Your trusted source for local Portland, OR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A Portland man, Kenneth Kolarsky, 58, faces arrest for a fatal hit-and-run that killed pedestrian Nicolas Hernandez-Mendoza in Woodburn last December. Kolarsky, who had an outstanding felony warrant, was apprehended outside Silverton Hospital on Saturday night. Authorities continue to investigate the incident that occurred while Hernandez-Mendoza was crossing the street.
Oregon parents favor book-themed baby names, with Ramona, Estrella, and Westley being over four times more popular than nationally. Matilda also sees a significant uptick, appearing three times more often in the state. However, Oliver and Olivia remain the most common names overall in Oregon.
Positive Charge! PDX organized a weekend collection event in Portland to address period poverty by encouraging donations of menstrual and hygiene products. The initiative, part of the Period Power Project, aims to assist low-income individuals, with statistics revealing that one in three low-income women and girls miss commitments due to lack of access to essential supplies.
The Portland Police Bureau intensified its efforts to combat sex trafficking along Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Sandy Boulevard, arresting 30 individuals aged 18 to 71 for commercial sexual solicitation. The Human Trafficking Unit collaborated with community partners, towed six vehicles, and reached out to 25 service providers to assist victims of trafficking.
TriMet plans to implement faregates at train stations to combat rising fare evasion, which has surged since the pandemic. A recent report revealed that 27% of surveyed MAX riders traveled without valid fare, costing the agency significantly. The initiative aims to restore ridership levels and enhance security on public transit.
Five individuals were arrested in Washington County during an undercover sting operation aimed at online child predators. The suspects, ranging in age from 24 to 65, allegedly attempted to lure minors for sexual encounters. Investigators believe there may be more victims involved.
Authorities in Oregon euthanized a suffering camel at the West Coast Game Park Safari following a veterinary diagnosis of serious medical conditions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has flagged ongoing concerns about animal welfare at the park for nearly a decade, prompting a criminal investigation by the Oregon State Police.
Fourteen-year-old Varun Varma, diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, inspires others with his positive attitude as he participates in the Sam Day Buddy Run. This year, Seth Buchwalter runs in Varma's honor, aiming to raise funds for childhood cancer research. The event, organized by the Sam Day Foundation, hopes to raise $90,000 to support this cause.
Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, killing 57 people and reshaping the Pacific Northwest. Eyewitnesses recall the surreal experience of ash falling like snow, while geologists note that sediment from the eruption is still being dredged from local rivers. Ongoing monitoring of the volcano helps prepare for future eruptions.
Oregon lawmakers advanced a bill to expedite the renaming of geographic locations with derogatory names, building on a 2001 initiative. The proposed legislation requires the Oregon Geographic Names Board to collaborate with the Oregon Historical Society and aims to create a comprehensive list of offensive names within three years.