Your trusted source for local Portland, OR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Portland Japanese Garden is introducing winter decorations for the first time in 44 years, aimed at protecting its trees during the colder months. These decorative ropes help lift branches, allowing them to better withstand the weight of snow and frost, showcasing the garden's commitment to tree preservation.
Vancouver Public Schools announced that charges against Shadbreon Gatson, a teacher at Hudson's Bay High School, have been dropped due to the expiration of the statute of limitations regarding alleged sexual misconduct with a student in 2013. The school district confirmed that Gatson will remain on leave while they conduct their own investigation into the matter, prompting community concerns about student safety.
Oregon state veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz reports that bird flu transmission between species is rare, following the death of a house cat in Washington County from the virus contracted through raw turkey cat food. Health officials are investigating and advising cat owners to discard specific pet food products linked to the infection, as symptoms in cats can include neurological issues like lethargy and blindness.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is investigating a bomb threat made against the courthouse in St. Helens, Oregon. The courthouse was evacuated as a precaution, but after a thorough search, nothing suspicious was found, and it has since reopened. Authorities are working to identify the individual responsible for the threat.
On December 27, 2024, a powerline collapse in Vancouver, Washington, caused multiple fires and injuries, including electric shocks to three firefighters. A critically injured victim was hospitalized, and the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident.
The Washington State Patrol is investigating a pedestrian fatality on SR-500 in Clark County. A 53-year-old man was struck and killed while standing in the westbound lane on December 27. The driver was unharmed, and the victim's name is pending family notification.
Two young children, aged 1 and 4, were safely recovered in Portland after their father was arrested following an abduction case that began in Olympia. The father, who missed a mandatory check-in during a supervised visit, was found driving a stolen vehicle. An Amber Alert was issued and later canceled after the successful recovery of the children.
A 31-year-old man, Jesus Ascencio-Molina, was arrested for allegedly stabbing an 86-year-old man multiple times in a Fred Meyer parking lot in Portland, Oregon. After the attack, he attempted to steal the victim's car but was apprehended by authorities. Ascencio-Molina faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree robbery and attempted murder.
Negotiations between the Oregon Nurses Association and Providence Hospital have stalled after mediation, potentially leading to a significant strike focused on staffing and patient safety.
A fallen tree has completely blocked OR-219 between Newberg and Scholls, leading to a road closure. Motorists are advised by ODOT to find alternate routes, as the closure may last longer than expected.