Latest News in Portland, OR

Man guilty except for insanity in 3 killings despite family pleas for harsher punishment

Joseph Kelly Banks was found guilty except for insanity of three murders and attempted murders in a series of shootings in Portland, Oregon, in 2022. Despite the court's ruling that Banks suffers from schizophrenia, family members of the victims expressed their frustration over the leniency of the verdict. Banks will be committed to the Oregon State Hospital for mental health treatment instead of facing prison time.

Suspect arrested in case of Portland woman found dead in car with unharmed baby

A 31-year-old man named Dariel Nunez Montero has been arrested in connection with the murder of Courtney Clinton, whose body was discovered in a parked car in Vancouver, Washington, alongside an unharmed baby. Montero, who is already incarcerated in Kentucky on unrelated charges, faces a first-degree murder warrant issued by a Clark County court. The incident has been described as "apparently random and violent" by police officials.

Celebrating Earth Day Shining a Light on Local Sustainability Heroes

KATU, in partnership with Pacific Office Automation, is celebrating Earth Day by highlighting local nonprofits dedicated to environmental sustainability. Throughout April, the initiative will showcase stories of organizations making significant contributions to cleaner air, greener spaces, and climate education. This effort aims to inspire community involvement in building a healthier future for Oregon.

State economist breaks down potential impact of Trump tariffs on Oregon

President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs, initiating a 10% levy on imports from all countries, with higher rates for the "worst offenders." Economists predict a rise in consumer prices and a significant impact on the U.S. economy, particularly in Oregon, where manufacturing has already shown signs of stress. State economist Carl Riccadonna discusses the potential long-term effects and adjustments businesses may need to make.

Willamette Week Roadblocks to affordable housing

The article discusses the challenges faced by Oregon's government in addressing affordable housing, particularly under Governor Tina Kotek's administration. It highlights a recent report by the Oregon Journalism Project that questions whether local wage laws hinder housing development efforts. The conversation includes insights from Nigel Jaquiss, emphasizing the complexities of political motivations behind housing policies.

UO student visa revoked without prior notice amid growing immigration scrutiny

The University of Oregon is facing scrutiny after the Department of Homeland Security revoked an international student's visa without prior notice. Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and legal U.S. resident, was arrested for leading pro-Palestinian protests, raising concerns about immigration policies and free speech. The situation highlights broader national trends affecting international students amid intensified immigration enforcement.

Oregon conservationists celebrate legal victory against BLM's old-growth logging

Conservation groups in Oregon achieved a significant legal victory against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as a federal judge ruled the agency's logging plans for old-growth forest lands were illegal. The ruling emphasizes the importance of protecting late successional reserves, which are critical for maintaining old-growth ecosystems. Conservationists now aim to collaborate with BLM on projects focused on fire resiliency and habitat preservation rather than timber sales.

Man fired in ODOT whistleblower complaint gets 465,000

A former employee of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will receive $465,000 as part of a whistleblower settlement related to payroll issues following a system switch. The employee was terminated after raising concerns about missing and incorrect paychecks that affected numerous state workers. The agency confirmed that the payroll issues have since been resolved.

Portland City Council debates ordinance to ban AI in rent pricing

The Portland City Council is deliberating on an ordinance proposed by Councilor Angelita Morillo that seeks to ban the use of artificial intelligence in setting rent prices. This legislation aims to combat potential anti-competitive practices within the housing market, particularly in light of recent antitrust investigations involving major landlords. The proposal has sparked a heated debate among stakeholders regarding its implications for small landlords and the overall housing market.

Man indicted for fatal 2023 shooting in Washington County parking lot

A grand jury has indicted Dwight Deshawn Dew Jr. for the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Pedro Antonio Prieto-Lopez in a Washington County parking lot in May 2023. Dew Jr., who was already incarcerated for a separate offense, faces charges including manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.