Regional News Archives for 2026-04

USPS Worker Pleads Guilty

(Portland, OR) -- A U.S. Postal Service worker from the Oregon coast pleaded guilty this week to theft. Court documents show Jessica Alires, of Nehalem, issued money orders to customers at the Wheeler post office, voided them, then reissued them to herself. In some cases, she used false credit and debit card payments to cover the cost of money orders. She also stole a credit card from the mail and 200-dollars in cash from another piece of mail. She'll be sentenced in October and has agreed to pay restitution.

SNAP Fraud Suspects Plead Guilty

(Portland, OR) -- Two people in the U.S. illegally have plead guilty in Portland federal court to stealing SNAP benefits to buy and re-sell baby formula. Aramis Manolea and Cristina Manolea would steal EBT account information from people receiving SNAP benefits. They used the cards to buy baby formula which was then sold on the black market in California. As part of the plea agreement, they will repay 27-thousand dollars. They'll be sentenced in May.

Map Reveals States With Worst Drug Problems

(Undated) -- Oregon is being called one of the top 20 worst states when it comes to drug abuse. A study by WalletHub ranked states based on various drug-related factors. Oregon ranks 18th in the nation for highest drug use rates. Washington state ranked even worse at 16. New Mexico was ranked the worst state, followed by Arkansas and Alaska. Nevada and Missouri round out the top five.

Eugene Federal Building Fence

(Eugene, OR) -- The federal government is installing security fencing around the Eugene federal building. It's been the site of numerous protests over the past year, with several declared as riots resulting in damage. The General Services Administration can build the fence on federal property. The City of Eugene will temporarily close a lane around the building to give workers room.

SCOTUS District Map Reaction

(Salem, OR) -- Democratic leaders in Oregon are opposed to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision concerning redistricting maps in Louisiana. The court ruled map boundaries can't be set to give a minority control over an elected office. The ruling said it was an unconstitutional use of race. Governor Tina Kotek called it a profound betrayal to the generations of Americans who "marched, fought and gave their lives to make it law." In a statement, Kotek says it silences communities of color. Oregon U-S Senator Ron Wyden called it a "direct result of Republican voter suppression efforts."

Small Business Burglar Sentenced To Prison

(Portland, OR) -- A man who pleaded guilty to burglarizing several small businesses in southwest Portland has been sentenced to over three years in prison. 47-year-old Joseph Doherty admitted to breaking into storage units and small businesses in Multnomah Village. Deputy District Attorney Alex Garcia said Doherty caused significant financial strain for several business owners and the sentence highlights that this conduct won't be tolerated.

Sauvie Island Parking Permits

(Portland, OR) -- Last year's parking permit pilot program on Sauvie Island has become permanent. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to make the change. The parking areas for Walton, Collins, and North Unit beaches get overcrowded on weekends and holidays. A limited number of permits solved the problem. From June 15th through Labor Day, drivers need to buy a Sauvie Island Beaches Parking Permit for ten-dollars. The Wildlife Parking Permit won't work in those lots. They only work for wildlife areas.

North Valley High School Threat

(Grants Pass, OR) -- A threat by telephone caused North Valley High School in Grants Pass to go into lockdown Wednesday afternoon. Josephine County Deputies and State Police troopers responded to the school and searched the building. Nothing that would constitute a threat was found. All schools in the Three Rivers School District were placed in "secure" status as a precaution and all schools saw an increased law enforcement presence for the rest of the day. The threat at the high school remains under investigation.

Hazard Mitigation Funding Denied

(Salem, OR) -- FEMA is denying a request by Oregon for hazard mitigation funding following the December storms. President Trump approved the Governor's request for a major disaster declaration in nine counties that suffered major damage. Hazard mitigation funding helps prevent future damage. It includes stabilizing hillsides, elevating or relocating structures that get flooded regularly, strengthening infrastructure and improving stormwater systems. Oregon will appeal the decision.

Five Arrested In Connection With Crime Spree

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Police arrested five people in connection with a crime spree last week. On Thursday, they approached a MAX station in a car and attacked two people. A man was severely beaten and his backpack was stolen. Two of the suspects went to a Plaid Pantry store and took four bottles of wine without paying. They went to another Plaid Pantry and stole more alcohol. Police stopped their vehicle and arrested five people between 18 and 20 years of age.

Gas Prices Continue Rise Toward Record Levels

(Portland, OR) -- The price of gas continues to soar. Crude oil has risen, again, to around 100-dollars a barrel as tensions remain high in the Middle East, because of the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran. Triple-A reports the national average increased 15 cents over the week to four-18 a gallon. Oregon's average is up 12 cents to five-dollars-and-10-cents. That's 45 cents a gallon below the record high. The price of diesel in Oregon fell three cents to six-23 a gallon.

Summer Learning Grants Issued To Schools

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Department of Education will distribute 35-million-dollars to certain school districts for summer learning programs. Last year, the Oregon Legislature approved the funding over two years, so school districts could plan ahead. The grants are prioritized based on community need. The state used a competitive process emphasizing student need and program quality. The Department of Education will monitor grantees for performance and compliance to receive next years' funding.

Appeals Court Overturns Ban On Chemical Munitions At ICE Building

(Portland, OR) -- An appeals court is overturning a lower court's ban on the use of chemical munitions against protesters outside the ICE building in Portland. A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against the ban. A lower court issued the ban in response to a lawsuit arguing residents living nearby had a constitutional right to be free from exposure to chemicals weapons in their homes. The appeals court said no such right exists in the Constitution. The owner of the building could still face fines from the City of Portland if chemical munitions are used.

Postal Worker Sentenced For Stealing Mail

(Hines, OR) -- An Oregon postal worker is facing just over six weeks in prison after being convicted of stealing mail. A judge sentenced 44-year-old Patrick Wright yesterday to 45 days in federal prison, two years supervised released and two-thousand-dollars restitution. Court documents show that Wright opened mail and stole the contents, including money and gift cards, while working at the Hines Post Office near Burns between January 2024 and June 2024. He pleaded guilty to one count of mail theft by a postal employee.

Triple Overdose

(Newberg, OR) -- Three people died from apparent fentanyl overdoses at one location in Newberg last week. Firefighters and Yamhill County Sheriff's deputies responded to the location and found three people dead. They were all exposed to suspected fentanyl. The Sheriff's Office says it shows the danger of fentanyl. Just a few grains can be fatal.

Independent Epstein Files Investigation

(Washington, DC) -- The U.S. General Accounting Office has launched an investigation into how the Department of Justice handled release of the Epstein files. Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley requested the independent investigation to determine how the Justice Department made decisions about what information should be redacted in the files before they were released to the public.

One Person Killed In Clark County Shooting

(Orchards, WA) -- One person was killed in a shooting Monday morning in Clark County. Sheriff's deputies responded to an intersection east of Orchards on a report of an assault with a firearm. Deputies found one person deceased. One person was taken into custody. Details of what lead to the shooting haven't been released.

ClearShare Health

(Salem, OR) -- An unlicensed health insurance business is being ordered to stop operating in the state of Oregon. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has issued a cease-and-desist order to ClearShare Health because the company operates like a health insurance business but isn't licensed in the state. ClearShare offers memberships. Consumers pay monthly amounts that go into a pool and that money is used to pay members' medical costs. People with pre-existing conditions or who are older than age 65 typically cannot participate in ClearShare's program. ClearShare can't sell new memberships. They can make payments for memberships prior to April 14th.

Police Investigate Bar Shooting

(Portland, OR) -- Three people were injured in a shooting at a Northwest Portland bar early Monday. The bar is located near Northwest Glisan and 14th Avenue. Officers found two victims with non-life-threatening injuries. A third victim was taken to a hospital a few hours later. No arrests have been made.

Beaverton Homicide Investigation

(Beaverton, OR) -- Beaverton Police are investigating a homicide near the Parkbrook Manor Apartments. Monday morning, officers responded to a report of a disturbance. In an adjacent parking lot officers found two men. A 20-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene. His cause of death hasn't been released. 21-year-old Baltazar Rivera-Brito was arrested. Police says there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Poetry Out Loud

(Washington, D.C.) -- Oregon Poetry Out Loud winner Emma Keen heads to the national competition on Tuesday. Keen is a senior at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem. She won the state championship on March seventh, advancing to the national semifinals with other western state winners. Nine students will advance to the finals, which begin at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Both events are live-streamed on the National Endowment for the Arts website.

Workers Memorial Day

(Portland, OR) -- Ceremonies will be held today in Portland and Salem to mark Workers Memorial Day. It's organized by Oregon OSHA and several labor unions to honor the 37 Oregonians who have died on the job. In Portland, an event will be held at the Eastbank Esplanade. In Salem, a service will be held at the Fallen Worker Memorial on the State Capitol Mall. The Oregon Labor Federation says the services are also a way to hold employers accountable and demand more government resources devoted to worker safety.

I-84 Hit And Run Fatal

(Hood River, OR) -- A man walking on I-84 east of Hood River was killed by a hit and run driver Sunday morning. Oregon State Police say 24-year-old Huner Miller was walking in the travel lane when he was hit. He died at the scene. A black Harley-Davidson motorcycle was found several miles east of the crash. It's unknown if Miller was associated with the motorcycle. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact them.

Broadway Bridge Closure

(Portland, OR) -- The Broadway Bridge in Portland will be closed to traffic from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the next two weeks. Crews will be repainting the counterweights. During the closure, the bridge will remain open to cyclists and pedestrians. The painting should be complete by May 8th.

Murder-Suicide Involved Former Milwaukie Mayor

(Santa Monica, CA) -- An investigation is ongoing after the former mayor of Milwaukie and his wife were found dead in their Venice, California home last week. Police are investigating to determine whether it was a murder-suicide involving Jeremy Ferguson and his wife Mandy Zelinka. Investigators have ruled Zelinka died from a gunshot wound as a result of homicide. Zelinka was a popular hair stylist in Portland, were she founded and co-owned Salon 77 in the Pearl District. The couple were found dead in their Venice home last Tuesday.

Gresham-Barlow School District Faces Budget Cuts

(Gresham, OR) -- The Gresham-Barlow School District needs to cut ten-million-dollars from the next school year's budget. Increased costs and declining enrollment caused the budget imbalance. Around 70 positions will be cut. Details of the budget will be released at a meeting this Wednesday where public input will be taken. The budget must be adopted by June 30th.

Invasive Carp Found In Reservoir

(Sutherlin, OR) -- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is concerned after common carp was found in the Copper Creek Reservoir near Sutherlin. Biologists used electrofishing and found 14 adult carp, most of which were pregnant and ranged in age from two to eight years old. Carp are native to Europe and Asia. They can have detrimental ecological impacts on the North and mainstream Umpqua rivers. Fishermen who catch carp are asked to report the location and size to the Umpqua Fish District Biologist.

Man Sentenced To Ten Years For Child Sex Abuse

(Salem, OR) -- An Oregon man is facing a decade behind bars after being convicted of sexually abusing a child. A Marion County judge sentenced Michael Sims last week to ten years in prison. Sims was arrested in 2025 for abuse of a 12-year-old relative. Cell phone records and social media contained explicit messages and confirmed the sexual conduct. During the abuse, the victim's siblings were often at the home. Sims plead guilty to sodomy, rape and luring a minor.

Crash Involving Semis Closes I-5 Northbound

(Portland, OR) -- A crash involving two semis closed I-5 northbound in southwest Portland for several hours Saturday morning. Portland Police say the driver of one semi didn't slow for braking traffic and hit another semi. The driver and passenger in the semi that was hit were seriously injured. Police used a tourniquet to stop bleeding on the passenger and they were both hospitalized. No citations have been issued. The investigation is ongoing.

Hit And Run Victim Dies 11 Days After Crash

(Portland, OR) -- The victim of a hit and run in Northeast Portland died eleven days after the crash and police are still trying to locate the victim's family. On April 7th, Edouard Kongolo was hit at Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Killingsworth. The driver didn't stop. Kongolo was hospitalized with apparent non-life-threatening injuries. He died April 18th. Police believe he has relatives abroad, but they haven't been able to locate them. They're asking anyone with information about Edouard Kongolo to contact them.

Oregon Joins Lawsuit Against EPA Over Soot Standards

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon is joining over a dozen other states in suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to update its standards for pollution caused by soot. Oregon is part of a coalition of 13 states suing the EPA to force its compliance. Fine particle pollution from fuel burning vehicles, factories, and construction sites can penetrate lungs and cause heart attacks, asthma and cancer.

FEMA Flood Money

(Washington, D.C.) -- Oregon is getting nearly 21-million-dollars from FEMA for flood prevention. The grant awards are part of more than 250-million-dollars in funding for over 100 flood mitigation projects nationwide. Hillsboro will get almost 19-million for the Glencoe Swale culvert replacement. Nearly 550-thousand-dollars is going to La Grande for the 18th Street Bridge sewer line relocation project.

Drought Declarations Declared For Six Oregon Counties

(Salem, OR) -- Half a dozen Oregon counties are under new drought declarations. Governor Tina Kotek signed drought declarations for Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow, and Wallowa [[ wuh-LAW'-uh ]] counties yesterday. A total of nine of Oregon's 36 counties are now under drought emergency status. NOAA says Oregon's winter tied 1934 as the warmest on record bringing the lowest snowpack in current history. The declaration unlocks emergency tools for water users.

Train Derails Hitting Semi

(Salem, OR) -- No injuries are reported after a freight train derailed and crashed into a semi-truck in Salem. Police say the Portland & Western freight train was carrying some tanker cars when it derailed and hit a semi on Cherry Avenue Northeast near Johnson Street yesterday. No leaks were reported. The investigation into the of the derailment is ongoing.

Oregon Zoo's Filbert Celebrates Sweet 15

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Zoo's favorite branch manager turned 15 years old this week. Filbert the beaver got a special stump "cake" decorated with beets and carrots. Though still healthy and active for his age, his keepers say the senior resident of the beaver lodge is starting to get long in the tooth. They give him extra swim time, extra greens and space out branches and other items, so he gets more exercise.

Oregon Minimum Wage Increases Set

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon's minimum wage is set to increase in a couple months. Minimum wage workers in Oregon will get a three-point-three percent pay increase July 1st. Oregon's minimum wage is tied to the Consumer Price Index and changes on July 1st. The state has three minimum wage rates. The Standard rate will increase 50 cents to 15-55 an hour. The Portland Metro rate will be 16-80. And the non-urban rate will be 14-55.

Sex Offender New Sentence

(Oregon City, OR) -- A man serving a 200-year sex offender sentence handed down in Deschutes County has now also been sentenced in Clackamas County. Rusty Pugh was originally arrested in La Pine in 2019 and later convicted on numerous charges involving victims between the ages of five and 12. In 2024, a new teen victim came forward in Milwaukie, reporting abuse six years earlier, when she was nine. A Clackamas County judge sentenced Pugh to an additional 25 years in prison.

Judicial Scam Warning

(Salem, OR) -- There's a new scam involving messages from a court to avoid. It arrives by email or text message. An image claims to be an official legal document from the Circuit Court "traffic division" and says it's an "enforcement order" because the person is now in default for failing to pay electronic tolls, a parking violation or a speeding violation. It notes a hearing date and time but also provides a QR code to make a payment. The "Judge Michael Rodriguez" listed on the notice does not exist in any state court in Oregon. The same name is used in similar scams in other states. If you receive such a message, do not respond.

Oregon Election Toolkit

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon's Secretary of State has released an Elections Toolkit about a month before the primary election. It includes videos, social media graphics and handouts that organizations can use to educate voters. April 28th is the last day to register to vote in the Primary. Ballots go out on the 29th. If you plan to mail your ballot, Tobias Read suggests you do so by May 12th. Ballots must be received at a drop box, or postmarked, by 8 p.m. on May 19th, election day.

Kotek Signs Six Bills For Affordable Housing

(Woodburn, OR) -- Governor Tina Kotek is signing six bills into law aimed at increasing affordable housing. Kotek signed off on the bills yesterday. The governor says one bill will prevent private equity firms from buying houses unless they're on the market for over 90 days. The other bills allow expansion of the urban growth boundary for affordable housing developments, make it faster to get permits, and help cities pay for infrastructure. Kotek's goal is to add 50-thousand affordable housing units. Since she became governor, 17-thousand units have been built.

Community College Teaching Degrees

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon community colleges will be able to train students to become teachers. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission is allowing five schools to start offering the Bachelor of Applied Science in Education, or BASE, degree in 2027. The schools are: Chemeketa, Columbia Gorge, Linn-Benton, Rogue and Treasure Valley community colleges.

New SNAP Rules Impact Oregonians

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon SNAP recipients are starting to feel the effects of new work requirements passed by the Trump administration last year. The Oregon Department of Human Services says nearly 14-thousand people lost benefits for April because they didn't meet the requirements. Nearly seven-thousand more people are at risk of losing benefits at the end of the month. The new requirements force most SNAP recipients to work or volunteer at least 80 hours per month or be actively enrolled in education or career courses. Oregonians are encouraged to ask ODHS for help if they have questions about the rules or if they need help reinstating their eligibility. In some cases, exemptions are available.

Trump Administration Sued Over ICE Enforcements

(Eugene, OR) -- A federal judge in Eugene heard oral arguments yesterday on a lawsuit aimed at stopping ICE actions at schools, hospitals and churches. The suit filed by churches and school staff members in Oregon, Florida and California argues the immigration enforcements violate government policy. Lawyers for the plaintiffs say they have more than 60 examples from people in 18 states who have been impacted by the immigration raids. A motion has been filed for an emergency stay that would stop the immigration enforcements until the trial is finished. The Trump Administration has filed a motion to dismiss the case. Federal Judge Ann Aiken did not say yesterday how she plans to rule on each side's motion, but she did say she will release a decision shortly.

Sex Trafficking Plea

(Eugene, OR) -- An Oregon man is pleading guilty to federal charges for trafficking a 17-year-old for sex. Prosecutors say 30-year-old Anthony Crawford and his wife posted online ads offering the victim for sex. They transported the teen to Seattle on at least two occasions for prostitution. Crawford was arrested in March and will be sentenced in August. He faces a minimum of 10 years in prison.

Lane County Missing Man's Remains Located

(Vida, OR) -- A 42-year-old Eugene man who was reported missing in mid-February has been found dead. Michael Naughton's family hired a private investigator who found his body in the Gate Creek Area, more than a mile away from where his vehicle was found. Lane County Search and Rescue volunteers and deputies spent hours clearing a trail through downed timber to recover the remains. They say there's no indication of foul play.

Police Search For Bias Crime Suspect

(Eugene, OR) -- Police are seeking the public's help in their search for a suspect in a bias crime assault against a Black man in Eugene last week. The Eugene Police Department says the racist assault happened last Wednesday night near Sheldon High School. Police say the victim is described as a "vulnerable Black man" who was out for his regular walk when a man hit him in the head and called him a racial slur. The suspect is described as a short, heavy man in his 20s or 30s with a brown afro. A second male suspect was short and thin, wearing a multi-colored hoodie and dark pants. The victim was treated at the hospital.

Trail Blazers Prepare For Home Playoff Games

(Portland, OR) -- Trail Blazers' fans have another opportunity today to support the team ahead of their home playoff games against San Antonio on Friday and Sunday. Today, fans have a chance to win tickets to the Playoff home games through a city-wide scavenger hunt. Clues will be posted on Trail Blazers social media channels.

Multnomah County Faces $93 Million Budget Cuts

(Portland, OR) -- Multnomah County faces 93-million dollars in budget cuts. It's due to lower property tax revenue, cuts in federal funding and the loss of one-time funds. County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has released her list of proposed cuts. Homeless services could face a loss of 67-million dollars. That would close 605 shelter units. The District Attorney's Office, which had a budget increase last year, would face a five percent cut. That would mean 15 employees, including eight prosecutors.

Man Sentenced For Grants Pass Cold Case Homicide

(Portland, OR) -- A man is facing two decades in prison after being convicted in a cold case homicide in Grants Pass over 40 years ago. Marcus Sanfratello was Teresa Peroni's boyfriend when she went missing after attending a party in the Selma area. A skull was found on nearby property nearly 15 years later. New DNA technology was used, witnesses were reinterviewed and a grand jury indicted Sanfratello. He pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and must serve a minimum of ten years in prison.

Trail Blazers Prepare For Home Playoff Games

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Trail Blazers' fans have two opportunities to support the team ahead of their home playoff games against San Antonio on Friday and Sunday. Today, fans can go to Pioneer Courthouse Square from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to take photos and write messages to the team they can stick on the iconic Rip City sign. Then on Thursday, fans have a chance to win tickets to the Playoff home games through a city-wide scavenger hunt. Clues will be posted on Trail Blazers social media channels.

Lloyd Center Closing Date Finalized

(Portland, OR) -- Lloyd Center Mall in Northeast Portland will close August 8th. It's scheduled to be torn down and replaced with housing units. Only ten percent of the mall is still used by stores and they have until August 31st to leave. Jumbo's Pickleball, Trackers Earth and the Regal Cinemas will remain open. Two community groups have appealed the development plans.

Suspect Arrested In Arson Murder

(Reedsport, OR) -- A 41-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with an arson where two people died in Reedsport. A 65-year-old was pulled from the house, but despite life-saving measures, did not survive. A 67-year-old victim was also found dead inside. A third person reportedly escaped unharmed. Deputies say Pamela Westfall admitted to intentionally setting the fire. Investigators believe it followed a disturbance. Westfall is in custody and the investigation is ongoing.

Police Seek Suspect In Killing Of Elk In Cannon Beach

(Cannon Beach, OR) -- Police are seeking the public's help in their search for a suspect accused of killing an elk in Cannon Beach. Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife troopers say the elk was found dead on the east side of town at South Spruce and East Adams streets. A witness saw a vehicle speed away and then found the elk dead. Troopers are asking for surveillance video to help identify the poaching suspect. Anyone with information can use the OSP Turn in Poachers TIP Line.

Man Convicted Of Attempted Murder For Shooting Outside Islamic School

(Portland, OR) -- Sentencing is scheduled early next month for a man convicted of attempted murder for a shooting at the Islamic School of Portland. A Multnomah County jury has found 43-year-old Noureddine Dib guilty for the shooting in October of 2024. Dib had an interaction with the victim outside of the school and shot him in the abdomen. Dib continued to fire as the victim ran to a gas station where he got help. The shooting happened minutes before students were released to their parents. Dib will be sentenced on May 7th.

Trader Joe's Finger Tip

(Portland, OR) -- Trader Joe's is facing a lawsuit from a Portland woman who claims she found the tip of a rubber glove and possibly part of a human finger in orange juice. The woman says she drank the juice and thought there was a large piece of pulp in her mouth, but it turned out to be the tip of a rubber glove finger. She also may have swallowed part of a human fingertip. The lawsuit seeks ten-thousand dollars in damages.

Chavez-DeRemer Resigns From Trump Administration

(Washington, D.C.) -- Former Oregon Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer is stepping down from her role as U.S. Labor Secretary amid allegations of misconduct. Chavez-DeRemer announced her resignation yesterday. Her tenure in Trump's cabinet was marred in recent months by an internal investigation into allegations of day-drinking and taxpayer-funded vacations, including at least one trip to a strip club in Portland. Her husband was banned from Labor Department headquarters amid sexual assault allegations, although he was cleared of criminal wrongdoing. The White House says Chavez-DeRemer is taking a job in the private sector.

Pedestrian Injured In Crash

(Vancouver, WA) -- A pedestrian was injured in a crash early Monday morning in Vancouver. Police say a pedestrian stepped into a crosswalk on West Mill Plain Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue when they were hit by a vehicle. The person was hospitalized with serious injuries. The driver remained at the scene. Police say speed appears to be a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

Columbia River Remains Identified

(Portland, OR) -- Human remains found in a sunken car at Cascade Locks have been confirmed to be a Portland family that went missing just before Christmas in 1958. The Oregon State Medical Examiner confirms the remains are Kenneth, Barbara and Barbie Martin. The bodies of two daughters were found downstream months after the disappearance, but the parents and oldest daughter were never found. The medical examiner partnered with a forensic genetics lab specializing in advanced DNA analysis to complete the identification.

Portland Homicide Suspect Arrested In Virginia

(Portland, OR) -- A suspect in a 2025 killing in downtown Portland has been arrested in Virginia. 25-year-old John Frazier was killed in a shooting December 28th near 2nd and Southwest Ankenny [[ ANN'-Kenny ]] Street. A second man was wounded in the shooting. Detectives identified the suspect as 23-year-old Jaylen Harris, of Portland, and he was arrested by U.S. Marshals. He'll be extradited to Oregon.

Gender Care Lawsuit

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield is praising a federal judge's ruling to issue an injunction against the Trump Administration's threats against healthcare providers who offer gender-affirming care for adolescents. Rayfield says federal officials should not interfere in healthcare decisions made by doctors and families. Under the injunction, doctors and hospitals cannot be excluded from Medicare and Medicaid programs for providing care for transgender adolescents.

Suspicious Package Outside Of Church

(Salem, OR) -- An investigation is ongoing into a suspicious package that was found near a church in Salem Sunday morning. Services were underway at Salem Evangelical Church and parishioners were asked to shelter in place while the Salem Police Bomb Squad investigated. The package did not contain explosives. It was rendered safe and there was no threat to the public. A community member reported finding the package. The investigation into who left the package is ongoing.

Portland Mayor Announces Deep Budget Cuts

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Mayor Keith Wilson is unveiling his proposed budget. Wilson announced a budget proposal yesterday that covers a 160-million-dollar gap in funding. Under the proposal, the city would keep 30-million dollars that was supposed to go to Multnomah County for homeless services. The city would provide direct services to the homeless. Police would face a 21-million dollar cut, Fire would be cut seven-million dollars and Parks would be cut 13-million dollars. Streamlining human resources, information technology, and other functions would save 21-million dollars. City Council will create the final budget.

Multnomah County Crime

(Portland, OR) -- As the Multnomah County Commission considers how to deal with an eleven-million-dollar budget gap, District Attorney Nathan Vasquez says investments in public safety are paying off. Vasquez released a report showing homicides, burglaries, and vehicle thefts were at five year lows last year. Drug possession crimes were at a five year high. In 2024, the Oregon Legislature recriminalized drug possession and last year convictions for drug possessions reached a five year high.

Oregon Wildlife Action Plan

(Salem, OR) -- The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved Oregon's Wildlife Action Plan. It opens potential federal funding opportunities. The 2026 action plan is a science-based roadmap to maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations, prevent future species decline and potentially reverse existing declines. ODF-and-W considers more than 300 species at risk in Oregon, including salmon, golden eagles and Leona's little blue butterfly.

Small Plane Lands On Highway

(Vancouver, WA) -- No injuries are reported after a small single engine plane made an emergency landing on a highway in Vancouver Saturday afternoon. The Vancouver Fire Department says the pilot experienced a mechanical problem soon after takeoff from Pearson Field. The pilot, who was the only person on board, made an emergency landing with the flow of traffic on State Route 14. No vehicles were hit. The pilot taxied onto a grassy area off the roadway to wait for help.

Baby Chicks Cam

(Astoria, OR) -- Starting today, you can watch baby chicks preparing to hatch on a livestream. Oregon State University's Astoria Extension Office has a camera on eggs in an incubator. They're expected to hatch on Tuesday. The livestream will remain on through Thursday. After the chicks hatch, they'll be moved to a warm pen. They'll eventually be adopted to local 4-H families who raise them and often show them at county and state fairs.

TriMet Celebrates Final Type 1 MAX Train

(Portland, OR) -- Around two-thousand people attended an event Saturday in Portland to celebrate the Type 1 MAX train. It was the original train built for the light rail system 40 years ago. The Type 1 trains are being phased out for newer trains. People signed the side of the train writing farewell messages. The Type 1 trains are being scrapped with the materials being used for construction projects. One of the trains was sent to the Oregon Electric Railway Museum in Brooks, Oregon.

School Employee Sex Abuse Indictment

(Grants Pass, OR) -- A school support staff member in Grants Pass has been indicted for child sex abuse. In February, Oregon State Police began an investigation into Highland Elementary School educational assistant, 64-year-old Joseph Delay for potential sex abuse of a female student. Investigators found three additional female student victims. The incidents happened in 2018, 2022, and 2024. Delay was indicted on six counts of sex abuse in the first degree.

Gas Prices Decline Slightly

(Portland, OR) -- Crude oil prices have dropped below 100 dollars a barrel and that's allowing gas prices to decline slightly. Triple-A reports that national average price for a gallon of gas fell two cents over the last week to four-dollars-and-12-cents and Oregon's average declined a penny to four-99. The price of diesel in Oregon increased six cents to six-34.

Fake Court Summons Text Messages

(Portland, OR) -- Authorities are warning residents about a new text message scam targeting Multnomah County residents. The Sheriff's Office says it's received dozens of calls from people who received fraudulent court summons text messages. The messages claim to be from law enforcement telling the person they're scheduled for a court appearance within 24 hours. If they don't show, they can face fines and arrest. You should never send money without verifying through official channels that it's legitimate. Don't click on links or call numbers listed in the message, look up the number yourself.

New Measles Exposure Location

(Gresham, OR) -- Health officials are issuing yet another warning about a measles exposure in the Portland area. The Oregon Health Authority says the exposure happened at the Mt. Hood Community College Gresham Campus Academic Center Building 17, main level, on Monday April 13th from 10 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. Anyone who may have been exposed should contact their health care provider to check their immunization status.

Jury Finds Live Nation, Ticketmaster Guilty

(Manhattan, NY) -- A jury has found Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster guilty in a high-stake antitrust trial. Oregon was among 33 attorneys general that filed the lawsuit. The suit claimed Live Nation monopolized the industry by controlling ticketing, concert booking, venues and promotions. The coalition will argue for remedies and financial penalties at a separate bench trial.

Governor Vetoes Public Meeting Bill

(Salem, OR) -- Governor Tina Kotek has vetoed a public meeting bill passed by Oregon's legislature earlier this year. She says the legislation could unintentionally weaken transparency, despite its attempt to clarify Oregon law. Kotek acknowledged ongoing challenges with inconsistent guidance on public meeting laws, from the state's Government Ethics Commission. She called on the group to develop workable solutions. This is the only veto from the 2026 session.

Woman Sentenced For COVID-19 Benefits Fraud

(Portland, OR) -- An Oregon woman is facing two years behind bars for stealing COVID-19 unemployment benefits. A judge sentenced 48-year-old Tamara Fulmer of Seaside to two years in federal prison this week and ordered her to pay over 581-thousand dollars in restitution. Prosecutors say Fulmer falsely claimed to have over two dozen employees. Based on fraudulent information, the Oregon Employment Department paid 567-thousand dollars in unemployment benefits. She deposited some of the money into her own account and cashed other checks at a Seaside gas station. Fulmer pleaded guilty to the charges.

Lloyd Center Closing Despite Appeals

(Portland, OR) -- New appeals have been filed to keep the Lloyd Center Mall in Portland from being torn down, but it's still expected to close by the end of the year. The City of Portland approved a plan to replace the mall with housing, restaurants, and businesses. Opponents say there's community demand to keep the mall and its ice rink. Portland City Council will consider the appeals in June.

Portland Man Charged With Murder Over Cat Dispute

(Portland, OR) -- A Portland man is facing attempted murder charges over a dispute about a cat. Police say Scott Farnsworth Thomsen stabbed his neighbor multiple times in the buttocks and head, leaving her injured so badly that should couldn't make a statement to officers. The suspect allegedly woke up his father on the night of the stabbing and told him he killed the woman because she was trying to steal their cat, Dave. Officers obtained a search warrant and found a knife covered in blood on the living room floor. Thomsen is being held without bail and due back in court on April 21st.

Arrest Made In February Road Rage Shooting

(North Portland, OR) -- Police say a suspect is in custody in connection to a February road rage shooting. The shooting happened February 8th near North Denver Avenue and Schofield Street. Officers said a man was driving in the area when another man fired at him. An investigation culminated with a search warrant served at the home of suspect Joey Radford on the two-thousand block of North Argyle Street and he was arrested on multiple charges including unlawful use of a weapon. No one was injured in the shooting.

Measles Exposure Site Detected In Portland Area Middle School

(Portland, OR) -- A new measles exposure site has been identified at a southeast Portland Middle School. The Oregon Health Authority says the Centennial Middle School may have been exposed to the disease multiple times earlier this month. The potential exposure dates were said to be on April 1st and April 6th through 10th. Anyone who was in the school on those dates has been asked to contact a health care provider. Other exposure sites have been confirmed in Portland, including the Providence Portland Medical Center, a cafe in West Linn and a restaurant in downtown Gresham.

Top 4 Republican Candidates For Governor Debate On Thursday

(Hillsboro, OR) -- The four leading candidates for the Republican nomination for governor are debating on Thursday. Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, state Rep. Ed Diehl, state Sen. Christine Drazan, and former NBA player Chris Dudley will all take the stage the NW Event Center in Hillsboro. The debate takes place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. After the 90-minute debate, the candidates have been invited to a question and answer session with the press. Bethell and Diehl have already confirmed their attendance at the follow-up event.

City Council Committee Approves Changes To Transportation Utility Fee

(Portland, OR) -- The Portland City Council is moving forward with a new transportation utility fee. A council committee recently approved changes to the proposed plan. It would add about 12 dollars a month for homeowners and a little over eight bucks for apartment units. City leaders say the money would go toward road repairs, potholes, streetlights, sidewalks and other transportation maintenance.

8 Arrested as Part of Drug-Trafficking Probe

(Portland, OR) -- Eight people are under arrest as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation in Portland's Parkrose neighborhood. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says the probe began after a deputy spotted suspicious activity while patrolling near the Parkrose Transit Station and along a TriMet bus route. Police got a warrant to search a house and found drugs, cash and stolen property.

DA: Brightwood Teen Shot By Police Did Not Have Gun

(Welches, OR) -- Officials say a man shot and killed by police near Welches did not have a gun. The Clackamas County District Attorney's Office says 19-year-old Nicholas Toler led troopers on a chase on Highway 26 Sunday. Investigators say Toler refused to show his hands and yelled that he had a gun. Body camera video shows him making movements as if he were armed before officers opened fire. Toler was shot again after getting back into his car and died at the scene, and no weapon was found.

State Offers Insurance Help for Affordable Housing

(Salem, OR) -- Affordable housing providers and emergency shelter operators in Oregon can get help paying for insurance. Lawmakers have approved nearly two-and-a-half million dollars for property and liability coverage. State officials say the money is meant to ease rising insurance costs. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is now taking applications for the grants.

Disaster Declaration For December Storms

(Salem, OR) -- President Trump has declared a disaster for the storms that hit Oregon in December. The storms produced record rainfall and powerful winds, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and mudslides. At the peak of the event, more than 300-thousand Oregonians were without power, numerous highways and interstates were closed, and one fatality was reported in Yamhill County. The declaration makes Public Assistance funding available to nine counties. The funds can be used to cover eligible costs related to damage to roads, bridges, utilities, and other public infrastructure.

ATM Robbery Suspect Sentenced

(Portland, OR) -- The first of two suspects in a series of ATM robberies has pleaded guilty and was sentenced to federal prison. Prosecutors say Seth Coles-Body worked with Ahmon Hogg to rob ATMs in Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Texas, Maine and Mississippi. They would disable ATMs and then when a technician was dispatched to repair the machine they would rob them. They stole over 768-thousand dollars in cash. Coles-Body was sentenced to ten years in prison. Hogg also pleaded guilty and has yet to be sentenced.

OSU Pitcher Injured In Accident

(Corvallis, OR) -- An Oregon State University pitcher was seriously injured in an accident involving a vehicle on Tuesday. Tyler Bellerose is a freshman. Details of the accident weren't released. The baseball game against Oregon Tuesday evening in Hillsboro was postponed because of the incident. Oregon State and Oregon are working to reschedule the game. They will let people know the new date when they finalize a time, and tickets for Tuesday's game will be good for the rescheduled game.

The Strokes Announce Summer Tour

(Portland, OR) -- The Strokes are coming to Oregon. The New York rockers announced their summer tour dates earlier this week. They'll perform at Bend's Hayden Homes Amphitheater on August 25th. Ticket presales start today with a general on-sale happening Friday.

Abortion Court Ruling

(Salem, OR) -- A federal judge in Eugene has ruled in favor of Oregon Right To Life, finding the nonprofit is not bound to the state's Reproductive Health Equity Act under the First Amendment. Governor Tina Kotek blasted the decision, calling the 2017 law a cornerstone of the state's commitment to ensuring access to reproductive healthcare. Oregon's Attorney General Dan Rayfield says the scope of the ruling is unclear until the written opinion is issued, but he believes the impact is limited to a religious exemption claim brought by one organization.

Oregon Republican Gubernatorial Debate Set

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Republican Party is set to host its first gubernatorial debate tomorrow. State Senator Christine Drazan, State Representative Ed Diehl, former Portland Trail Blazer Chris Dudley and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell have all signed on to participate in today's debate. The event will start at 7 tonight in Hillsboro and will be livestreamed on the Oregon GOP's website.

Measles Exposure Notifications

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Health Authority is warning of two measles exposure locations. One is at Centennial Middle School. The exposures were from 9:20 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 1st, and April 6th through the 10th. The other exposure happened in Oregon City last Friday at the Legacy GoHealth Urgent Care on McLoughlin Boulevard, between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and again at the clinic on Saturday, between 1 and 4 p.m. Anyone who might have been exposed should contact their health care provider to review their immunization status.

Sombr Announces New Tour

(Undated) -- The Grammy-nominated singer Sombr is coming to Portland. The singer announced his "You Are The Reason" tour on social media Monday, with 37-dates planned. He'll play at Portland's Moda Center on October 2nd. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday.

Pond Contamination Investigation

(Tygh Valley, OR) -- Oregon State Police are asking for tips to identify who contaminated a pond in Tygh Valley. Last month, troopers found multiple cans of spray foam near a small pond bordering the White River Wildlife Area. The cans were broken, and left for several days, allowing foam to leak into the water. A 300-dollar reward is offered for information leading to the identification of those responsible. Tips can be submitted by email or phone to OSP's Turn In Poachers tip line.

Oregon Argues Against Tariffs

(New York, NY) -- Oregon is leading the federal court fight over President Trump's latest tariffs. At the Court of International Trade, Oregon argued the Trump Administration is misusing Section 122 of the International Trade Act to impose tariffs. It allows tariffs to be used if there's a large balance-of-payments deficit. The trade deficit doesn't count. The court will take the arguments under consideration and issue a ruling in the future.

DHS Employees Get Tax Filing Extension

(Salem, OR) -- The IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue are extending the tax filing deadline for Department of Homeland Security Employees who are affected by the partial government shutdown. Many federal workers, including TSA agents and Coast Guard officers, have gone unpaid for six weeks. Those required to file an Oregon income tax return will get an automatic 30-day extension for this filing season. The new deadline for those employees is May 15th.

Scooter Rider Dies Following Crash

(Portland, OR) -- A scooter rider has died following a crash with a vehicle in Portland on March 24th. Portland Police say 38-year-old Kyle Stahl was traveling eastbound on Northeast Sandy Boulevard when a vehicle made an illegal U-turn into his path. The driver of the vehicle was cited for Illegal U-Turn Contributing to an Accident and Careless Driving Causing Significant Injury Or Death To A Vulnerable Road User. The investigation is ongoing.

Deputies Cleared In Use Of Deadly Forced

(Aumsville, OR) -- Two Marion County Sheriff's deputies have been cleared of criminal charges in a shooting last month. They responded to a domestic violence call in Aumsville. Brian Baker was armed and holding his wife hostage. He fired a shot into the ceiling, pointed the gun at Deputy Ben Theodoriches who fired at Baker along with Deputy Rick Kittelson, but Baker ran into the basement. Shots were heard and after several hours, Baker was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A grand jury determined the deputies were justified in the use of deadly force.

Fire Damages Apartments Under Construction

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Fire & Rescue called three alarms to fight a fire in an apartment building that was under construction Saturday night. When the first crews arrived, flames had broken through the roof. It took an hour to extinguish most of the fire. They were able to keep the fire to a single story part of the building. No injuries were reported. The investigation into the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

California Condor Chicks Born At Oregon Zoo

(Portland, OR) -- The first seven California condor chicks have been born this season at the Oregon Zoo's Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation. The fluffy babies hatched over the past week. Officials say all of the chicks are eating and sleeping well. More chicks are expected soon. They stay with their parents for at least eight months before moving to pre-release pens for about a year. Eventually, they are released into the wild in California and Arizona, as part of an ongoing species recovery effort.

ODOT Political Signs

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Department of Transportation is reminding campaigns that political signs are not allowed in highway rights of way. ODOT routinely removes improperly placed signs because they can distract drivers, create hazards and block legal road messages. Illegally placed campaign signs are taken down and held at a nearby ODOT district maintenance office for 30 days or until they are reclaimed. Signs are allowed on private property within view of the highway, but there are restrictions, including a 12-square-foot size limit.

Suspect Arrested After SWAT Standoff

(Vancouver, WA) -- A suspect was arrested Saturday in Vancouver after a SWAT standoff that caused the southbound lanes of I-5 to be closed. The man threatened another person with a gun and then barricaded himself in an apartment. The apartments are located near I-5, and because the suspect was armed, the southbound lanes of the freeway were closed. After several hours, SWAT members took 58-year-old Terry Meyers into custody. He will be charged with assault.

Oregon Water Supply Record Low

(Portland, OR) -- Oregon water users should expect to face a difficult summer. The USDA monthly water supply outlook shows the statewide snow-water equivalent set a new record low. The snowpack is already gone at many of the measuring sites, which is a month ahead of schedule. The probability is high that snow runoff this spring and summer will be among the lowest on record. East of the Cascades, farmers count on water from the snowpack for irrigation.

Missing Lane County Man Found Dead

(Eugene, OR) -- A Eugene man who's been missing since last year has been found dead. 63-year-old Jonathon Allen House was last known to be in the area west of Cheshire. A large-scale search was conducted last year. His remains were discovered Thursday in a densely overgrown area, by Lane County Sheriff's Search and Rescue personnel and a detective, who returned to the area to continue looking for House. The team used chainsaws and hand tools to conduct the recovery. There is no indication of a crime.

Kotek Announces Potential Vetoes

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has announced she may veto a bill that concerns public meetings for city councils and public districts. Kotek's office says the Governor understands the bill's intent, but she's worried parts of it may undermine transparency. She has until Friday to make a final decision. She vetoed two bills in the 2025 session.

Frog Ferry Planners Need Donations

(Portland, OR) -- The organizers of the planned Frog Ferry system on the Willamette River in Portland need community investment. Using the Green Bay Packers' model, they're asking the community to buy ownerships for 300 dollars. They hope to raise two-million-dollars which would help get state, federal and philanthropic funding. The electric ferries would run from Vancouver to Oregon City with nine stops on the route.

Oregon Republican Gubernatorial Debate Set

(Portland, OR) -- The first Gubernatorial debate, hosted by the Oregon Republican Party, will be held April 16th. The GOP set criteria for participating candidates and gave them a deadline of Friday. So far, State Senator Christine Drazan, State Representative Ed Diehl, former Portland Trail Blazer Chris Dudley and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell have signed on for the event in Hillsboro.

Vehicle Crashes In Small Lake

(Beavercreek, OR) -- One person was found dead in a vehicle that crashed into a small lake near Beavercreek Saturday night. Witnesses called 911 to report the vehicle going into the lake. A dive team responded and recovered one person from the vehicle who was deceased. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

Ski Resort Closures

(Portland, OR) -- A difficult season is ending for Oregon's ski resorts. The snowpack is at a record low, due to warmer than normal temperatures. Hoodoo, outside Sisters, and Mt. Hood Ski Bowl are already closed. Mt. Hood Meadows and Mt Bachelor both plan to end their winter season on Sunday, April 19th. Timberline Lodge remains open, weather permitting. Bend's annual Pole, Pedal, Paddle sporting event, which starts on Bachelor in May, announced it would drop both the alpine and cross-country skiing portions of the five-sport race. Instead, athletes will participate in two running legs, still beginning on the mountain.

Jackson County Death Investigation

(Medford, OR) -- Jackson County deputies are investigating the death of a 28-year-old man at the Lower Table Rock trail. The man was reported missing Tuesday night. Search and Rescue deployed and found the man Wednesday morning, dead from an apparent fall from a cliff. Search and Rescue recovered his body and authorities say there is no indication of foul play.

Worker's Compensation Scam Targets Spanish Speakers

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries is warning about a scam that targets Spanish-speaking workers who filed workers compensation claims. It's been reported in other states, with at least one case in Oregon. The scammers pose as government agencies, lawyers or other officials and contact the worker by phone, email or social media message. They may even set up staged online hearings and are told they've won their case, but to receive their settlement, they must pay a fee. BOLI does not charge workers to file a claim or receive benefits, hearings or settlements.

Casino Robber Pleads Guilty

(Portland, OR) -- A Umatilla County man who robbed the Wildhorse Casino in Pendleton at gunpoint has pleaded guilty. Javier Vigil walked into the casino in August of 2022, demanded the cashier hand over a million dollars, drew a pistol and told the cashier he'd "bathe everyone in blood." He left with nearly 70-thousand-dollars in cash, then shot at a responding Umatilla tribal police officer, who returned fire, striking Vigil. He changed his plea during the second day of his trial. He'll be sentenced in August.

Former Gresham Police Officer Sought

(Gresham, OR) -- Police are trying to find a former Gresham Police officer accused of multiple sex crimes involving children. The Multnomah County District Attorney's office says Hector Carranza cut off his ankle monitor on March 21st. Following two weeks of searching, law enforcement is now asking for the public's help tracking down the suspect. Carranza was arrested in August on 56 counts. Authorities don't believe he is a danger to the community. Anyone who with information about Carranza's location should call the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.

Scrapyard Operator Faces Contempt Hearing

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Department of Justice has requested a contempt hearing for NW Metals. The scrapyard was the site of a five-alarm fire that sent a plume of smoke over nearby homes and businesses. The state alleges the owner has not complied with air quality, solid waste and stormwater permits. Last November, the business was issued a 357-thousand dollar civil penalty, which is being contested. The contempt hearing has been set for April 29th.

Outside Dining Concerns

(Portland, OR) -- The City of Portland is advising restaurants with outdoor seating to make sure they're properly maintained. Plastics that are outside become hazy under exposure from the sun, vehicle exhaust, and other pollution making it more difficult to clean. Mold can also be an issue. Restaurants with outdoor seating need to have a storm drain and keep it clean from leaves. Restaurants can start applying now to renew their outdoor dining permits. New applications will be taken from May through October.

New Oregon State Hospital Chief Medical Officer

(Salem, OR) -- The interim chief medical officer at the Oregon State Hospital is being named the permanent CMO of the facility. Doctor Amit Bhavan was named interim CMO last August to help bring the hospital into compliance with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Bhavan began working at the hospital in 2020 as a unit psychiatrist and became a supervisor in 2023. Before being hired at the State Hospital, Bhavan worked OHSU as an assistant professor in psychiatry.

Portland Elk Statue Returning Sunday

(Portland, OR) -- The iconic Thompson Elk statue will return to downtown Portland this weekend. A homecoming celebration is planned for this Sunday. The Elk statute was damaged during demonstrations in 2020 and removed. The Elk will now stand on an improved granite fountain pedestal. It was originally placed between Chapman and Lownsdale Squares in 19-hundred.

Portland Council Increase Tax Threshold

(Portland, OR) -- The Portland City Council has approved increasing the tax threshold for small businesses. To qualify for the city's business tax, small businesses will need to make over 75-thousand-dollars in profits this year and 100-thousand-dollars next year. By 2027, and average business will save 286 dollars.

Illegal Drug Distribution Sentence

(Portland, OR) -- A McMinnville man has pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge, in a 2024 case where police seized more than a pound of meth, multiple guns, ammunition, digital scales and over 16-thousand dollars in cash. 52-year-old John Bill Donnahoo was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and five years supervised release.

Baby Penguins Hatch At Zoo

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Zoo has two tiny, fluffy new residents. Two Humboldt penguins hatched about a week apart last month. Humboldt penguins typically hatch 40 days after the eggs are laid. Zoo officials say both sets of parents nested "wonderfully" and the chicks hatched right on schedule. The babies will be nearly as tall as their parents by summer, but won't develop the distinctive black-and-white tuxedo markings for a couple of years.

Sunstone Way Layoffs

(Portland, OR) -- The company running many of Portland's homeless shelters has notified the state it's laying off 175 workers when it closes. The company also says the City of Portland won't keep all of the shelters run by Sunstone Way open. The Centennial shelter will close April 30th. The Weidler shelter will close June 30th. The Naito shelter will remain open with new management.

Golden Mussels Found On Boat

(Ashland, OR) -- The boat inspection station on I-5 in Ashland found invasive golden mussels on a boat that came from the Sacramento River Delta. The boat was decontaminated and the mussels were removed. Golden mussels are similar to zebra and quagga mussels that are also a concern. They live in fresh water, hurt the food chain for fish, and cause millions of dollars in damage to irrigation equipment and dams. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says the threat from the mussels is very serious.

Honeyman State Park Statue Damaged

(Florence, OR) -- The "Eye of the Needle" bronze monument at Honeyman State Park, near Florence, was damaged by vandals and Oregon State Parks is asking for help with the investigation. On March 2nd, the monument was knocked over and cut in half. The sculpture was removed by park staff, to evaluate the extent of the damage and develop a plan for repairs. Anyone with information in the case should contact Oregon State Police.

Eugene Explosive Devices

(Eugene, OR) -- An investigation is ongoing after Eugene Police discovered two improvised explosive devices Tuesday. They were working a case on West 16th when they found the devices in a vehicle. The Metro Explosives Disposal Unit arrived, took possession of the devices and rendered them safe. No other details have been released.

Kotek Signs Farm Stand Bill

(Portland, OR) -- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has signed a bill that'll make it easier for farms to operate stores and hold other events. Regulations made it difficult for farms to do much more than open a store. Agri-tourism has grown with activities like crop mazes, play structures, farm-to-table meals, tractor rides and petting zoos. The bill makes it easier to get permits, which allows farmers a way to diversify their operations.

Missing Person Search

(Portland, OR) -- A third person remains missing following a car crash into the Willamette River in Portland's Waterfront park early Monday. One person was rescued after escaping the sinking car. Two bodies were recovered on Monday. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office used sonar to scan the river bed, but the person wasn't found. The car will be removed in a joint effort by the city and Department of State Lands.

Kingsley Field Receives $80 Million For F-35A Upgrade

(Klamath Falls, OR) -- Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls will get 80-million-dollars from the federal government to build an F-35 Formal Training Unit for the Academic Training Center. The U.S. Air Force and Oregon National Guard will train at the facility on the new F-35A Lightning Two, one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz says it secures Kingsley Field as a critical site for pilot training and the nation's air defense mission.

Oregon Gas Prices Hit $5 A Gallon

(Portland, OR) -- Gas prices continue to surge because of the war in Iran. Triple A reports the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to oil infrastructure have caused prices to rise 67 percent since the start of the war. The national average is up 12 cents this week to four-dollars-14-cents a gallon while Oregon's average is up seven cents to five-dollars. The last time that happened in Oregon was in 2022.

DHS Employee Charged With Attempted Arson

(Newport, OR) -- An Oregon Department of Human Services worker is facing charges after allegedly trying to burn a building with state offices. On Monday, 45-year-old Bridgette Sherman, from Eugene, allegedly bought two-gallons of gas and poured it on the Avery Building which houses DHS, WorkSource Oregon and Community Services Consortium. Police say there was a cigarette with a burnt tip covered in gas on the ground. It didn't ignite the gas. Sherman was arrested and charged with attempted arson.

Police Seek Help Finding Missing Boy

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Police are asking for help finding a missing 13-year-old boy who is autistic and non-verbal. Abraham Tucco left his home near 115th and Southeast Taylor on a bike Tuesday afternoon. He's Black, six-feet tall, 250 pounds and was last seen wearing a black jacket, light-colored pants and was riding a silver bike. If you see him, call 911.

Large Illegal Drug Seizure

(Salem, OR) -- Salem Police seized 27 pounds of methamphetamine during a narcotics investigation on Monday. 39-year-old Luis Montes-Jimmenez was stopped in his vehicle, and a search found ten pounds of meth. A search of a nearby motel room found another 17 pounds of methamphetamine. Montes-Jimenez will be charged with Unlawful Delivery and Possession of Methamphetamine.

Cyclist Killed In Crash

(Salem, OR) -- An investigation is ongoing into a crash that killed a bicyclist in Salem. It happened Monday afternoon. Police say a truck was stopped at a red light on Pringle Road Southeast. When the light turned green, the truck turned right and the cyclist fell under the truck. Marvin Miller died at the scene. The truck driver stopped and cooperated with the investigation. The Marion County District Attorney's Office will decide whether charges are filed.

Sherwood Sex Abuse Sentence

(Sherwood, OR) -- A Sherwood man has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a nine-year-old in 2024. Malcolm Cade pleaded no contest to two counts of sex abuse. He was sentenced Friday to more than seven years in prison. Once released, he'll be required to serve almost four years of post-prison supervision, and must register as a sex offender. Because this is a Measure 11 crime, he is not eligible for early release.

New Measles Exposure Warnings

(Keizer, OR) -- The Oregon Health Authority is warning of two new measles exposure locations. They are Solar Nails on River Road in Keizer on March 30th from noon to 4:15 p.m. and then at Pho Keizer between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. the same day. Anyone in those businesses should contact their health care provider to check their immunization status against measles.

Medicaid Fraud Cases

(Salem, OR) -- One person has been charged with Medicaid fraud in Oregon and two people have been convicted. The Oregon Justice Department's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit says Roberto Felipe Munoz is charged for submitting false claims to CareOregon. In separate cases, Zoe Thiele-Seidenberg pleaded guilty to making false claims for health care payment. She was sentenced to five days in jail, three years' probation, and 80 hours community service. Haley Sanchez, a former CareOregon employee, pleaded guilty to sending gift cards from the Health Related Services Fund to herself, family members and a partner. She was sentenced to ten days in jail, 100 hours community service, and three years' probation.

Armed Robbery Conviction

(Oregon City, OR) -- A man convicted of using a gun to rob a Denny's with video lottery games in Happy Valley has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. Clackamas County prosecutors say Douglas Kelsey saw an employee removing cash from video games, he grabbed the bag of money and pointed a gun at employees and customers before leaving. Kelsey was also sentenced for assaulting an inmate while in jail. Kelsey pleaded guilty to Robbery in the First degree and assault. He has several prior convictions for violent crimes.

Jewelry Store Armed Robbery

(Tigard, OR) -- Police are asking for help identifying suspects in an armed robbery of a Washington Square jewelry store. On Saturday, two men robbed Kay Jewelers. One suspect had a gun and the other used a hammer to break glass cases and steal jewelry. They were wearing masks and gloves. They fled the mall in a black Honda Accord that was followed by police on Highway 217. Other cars were hit near Northwest 14th and Burnside. No one was hurt. The suspects continued into Vancouver where police lost them. Anyone with information should contact Tigard Police.

Portland Launches E-Bike Rebate Program

(Portland, OR) -- Portland has launched an e-bike rebate program. It's funded with 20-million dollars from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund. Discounts on standard e-bikes are up to 16-hundred dollars and up to 23-hundred-50 dollars for cargo e-bikes. Recipients can also get up to 300 dollars for accessories, including helmets, locks and lights. Applicants will be selected randomly. There will also be an adaptive e-bike rebate option for people with disabilities.

Street Takeover Arrests

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Police arrested six people and seized eight vehicles during street takeover events Sunday night. The Air Unit spotted hundreds of people taking part or watching the events. One vehicle hit a pedestrian. Police cited 21-year-old Ciana Hughes for reckless driving and her Ford Mustang was seized. The person who was hit left the scene. People in the crowd assaulted a man who required medical attention. Eight additional citations were issued.

Speeding Car Crashed Into Willamette River

(Portland, OR) -- At least two people were killed when a speeding car crashed into the Willamette River in Portland early Monday morning. A police officer saw the car being driven recklessly and tried to pull it over, but the driver fled, crashed through the railing at Waterfront Park and into the river. The officer saw one person swimming, who was rescued by Portland Fire. Three other people were in the car, ages 17 to 20. Two bodies were recovered and the third person remains missing.

Missing Woman Found

(Stayton, OR) -- The Marion County woman who disappeared last week after running out of gas on Highway 22 was found safe. Oregon State Police released few details but said Maria Kilmer reached out to family. Investigators continue to review the circumstances around her disappearance, but say there is, so far, no evidence of a crime.

2025 Bridge Condition Report

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Department of Transportation continues to lose ground in maintenance of bridges. The 2025 Bridge Condition report shows 15 percent of three-thousand bridges have weight restrictions, because of their condition. The four-mile long Astoria-Megler Bridge has several concerns. Six-thousand breeding cormorants nest on the bridge and their dropping deteriorate the paint and make it difficult to inspect the bridge. Steel bearings that allow the bridge to expand and contract are corroded and don't move. Plus, due to ship traffic on the Columbia River, the bridge is at risk of being hit. An assessment is underway to determine the vulnerability of a collision.

Drones Help Capture Suspect Running From Deputies

(Aloha, OR) -- The Washington County Sheriff's Office first responder drone helped capture a pursuit suspect last Thursday. The suspect who was in a stolen car fled from deputies. A passenger got out and ran. The drone helped deputies capture the suspect. The driver of the stolen car hit another car head-on at Southwest Farmington Road and 141st Avenue in Beaverton causing minor injuries. The suspect ran. A second drone helped deputies locate and arrest the person.

OR Joins Lawsuit Against Trump's Election Executive Order

(Portland, OR) -- Oregon is joining a lawsuit against President Trump's executive order placing restrictions on mail-in ballots. Oregon joined a coalition of two-dozen states in filing the lawsuit Friday. Trump's executive order issued last week requires Homeland Security to work with Social Security to create a list of eligible voters. The Postal Service would then only allow absentee ballots to go to people on that list. The coalition of states argue that's unconstitutional.

ICE Demonstration At Mayor's House

(Portland, OR) -- Immigrants rights activists in Portland marched to the Mayor's house on Saturday calling for the permit at the ICE building to be revoked. The group rallied at Wilshire Park before going to the Mayor's house. One person was arrested for throwing a glass vase on the front porch. The City of Portland previously issued a land use violation for the building. The owner is appealing.

Oregon Zoo's Elderly Lion Dies

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Zoo's oldest lion has died. Zawadi Mungu was one of the oldest male lions in North America. In the wild, male lions rarely live past 12, but Zawadi turned 18 in November. He came to Oregon from San Diego in 2009 and fathered two litters of cubs. In 2014, he was the Oregon Zoo's father of the year.

Wyden Voter Database

(Washington, D.C.) -- U.S. Senator Ron Wyden is asking questions about President Trump's plan to use data from the Social Security Administration to create a national voter database. The Oregon Democrat is demanding answers from SSA about how it will share data with Homeland Security. Trump issued the order last week as part of a larger executive order on elections. Wyden says it's an attempt to give Trump power over who is eligible to vote.

Portland Elk Statue Returning Sunday

(Portland, OR) -- The iconic Thompson Elk statue will return to downtown Portland next week. A homecoming celebration is planned for next Sunday, April 12th. The Elk statute was damaged during demonstrations in 2020 and removed. The Elk will now stand on an improved granite fountain pedestal. It was originally placed between Chapman and Lownsdale Squares in 19-hundred.

Tax Proposal Would Help Portland Small Businesses

(Portland, OR) -- Small businesses in Portland would get a slight break on their Business License Tax under a proposal before City Council. The current threshold to start paying the tax is 50-thousand-dollars. The proposal would increase that 75-thousand-dollars next year and 100-thousand-dollars in 2028. Next year, 58-hundred businesses would save an average of 207 dollars each. In 2028, another 42-hundred businesses would save and average of 286 dollars.

Oregon Unemployment 5.2% In January

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon's unemployment rate in January was down slightly from December. The five-point-two percent rate was down a tenth. Oregon's economy added two-thousand jobs. Leisure and hospitality had the most gains followed by health care and social assistance, and construction. Manufacturing lost 15-hundred jobs followed by professional and business services.

Laser Pointer Arrested

(Corvallis, OR) -- A man has been arrested in Corvallis for allegedly pointing a laser at a Sergeant's face while sitting in a patrol car. The laser came from inside of a business. 26-year-old Alexis Mosley is charged with Unlawful Directing of Light from a Laser Pointer, which is a Class A Misdemeanor. CPD says these incidents are taken seriously because a red laser could have been perceived as from a firearm, prompting a massive law enforcement response.

More Measles Exposures

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Health Authority is listing more measles exposures. A person with measles was in the Safeway at 28th and Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard for several hours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There was an exposure at the Lark Cafe in West Linn on Friday. And another exposure at Pho.com in Gresham on Wednesday. If you were in any of those locations check with your health care provider for your measles immunization status.

Oregon Golf License Plate

(Salem, OR) -- Golf enthusiasts will soon be able to get Oregon Golf license plates for their vehicles. The plate has a background that looks like a golf ball with an image of a putting green and flag. The bottom of the plate reads: Golf Oregon. 35 dollars of the 40 dollar fee will go to the Oregon Junior Golf Fund. Oregon currently has 14 specialty plates.

Power Rates Increasing

(Salem, OR) -- The costs of electricity is going up for customers of Portland General Electric and PacifCorp. The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved the rate adjustments. Starting April 1st, PGE's residential rates will go up about five-percent. Pacific Power residential rates will rise four-point-one percent. According to the PUC, the increases are due to higher fuel costs, wholesale market sales and other expenses.

Prolific Bike Thief Sentenced To Prison

(Portland, OR) -- A prolific burglar and bike thief in Portland has been sentenced to over five years in prison. 32-year-old Daniel Gallagher plead guilty to entering several apartment complexes stealing bikes from locked storage areas and items from storage units. He was charged with six counts of Burglary in the First Degree and Theft in the First Degree.

Governor's Marketplace Events

(Salem, OR) -- The first of Governor Tina Kotek's three Governor's Marketplace events is in the books. Yesterday's event in Salem offered businesses an opportunity to learn how they can get state contracts. Training included information on employer incentives, how to access capital, and navigation of the state's contracting process. Two more events are being scheduled for later this year in Ontario and Coos Bay. Details on those events will be shared at the Governor's Marketplace website when ready.

OR Mercury Pollution Lawsuit

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon is joining a 21-state coalition in a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for weakening federal regulations on mercury and other pollutants released by coal and oil-fired power plants. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield says the decision to rollback 2024 standards allows power plants to release more dangerous chemicals into the air, which travel across state lines and settle into waterways. The coalition says the repeal was illegal because the Environmental Protection Agency failed to provide a reasoned basis for its decision, nor did it adequately consider the consequences.

Dog Abuse Investigation

(Coos County, OR) -- The Coos County Sheriff's Office is investigating a disturbing case of animal neglect. A dog was found abandoned along the Trans-Pacific Highway. Deputies say the dog had been shot multiple times and left for dead. It was emaciated, covered in fleas and mites along with infections in both eyes. Despite attempts to nurse the dog back to health, it had to be euthanized. Investigators are now asking for the public's help identifying the dog's owner.

Drought Emergencies Declared In Three Counties

(Salem, OR) -- Drought emergencies have been declared in three Oregon counties. Governor Tina Kotek issued the declarations for Baker, Deschutes, and Umatilla Counties. The three counties have been in moderate drought since last year. This winter, precipitation was below normal, temperatures were above normal and the snowpack is the lowest on record. The declaration allows drought-related emergency tools for water users. The drought is expected to impact farming, ranching, recreation, tourism and environmental resources.

Wyden Reacts To Vote-By-Mail Executive Order

(Washington, D.C.) -- Oregon Senator Ron Wyden says President Trump will "have hell to pay" for attempting to change vote-by-mail. Trump signed an executive order that requires Homeland Security to create a list of verified U.S. citizens who can vote, and the Postal Service will only deliver absentee ballots to those people. Wyden posted on X that Oregonians have successfully voted by mail for over 30 year and they won't allow Trump to change the way Oregon runs elections.

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