Local News

Oregon State University has appointed Eron Hodges as the new General Manager of its football program, a strategic move aimed at leveraging his extensive experience in collegiate athletics. Hodges is recognized for his adeptness in player personnel and recruitment, and his commitment to fostering strong relationships with players and their families. This appointment is seen as a significant step in enhancing the program's competitive edge and community engagement.

The Big Pipe Project, a monumental $1.4 billion initiative, has markedly enhanced the health of the Willamette River and Columbia Slough by curbing combined sewer overflows by 94% and 99%, respectively. This achievement has led to cleaner water quality and established Portland as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.

In a decisive move to address a critical funding shortfall in behavioral health services, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved a $2.4 million budget amendment. This action seeks to mitigate the impact of CareOregon's discontinuation of intensive care coordination funding, though some staff reductions remain inevitable.

Clackamas County officials have issued multiple evacuation notices in response to severe flooding impacting around 300 homes. As water levels began to recede, some evacuation orders were lifted, notably in areas such as Carver Mobile Home Ranch. However, the situation remains critical due to landslides and sewer overflows, which have exacerbated the challenges faced by the community.

Congresswoman Janelle Bynum has successfully advanced the bipartisan Accelerating Home Building Act through the House Financial Services Committee, marking a pivotal step toward addressing the housing crisis. The legislation aims to boost housing production and reduce costs nationwide by promoting pattern zoning and initiating a pilot grant program to develop standardized home designs.

Nicholas Matthew Tull, a 23-year-old Portland resident, faces serious charges including first-degree rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and coercion following a harrowing three-day ordeal involving a 15-year-old girl. The teenager, who had run away from home, reported that Tull offered her shelter in exchange for sex, leading to a pattern of abuse. She managed to escape and alert authorities, raising concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable youth.

Portland is grappling with a spate of tragic traffic incidents that have heightened concerns over road safety. Among the recent events is a fatal hit-and-run in the Sumner neighborhood, where a man was killed on Northeast Prescott Street. The driver fled the scene, and police are actively investigating. In another incident, a motorcyclist died following a collision with a semi-truck on Northeast Airport Way. This marks the 42nd traffic-related death in Portland this year, with eight involving motorcyclists. These incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and public awareness initiatives.

The Oregon Nurses Association has raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of immigration detainees at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, urging the institution to uphold patient privacy and safety standards.

A pedestrian was killed in a car crash in North Portland on Friday, December 5th, marking the city’s 41st traffic fatality this year, as Clackamas County deputies shot and wounded a suspect in a separate incident on the same day.

A series of job postings for positions at an immigration detention facility in the Portland area has raised concerns and speculation about the federal government's plans to expand its operations in Oregon.