Bus Hijacking Suspect Charged

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The man who's charged with using a gun to takeover a TriMet bus in Portland on Wednesday is charged with kidnapping, robbery and felon in possession of a firearm. 44-year-old Hosea Chambers is accused of boarding the bus and threatening the driver. Chambers held a gun to the driver's head counting down several times threatening to kill him. He eventually let the driver off the bus, but remained inside for hours until police put a chemical irritant into the bus and he was arrested.

Portland Appoints Interim Fire Chief

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Fire and Rescue Chief Ryan Gillespie retires on March 4th and AJ Jackson has been selected as the interim chief. Jackson has worked 25 years for Portland Fire and Rescue. He's currently the Division Chief for Medical Services & Training. A nationwide search for a new chief will start in the coming months.

Bill To Delay Clean Truck Regulations

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Legislature is considering a bill to delay the Advanced Clean Truck Act from taking effect until 2027. The law requires large truck manufacturers to increase the number of electric trucks sold. It does not prohibit diesel trucks from being sold, even after the rule is fully in effect in 2035. Opponents of the rule say the technology and charging infrastructure for the trucks doesn't exist.

Suspect Arrested In Fatal Motel Shooting

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Depoe Bay, OR) -- The owner of a motel in Depoe Bay was shot and killed Thursday morning. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says 44-year-old Sarabjit Singh was shot several times. The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Brennon Neal, of Depoe Bay. His car was spotted on Highway 20 and after a 35 mile pursuit spike strips deflated the tires and he was eventually arrested with help from Oregon State Police.

Portland Considers Major Cuts To Emergency Services

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The City of Portland faces up to 100-million-dollars in budget cuts. City Council has asked all agencies to come up with five to eight percent in cuts. KATU-TV got documents showing what that would mean for Portland Police. Under the worst case scenario, they would cut 20-million-dollars which would mean 35 to 45 officer positions along with some specialty units. Portland Fire and Rescue would lose 66 positions. City Council has not made any decision on where to make cuts in the budget.

Portland Trail Blazers Honor Black History Month

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The Portland Trail Blazers have a series of events planned to honor Black History Month. On February 1st, they play the Phoenix Suns and will highlight local Black icons. Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be celebrated on February 22nd when the team plays the Charlotte Hornets. At each celebration game, a series of Black-owned restaurants will be highlighted at the PDX Chef Collective in the Moda Center.

Historic Cape Foulweather Gift Shop Restoration

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Depoe Bay, OR) -- The historic gift shop at Cape Foulweather, near Depoe Bay, has closed for a major restoration. The gift shop was built in 1937 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The first phase includes a new roof, exterior repairs, work on the foundation, and better entrances. The second phase will focus on mechanical, electrical and plumbing repairs. During the project, there will be limited parking at Otter Crest.

Jaggy Park Shooting Suspect Claims Self-Defense

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Vancouver, WA) -- The suspect in the fatal shooting of a man in Vancouver's Jaggy Park Wednesday is claiming self-defense. A judge ordered 23-year-old Machou Machou held on two-million-dollars bond. Machou doesn't have a criminal past. The man who was killed was 21-years-old. His name hasn't been released.

Suspect Arrested In Fatal Shooting

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Vancouver, WA) -- A man was shot and killed in a Vancouver park Wednesday afternoon. Police responded to Jaggy Road Park on a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found a 21-year-old man who was dead. Officers detained a person who matched the suspect's description. 23-year-old Machou M. Machour was booked into the Clark County Jail on a charge of murder in the second degree.

Man Arrested After Hijacking Bus In Portland

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A man is facing charges after allegedly hijacking a TriMet bus in downtown Portland and barricading himself inside, prompting an hours-long standoff. Police say the suspect fired multiple shots just before boarding the bus at Northwest 5th and Glisan streets. He then allowed passengers to escape the bus before he took the driver hostage and ordered him to drove around the area. He eventually let the driver off the bus and holed up inside. Police arrested him after deploying gas canisters into the bus.

Deer Rescued From Frozen Lake

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Mist, OR) -- A deer is doing OK after getting trapped on the ice of a frozen lake in Mist. It happened yesterday morning on Fishhawk Lake between Clatsop and Columbia counties. Firefighters responded to the scene and helped the deer to shore.

First Condor Eggs Arrive At Oregon Zoo For 2025

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The first California condor eggs of the year have arrived at the Oregon Zoo's Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation. This is the parent's sixth year together and fifth time they've laid an egg in January. If all goes well it'll hatch in mid-March. They've successfully raised four chicks. Egg-laying season continues for a couple of months. The chicks are raised and will eventually be released into the wild to help the endangered species recover. In 1982, there were only 22 condors. Now, there are 560 birds with most flying free.

Explosion Causes House Fire

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A north Portland home was damaged by an explosion and fire Wednesday morning. The house is located in the St. Johns neighborhood near North Polk and Fessenden. Firefighters say one of the walls was blown out and the home had structural damage. Firefighters took a defensive approach spraying water from the outside. A powerline fell on one of the hoses. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.

Suspect Arrested After 10 Hour Standoff

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A man was arrested after a ten-hour standoff in St. Johns on Wednesday. Police responded to a report of a wanted person seen outside of a home on North Hudson Street. The man ran into a home and refused to come out. Police knew the man had previously been armed. Irritant gas was sent into the home, but the man had moved into the attic. The gas was sprayed into the attic and the man came down and was arrested without further incident.

PeaceHealth Donation

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Vancouver, WA) -- PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center has received a two-million-dollar gift to help caregivers. Ron and Terry Prill made the donation. They've supported the hospital in several ways over the years including funding for the Dove Pantry, the Healthcare Reimagined Campaign, and Miller Neurosciences Education Endowment. Their latest gift will help provide educational support and increase retention of caregivers at the hospital.

Beaverton Schools Reach Agreement With Teachers

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Beaverton, OR) -- The Beaverton School District has reached a tentative contract agreement with the teachers' union. The contract includes a five percent cost of living adjustment for this school year and similar increases the next two years. The school district will also increase health insurance payments totaling 300 dollars over three years. The union and the school board need to approve the deal.

Local Nonprofits Lose Access To Funding After Trump Federal Grant Directive

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Local nonprofits are sounding the alarm about how President Trump's plan to pause federal grants and loans could affect Portland residents. A pair of Portland-area nonprofits serving domestic violence survivors tell KATU-2 they were unable to access the federal grants that fund their work shortly after the directive went out yesterday. Clackamas Women's Center provides services to domestic violence survivors while Safety Compass helps young survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse. The White House memo announcing the funding pause claims "the use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve." A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's plan yesterday.

Portland Resumes Homeless Camp Sweeps

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The City of Portland is resuming sweeps of homeless camps. They paused last week for the point-in-time count of homeless people. It's done every year to determine how many people are living on the streets. The sweeps are being done to get homeless people into shelters. Mayor Keith Wilson is working to increase both night and day shelters where homeless people can be directed to services that help them get into stable housing.

Vancouver Duplex Fire Displaces Four

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Vancouver, WA) -- Four people are displaced following a duplex fire in Vancouver. Firefighters responded to the duplex near Bagley Community Park yesterday morning after residents smelled smoke and called 911. Crews found smoke coming from the eaves of the duplex and extinguished the fire in about 20 minutes. No injuries were reported.

West Linn-Wilsonville To Keep Three Schools Open

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(West Linn, OR) -- The West Linn-Wilsonville School Board has decided to keep three elementary schools open despite declining enrollment. There was strong opposition from parents to closing Bolton, Cedaroak Park, and Stafford Primary schools. They have the lowest enrollment levels in the district. Closing the schools and moving the students to nearby schools would have saved one-and-a-half million dollars. The district still faces a 15-million-dollar budget gap.

Barricaded Suspects Arrested

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Part of the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood was blocked off by police most of Tuesday. Officers issued a search warrant in the morning with several arrests made, but two people were barricaded inside of the house. It's located near Southeast 90th Place and Powell Boulevard. A tactical team and negotiators talked to the people inside of the house and they were eventually arrested without incident. In all, five people were taken into custody.

Gunfire Hits Houses

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Vancouver, WA) -- A shooting in Vancouver early Sunday morning left houses and a vehicle with bullet damage. The shooting happened on Littler Way near Fourth Plain and Burton Road. Initially, officers didn't find damage, but later in the morning they returned to find multiple bullet holes in the living room wall of a home, damage to a second house and one vehicle. No injuries were reported. Police have not made an arrest.

Ski Instructor Lawsuit

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A ski instructor is suing Mt. Hood Meadows for more than six-million-dollars after a crash involving a snowmobile. The lawsuit claims that in February of 2023, the plaintiff, Theodore Plowden-Wardlaw was skiing at the resort when he was hit by a snowmobile driven by an employee. He suffered open fractures to his leg and broken ribs. Mt. Hood Meadows says they don't comment on pending litigation.

Police Crime Mission

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Police continue to focus on illegal activity along 82nd Avenue. On Monday, officers conducted another mission to focus on a variety of crimes. They made 15 traffic stops and arrested three people. One stolen vehicle was recovered and one vehicle was towed. Three drivers tried to elude police with two of the drivers caught and arrested.

Man Arrested For Threatening Behavior With Replica Gun Near School

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Newport, OR) -- A man is facing charges after allegedly engaging in threatening behavior with a replica gun near an elementary school in Newport. Police arrested Timothy Bottorff Friday for the incident outside Sam Case Elementary School. Police say Bottorff was walking toward the school's doors while carrying an airsoft pistol, yelling angrily and making aggressive movements. The incident caused the school to go into lockdown. Police say Bottorff tried to discard of a meth pipe and some methamphetamine while fleeing from police, who eventually caught up to him and arrested him.

Police ID Fatal Gresham Park Shooting Victim As Teen

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Gresham, OR) -- Authorities are identifying the victim of a fatal shooting at a park in Gresham as a teenage boy. Police say 17-year-old Jorge Ovidio Mateo Vasquez was shot and killed Thursday afternoon at Vance Park near Market Street. The suspect reportedly fled the scene before officers arrived. An investigation is ongoing.

Teen Hit By Train, Killed

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Woodburn, OR) -- A teenager is dead after being hit by a train in Woodburn. Police say the 15-year-old was crossing the railroad tracks at Stark and Ogle streets Friday afternoon when a train struck and killed him. No word yet on what led to the collision.

Chop Shops Busted

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Happy Valley, OR) -- Police raided two chop shops on Monday in the Portland area that may have disassembled and sold parts from hundreds of stolen cars. Police from several agencies have been investigating the operation. One person was arrested. The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office says stolen vehicles are a high priority, because of the impact they have on victims.

Oregon Hunger Bill

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon is facing its worst hunger problem since the Great Depression. New data from the Oregon Food Bank shows one in eight people in Oregon experience hunger and one in six kids don't have enough to eat. The Oregon Food Bank says that's a 31 percent increase from a year ago. They support the Food for All Oregonians bill in the legislature. It would create an Oregon based program similar to SNAP. 61 thousand people in Oregon don't qualify for SNAP. Many of them are immigrants, legal permanent residents, DACA recipients, or asylum seekers. They say the bill has bipartisan support, but may have trouble getting funding with the state's tight budget.

Downtown Portland Foot Traffic Increases

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Foot traffic in downtown Portland increased three percent last year. Downtown Portland Clean and Safe says their survey found an eight percent increase in people who work downtown. Nearly two-and-a-half-million people visited downtown during five months when there were several major events including the Rockstar Energy Open and the Foo Fighters' performance at Providence Park. Overall foot traffic has increased 54 percent since the pandemic.

Standoff Burglary Suspect Arrested

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A burglary suspect who was involved in a standoff with Portland Police early Monday morning was arrested. Police responded to a business near Southeast 10th and Carruthers and found a burglary suspect was still inside of the business. The person refused to come out. A tactical team with negotiators went inside and the suspect was taken into custody.

Veteran's Bike Returned

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Happy Valley, OR) -- Last May, a bike that was hand-built by a veteran in Vancouver, and valued at five-thousand-dollars, was stolen. Police in Happy Valley served a search warrant on an apartment in December and recovered the bike, but a lot of parts were missing. A Clackamas County Sheriff's Community Service Officer with experience working on bikes located the missing parts, reassembled the stolen bike and returned it to Javier Romo, who was the original owner.

One Killed In Gresham Park Shooting

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Gresham, OR) -- One person is dead following a shooting at a park in Gresham. Police say the victim was shot and killed around 4 yesterday afternoon at Vance Park near Market Street. The suspect reportedly fled the scene before officers arrived. An investigation is ongoing.

Burglary Ring Indictments

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Two men have been indicted for allegedly being involved in a burglary ring that hit more than a hundred businesses in the Portland area. Police say they often didn't wear masks, allowing their faces to be recorded on surveillance video. They also used tools like Sawzalls, to cut through doors and safes. Thirty-three-year-old Patrick Lucero and 27-year-old Courtney Carlile face multiple charges. Another ten, or more, people were involved in the operation.

Robot Dog Joins Portland Police

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A robot dog named Spot has joined Portland's Metro Explosives Disposal Unit. The 150-thousand-dollar four-legged robot was made by Boston Dynamics. It's able to navigate by itself and can reach areas where the other robot, with tracks, can't go. It has cameras, a speaker, air quality monitoring equipment, and can open doors. It was purchased with a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

Man Approaches Girl With Marijuana

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Tigard, OR) -- Tigard Police arrested a man Thursday for allegedly offering a teenage girl marijuana. The girl was walking to school on the Fanno Creek Trail when she was approached by the man. He offered her "weed" and asked if she wanted to go to his apartment. She said no. He asked her to go into the woods with him, and again, she said no. She went into the Tigard Library where police were called. They found the man and he was arrested for offering to give the girl a controlled substance.

Lime Riders Set Record In 2024

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Lime says a record number of people rode their e-scooters last year in Portland. There were one-point-two million rides, which is a 34 percent increase over 2023. August was the biggest month with 152-thousand rides. Portland made the program permanent last year. Since the program started in 2018, there have been nearly four-and-a-half million rides with 700-thousand people using the e-scooters.

Two Teens Arrested In Robbery Murder

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Jonathon Trent in a Portland grocery store parking lot on January 13th. Trent witnessed a robbery and was shot chasing the suspect. Police have arrested 15- and 16-year-old boys charging them with murder and robbery. They were booked into juvenile detention. They're also accused in several other robberies.

Homelessness Increases 24% In Oregon

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Homelessness increased 24 percent in Oregon from 2023 to 2024. A report from Portland State University based on the homeless point-in-time count found a 16 percent increase in the number of unsheltered homeless people. That's more than 11-hundred additional people living on the streets. Nearly 25-hundred shelter beds were added in Oregon. 21 out of 36 counties had an increase in shelter beds.

Mall 205 DMV Office Closing

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A Portland-area Department of Motor vehicles office is closing its doors. KATU-2 reports the DMV office at Mall 205 will shut down permanently at the end of January. Officials say the office is closing due to facility issues and a lease that's set to expire next month. Employees at the location will be reassigned to other offices.

Police Seek Missing Teen Girl

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Vancouver, WA) -- Police are seeking the public's help in their search for a missing 14-year-old Vancouver girl. The Vancouver Police Department says Elizabeth Munoz Santana was last seen Tuesday evening near Washington Elementary School. She's described as five foot two and 140 pounds and was last seen wearing black sweats and brown Ugg boots. Police believe she is endangered. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

Highway 20 Rescue

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Linn County, OR) -- Oregon State Police are crediting a team effort for the successful rescue of a woman in rural Linn County, Wednesday morning. An OSP Fish and Wildlife Trooper found a car on the shoulder of Highway 20 and realized the driver may have gotten lost. They later learned the 30-year-old woman walked up a nearby Forest Service Road and wasn't able to find her way back. Linn County Search and Rescue and an OSP K-9 team tracked her route, and found her about a mile from the car. They built a fire and gave her food and blankets, staying with her until a Snowcat arrived to take her back to the highway. Sweet Home Medics transported her to the hospital for an evaluation.

Wood Treatment Company Owner Pleads Guilty Illegal Pollution

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Eugene, OR) -- The owner of the J.H. Baxter wood treatment facility in Eugene has pleaded guilty to hazardous waste and Clean Air Act violations. Federal prosecutors say 61-year-old Georgia Baxter-Krause illegally boiled off wastewater from the wood treatment operation and then shipped the remaining waste off for disposal. The company didn't have a permit to release the waste into the air. Baxter Krause agreed to pay one-and-a-half million dollars in criminal fines and could face up to two years in federal prison.

Fatal Homeless Camp Fire

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Seaside, OR) -- A person died in a tent fire at a homeless camp in Seaside Wednesday afternoon. A resident called 911 to report the fire and used a hose to keep the flames from spreading. When the fire was put out, one person was found dead. An investigation is underway to determine the man's name and cause of death. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Salem Police Involved Shooting

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- Salem Police shot and killed a suspect they were trying to arrest Wednesday morning. It happened on River Road near Keizer. Police say the armed suspect ran into an apartment complex and there was a confrontation with officers. The person was shot and died at the scene. No officers were injured. The suspect's name hasn't been released.

OR Hospitals Losing Money

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- Half of hospitals throughout Oregon are operating in the red, because of underfunding by Medicaid. Becky Hultberg, executive director of the Hospital Association of Oregon, says the Oregon Health Plan underpaid hospitals a billion dollars in 2023 and that continues. They want the Legislature to approve more funding. Lawmakers will have a difficult time coming up with the extra money, because it faces its own budget trouble. The Trump Administration is also considering cuts to Medicaid.

DA Takes Tougher Stand On Demonstration Vandalism

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez is following through on his promise to prosecute demonstrators who commit criminal acts. On Tuesday evening, several people involved in a post-inauguration demonstration started tagging buildings. Portland Police and Oregon State Police on bikes went after the suspects and arrested five people. They were charged with criminal mischief or interfering with a police officer.

Federal Government Settles Lawsuit Over Demonstrations

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The federal government has settled with demonstrators in Portland who were injured during the 2020 demonstrations. The ACLU says federal agents used tear gas and less-lethal weapons during the protests. Under the settlement, the federal government will compensate people who filed the lawsuit for their injuries and in exchange, they'll drop the lawsuit.

Oregon Files Lawsuit Against Trump Birthright Executive Order

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon is suing the federal government over President Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship. It dates back centuries and under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, all children born in the U.S. are citizens. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield says the President's executive order is a violation of the Constitution. Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois are filing the lawsuit. It seeks an injunction to prevent the order from taking effect until it can be decided in court.

OR Firefighters Battle New SoCal Fires

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- Two Oregon strike teams of water tenders have been assigned to help fight a new fire near San Diego. The teams were part of the initial deployment of 370 firefighters and 105 trucks sent to the Los Angeles area earlier this month. Water tenders are large tankers that move water to areas where there are no hydrants. They're assigned on a two-week deployment where they'll help fight the Lilac Fire near Bonsall.

Cirque du Soleil Fined Over Fall

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division has fined Cirque du Soleil over a fall that injured a performer last August. An investigation found the performer was transitioning movements on a hoop, their foot slipped and they weren't able to grab the hoop to prevent the fall. The woman suffered several fractures in the 15-foot fall. OSHA fined Cirque du Soleil eight-thousand-dollars for a lack of safety systems.

Portland Pickles Bring New Soccer Team To Portland

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The Portland Pickles baseball team has announced it's bringing a soccer team to Portland this year. The team will play in the United Soccer League 2. Their schedule starts in May. The team's name, logo and stadium will be unveiled next month. Soccer fans can sign up for tickets on a waiting list. The team will play six home games.

DMV Field Office Closing

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- One of the Oregon DMV's most popular field offices is closing. The Mall 205 office will close at the end of the month, because of ongoing maintenance issues. The location has been open since 2015 and is one of the agency's busiest offices, serving almost 95-thousand people last year. The lease on the building ends February 28th. The 18 employees in the office will be moved to other locations. It could be more than a year before a new DMV opens in that area.

Oregon Receives $1.5 Million For Veteran's Housing

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Washington, D.C.) -- The federal government is awarding Oregon one-and-a-half million dollars for veteran's housing. HUD's Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program is distributing the money to eight agencies that include Housing Authorities of Clackamas County, Salem and Central Oregon. Veterans will receive rental assistance and case management services to help them find permanent housing.

Multnomah County Considers New Animal Shelter

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Multnomah County is considering a replacement for the animal shelter. The current facility is outdated and cramped. Last fall, the Oregon Department of Agriculture issued a warning notice, because there wasn't enough space in the current facility to quarantine animals with infectious diseases. A new proposal being considered by the Board of Commissioners estimates a new animal shelter would cost between 55- and 85-million-dollars. It's doesn't recommend a location or how it would be funded.

Merkley Announces Support For Rubio

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Washington, D.C.) -- Democratic Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley voted for President Trump's nominee for Secretary of State. Merkley, who's a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says he and Republican Senator Marco Rubio have partnered on a range of legislation. The bills include a focus on China's human rights abuses and support for Taiwan. Merkley says they also have their differences, but he says Rubio has the expertise to lead and provide a steady vision for U.S. foreign policy. Rubio was confirmed by the Senate on Monday.

PPS Faces Over $40 Million In Budget Cuts

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The Portland Public School Board is set to discuss cuts totaling over 40-million-dollars on Tuesday. Schools could see 30-million-dollars in cuts and the central office could face a reduction of 12-million-dollars. The School Board plans several meetings to get input on the cuts through June 10th when the Board is expected to finalize the 2025-26 budget.

Coast Guard Rescues Father And Son

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Cannon Beach, OR) -- The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a father and son who were stranded on rocks near Cannon Beach. On Sunday, 911 received a call about two people who were missing after going wave surfing. The father and son got caught in strong currents off Indian Beach. A Coast Guard helicopter crew found them clinging to a rock on the north end of the beach and they were hoisted into the helicopter. They didn't need medical care. Cannon Beach Fire says it was their third rescue in a week, and they're urging beachgoers to stay away from the surf zone when there's a hazardous beach statement issued.

Tesla Dealership Fire

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- A Tesla car at a dealership in Salem was set on fire early Monday morning. Salem Police are investigating the incident as arson. The fire appeared to start at the back of the vehicle. Firefighters kept the flames from spreading. A window at the dealership was also broken. No injuries were reported. Detectives are asking for tips to help identify the suspect.

Elections Office Vandalism

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The Multnomah County Elections Office has thousands of dollars in damage from vandals who broke 33 windows and damaged two doors early Monday. Surveillance video showed a group of eight to ten masked people using hammers and other items to smash the windows. The attack was over in two minutes before the suspects ran away. Police say the motive was apparently political, because of the target, but there was no evidence that it was meant for any specific political party.

One Person Wounded In Gresham Shooting

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Gresham, OR) -- Gresham Police are investigating a shooting that left a person with life-threatening injuries. It happened early Monday morning at the Campbell Park Apartments. When officers arrived, they found one person with a gunshot wound. The person is hospitalized. The suspect was gone and police have not made an arrest.

Two Dogs Wounded In Shooting

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Two dogs were wounded in a drive-by shooting Sunday night near Brentwood City Park in Southeast Portland. The dogs were with their owner in the bed of a pickup when a passing car fired shots. One dog was hit by a bullet while the other dog was injured by shrapnel. The dog's owner wasn't injured. It appears both dogs will survive. The suspects were gone when police arrived and there hasn't been an arrest.

Garbage Truck Fire

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Clackamas County, OR) -- Officials are reminding residents of the importance of properly disposing of batteries. Clackamas County says firefighters have responded to three fires over the last week that were burning in garbage trucks. One fire was caused by a battery on a power tool, another fire was caused by a battery on a vacuum cleaner, and the third fire was started by an unidentified battery. In the Portland area, you can safely dispose of batteries at the Metro South Hazardous Waste Facility, or other businesses that collect batteries for recycling.

Portland Faces $100 Million Budget Gap

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Portland's Mayor and new City Council will face tough budget decisions. They were told Friday 100 million dollars needs to be cut to balance the budget. Mayor Keith Wilson says they inherited an unprecedented and painful budget crisis. Cuts could come from parks, transportation, and police and fire services. 120 positions are currently vacant. Less revenue from downtown buildings combined with higher costs for the expanded council, labor negotiations, and the homeless crisis are among the reasons for the budget gap.

Rose Quarter I-5 Project Starts This Summer

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Construction will start this summer on the I-5 Rose Quarter project. The freeway will be covered to improve access between the east and west sides of the freeway and auxiliary lanes will be built north and south on I-5. The project will cost nearly two-billion-dollars. The Oregon Transportation Commission approved the first 250-million-dollars last week.

OTC Approves Safe Streets Funding

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Transportation Commission approved 31-million-dollars last week for the Safe Routes To School program. It includes projects to build sidewalks, crosswalks, and other street safety measures to help kids walk and ride to school. 28 projects are planned across the state.

Person Dies In Apartment Fire

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Aloha, OR) -- A resident died in an apartment fire Saturday afternoon in Aloha. Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue responded to the fire on Southwest Mapleoak Lane in the Cascade Woods apartments and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the first floor of the three floor apartment complex. Fire was spreading to the upper units. Crews quickly put out the fire and found a victim dead in the first floor unit. The victim is identified as 64-year-old Robin Wilkinson. No other injuries were reported. Six units were impacted by the fire. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

National Parks Open Free Today For MLK Jr. Day

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- National parks are open for free today. The U.S. Forest Service is offering free entrance to all national parks today in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The fee waiver applies to day-use sites like picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads and visitor centers. Fees for camping, cabin rentals, and other permits still apply. Other free days are National Get Outdoors Day, Juneteenth, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day.

Driver Arrested For DUI In Pedestrian Crash

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A driver was arrested Saturday following a crash that injured a pedestrian. The crash happened early Saturday morning near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Northeast Hassalo [[ HASS'-uh-low ]] Street. The pedestrian was hospitalized with critical injuries. The driver, 47-year-old Isaac Ellis, was booked for DUI and reckless driving.

Drivers Arrested For Drifting Event

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Two drivers were arrested and their cars were seized following a drifting event Friday night. Portland Police responded to the incident in the parking lot off North Columbia Boulevard. They used a drone to record the incident. A security guard approached the drivers and they began drifting around the security officer's vehicle. Police moved in and stopped the two drivers. Their vehicles were seized, under Oregon's street racing laws and two drivers were booked on charges of street racing. One driver also faces firearms for having an illegal gun.

Winning Powerball Ticket Sold In Oregon

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Beaverton, OR) -- The winning Powerball ticket from Saturday's 328-million-dollar drawing was sold in Beaverton. The ticket was purchased on Friday. The Oregon Lottery hasn't identified which store sold the ticket. The winner has a year to come forward to claim the prize. Under Oregon law, with a few exceptions, winners can't remain anonymous. The largest Powerball jackpot won in Oregon was one-point-three billion-dollars last year by a Portland man and his wife.

Teen Arrested After Allegedly Carrying Gun On Campus

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Oregon City, OR) -- An Oregon City teenager is facing possible charges after allegedly carrying a gun on a high school campus. Police arrested 18-year-old Armando Bagos yesterday for the incident at Oregon City High School. Police say officers responded to the school after receiving a report that a person who was not a student was carrying a gun on campus. The school was briefly placed on hold while officers arrested the man. An investigation is ongoing.

Man Shot, Killed After Intervening In Purse Snatching

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A man is dead after being shot while trying to stop a purse snatcher in Northeast Portland. Police say 47-year-old Jonathan Trent was shot Monday night in the parking lot of a Fred Meyer store. Trent had reportedly tried to intervene during a robbery in which the suspect had stolen a purse from a woman when the suspect shot him. He was taken to a hospital, where he died. Police are still searching for the suspect.

Rose Festival Losses

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Portland's Rose Festival is working to balance its budget. The organization lost one-million-dollars last year compared to a six-thousand-dollar loss the year before. The Rose Festival is relying on reserves to cover the gap. The financial struggles put the future of the 117-year- old event in question. Expenses have risen 30 to 40 percent since 2019. Organizers have made adjustment to keep costs this year down.

Columbia Edgewater Country Club To Host LPGA Tournament

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The Standard Portland Classic LPGA Tournament will be held at Columbia Edgewater Country Club for the next three years. It's the longest-running non-major tournament on the LPGA Tour. Columbia Edgewater first hosted the Portland Classic in 1974. The tournament has been held at the country club 37 times over its history. The tournament has a two-million-dollar purse and will held August 14th through the 17th. The event has raised over 18-million-dollars for local organizations.

Hit And Run Arrest

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Battle Ground, WA) -- Battle Ground Police have arrested a suspect in a hit and run crash that happened January 11th. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition. Acting on tips, police identified the suspect as 59-year-old Clarence Holt, the second. He was arrested at his home in Woodland and booked into the Clark County Jail. Police seized a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 25-hundred as evidence.

Stranded People Rescued From Mt. Hood National Forest

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Zig Zag, OR) -- Two people were rescued after getting stranded by snow in the Mt. Hood National Forest Tuesday night. Search and rescue volunteers used ATVs and other equipment to help the people get out. They were stranded on Road 57. No one was hurt. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office says it's important to check conditions before heading out and bring emergency supplies in the event you get stuck.

Oregon DMV Unveils Kiosks

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon DMV is using kiosks to provide some services, so you don't have to wait in line at a DMV office. There are currently nine kiosks located in Fred Meyer stores. They only dispense vehicle registration tags, but more services are expected to be added. Using the kiosk costs four-dollars 95-cents, which goes to the vendor that runs the kiosks. More kiosks will be added in the future.

New MAX Trains Hit Tracks

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- TriMet's newest MAX trains have hit the tracks. TriMet says the trains offer better rides and more reliability. The trains have video destination screens showing the train's location and the next stop. There's better lighting and temperature control. Sensors in the train indicate when maintenance is needed, which will reduce breakdowns. The security system is also improved with higher definition cameras. Thirty new trains will start running over the next several months.

Teenager Rescued From King Tides

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Cannon Beach, OR) -- King Tides brought huge waves to the Oregon Coast over the weekend, and they nearly cost a teenager his life. A 19-year-old went into the water at Cannon Beach just before sunset on Monday, but didn't return. A rescue swimmer paddled a surfboard into the breakers and heard a cry for help. They spotted the man and pulled him to shore. Firefighters say hypothermia could have quickly become a problem, because of the cold water temperature.

MAX Train Drug Use Arrest

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office has made the first arrest of a person allegedly using drugs on a MAX train. On January 1st, a new law took effect in Oregon making it illegal to use drugs on mass transit. A sheriff's deputy was in plain clothes riding the train and saw the suspect use a blow torch to light and smoke suspected fentanyl. Bethany Zipfel was arrested. Deputies seized burnt foil, plastic straws and hollowed pens that can be used to smoke fentanyl.

Serial Burglary Suspect Arrested

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- Salem Police have arrested a serial burglary suspect. The first burglary occurred at a business December 2nd with five other burglaries happening in the following weeks. Salem Police SWAT served a warrant at a house in Northeast Salem where they recovered several stolen items worth around 100-thousand-dollars. Johnathon Korrell faces 14 charges of burglary and theft.

Hit And Run Victim In Critical Condition

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Battle Ground, WA) -- A hit and run victim from Battle Ground remains hospitalized in critical condition. The crash happened January 11th. The woman was on West Main Street near 29th Avenue when she was hit. Police have been reviewing surveillance video in the area and say the suspect was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado truck, either a model 25-hundred or a 35-hundred. It'll likely have damage to the passenger side mirror. Battle Ground Police are asking witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

Football Coach Acquitted Of Harassment

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(McMinnville, OR) -- A former Westview High School football coach who was accused of slapping players awake during a football camp last summer has been acquitted. Jamal Jones was charged with 12 counts of harassment. Jones resigned from the coaching position and turned himself in to police. He's also a police officer with Hillsboro Police where he's on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

DA Stops Convicted Murderer's Early Release

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez has stopped the early release of convicted murderer Frank Swopes. Former DA Mike Schmidt wanted to release Swopes and four other inmates. Vasquez said after reviewing the facts of the Swopes' case, the crime spree resulted in the death of one woman and the sexual assault of another. He said it wasn't in the best interest of the surviving victims to release Swopes. Vasquez is reviewing the other cases.

Teacher Resigns Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Vancouver, WA) -- A Hudson's Bay High School teacher once accused of sexual misconduct has resigned. Shadbreon Gatson was placed on leave in November and arrested in December. He was charged with sexual misconduct. Prosecutors dropped the charges because the statute of limitations had passed. The school district says it will continue to do a third party investigation. There's also an ongoing review of the district's previous investigations and actions related to similar investigations.

Providence Offers Nurses Chance To Return

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Providence Health is offering striking nurses an opportunity to return to work. More than 600 nurses have crossed the picket lines since the strike started last Friday. Nurses who want to return to work should report in-person this Sunday. They should report even if they're not scheduled to work Sunday, because they need to report their intent to work. Providence says it won't retaliate against nurses that stay on the picket lines.

Oregon Lottery Launches New Game

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Lottery is replacing the Lucky Lines game. A new game, called Cash Pop gives players a chance to win every hour from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. To play, you pick a number between 1 and 15, if it matches the number that's drawn, you win. The prize for the number is assigned randomly. The amount of the wager determines the range of prize. You can bet 1, 2, 5 or 10-dollars per draw. Oregon is the 16th lottery to join the Cash Pop game.

CDC: OR Has Among Highest Level Of Flu Cases

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Oregon is among four states with the highest levels of influenza in the U.S. According to a report by the CDC, most of the country is experiencing elevated levels of respiratory illness, but Oregon is at the top. It, along with Tennessee, New Mexico and Louisiana, have "very high" activity levels. The CDC attributes part of the rise to a lack of updated vaccinations.

Care Provider Wage Study

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- A new study finds healthcare providers for people with disabilities and older adults in Oregon should be making more money. The legislature ordered the study, which was conducted by an outside firm. It recommends paying workers an average of $23.20 an hour, or 48-thousand-dollars a year along with comprehensive benefits. Self-employed workers should have their wages increased by 4-dollars and 50-cents an hour. The increase would cost one-point-three-billion-dollars a year, with Oregon paying 400-million-dollars. It would be a 30 percent increase from current reimbursement rates. The legislature would have to approve any changes.

Sex Abuse Suspect Arrested

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Tillamook, OR) -- The Tillamook County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man in connection with a sex abuse investigation that started New Year's Day. Deputies responded to a report of child sex abuse and found a victim who needed medical treatment. Investigators moved fast to preserve evidence, and searched the suspect's home. 46-year-old Jeremy Davidson, of Pacific City, is charged with rape, assault and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Crater Lake Best Stargazing

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Klamath Falls, OR) -- Crater Lake is ranked as the best national park for stargazing. The vacation rental website Lake dot com used the National Park Service's Night Sky data collection to score 100 national parks according to the average percentage of visible stars along with each area's average median light pollution. Crater Lake viewers could see nearly 99 percent of visible stars and light pollution of point-zero-three. Second on the list was Great Basin, Nevada followed by Canyonlands, Utah.

Teacher Of The Year Nominations

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- You can nominate your kids' favorite teacher for the Oregon Education Department's 2025 Teacher of the Year. Nominations are being accepted through February 6th for teachers Pre-K through 12th grade. The winner is the face and voice of educators across the state. Candidates first run for regional teacher of the year and then the statewide honor.

OR Healthcare Workforce Faces Challenges

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Oregon's healthcare workforce faces major challenges. In 2024, health care and social assistance added 15-thousand jobs, but there were still nearly 19-thousand vacancies. A new report shows Oregon needs more professionals working to meet demand, especially in rural areas. The racial, ethnic and gender makeup of the workforce doesn't match the state's diversity. Some solutions could include housing allowances, childcare subsidies, and a centralized statewide clinical placement system for nursing students.

PeaceHealth ER Overwhelmed

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Vancouver, WA) -- PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is telling people to avoid its emergency room if they can get treatment elsewhere. The hospital says it's overwhelmed with people who have the flu, RSV and other health needs. The staff in the emergency department will treat everyone who arrives, but people with less serious health problems may wait a long time. People without emergency health needs should call their primary care provider or go to an urgent care to avoid delays.

Providence Files Unfair Labor Practices Complaint

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Providence Health has filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the Oregon Nurses Association. It accused the union of refusing to meet at reasonable times and intervals. The union denies the accusations. Nearly five-thousand nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers walked off the job Friday at eight hospitals and six clinics. The union wants better pay and more staffing to reduce the work load and provide better patient care.

Oregon Sends More Firefighters To California

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon is sending more firefighters to California, because dangerous fire conditions continue this week. 30 water tenders and 70 firefighters left over the weekend. Water tenders are large tankers that move water into areas where water isn't available. They're joining 15 strike teams from Oregon that went to California last week. These firefighters come from local departments across the state. The Oregon Fire Marshall says there are enough firefighters remaining to adequately cover communities.

Wastewater Emergency Declaration

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency in Morrow and Umatilla counties over wastewater. Heavy rain has caused storage lagoons to reach capacity at the Port of Morrow and they can't accept any more wastewater from food processing and other industrial facilities. If nothing was done, they'd have to shut down and it could have a long range impact on employment. The Governor's declaration allows the wastewater to temporarily be spread on fields in the Lower Umatilla Basin, under certain circumstances, and only through the end of February.

Oregon Receives $36 Million For Railroad Projects

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Washington, D.C.) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation will spend 36-million-dollars in Oregon on two railroad projects. Bend will get 32-million-dollars to build a bridge over tracks on Reed Market Road. Rail traffic has caused major disruptions. The new overpass will be used by vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. The Port of Coos Bay will receive nearly four-million-dollars to design and engineer an overpass over Highway 38, to eventually eliminate the at-grade crossing.

Kidnapping Suspect Held

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A Portland kidnapping suspect will not be allowed out on bail, while he awaits formal charges. Kenneth Williams is accused of holding an elderly woman in her own home for several days over Christmas, and sexually assaulting her. The Multnomah County District Attorney says Williams has a criminal history dating back to 1973. A judge ruled Williams is a risk to the public and will remain in jail while the grand jury considers the case.

Suspect Rams Patrol Car

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Two people were arrested on Saturday after allegedly ramming a patrol car. Police responded to a welfare check for two people unconscious in a vehicle near Southeast 60th and Francis Street. The driver regained consciousness, backed into a police car and then fled. The driver continued recklessly, nearly crashing even after spike strips deflated a tire. The car crashed into a parked car and police took two people into custody. The driver was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and the passenger was charged with drug distribution.

Multnomah County Moves Forward With Stabilization Center

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Multnomah County has selected a new location for the deflection center and a sobering facility. The county will buy a building at Southeast Stephens and Grand Avenue near the Goodwill. It'll eventually have 50 beds for the round-the-clock sobering center where police can bring people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They can access addiction treatment services. The facility needs to be remodeled and an opening date hasn't been set. The current deflection center will add 13 sobering beds this spring which will operate until the new center opens.

Macy's Closing Two Oregon Stores

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Macy's has announced it's closing 66 stores in nearly two dozen states including two stores in Oregon. Macy's says it's closing under-performing stores. The Macy's at the Streets of Tanasbourne and Salem Center will close. Three stores in Washington state will also be closed. Kohl's previously announced it's closing the Portland Gateway store as part of 27 closures that will happen this year.

Pedestrian Injured In Hit And Run Crash

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Battle Ground, WA) -- Battle Ground Police are trying to identify a hit and run driver that left a pedestrian with serious injuries. Saturday morning, a woman was found lying in the road on West Main Street. She was walking westbound when she was hit and the driver didn't stop. Police are reviewing surveillance video to help identify the suspect's vehicle. Washington State Patrol is helping with the investigation.

Providence Strike Continues

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The largest nurses strike and the first doctor's strike in Oregon history continues against Providence Health. Nearly five-thousand healthcare workers are on the picket line. Providence Health says more than 600 union members crossed the picket lines to work. Providence says it's ready to resume negotiations and they want to start with Providence Medford and Providence Newberg. The Oregon Nurses Association says that shows the pressure the strike is having on Providence Health.

IRS Sets Tax Filing Start Date

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Washington, D.C.) -- You can start filing income taxes on January 27th. Both the IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue will start accepting tax returns. The IRS estimates 640-thousand Oregonians will be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon free tax software. Use the IRS Eligibility Checker on its website to see whether you qualify for the free software. Refunds aren't issued until after February 15th for fraud protection. The IRS website has information free tax help.

Oregon State Forester Resigns

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon's State Forester has suddenly resigned. Cal Mukamoto stepped down amid controversy over payments to contractors who worked during the state's historic 2024 wildfire season. Governor Tina Kotek called lawmakers into special session last month to approve an additional 218-million-dollars to pay bills to local fire departments, fire districts and private firefighting companies that are waiting for federal payments. Republican State House and Senate leaders praised the move, saying new leadership is needed at Oregon's Department of Forestry.

Police Search For Suspect

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Police had a North Portland neighborhood closed for several hours Thursday morning as they looked for an armed robbery suspect. Residents were notified by public alert to shelter in place with windows and doors locked. Just before 8 o'clock police concluded their without finding the suspect. Police said they recognize the disruption the search caused and thanked residents for their understanding.

Providence Health Faces Strike

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Providence Health in Oregon is facing the largest healthcare workers strike in the state's history and the first involving doctors. The Oregon Nurses Association is bargaining for better pay and a lower ratio of patients. Nurses say it's necessary for better care of patients. Providence says it's offered acute-care nurses 20 percent raises over three years and some doctors would see an increase of at least 20-thousand-dollars.

OHS Adoptions Reach 2019 Levels

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Humane Society is back to pre-pandemic levels of adoptions. In 2024, there were 11-thousand-910 adoptions which is the highest number since 2019. The last adoptions of 2024 happened on New Year's Eve. A ten-year-old brown tabby cat was adopted from the Humane Society's Salem Campus and a three-month-old pitbull puppy was the last adoption of the year at the Portland campus.

Mt. Hood Skibowl Uses AirFlare Search Platform

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Government Camp, OR) -- Mt. Hood Skibowl is now using the AirFlare system to find lost or injured skiers or snowboarders. The system allows cellphone location even in weak signal areas. The AirFlare app also allows family and friends to keep track of each other while exploring the mountain or during other outdoor activities. AirFlare offers a free trial for emergencies and a subscription plan to make more options available.

Person Of Interest Questioned In Suspicious Encounter

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Clackamas County, OR) -- Clackamas County Sheriff's deputies found a person of interest in a suspicious bus-stop encounter. A girl waiting for a school bus near Southeast Monterey Avenue and 90th said a man in a Kia Rio approached her and had a suspicious verbal encounter. Deputies patrolled the area and found a similar car. They questioned the driver. No charges were filed. The investigation is ongoing.

Salvation Army To Operate 200 Shelter Beds

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The Salvation Army has been selected to operate shelters with 200 beds in Portland. County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Portland's new Mayor Keith Wilson made the announcement. Two Salvation Army facilities will be used for the shelters. They are the Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter on Southwest 2nd Avenue and the Moore Street Corps & Community Center on North Williams Avenue. Each government is paying 375-thousand dollars for operations. The beds could open as soon as January 7th.

Spray Paint Seizure

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Police seized thousands of dollars worth of spray paint during a search last week. 40-year-old James Fischell is believed to be the tagger behind G-I-M-E-R tags across the city. It stands for Graffiti Is Me Escaping Reality. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on several charges of first- and second-degree criminal mischief.

School-Based Mental Health Funding

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Washington, D.C.) -- The U.S. Department of Education is awarding the Multnomah Education Service District 726-thousand-dollars for mental health programs. Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley helped secure the funding. The money will support the hiring of diverse and culturally competent mental health care providers and increase access to mental health care for high-risk populations in schools.

PPS Cell Phone Ban

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Public Schools is banning cell phones all day, even at lunch. The School Board approved the ban Tuesday night in a 5 to 2 vote. They have not decided how the ban will work. If they buy magnetic locking pouches for the schools it would cost 725-thousand dollars at a time when the district faces a multi-million dollar budget deficit.

Oregon Sends Firefighters To California

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon is increasing the number of firefighters it's sending to the Los Angeles area to help battle devastating wildfires there. Oregon is now sending 370 firefighters. Strike teams from local fire departments across the state and the Oregon Department of Forestry will arrive in L.A. today. Oregon has an agreement with California to send firefighters when they need help and California does the same for Oregon. The agreement has been in place since 2017. Firefighters in California have been battling winds over 60 miles an hour that are making fires difficult to control.

Transgender Athletes OSAA Rules

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Wilsonville, OR) -- A group of Oregon Republican legislators want the Oregon Schools Activities Association to revise rules concerning transgender athletes. They've sent a letter to OSAA President Peter Weber asking him to, quote, "protect the rights of biological females in athletic programs." The say President-elect Trump's support of a ban justifies the change. They suggest having an open category for other students to balance inclusivity with competitive fairness. Weber has previously said OSAA policies follow federal and state laws, including those against discrimination.

Inmate Dies In Jail

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- An investigation is ongoing after an adult in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center died on Wednesday. Life saving measures were performed by corrections deputies and paramedics continued trying to revive the person, but they were pronounced dead. The East County Major Crimes Team is investigating, and the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The person's name will be released after relatives are notified.

Study Finds Microplastics In Seafood

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- When you're eating Chinook salmon, shrimp, or other seafood you're likely also eating microplastics. Portland State University studied seafood caught from research vessels and sold in stores. They examined black rockfish, lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, and pink shrimp. They found 180 of 182 samples contained microplastics. Pink shrimp, that feed near the surface, had the highest concentrations. Microplastics can cause damage to DNA and gene development.

Oregon Air Guard Member At Antarctica

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A member of the Oregon Air National Guard has completed a six week mission in Antarctica. Colonel Christopher Lantagne served as commander of the 13th Air Expeditionary Group at McMurdo Station. The group supports scientific research on the continent. Lantagne says he got to visit the South Pole during his deployment. The group flies a LC-130 aircraft with skis instead of wheels, so it can land on ice. He says parts are tough to get and it takes a lot of TLC to keep the plane flying.

Animal Torture Law Takes Effect

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- A new law in Oregon makes it illegal to possess animal torture videos and photos. State Representative David Gomberg sponsored the legislation last year in response to a case involving a former Prineville man who produced and sold video depicting animal torture. The man only faced prosecution because his business violated federal law. As of January first, suspects can be tried in state court even if the videos don't cross state lines.

Fire Victim Identified

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Vancouver, WA) -- The Clark County Medical Examiner has released the name of a man who was found dead in a burning house December 7th. Seventy-one-year-old Bruce Weiser apparently set the house on fire and then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Medical Examiner has not been able to contact relatives and they're asking anyone with information about the family to contact their office.

Dead Sea Turtle Found On Oregon Beach

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Seaside, OR) -- Authorities are confirming an olive ridley sea turtle was found dead last week on Sunset Beach near Fort Stevens State Park. The Seaside Aquarium says the 40 pound turtle was likely blown into the cold waters off the Oregon Coast by recent storms. Most sea turtles that are found on Oregon beaches die. It can be difficult to determine if they're alive, because they're cold and their heartbeat is so slow it's tough to detect. If they do survive and aquariums help them recover, they can be released into the wild.

Woman Missing Under Concerning Circumstances

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Fairview, OR) -- The search continues for a missing Fairview woman who police say disappeared under concerning circumstances. Police say 37-year-old Erin Thornton left her home on December 29th without taking her purse, clothing or medication. She doesn't own a vehicle and is considered endangered because of mental health and medical issues. Since leaving home, she's called her partner to say she doesn't know where she is. On New Year's Day, her cell phone pinged in Battle Ground near the Walmart. She's described as white, five-feet six-inches tall, 269 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Pips Doughnuts Closes Beaverton Location

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Beaverton, OR) -- A popular donut shop in Beaverton has closed. The owners of Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai say radically declining economic conditions and an aggressive rent increase forced them to close. Their original location in Northeast Portland remains open. The owners say that staff members who were laid off will receive severance.

Sheriff Seeks Help With Burglary

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Rivergrove, OR) -- The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is asking for help identifying suspects in a home burglary. Last Friday, a homeowner who was out of town reported two men had broken into their home. The suspects were gone when deputies arrived. They stole a small amount of property. A witness saw a silver or gray SUV prowling homes in the area. One suspect was wearing a blue sweatshirt and blue pants, while the other was dressed in a multicolored jacket and pants. They both had their faces covered. Residents in the area are being asked to check surveillance video of the suspects.

Sheriff Investigates Suspicious Student Encounter

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Clackamas County, OR) -- The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a suspicious incident involving a girl waiting for a school bus. She was on Southeast Monterey Avenue near 90th Tuesday morning when she had a suspicious verbal encounter with a man. She told the school bus driver who reported it to police. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male between 40 and 50 years old who was driving a beige or champagne colored Kia Rio. The Sheriff's Office wants to hear from anyone with information about the suspect.

Traffic Delays Decline In Portland

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Portland was one of only four major cities in the U.S. where the commute time declined in 2024. The traffic information company Inrix released a report ranking all U.S. cities. New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles had the longest commutes. Seattle ranked 23rd at 63 hours spent in traffic. In Portland, congestion added 38 hours to a commute, but that's down three percent from 2023. That extra time sitting in traffic cost 680 dollars.

Amphitheater Changes Name

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Ridgefield, WA) -- The RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield has changed its name to the Cascades Amphitheater. Live Nation manages the venue and announced the name change on Tuesday. They say the amphitheater has its biggest line up in its 22 year history this summer with James Taylor, Styx, Creed, and Toto among the performers.

OR Lawmakers Call For End To Plans To Save Northern Spotted Owl

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Olympia, WA)  --  A group of Oregon lawmakers is asking the incoming Trump administration to put a stop to a plan to save the protected northern spotted owl in the Pacific Northwest.  The group of three Republican and one Democratic Oregon state lawmakers sent out a letter to Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy yesterday.  The letter calls for an end to plans to shoot down hundreds of thousands of barred owls across in Washington state and Oregon in an effort to save the smaller northern spotted owl.  The lawmakers say the plan is too expensive and, quote, "thoroughly impractical."  The plan from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will enlist hunters to shoot and kill over 500-thousand barred owls in Washington state and Oregon over the course of 30 years.  Officials say the expansion of the barred owl from the East Coast into the Pacific Northwest over the last several decades has threatened the survival of the northern spotted owl.
 

Train Bridge Fails Sends Freight Cars Into River

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Corvallis, OR) -- A train bridge over the Marys River near Corvallis collapsed on Saturday sending freight cars into the water. The cars were carrying urea, which is a chemical used to make fertilizer. One car was completely in the river and two cars were partially in the water. Environmental responders placed booms on the river. No one was injured in the derailment. The bridge had previously been damaged by fire.

Fatal Crash Investigation

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A driver was killed in a single vehicle crash late Saturday night in North Portland. Police responded to the crash at North Willamette Boulevard and Burr Avenue where a vehicle crashed into a pole. The driver was seriously injured. The person was taken to a hospital where they later died. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

Vacant Commercial Building Damaged By Fire

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A vacant commercial building in Southeast Portland was damaged by fire early Saturday morning. When firefighters arrived at Southeast 99th and Washington heavy smoke was coming from the building. Firefighters cut holes in the roof to release heat and the fire was under control in 20 minutes. There were no injuries reported. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Providence Caps Patients Ahead Of Strike

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Providence Health will cap the number of patients at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center ahead of Friday's planned strike by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. The hospital will defer or reschedule procedures that require hospitalist support. Nearly five-thousand members of the Oregon Nurses Association plan to strike all eight hospitals and six clinics starting 6 o'clock Friday morning. Providence says it'll cause longer delays in the emergency department and more instances where ambulances are diverted to other hospitals.

Sturgeon Fishing Closure

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- The sturgeon fishing season at the Bonneville Pool and The Dalles Pool lasted one day. It opened New Year's Day and closed that afternoon, because the limits were met. Catch and release is still allowed. Sturgeon fishing is still allowed in the John Day Pool, which is slower to reach the limit. A hearing will be held January 16th to determine if The Dalles Pool will reopen for retention fishing.

Porch Pirate Investigation

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Gresham, OR) -- Gresham Police have released a video showing an alleged porch pirate they're trying to identify. The suspect appeared to be posing as a delivery driver, wearing a blue and yellow reflective vest. The suspect was picked up by another person who was driving a Buick LeSabre. If you're able to identify the suspect, contact Gresham Police.

Nurses Set To Unionize

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Nurses from three Legacy Health hospitals in the Portland area want to form a union. The Oregon Nurses Association says 22-hundred nurses from Emanuel Medical Center, Randall Children's Hospital and Good Samaritan Medical Center have signed a letter to management asking for voluntary recognition. If it's approved, they could begin collective bargaining. Pay, patient care, staffing and workplace safety are their top priorities.

Most Oregonians Keep Medicaid Following Pandemic

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- Four out of five Oregonians have kept Medicaid coverage following the pandemic. While everyone on Medicaid was allowed to keep coverage during the pandemic, after the emergency ended Oregon had to renew everyone. The rate of benefits being reduced or ended has increased as more complex cases are reviewed. Seventeen percent of people were no longer eligible for the Oregon Health Plan. Eighty percent were able to keep their benefits.

RV Homicide Identification

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Wilsonville, OR) -- The Oregon State Medical Examiner says a woman found dead in a Wilsonville RV on New Year's Eve was killed. She's identified as 41-year-old Catherine Crosse. Her cause of death hasn't been released. Police responded to the scene after a caller to 911 reported a woman who was unresponsive. Paramedics declared her dead at the scene. Wilsonville Police are asking anyone with information about the woman's death to contact them.

Salem Body Investigation

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Salem, OR) -- An investigation is underway after a body was found Friday on a vacant lot in Salem. The lot is located in a residential area on Lancaster Drive Southeast, across from an industrial pond. The person's identity and cause of death remain unknown, pending the results of an autopsy by the state medical examiner.

Flooding Closes Coastal Campgrounds

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Coos Bay, OR) -- Flooding and a landslide have closed two state parks on the southern Oregon Coast. Cape Arago and Shore Acres state parks are closed after a landslide undercut a portion of Cape Arago Highway. Sunset Bay State Park was evacuated Friday morning due to flooding. The Sunset Bay day-use area remains open, but could close if the flooding continues. There's no estimate for when the Cape Arago Highway will be repaired. Park staff will assess other damage following the storm.

Congressional Delegation Sworn In

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Washington, D.C.) -- Oregon's Congressional delegation was sworn in on Friday when the new Congress convened. Janelle Bynum is the freshman representative after defeating Lori Chavez Deremer. Andrea Salinas and Val Hoyle are entering their second terms in the 4th and 6th Districts. This will be Suzanne Bonamici's seventh term. She says fighting for a bipartisan Farm Bill that protects specialty crops is one of her priorities. Oregon's only GOP Representative Cliff Bentz says he'll work with his Republican colleagues to deliver solutions that put Americans first.

Teacher Faces More Charges

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(St. Helens, OR) -- A St. Helens High School teacher who faced eight counts of sexual abuse now faces ten more charges. Six additional victims came forward and a grand jury indicted 46-year-old Eric Stearns on the new charges. Court documents show four of the new victims were students and two were adults who were associated with Sterns through his job at the school. There are now 12 total victims. Stearns remains in the Columbia County Jail on 300-thousand-dollars bail.

Hudson's Bay Administrators On Leave

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Vancouver, WA) -- Two administrators at Hudson's Bay High School in Vancouver have taken voluntary leave while an investigation is conducted into sexual allegations against a teacher involving a student. The incident was first reported in 2013 and the teacher, Shadbreon Gatson, was arrested last month. Charges were dropped, because the case exceeded the statute of limitations. The school's principal and director of learning went on leave until the investigation is complete. Students plan a walk out on Monday.

Pickup Crashes Into Market

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Dallas, OR) -- A pickup crashed through the front doors of the Center Market in Dallas, Oregon Saturday night. Video surveillance shows the driver getting out, grabbing items and then trying to back the truck out of the store, but it got stuck. Officers arrived and the suspect was taken into custody. Damage to the store is estimated at 200-thousand-dollars.

Shooting Suspect Arrested

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Police arrested a suspect in a shooting that involved two vehicles in a chase Saturday morning. Officers responded to Southeast 109th and Clinton where the shooting happened. They got video surveillance that identified the suspect's vehicle which was located by officers about a half hour later. The suspects ran from the car into a bar where they were arrested by police. Officers also found the victim's pickup that had bullet damage. Police seized a gun from the pickup for evidence. Jamari Chapala was arrested and will be charged with attempted murder.

Portland Adds Winter Shelter Beds Amid Homelessness Crisis

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Mayor Keith Wilson announced 200 new overnight winter shelter beds in partnership with Multnomah County to address the city's homelessness crisis. The beds will be available at two Salvation Army sites, offering basic services and severe weather accommodations. Wilson also outlined plans for 75 additional beds and potential new shelter locations, aiming to provide shelter for all by year's end. With over 11,000 homeless in the county and rising deaths, Wilson stressed the urgency of immediate action.

Portland's Quality Inn Under Scrutiny After Three Fatal Shootings

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- The Quality Inn in the Sumner neighborhood is facing public safety concerns following three fatal shootings in just over a month, with incidents on November 20, early December, and New Year's Eve. Portland Police's North Precinct identified the hotel as a top priority and is considering initiating a Chronic Nuisance Property process to address the ongoing issues. Nearby residents and workers, including a caregiver from a senior facility across the street, have expressed fears over the area's safety. Police do not believe the shootings are connected.

Biden Approves Disaster Aid for Oregon Wildfire Recovery

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Washington, D.C.) -- President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for five Oregon counties-Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler-hit hard by the devastating 2024 wildfire season. Federal funds will assist residents and small businesses as they recover from fires that destroyed homes and scorched nearly two million acres, three times the average annual burn. Officials, including Sen. Ron Wyden, welcomed the relief to help impacted communities rebuild.

Two Portland-Area Children Die from Influenza

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Two children from the Portland area died from influenza during the week of December 22, according to the Oregon Health Authority. This flu season has seen 474 flu-related hospitalizations in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties, compared to 134 last year. OHA reports a statewide hospitalization rate of 26.2 per 100,000 people, with immunization rates down four-percent from last year.

Oregon's Styrofoam Ban Increases Costs for Businesses

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Oregon's statewide ban on Styrofoam to-go containers began January 1, raising costs for businesses. Replacing Styrofoam with alternatives could increase expenses by 50 dollars for every 100 containers. Noncompliance may result in fines of 100 dollars for businesses and 500 dollars per day for producers. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will provide enforcement details on Friday.

Second Suspect Arrested in Clackamas Town Center Shooting

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Clackamas, OR) -- A second suspect, 20-year-old Carlos Raul Hererra-Medrano, was arrested on December 31 in connection to a December shooting that injured a 15-year-old boy at the Clackamas Town Center. He faces charges including attempted murder and assault, alongside 18-year-old Pedro Anthony Cornejo-Morales, who was arrested earlier. Detectives recovered evidence, including a firearm, during their investigation.

Gresham Police Release Footage in Deadly Hit-and-Run

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Gresham, OR) -- Police on Thursday released footage of a suspect vehicle in a hit-and-run that killed Ryan Winchester on December 7. Winchester was struck by a small gray hatchback while crossing Northeast Burnside Road near Northeast Cleveland Avenue and died at the scene. He leaves behind a wife and young children. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Aetna-Providence Contract Dispute Leaves Oregon Patients Without Coverage

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Thousands of Providence patients in Oregon lost in-network coverage after Aetna and Providence failed to reach a contract agreement by January 1. The dispute centers on pricing, with Aetna accusing Providence of demanding above-market rate hikes, while Providence blames Aetna for refusing to share rising healthcare costs. Affected patients, including those with critical conditions like cancer, now face disruptions in care and higher out-of-network costs. Providence employees remain unaffected, and negotiations continue.

Portland City Council Holds First Meeting Under New Government

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Portland's newly formed 12-member City Council, created under a restructured government system, faced challenges in its first meeting on Thursday, including tie votes for council president. The council, now separate from the mayor's office, debated between nominees Candace Avalos and Olivia Clark before adding Elana Pirtle-Guiney to the mix after multiple 6-6 ties. This meeting marks a shift from the previous commission-style government to a district-based council system.

Blue Star Donuts Closes Two Locations

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Blue Star Donuts abruptly closed its North Mississippi Avenue and Lake Oswego shops on New Year's Day, leaving four locations in Portland. The closures aim to address rising costs and ensure the chain's long-term stability. Known for its "donuts for grown-ups," Blue Star downsized during the pandemic, filing for bankruptcy in 2020. Remaining shops include South Waterfront, Goose Hollow, Portland International Airport, and Southeast Division Street.

Dan Rayfield Sworn In as Oregon Attorney General

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Dan Rayfield has been sworn in as Oregon's 18th attorney general, pledging to focus on community safety, support for crime victims, and protections for families and seniors. Rayfield, a Democrat and former speaker of the state House, took the oath of office administered by Senior U.S. District Judge Marco A. Hernandez. Outgoing Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, Oregon's first woman in the role, reflected on her 12 years of service, calling it an honor to serve during challenging times.

Coos County Jail Releases 30 Inmates After Budget Cuts

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Coos County, OR) -- Thirty inmates have been released early from the Coos County Jail after budget constraints forced a reduction in capacity. The jail's bed count was cut from 98 to 49 after voters rejected Measure 6-217, which would have funded staff and operations through a tax levy. Released inmates faced charges ranging from misdemeanors to felony property crimes and parole violations. Officials say future releases are likely, prioritizing the detention of inmates with the most severe charges.

Rural Oregon Sees Sharp Rise in Homelessness

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Rural Oregon saw a 29-percent increase in unsheltered homelessness in 2024, far outpacing metro areas, according to the latest Point-In-Time count. Advocates cite improved counting methods and funding disparities as factors, with rural areas struggling to address rising living costs, stagnant wages, and aging populations losing housing. Limited resources and infrastructure leave rural counties underfunded despite growing needs.

New Oregon Laws Take Effect

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Several new laws are now in effect across Oregon, addressing issues like public safety, healthcare, and environmental concerns. These include penalties for drug use on public transit, a "right to repair" law for electronics, and a cap on insulin costs at 35 dollars per 30-day supply for insured residents. Other measures aim to enhance school bus safety with stop-arm cameras and boost transparency with recorded school board meetings. Additionally, Oregon plans to divest from coal companies and increase voter pamphlet translations to ten languages per county.

Shari's Restaurants Faces $4-Million in Landlord Lawsuits

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Shari's Restaurants owes nearly four-million dollars in unpaid rent and fees after closing all Oregon locations in October. Landlords across the state, including in Beaverton, Corvallis, and Bend, have filed lawsuits claiming overdue payments and future rent promised in lease agreements. A Multnomah County judge ruled Shari's owes 2.2-million dollars in future rent for a Troutdale location. Court filings show Shari's also defaulted on a 390-thousand-dollar claim from its former law firm. The company has not responded to requests for comment.

Vancouver Police Investigate Possible Kidnapping

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Vancouver police are investigating a potential kidnapping reported near Southeast 164th Avenue and 1st Street. Witnesses reported seeing what looked like a kidnapping or assault involving a silver sedan, possibly a Honda Accord. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Vancouver police.

Police Investigating Suspicious Death in Wilsonville

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Wilsonville, OR) -- Police are investigating the death of a woman found in an RV on SW Nike Drive in Wilsonville as suspicious. Deputies and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded to the scene Tuesday evening, where the woman was pronounced dead. Detectives and the Clackamas County Medical Examiner's Office are working to identify her and determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

Teen Arrested With Rifle in Northeast Portland

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- A 15-year-old boy from Salem is facing weapons charges after police found him carrying a loaded semiautomatic rifle in northeast Portland. Officers responded to reports of an assault involving a weapon near NW 82nd Avenue and found the teen carrying a painted .223 caliber rifle. He was taken into custody and booked on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and a probation violation. No injuries were reported, and the case remains under investigation.

Portland Launches New Government System

Posted About One Year Ago by 24/7 News Source

(Portland, OR) -- Portland's new government system is now in effect, with Mayor Keith Wilson and 12 council members beginning their terms. The changes include ranked-choice voting, geographic districts, and a council-manager model to oversee city departments. Councilors Olivia Clark and Elana Pirtle-Guiney emphasize quick action on public safety and homelessness while preparing for initial logistical adjustments. Mayor Wilson says collaboration will be key to achieving ambitious goals. The new council holds its first meeting Thursday in redesigned chambers to elect leadership and set priorities.