Your trusted source for local Portland, OR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
An NHRA Top Fuel driver, Shawn Reed, and a spectator sustained injuries during a crash at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington, when Reed's dragster experienced a tire failure at nearly 300 mph. The incident sent a front wheel flying, injuring a woman who was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center. Reed also suffered serious injuries, including fractured ribs and the loss of a finger.
A fire at a 19-unit apartment complex on East Burnside Street in Portland, suspected to be arson, led to a dramatic escape by a family who jumped from a second-story balcony. The suspect, Shaun Szwarz, faces 20 criminal charges and is set to appear in court. Firefighters rescued eight others as they battled the blaze.
A four-year-old child suffered injuries from a mountain lion attack on July 20 in Olympic National Park. The child was hiking with family when the collared cougar bit them, prompting a swift emergency response and subsequent investigation. Rangers located and killed the mountain lion the following day to eliminate any threat to the public.
Salem Police arrested a 26-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman for throwing eggs at homeless individuals during a spree that spanned three nights. Officers recovered about 225 eggs from the suspects' vehicle and charged them with intimidation based on housing status and disorderly conduct.
Alaska Airlines lifted a three-hour system-wide ground stop caused by IT issues, resuming operations by 11 p.m. Pacific on July 20. The airline advised passengers to check flight statuses due to potential residual delays. The cause of the IT problems remains undisclosed.
The Burdoin Fire in the Columbia River Gorge has burned 8,776 acres and remains uncontained as of July 20. The fire has destroyed 14 primary structures and damaged 37 others, prompting evacuation orders in Klickitat County. Approximately 250 structures are threatened, and a firefighter was hospitalized due to injuries.
Kelly Clarkson performed with her daughter River Rose during a Las Vegas residency show, delighting fans with their duet of "Heartbeat Song." The performance garnered attention on social media as Clarkson continues her shows at The Colosseum after overcoming initial setbacks.
Billy Joel revealed in his HBO documentary that his father knocked him unconscious for playing Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" in an upbeat style during a piano recital. Joel's sister, Judy Molinari, shared that their father lacked understanding and kindness towards Billy's musical talent. The documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," explores the tense family dynamics that influenced Joel's childhood.
Four individuals, including a juvenile, suffered stab wounds during a rave on the Eastbank Esplanade in Portland early on July 19. The victims, all under 20, received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, while one adult male has been detained by police. Authorities urge witnesses to come forward with information regarding the incident.
The Filtration Neighbor Update event is scheduled for July 18, 2025, in Bull Run, Virginia. This event will address recent developments related to the Bull Run water treatment project, running from midnight to 9 PM GMT. Community members are encouraged to participate and stay informed about local water quality improvements.