Regional News Archives for 2026-07

Moda Center Remodeling Terms

(Portland, OR) -- The City of Portland is releasing a draft of the terms it wants to negotiate with the Trail Blazers over the Moda Center remodeling project. The terms include a 20-year agreement that keeps the Trail Blazers at the Moda Center, a requirement for a labor-peace agreement to support the workforce, protections against cost overruns, a three-million-dollar annual payment by the Blazers for property tax offsets and access for community events. There will now be negotiations with the Blazers to finalize the term sheet.

Driver Goes Through Work Zone

(Hood River, OR) -- A driver was arrested after going into a closed work zone on I-84 in Hood River. Wednesday morning, ODOT had an exit closed because of a semi crash. Crews were working to keep 35-hundred pound paper rolls from spilling off a trailer. Oregon State Police say 43-year-old Gregory Polanski, of Hood River, drove into the work zone, hit two ODOT workers and left the scene. The workers weren't hurt. Troopers caught up with Polanski and arrested him for reckless driving and reckless endangering highway workers.

Prolific Retail Thief Arrested

(Portland, OR) -- Police have arrested a man who's accused of being a prolific retail thief. Portland Police identified 29-year-old Taja'mar Hepburn as a suspect in 88 separate retail thefts since 2024. Hepburn targeted at least eight retailers, stealing 115-thousand-dollars in merchandise. He faces more than 40 charges.

Paddleboarder Drowns After Hitting Snag

(Lane County, OR) -- A 26-year-old man is dead after drowning while paddleboarding in the Willamette River. Police say Ervan Lucia was with a group of people paddleboarding Tuesday afternoon when they hit a snag in the river. Most of the group made it to shore, but Lucia disappeared. He was later found face down in the water. Despite life-saving efforts, he did not survive. Deputies say he was on a paddleboard without a lifejacket and was tethered to his paddleboard. They remind everyone to always wear a lifejacket and make sure a tether is able to break away quickly.

Burglary Sentences

(Medford, OR) -- Four men have been sentenced to prison in connection with a million-dollar burglary in Coos County. Federal prosecutors say three men broke into a residential vault in December of 2023. Three of the men took cash, gold, silver coins and at least one gun in one break-in. Several days later, a fourth man burglarized the same house, taking another 40 guns, including assault rifles and pistols. Several of the stolen guns were recovered in California. Three of the men were sentenced to between two and six years in federal prison. One man was sentenced to probation.

East Evans Creek Fire Grows

(Rogue River, OR) -- The state of Oregon is sending more help to protect homes and businesses threatened by the fast-growing East Evans Creek Fire in southern Oregon. The Fire Marshal has mobilized a task force of local firefighters from Lincoln and Tillamook counties to help protect structures. The fire, which was human caused, has burned over 78-hundred acres about 14 miles northeast of Rogue River. It's only five percent contained.

23 And Me Settlement

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon is part of a 23-million-dollar settlement with the genetic testing company "23 and Me." A data breach in 2023 led to personal information of nearly seven million people being released. It includes 125 thousand Oregonians. Initially, 23 And Me blamed customers for the breach, but later accepted responsibility. Oregon will get just under 577-thousand-dollars of the settlement. Individuals involved in the class action suit will share an additional 47-million dollars.

Missing Girl Found

(Tillamook, OR) -- New details about the recovery of a four-year-old girl who was found on the Fourth of July after getting lost on a remote part of the Oregon Coast. She got separated from her family at Cape Lookout State Park. A massive search was underway. According to the Netarts Oceanside Fire District, a volunteer firefighter and a state park ranger in a side-by-side were ready to leave when they decided they'd search the end of the Spit. Five miles from where she disappeared, they spotted the child standing in beach grass, shivering. They wrapped her in a coat and took to medics. She was hypothermic and dehydrated, but in relatively good condition.

Pharmaceutical Settlement With Oregon

(Salem, OR) -- Drug maker Glenmark has settled a lawsuit with Oregon and several other states. The suit alleged Glenmark inflated prices and limited competition by colluding with other pharmaceutical companies. Under the nearly 30-million-dollar settlement, Glenmark also agreed to help with ongoing legal action against 33 corporate defendants and 25 individual executives. Oregon receives 316-thousand-dollars from the settlement. Customers who bought drugs from Glenmark, Lannett, Bausch, Apotex or Heritage from May 2009 through December 2019 may be eligible for compensation.

Police Seek Additional Sexual Assault Victims

(Beaverton, OR) -- Beaverton Police detectives are asking victims of a rape suspect to come forward. Twenty-four-year-old Abdullah Al-Bustami of Portland has been indicted for raping a woman he met where she worked. He offered her a ride home and allegedly raped her. Detectives say that based on the nature of the case, they believe there might be addition victims.

Police Target Illicit Massage Parlors

(Keizer, OR) -- Three illicit massage parlors in Keizer were targeted by police following an extensive investigation. At Joy Foot Spa, a Bellevue, Washington woman was cited for running an adult entertainment business and several building code violations. An employee, who also lived at the spa, was cited for practicing massage without a license. Two workers were cited at Silk Love. And one person was cited at Nine Spa. Detectives seized 26-thousand dollars in cash and say they also found evidence of prostitution.

Oregon Humane Conducts Super-Sized Spay/Neuter Event

(Portland, OR) -- Veterinarians at Oregon Humane conducted a super-sized spay/neuter event last week. At their Portland and Salem campuses, they spayed or neutered 269 dogs and cats in a one-day event. The demand for spaying and neutering animals far exceeds capacity, so they conduct these events twice a year. Many times, people can't afford to get their pets spayed or neutered which results in unwanted pregnancies.

Suspect Killed In Police Shooting Identified

(Beaverton, OR) -- Investigators have released the name of a man who was killed in an officer involved shooting last week in Beaverton. Officers responded to an armed robbery at the marijuana shop Nectar on Hall Boulevard. They located the suspect, 25-year-old Bryson Hays, and there was an officer-involved shooting. Hays died at the scene. No officers were injured. Three Beaverton Police officers have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation. They've been with the department for five, seven and 10 years.

Suspects Arrested In Shootings And Robbery

(Portland, OR) -- Two people have been arrested in connection with two shootings and a robbery in Portland. On July 4th, a man was shot near Southeast Grand and Washington. He's expected to survive. On July 5th, a man was shot a block away from the previous shooting. He's also expected to survive. On July 11th, a woman in a car was robbed and assaulted by three men about five blocks from the shootings. Detectives identified Michael Herring as a suspect in at least one of the shootings and the robbery. He was arrested on Thursday. Jazman Moore, a suspect in the robbery, was arrested on Friday.

National Guard Retirement

(Clackamas, OR) -- An Oregon National Guard commander with 33 years of service retired on Saturday. Sergeant Major Lee Smith, a Command Senior Enlisted Leader who was principal advisor to Adjutant General Alan Gronewold, joined the Army National Guard in 1993 as a Cannon Crewmember in a field artillery unit. Gronewold credits Smith's leadership with helping to retain and add new service members to the Oregon National Guard.

Secretary Of State's Website Gets Update

(Salem, OR) -- The website for the Oregon Secretary of State's office has a new look. The same information is there, but the site is easier to navigate. The front page has links to the most commonly accessed pages, including Business, Elections, State Archives, and Audits. It's also designed to work better on mobile devices and tablets.

Oregon Opposes Rule That Allows Politics To Determine Funding

(Salem, OR) -- Governor Tina Kotek is urging the Trump Administration to withdraw a rule that allows political appointees to control billions of taxpayer dollars for essential services. The nonpartisan Office of Management and Budget says it would give political appointees authority to approve, suspend or terminate federal grants based on vague standards. It also removes fixed amounts of grants, causing uncertainty for states. Oregon raised concerns the proposal exceeds federal authority.

Girl Injured By Water-Bead Gun

(Grants Pass, OR) -- Grants Pass Police are trying to identify a group of boys who allegedly shot a girl with water beads. The incident happened Sunday afternoon. Water beads can be used for a variety of purposes. There are also guns that fire the beads. Police say the girl's back injuries are consistent with a "blaster" that fires the beads at high velocity. They burst on contact, and can cause injuries.

Old Town Portland Tactical Incident

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Police spent over six hours outside of an Oldtown apartment after 911 got a call Saturday evening from a woman who said she had been threatened with a gun, and then hung up. The tactical team and negotiators responded. Several streets around Northwest 6th and Everett were closed. No one in the apartment responded. After three and a half hours, police breached the door and found two people inside. No one was injured. The Special Victims Unit arrested 34-year-old Quayshawn Sanders for Domestic Violence Menacing, harassment and outstanding warrants.

Wood Products Facility Fire

(Albany, OR) -- An investigation is ongoing into a fire that damaged a wood products manufacturing plant in Albany last week. Firefighters responded to the plant on Friday. Officials say the fire was located on top of a large building, making it difficult to access, and was moving into the building through air ducts. The fire was contained to the area where it started. Firefighters used a drone with a heat sensitive camera to identify hot spots and put out the fire. No one was hurt.

Fire Season Ramps Up In Oregon

(Salem, OR) -- Wildfire season is ramping up across Oregon. Over 23-hundred people are working to stop six large fires in Oregon. The North Cayuse Fire is the largest at over 48-hundred acres. It's located 15 miles east of Pendleton and it's 91 percent contained. In southern Oregon, the East Evans Creek Fire is five percent contained at 36-hundred acres. The Salmon and Olive Butte fires, southwest of Baker City, are both zero-percent contained. The Olive Butte Fire has burned about 17-hundred and 20 acres. The Salmon Fire is now just over 13-hundred acres.

More Drought Declarations

(Salem, OR) -- Nearly two-thirds of Oregon's counties are suffering from drought conditions. Governor Tina Kotek declared Drought Emergencies yesterday in Curry and Union counties. That brings the total number of counties covered by drought declarations in Oregon to 21 of 36. Nearly all of Union County is in severe drought. All of Curry County is in moderate drought.

Fatal Pedestrian Crash

(Portland, OR) -- A pedestrian was killed by a vehicle early Sunday morning in southeast Portland. The crash happened at Southeast Stark and 139th Avenue. The pedestrian died at the scene. The driver remained and cooperated with investigators. The investigation is ongoing.

Flags Half Staff For Senator Graham

(Salem, OR) -- President Trump has ordered flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the late-Senator Lindsey Graham, who died over the weekend. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a similar order for state buildings yesterday. Flags should be flown at half-staff until 6 p.m. on July 18th.

Police Break Up Illegal Street Takeovers

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Police broke up several illegal street takeover events on Saturday. The first incident happened on North Marine Drive at Leadbetter Road. As many as 200 vehicles were involved with reckless driving, lasers, mortars and other fireworks. Other incidents happened at North Lombard at Chautauqua, Northeast First and Multnomah, and Northeast 102nd and Glisan Street. Multiple arrests were made and several vehicles were towed.

Three Providence Locations Have Measles Exposures

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Health Authority is warning about measles exposures at three Providence locations in the Portland area. They are the Providence Immediate Care on Sunnyside Road, Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center and the Portland Providence Medical Center's emergency department. The exposures happened between July 9th and the 12th. People who were at those locations and don't have a measles vaccination should watch for symptoms.

Interstate Bridge Closures This Week

(Portland, OR) -- The I-5 Interstate Bridge is closing overnights this week for maintenance. Only one direction of I-5 will close at a time. Tonight, I-5 southbound will close from 10 p.m. through 4 a.m. On Wednesday and Thursday, I-5 northbound will close from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Drivers will need to use I-205 to cross the Columbia River.

Portland Fire Responded To 30 Fireworks Cause Fires

(Portland, OR) -- Portland Fire & Rescue responded to 30 fireworks-caused fires between June 23rd and July 6th. That's three more than last year. Two structures and three vehicles were damage by fireworks related fires. There were no injuries. Crews responded to two separate fires on high-rise roofs that had vegetation. They were put out quickly and didn't damage the building. Portland banned fireworks in 2022.

DEQ Selects Climate Investment Entity

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has selected CALSTART as a provisional Community Climate Investment entity for the Climate Protection Program. CALSTART is a nonprofit that will direct money from companies buying credits to offset their greenhouse gas emissions to projects that help the state transition to cleaner energy. CALSTART runs grant, voucher, and incentive programs in Washington state, Colorado and New York. A final agreement still needs to be worked out.

Lane County Rabies Bat

(Eugene, OR) -- Another rabid bat has been found in Lane County. It's the third bat this year to test positive for rabies. Health officials remind everyone that other animals could be exposed to rabies, which is a viral disease affecting the nervous system of mammals. Pet owners are urged to make sure dogs and cats are up to date on their vaccinations. You should assume all bats carry the virus. So far this year, 13 bats in Oregon have been confirmed to have the disease.

Naked Man Arrested For Attempted Kidnapping

(Portland, OR) -- A naked man was arrested Saturday evening in Portland's Waterfront Park for trying to kidnap a seven-year-old girl who was with her family visiting the city. Initially, police didn't have enough officers to respond to reports of a naked man in the park trying to assault people. When he tried to pull the girl from her mother's arms, she pulled back. The girl's father and bystanders punched and hit the suspect. One person sprayed a chemical irritant at him. Police arrived and arrested 31-year-old Daniel Vasey for attempted kidnapping, custodial interference and assault.

Fatal Gresham Fire

(Gresham, OR) -- One person was found dead following a fire in a vacant Gresham building Sunday morning. When firefighters arrived at the building on Northwest Division Street, flames had broken through the second floor roof. Embers from the fire caused spot fires in nearby grass that were quickly put out. Firefighters controlled the fire. Investigators didn't say whether the body was found inside or outside of the building. The Medical Examiner will identify the person and determine the cause of death. The investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

Detroit Lake Lawsuit

(Salem, OR) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers now faces two lawsuits over its plan to draw down water in Detroit Lake Reservoir much further than normal to help salmon runs. Salem filed a lawsuit claiming the plan could put their water treatment plant at risk because of mud that's expected to flow down the Santiam River. They say the federal government is required to complete a turbidity study, which is six months overdue. Marion County also filed a similar lawsuit.

Salem Gun Drug Bust

(Salem, OR) -- Violation of a restraining order led to a major gun and drug bust in Salem last week. Forty-seven-year-old Michael Brasi was arrested by Salem Police. During their investigation, they found 54 guns, eight homemade suppressors and various firearm parts, along with thousands of rounds of ammunition and 3-D printers. They also discovered 129 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 89 grams of fentanyl, 20 grams of cocaine and more than 150 vials of anabolic steroids. Additional weapons and drug charges against Brasi are pending.

Oregon Receives $3 Million in Cash App Settlement

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon and Texas led a lawsuit against Cash-App that has resulted in a 45-million-dollar settlement that goes to 46 states. The lawsuit alleged Block Inc, the company behind the popular peer-to-peer payments app, misled customers about the program's safety and didn't protect from fraud, as required by law. Oregon and Texas will continue to monitor to make sure the company carries out its obligations under a separate 75-million dollar settlement.

Conflagrations Declared For Two Wildfires

(Salem, OR) -- Governor Tina Kotek declared conflagrations for two wildfires over the weekend. The East Evans Creek Fire started when a car hit a utility pole in Jackson County. Winds caused the fire to grow to over 26-hundred acres. There were Level 3 Go Now evacuations. The second conflagration was declared for the Olive Butte Fire, which forced evacuation of Granite in Grant County. The lightning-caused fire burned over 800 acres. The Oregon State Fire Marshal sent four teams of local firefighters to each fire. They will work to protect structures while wildland firefighters battle the main fires.

Ransomware Suspect Pleads Guilty

(Portland, OR) -- An Armenian man from Ukraine has pleaded guilty for his role in a ransomware cyberattack that targeted companies in the U.S., including an Oregon tech company. The Ryuk ransomware locked computers until companies paid ransom and then decryption keys were sent to unlock the systems. Under the plea deal, the man agrees to pay more than a million dollars restitution and faces another 250-thousand dollars in fines, along with up to 10 years in federal prison.

Portland Parks & Rec Free Trees

(Portland, OR) -- Portland's Free Trees program is back. Renters, homeowners, business owners and educators can apply for free trees. They hope to plant 10-thousand trees a year by 2028. Money to pay for the program comes from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund. Neighborhoods with the least tree canopy get higher priority. You can apply on the Portland Parks and Rec website.

New Toy For Zoo's Baby Elephant

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Zoo's baby elephant has a new toy that'll handle her 13-hundred pounds of weight. Tula-Tu turned one earlier this year, and she's gaining weight fast. Her dad weighs 10-thousand pounds. The Zoo gave Tula-Tu a four-foot diameter ball. It's part of her enrichment program. It was donated by the Portland Fire.

Greenhorn Fires Merge

(Greenhorn, OR) -- Two fires near the small eastern Oregon community of Greenhorn have merged to become the one-thousand-acre Salmon Fire. Umatilla National Forest officials have issued an area closure for public safety. Baker County issued a Level Three evacuation notice for people living and camping in the Greenhorn area. The Salmon Fire was first reported after thunderstorms moved through Tuesday night.

Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For Apartment Arson

(Portland, OR) -- A man who pleaded guilty to arson that destroyed an East Portland apartment building last year has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Forty-one-year-old Shaun Michael Szwarz pleaded guilty to arson, assault and bias crime charges. Eight people had to be rescued from the building. Four people jumped to safety. Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez says it was clearly a bias crime.

Justice Department Demands Voter Registration Actions

(Salem, OR) -- The U.S. Department of Justice has sent letters to Secretaries of State across the country demanding information on how voter registration lists are maintained. If they don't reply by Monday, they could face prosecution. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read received the letter. He says county clerks maintain voter roles on a daily basis, removing names that shouldn't be on the list. He says all ballots have individual bar codes and signatures are checked to make sure people can only vote once.

One Injured In Stabbing On MAX Train

(Beaverton, OR) -- One person is injured after being stabbed on a MAX train in Beaverton. It happened yesterday afternoon. Police say the train stopped at the Sunset Transit Center after a man was pepper sprayed and stabbed. The stabbing victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Police arrested 27-year-old Jesus Verduzco on charges of assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

Former Podiatrist Pleads Guilty To Sexual Abuse Charges

(Portland, OR) -- Former Portland podiatrist Brian Bowen has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a dozen of his female patients. He was convicted earlier of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree in a bench trial held in front of Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Albrecht. Bowen is expected to be sentenced to at least eight years in prison. His sentencing is schedule for next month.

Enchanted Forest Bomb Threat

(Salem, OR) -- The Enchanted Forest theme park south of Salem was evacuated on Thursday following a bomb threat. The Marion County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police responded to search the park. Nothing suspicious was found. The park remained closed the rest of the day as a precaution. The investigation into the threat is ongoing.

Oregon Drought Expands

(Portland, OR) -- Nearly 87 percent of Oregon is now in at least Moderate Drought. That's despite the recent rain. NOAA reports that over the last five years, temperatures in the Pacific Northwest have been the warmest since records started being kept 130 years ago. The lack of snowpack during the winter will hurt river levels this summer going into fall. Nineteen counties in Oregon have received drought declarations from the Governor. Requests from Curry and Union counties are pending.

Major Freeway Closures Planned

(Portland, OR) -- Closures are planned on I-205 and I-5 starting this weekend. Friday at 11 p.m., I-205 northbound will close over the Abernethy Bridge for concrete pouring. It'll re-open Saturday morning when the work is complete. Then, I-5 will close in both directions Saturday at 10 p.m. for installation of a sign bridge near the Oregon Convention Center. It'll reopen around noon Sunday. Next week, there will be overnight closures of the I-5 Interstate Bridge for inspections.

Portland Council Denies Lloyd Center Demolition Appeal

(Portland, OR) -- Portland City Council is denying an appeal to save the Lloyd Center Mall. Council members voted unanimously against the appeal yesterday. The move clears the way for demolition and redevelopment of the site. The appeal claimed the Design Commission didn't consider preservation of the ice rink and it didn't respond to public testimony when it approved the master plan. The mall will close August 8th. The new development will include housing, businesses and parks.

Swimmer Drowns In Molalla River

(Canby, OR) -- A man is dead after drowning while swimming in the Molalla River at Canby Community Park. It happened Tuesday afternoon. Clackamas County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a man going underwater while swimming. Several agencies responded, located the man and pulled him from the river. Despite life saving efforts, he died at the scene. Deputies say he was not wearing a life jacket.

PGE Data Center Rates

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Public Utility Commission has approved a request from Portland General Electric that increases rates for data centers 29 percent. Residential customers will see a rate decrease of one-point-three percent, or about two-dollars a month. Commercial customers will pay two-point-one percent less. Public utilities are allowed to charge data centers the higher rate under the POWER Act that was approved by the Legislature earlier this year.

Missing Navy Commander From Oregon

(Oakland, OR) -- A missing U.S. Navy officer who's lost and presumed dead in the Arabian Sea is from Oakland, Oregon. Commander Gabriel Edwards went missing after a helicopter he was on made an emergency water landing. The Navy says several ships and aircraft have searched over 14-thousand square miles. Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and two children.

MAX Orange Line Disruption

(Portland, OR) -- The MAX Orange Line will be shut down between PSU and the Clinton Street/12th Avenue station today through Sunday. Crews will be working on the Tilikum Crossing Bridge deck. Shuttle buses will run in place of the trains. Passengers should plan on 15 to 30 minute delays.

Benton County Ballots Raise USPS Questions

(Corvallis, OR) -- The Benton County clerk says ballots weren't collected from a dozen mailboxes in the Primary election because mail carriers were told to prioritize packages first. Benton County Clerk Darla Rush says she learned from Mid-Valley Media that the ballots were missed. She notified state officials and the U.S. Postal Service. She's encouraging voters to use county drop boxes for ballots in future elections.

House Fire Kills Man In Cornelius

(Cornelius, OR) -- An investigation is ongoing into a house fire that killed a man in Cornelius. Firefighters responded to the house on Baseline Street Wednesday morning and were told a person might be inside. Once the fire was under control enough to enter the building, they found 68-year-old Jerry Milliken dead inside his home. Washington County deputies are working with the fire department to determine the cause of the fire.

Immigration Requests In Oregon Up 246 Percent

(Salem, OR) -- A new report shows requests from federal agencies to Oregon state departments for immigration information increased 246 percent over the last year. The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission's annual Sanctuary Promise Act report shows public bodies reported 329 communications from federal immigration authorities. Most of the requests came from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, then Homeland Security. The most common type of request was for immigration detainer. Oregon has been a sanctuary state since 1987.

Portland Budget Measure Closer To Ballot

(Portland, OR) -- A group trying to get a measure on Portland's ballot this November that would give the public more say in budgeting is closer to its goal. They turned in 78-thousand signatures by Monday's deadline. That's well over the 40-thousand signature required to get on the ballot. The measure would create a program where two percent of the city's discretionary revenue would be decided by voters. The city elections office needs to verify the signatures before the measure goes on the ballot.

Fireworks Launched From Deck Cause Brush Fire

(Lincoln City, OR) -- Lincoln City Police say a grass fire threatening homes on Saturday was sparked by a group of men launching fireworks from the deck of a house. It burned about an acre and came within 30 feet of three homes. The men initially denied using the fireworks, until police showed them video taken by a neighbor. The men were cited on misdemeanor reckless burning charges and are scheduled to appear in court July 20th.

Restaurant Fire At Shopping Center

(Hillsboro, OR) -- An investigation is ongoing into a fire that damaged a Hillsboro restaurant Sunday morning. The restaurant is located at the Evergreen Parkway Shopping Center. The first crews on the scene found heavy smoke coming from the roof. People in the building evacuated and the sprinklers turned on. The fire was put out, but crews had to work in the attic to stop the fire's spread. No one was injured.

Sharing The Spirit Of America

(Portland, OR) -- Oregon is set to take part in a simultaneous nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence this afternoon. A group of a dozen local leaders will read the document aloud in the Oregon Historical Society's research library starting at 3 p.m. The speakers include Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Meagan Flynn, former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Secretary of State Tobias Read. The nationwide reading was organized to mark the day that the document was first read aloud on July 8th of 1776. The effort spans 95-hundred miles and nine time zones. It comes in honor of America's 250th anniversary.

Eight Charged For Starting Brush Fire

(Lincoln City, OR) -- Eight people are charged in connection with a fireworks-related brush fire on the Fourth of July in Lincoln City. The flames were burning up a hillside from the beach. Residents along Southwest Coast Avenue were on standby to evacuate, but firefighters contained the fire.

Oregon Distributes $97 Million In Federal Rural Health Care Funding

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Health Authority is awarding 97-million-dollars to improve rural health care programs. The money goes to 136 new projects in all of Oregon's counties. The money comes from the Big, Beautiful Bill Act. The total received so far this year is 175-million-dollars. Oregon could receive more money in the future depending on a review of this year's spending. At the current funding level, over four years Oregon could receive one-billion-dollars through the program.

Oregon Gas Prices Continue Decline

(Portland, OR) -- Gas prices in Oregon continued to decline over the last week. Triple-A reports Oregon's average price for a gallon of gas fell 13 cents to four-56, while the national average declined six cents to three-79. Oregon's average is still 54 cents higher than this time last year. Iran continues to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz which caused oil prices to increase on Tuesday, and that could affect gas prices if oil prices remain higher.

Police Kill One Person In Beaverton

(Beaverton, OR) -- One person is dead after being shot by police in Beaverton over the weekend. The Beaverton Police Department says the officer-involved shooting happened Sunday night. Officers were responding to a robbery at a marijuana dispensary on Hall Boulevard near Highway 217 when they opened fire on the suspect. The suspect died at the scene. No officers were injured. Investigators have not said what led to the shooting.

Report: 2026 Could Be Among Deadliest Years For West Coast Whales

(Portland, OR) -- Biologists are sounding the alarm about a surge in whale deaths along the West Coast. The Center for Biological Diversity says 2026 is on track to be one of the deadliest years on record for whales on the West Coast spanning from California up to Alaska. So far this year, at least 51 whales have died along the West Coast. The Center for Biological Diversity says that if whale deaths continue at this rate, 2026 will end up being the second-deadliest year on record for West Coast whales. The deadliest year was 2019, when 122 whales died.

Firefighter, Pyrotechnician Injured In Fireworks Accident

(Estacada, OR) -- A firefighter and certified pyrotechnician is hospitalized after being severely injured by a Fourth of July firework in Estacada. Micah Koch was working on the Estacada fireworks display at the high school for his fourth year Saturday night when the incident happened. Details of what happened were not released, but authorities say Koch suffered a severe injury after the show. Estacada Fire says Koch faces a long recovery. A Go Fund Me account was created to help his family.

July 4th Portland Protests

(Portland, OR) -- The Portland Police Bureau says officers responded to multiple demonstrations in downtown Portland on July 4th. Opposing groups had physical confrontations. Police had the Rapid Response Team, Dialogue Officers, a public address vehicle and the Air Support Unit monitor the event. Officers had a visible presence on the street, which they think helped reduce criminal activity. One man was arrested for using a stick to damage a utility box and another man was arrested for adding accelerant to a fire. No significant injuries were reported.

Portland Ranks In Middle Of Pack For Stress Levels

(Portland, OR) -- Portland ranks around the middle of the pack when it comes to stress levels, compared to the rest of the nation. That's according to a new report from Elevate Leadership. The website analyzed multiple factors like unemployment, commute times, income, housing affordability, child care costs, divorce rates, healthcare and crime in the U.S.' 100 largest cities. Portland was ranked 49th among the least stressed cities, with a grade of B-plus. Omaha, Nebraska was ranked number 1 as the least stressed city. Newark, New Jersey was rated most stressed.

Salem Sues Federal Government Over DEI Requirement

(Salem, OR) -- The City of Salem is filing a lawsuit against U.S. Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency over requirements on disaster relief grants. The lawsuit claims the Trump administration is unlawfully attaching political conditions to grants. It says the requirements go beyond what Congress authorized by tying the funding to DEI policies, immigration enforcement, and gender identity.

Police ID Victim Of Deadly Boat Crash

(Portland, OR) -- Police are releasing the identity of a woman killed in a Fourth of July boat crash on Sauvie Island. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says 25-year-old Rosalyn Albornoz Lopez was killed in the crash Saturday night. The crash happened when a 33-foot power boat hit a metal walkway leading to a dock on Sauvie Island and beached on the shore. The boat's operator was a 51-year-old man. Three other passengers were in their 20s. The investigation into how the crash happened is ongoing.

Woman Injured In Fourth Of July Shooting In Salem

(Salem, OR) -- An investigation is ongoing into a Fourth of July shooting that injured a woman in Salem. Police say a group of nearly 20 people were lighting fireworks in a private parking lot. They didn't have permission to use the lot, and a 54-year-old man who's a groundskeeper for the property asked the group to leave. They refused and people in the crowd started to assault the man. During the altercation he fired several rounds from a gun into the ground and one shot hit a woman's lower leg. The investigation continues. No charges have been filed.

Sharing The Spirit Of America

(Portland, OR) -- Oregon will join communities across the country tomorrow to read the Declaration of Independence all at the same time. The nationwide effort in honor of America's 250th anniversary will span 95-hundred miles and nine time zones. At 3 p.m. in the Oregon Historical Society's research library, 12 people will read the Declaration of Independence. They include Meagan Flynn, the Chief Justice, Oregon Supreme Court; former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski; and Tobias Read, Oregon's Secretary of State.

Fatal Boat Crash

(Portland, OR) -- One person was killed and four people were injured when a 33-foot boat crashed on Sauvie Island late Saturday night. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says the boat hit a metal walkway that ran from the shore to a dock. Investigators say it's too early to determine if speed, impairment or lighting conditions were factors in the case. The investigation is ongoing.

Three Killed In Wrong Way Head-On Crash

(Battle Ground, WA) -- Three people were killed in a wrong way head-on crash early Sunday morning on Highway 503 near Battle Ground. Washington State Patrol says a Dodge Challenger was driving the wrong way and collided with a Toyota 4Runner. The driver and passenger in the Challenger died at the scene. They weren't wearing seat belts. A passenger in the 4Runner also died at the scene. The 4Runner driver was hospitalized. The investigation into the cause of the crash continues.

Hiker Rescued In Columbia River Gorge

(Cascade Locks, OR) -- An injured hiker was airlifted from a trail in the Columbia River Gorge. On Friday, Multnomah County Sheriff's deputies responded to hiker who fell and was injured on the Angel's Rest Trail. The terrain was too steep for the woman to be carried out. A Coast Guard helicopter from Astoria responded to airlift the woman from the trail. She was flown to Troutdale and then taken to a hospital in an ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.

Libraries Get Oregon State Parks Passes

(Salem, OR) -- More libraries across Oregon are getting parking permits for Oregon State Parks. You can check out a permit when you plan to visit a park. A pilot program in 2024 used 28 libraries. Now, 200 permits have been distributed to 82 libraries. The Oregon State Parks website has a list of participating libraries. You need a library card to borrow a permit.

Fatal ATV Crash

(Orchards, WA) -- An ATV rider was killed in a crash with a car late Saturday night in Clark County, Washington. The Sheriff's Office reports the driver of a car was making a left turn when it collided with an ATV being driven northbound on Northeast 137th Avenue in Orchards. The 39-year-old ATV driver didn't have a helmet or other protective equipment. He died at a hospital. The driver of the car remained at the scene. Investigators say alcohol impairment by the ATV driver may have been a factor in the crash.

Salmon Hatchery Funding Cut

(Washington, D.C.) -- Democratic members of Oregon's Congressional delegation are urging the Bonneville Power Administration to reconsider a decision to cut nearly two-and-a-half-million-dollars from a salmon hatchery program. Eighty percent of the salmon that return to the Columbia River for commercial and recreational fishing come from hatcheries. The BPA cut funding to the Safe Area Fisheries Enhancement program with less than four months' notice. Native salmon runs are negatively impacted by dams that provide electricity to the BPA.

Oregon Zoo Releases Rare Butterfly Larvae Along Coast

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Zoo has released over 13-hundred rare Oregon silverspot larvae along the coast to grow the butterfly population. They thrive on early blue violets, and the plants only grow in large enough numbers at Nestucca Bay and Saddle Mountain. Invasive weeds and forest changes have reduced the early blue violet growing areas. The Zoo captures silverspots during the summer, they lay eggs that become caterpillars, and once they become larvae, they're released to become butterflies.

Fatal Shooting Investigation

(Salem, OR) -- Salem Police say a man with a court order to stay away from a woman shot himself outside of her apartment on Tuesday. The woman called police to report the man was in a car outside of her apartment. He was known to carry a gun. As police approached the car they heard a gunshot. The man was transported to Salem Hospital where he died.

Military Member Arrested For Child Rape In Vancouver

(Vancouver, WA) -- An active-duty U.S. military member is facing child rape and trafficking charges following an incident in a Vancouver hotel room. Vancouver police arrested 20-year-old Andrew Guerrero late last month after he allegedly had sex with juvenile girls in his hotel room. Police say Guerrero was working in Portland and staying at a hotel in Vancouver. A month before arriving, Police say he met the 13- and 16-year-old girls on social media a month before arriving. He then allegedly gave them alcohol and exploited them for sex, all while recording the incidents on social media. Guerrero is charged with six counts of Rape of a Child and Trafficking.

Life Insurance Fraud Ring

(Salem, OR) -- Authorities are warning residents about a fraud ring that's targeting people with offers of real-life insurance policies. The victim receives a telemarketing call to get basic personal information. That's forwarded to a real insurance agent who's working with the ring. They call to complete the application, which is made without the victim's consent or knowledge. They often submit applications for multiple policies. The agent gets a commission before the policy is issued. The fraud is discovered when a bill for the first premium arrives. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation recommends not giving information to anyone you don't know.

I-5 Interstate Bridge Federal Approval

(Vancouver, WA) -- The federal government is allowing the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project to move forward. The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration issued an Amended Record of Decision. It follows completion of the federal environmental review. The approval clears the way for Washington and Oregon to start identifying a contractor and securing permits to build the new I-5 Interstate bridge.

Fatal NE Portland Crash

(Portland, OR) -- One person was killed and another person was hospitalized in a violent crash Tuesday morning in Northeast Portland. It happened on Northeast Lombard near 72nd Avenue. Investigators say an Infinity G35 was traveling westbound on Lombard at a high rate of speed and missed a turn, rolling and hitting a metal light pole. A passenger was killed. The driver was hospitalized with several injuries. Criminal charges are pending. Excessive speed and alcohol are factors in the crash.

Former Cop Sentenced For Killing Wife

(Oregon City, OR) -- A former Gladstone police officer has been sentenced a second time for the 2011 murder of his wife. Lynn Benton was originally sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Debbie Higbee in her Gladstone beauty salon. The Oregon Supreme Court overturned the murder conviction. In May, Benton pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of First-Degree Manslaughter. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He's served 15 years since the original conviction.

Convenience Store Drug Dealer Sentenced

(Portland, OR) -- The former owner of a North Portland convenience store has been sentenced for selling illegal drugs. The Stop N Go Mini Mart is located near Dawson Park. Donald Sharma owned the store and when police searched the business they found cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl pills. They also found digital scales that had drug residue on them, baggies, razor blades and other items used to sell drugs. Sharma pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 13-months in prison.

Last Minute Campsites Available

(Salem, OR) -- While Oregon's most popular campgrounds are full for the Fourth of July weekend, there are plenty of quieter campgrounds still available for tent campers. The Oregon Department of Forestry has several developed recreation sites. Morrison Eddy Campground is located along the Nehalem River. While's a horse camp, there are tent sites available. Other horse camps include Northrup Creek, Santiam, and Reehers Camp in the Tillamook State Forest.

Police ID Man Killed In Blue Pool

(Linn County, OR) -- Police are releasing the identity of a man who died while swimming at the base of Tamolitch Falls, also know as the Blue Pool. Authorities say 21-year-old Kenny Truong of Kansas was killed in the accident Friday. Witnesses say the Wichita State University student jumped into the water and struggled to swim. People tried to help him reach shore, but they were unsuccessful. The Linn County Sheriff's Office says while Blue Pool is beautiful, the water temperature is 37 degrees and can cause immediate shock. Cell coverage is weak in the area and it can take hours to reach a hospital.

50 Year Rape Sentence

(Portland, OR) -- A man is facing five decades behind bars for raping a child over the course of several years. A Multnomah County judge sentenced Elder Gutierrez-Zuniga to 50 years in prison yesterday. Last year, a young teenager told an adult she had been sexually abused since she was around six years old and that it had continued until she was a young teenager. Text messages backed up her story to police. Three of the rape charges and six sodomy charges against Gutierrez-Zuniga qualified for Jessica's Law sentencing standards.

States Win Federal Housing Lawsuit

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon and 18 states have won a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over cuts to federal housing funds worth three-billion-dollars. U.S. Housing and Urban Development issued illegal conditions on Continuum of Care grants. A federal judge issued a partial summary judgement, ruling that the funding restrictions are unlawful and can't be implemented. The federal government can appeal.

Rabid Bat Found In Benton County

(Benton County, OR) -- Authorities say a bat found in Benton County that may have been in contact with domestic animals has tested positive for rabies. It's the first time this year that a rabid bat has been found in the county. It's common for bats to carry rabies, which is why it's important to avoid contact with them. If a bat is on the ground, or acting strange, don't touch it.

Portland Airport Remodeling Finished

(Portland, OR) -- The 11-year remodeling project at Portland International Airport is complete. The more than two-billion-dollar project included seismic resilience, better passenger flow and a reduced carbon footprint. The nine-acre roof is made from mass timber that came from forests within 300 miles of the airport. There are more than 70 live trees and 75-hundred plants inside of the building. A total of 27 local retailers are available for travelers.

Birthright Citizenship Ruling

(Salem, OR) -- Local leaders are reacting to yesterday's U.S. Supreme Court decision denying President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield issued a statement saying birthright citizenship is a constitutional promise and it's a win for every child born on American soil. Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement saying the high court upheld the 14th Amendment. Republican gubernatorial candidate State Senator Christine Drazan did not comment on the citizenship ruling, but applauded the Supreme Court's decision allowing states to impose bans on transgender athletes competing in girls and women's sports, calling it a victory for fairness.

DMV Reminds About Planned Online Outage

(Salem, OR) -- Anyone with online business to do with the Oregon DMV is being urged to get it done before tomorrow afternoon. The DMV2U website and self-serve Express Kiosks will be offline over the holiday weekend for a system upgrade. DMV2U goes offline at 4 p.m. Thursday and the kiosks will stop working at 8 p.m. DMV offices will be closed on Friday for the holiday. All services are expected to return to normal Monday morning, July 6th.

Bait Bike Results In Arrests

(Hillsboro, OR) -- A bait bike is leading to several arrests in Washington County. The Sheriff's Office put a GPS tracker in the bike. They place it in neighborhoods around Aloha, allowing it to get stolen. The GPS leads them to the suspects and they make arrests. The operation has led to nearly three-dozen arrests since April, including suspects wanted for outstanding warrants and drug possession.

Gas Prices Higher Than Last Year

(Portland, OR) -- Gas prices in Oregon are falling, but they're still higher than this time last year. Triple-A reports the national average is down eight cents to $3.85 a gallon and Oregon's average is down 15 cents at $4.68. That's still 65 cents more a gallon that it was during last year's Fourth of July week. The fragile agreement between the U.S. and Iran while negotiations continue on an agreement to end the war is allowing oil prices to decline.

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