has purchased 19 advertisements on MAX trains, according to The Oregonian. The group, StandWithUs, joins another pro-Israel organization, American Freedom Defense Initiative, in running ads on TriMet vehicles. American Freedom Defense Initiative’s advertisement went up on Tuesday.
The Oregon Area Jewish Committee has denounced the advertisements on both sides of the Middle East debate, saying that the ideas presented are extreme and meant to create hatred.
Lattice Semiconductor to cut 109 jobs
Due to a 13 percent cut of the company’s workforce, the Lattice Semiconductor office in Hillsboro will eliminate approximately 30 positions in the next year, according to The Oregonian. The company’s decision to cut a total of 109 jobs at its various locations is prompted by a decline in the global economy. Lattice Semiconductor plans on consolidating sales and marketing in the U.S. and Europe, close several offices and eliminate positions.
The company hopes to save approximately $12.3 million next year due to the cuts.
Gresham man receives two year sentence for selling fake memorabilia
After selling fake Beatles and sports memorabilia on Craigslist, a Gresham man was sentenced to two years in prison this Thursday, The Oregonian reports. In a plea agreement, Chad Richard Baldwin, 41, was convicted on two counts of identity theft; as part of the deal, several other charges were dismissed.
Baldwin altered letters of authenticity from legitimate sellers in order to deceive potential customers.