Regional News

I5 Project Aims To Rebuild Portland Neighborhood

PORTLAND, OR -- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek says transportation funding will be a top priority in the 2025 legislative session. That package is likely to include state funding for the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project.

Winta Yohannes, Executive Director of the Albina Vision Trust, says the project will help undo the racist efforts of urban planner Robert Moses, who designed the interstate to divide the Lower Albina neighborhood, "Then, home to 80% of the city’s Black population. The Albina Robert Moses laid his eyes upon was a bustling residential and commercial hub nestled against the banks of the Willamette."

Moses was hired by the city in 1943. Interstate-5 was built in the 1950s and '60s. JT Flowers, with the Albina Vision Trust, says construction was done in the interest of progress, without regard to the impact on that community, "We know what it means to have floors, posts, beams, windows and foundation pulled from under our feet; to be robbed with a smile."

The US Department of Transportation recently awarded $488 million for Albina Vision Infrastructure Projects. Yohannes says capping the freeway in North Portland will eventually reconnect a community lost decades ago, "This catalytic infusion will restitch the district by constructing a buildable highway cover, transform the streetscape of our neighborhood and accelerate the generational work of rebuilding Albina." She adds, "We are leading America’s largest restorative redevelopment effort. One that centers the rerouting of Black people, families and culture in the core of Portland’s city center."

Congressman Earl Blumenauer says he’s pleased to be part of undoing a piece of the city's racist past, "I feel like I’ve been chasing the ghost of Robert Moses, literally, for 50 years. And too often, he was ahead of us. But slowly but surely, we’ve turned that." He says, "This is the way Portland’s comeback occurs. It goes through Albina; it goes through the partnerships that are being developed. And the half billion dollars is a drop in the bucket." He believes it’ll also rebuild wealth in the community.

The USDOT money is just a portion of what’s needed for the massive project and the state is expected to pitch in.

Photo: Supporters celebrate the $488M allocation of federal money. (l-r) US Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), US Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), US Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), State Rep. Tawna Sanchez (D-North Portland), State Sen. Lew Frederick (D-North Portland), Albina Vision Trust Executive Director Winta Yohannes, Albina Vision Trust Board Chair Mike Alexander, US Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Portland City Commissioner Mingus Mapps.

Hikers Stuck Near Waterfall Self Rescue

(Multnomah Falls, OR) -- Two women hiking in the Columbia River Gorge on Saturday got trapped near a waterfall. Corbett Fire and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office responded. The call came in around 6 p.m. A drone was flown over the area and the woman acknowledged the drone. They were able to eventually work their way back to a trail and weren't injured. It happened in the same area where a woman was found dead at the base of a cliff earlier in the day.

Suspects Arrested In Carjacking

(Portland, OR) -- Two suspects in a carjacking on Friday in Northeast Portland have been arrested. The victim was unloading groceries from his car when the two suspects approached, pointed a gun at the victim and stole his SUV. The victim wasn't injured. Police spotted the SUV near Northeast 82nd and Lombard and the vehicle was found crashed near Northeast 70th and Mason. The suspects ran, but were caught by police. Forty-one-year-old Raheim Carter and 24-year-old Brandon Plumb were arrested for robbery and auto theft.

Dumpster Fire Threatens Apartments

(Portland, OR) -- A dumpster fire threatened two apartment buildings in Northeast Portland early Sunday morning. The fire was burning between both buildings and had spread to the siding. Firefighters cut holes in the roof and were able to keep the flames from spreading. Several units were damaged. Everyone safely evacuated the buildings. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. While the fire was being fought, a shooting happened nearby and one engine was sent to the shooting to help the victims.

Boeing Plane Loses Panel

(Meford, OR) -- The FAA is investigating how a Boeing plane lost a piece of external panel prior to landing at the Medford airport last Friday. A United Airlines ground crew discovered the damage on the underside of the aircraft after it parked at the gate. The flight carrying 139 people and six crew members departed San Francisco and landed in southern Oregon shortly before noon. Everyone on board appeared unaware of the problem until the plane landed.

The Oregon Zoo Welcomes Baby Penguin

(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Zoo has a new baby small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The tiny, fluffy Humboldt penguin chick hatched last week and managers in the penguin habitat say the chick's parents are doing a great job caring for their new arrival. It'll grow fast. By summer, it'll be as tall as its parents. The chick is the 194th Humboldt chick to hatch in Portland since breeding of the threatened species began at the zoo in the 1980s. Humboldt penguins are native to the South American coastline off Peru and Chile.

Two Wounded In Drive-By Shooting

(Portland, OR) -- Two men were injured in a drive-by shooting early Sunday morning outside of a bar in the Lloyd District. Officers responded to the shooting near 14th and Northeast Broadway and found one man who was wounded by gunfire. Another shooting victim was taken to a hospital in a private vehicle. Both men suffered non-life threatening injuries. The suspects fired the shots from a moving car and fled the scene. No arrests have been made.

Asian Man Injured In Unprovoked Attack In Portland

(Portland, OR) -- A 73-year-old man is recovering from a brutal, unprovoked attack along Portland's Eastbank Esplanade. His family wonders if he was targeted for being Asian. Xinmin Liang  was fishing Tuesday morning near the Steel Bridge, when a white man dressed in gray and a blue beanie approached. Police claim he didn't say a word, just beat the victim with a big wooden stick until it broke and then left. Xinmin has a broken arm and a bruised, swollen face. No arrest has been made. Police are calling this an assault investigation for now, but it could turn into a bias crime.

Suspect Arrested In East Portland Bias Crimes

(Portland, OR) -- A Southeast Portland man accused of a bias attack on his neighbor a Hazelwood area apartment in early February is back in jail, accused of attacking the same neighbor again. Fifty-one-year-old Fabian Bigeagle was arrested on February 5th, for punching his neighbor, after previously calling him a racial slur. He was charged with Bias Crime and Assault and released from jail. Wednesday, police responded to another assault. The same victim had been punched in the face and called a racial slur again. Bigeagle was arrested Thursday, charged with Bias Crime, Burglary and Assault.

Natural Gas Leak Forces Evacuation

(Vancouver, WA) -- A Vancouver neighborhood is back in their homes after being evacuated for a gas leak. The fire department responded to the area of 11-hundred West Fourth Plain Boulevard yesterday afternoon on a report of natural gas leaking. Crews cleared everyone out and closed the road. Turns out, a car had hit a gas meter. No one was hurt. The gas was turned off and the area reopened after it was safe.

Disqualified GOP Senators File For New Offices

(Salem, OR) -- Two Oregon Republican state senators who are barred from running for re-election due to last year's walkout are running for different offices. Dallas Senator Brian Boquist is running for state treasurer as the only Republican candidate. State Senator Elizabeth Steiner and Jeff Gudman, a financial analyst, are running on the Democratic side. Klamath County State Senator Dennis Linthicum is running for secretary of state. He'll face investment broker Brent Barker and market analyst Tim McCloud in the May primary.

Serial Burglary Suspect Indicted

(Gresham, OR) -- A serial burglary suspect has been indicted for allegedly breaking into businesses in Gresham and Portland. Gresham Police started investigating last October when two businesses were burglarized. They found the suspect was also connected to three other burglaries in Portland and Gresham. Thirty-seven-year-old Adam Johnson was already in jail on other charges. A Multnomah County grand jury has now indicted him on 17 charges in connection with the burglaries.

Portland Offers Discounts On St. Patrick's Day Rides Home

(Portland, OR) -- People celebrating St. Patrick's Day around Portland this weekend can get a free ride. The city is offering discounts on taxi, Uber and Lyft rides to help residents get home safe. This starts tonight and will be available between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. on Monday. Discount codes will be added to the Uber and Lyft apps starting at 8 o'clock this morning. Paper coupons for up to 20-dollars off a taxi ride can be found at many locations. The PBOT website has additional details.

Def Leppard & Journey Announce Moda Center Performance

(Portland, OR) -- Tickets go on sale today for this summer's Def Leppard and Journey concert at Portland's Moda Center. The bands will perform September 2nd. Def Leppard released their 12th studio album Diamond Star Halos in 2022 and in 2023 released Drastic Symphonies, featuring their greatest tracks reimagined with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road. Journey has been playing sold out arenas on their Freedom Tour.

More Time For Wind Energy Comment Requested

(Washington, D.C.) -- Some Oregon lawmakers are concerned about federal offshore wind energy projects planned for several coastal communities. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Congresswoman Val Hoyle sent a letter this week to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management asking the agency to extend the comment period for the Coos Bay and Brookings Wind Energy Areas. They say the potential impacts warrant more public engagement before environmental assessments are complete. Last month, Governor Tina Kotek said the state will ensure coastal communities and tribal nations are consulted throughout the development of wind energy areas.

Lincoln Co. Man Arrested In Death Of Mother

(Lincoln County, OR) -- A Lincoln County man who reported the death of his mother is now facing homicide charges. The sheriff's office says he called 911 Tuesday night to say he accidentally killed his mom. When deputies arrived at the home in Siletz, they found the 79-year-old woman with "injuries consistent with homicidal violence." Her 56-year-old son was arrested on scene, and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab is now investigating.

Beaches Marked With Nesting Warnings

(Newport, OR) -- Warning signs are up along parts of the Oregon Coast as the western snowy plover's nesting season gets underway. The plover is a threatened species, and their white speckled eggs and chicks easily blend in with the sand. Nesting areas will be marked through September 15th. Dogs, even on leashes, are prohibited near the nests along with vehicles, biking, camping, fires, kite flying and drones. Pedestrians and horses are allowed below the high-tide line on wet, packed sand. The plover nesting area includes 40 miles of Oregon's 362 miles of shoreline.

OHCS To Start Homeowner Assistance For Wildfire Victims

(Salem, OR) -- The first phase of a homeowner assistance program for wildfire victims in the state is starting March 25th. Oregon Housing and Community Services will take applications for the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program. Victims of the 2020 wildfires and straight-line winds will be able to get help repairing their homes or building new ones. Applications must be done online. Those who aren't accepted initially might get benefits later, if funds are available.

Ten States, FTC Sue Women's Cancer Fund

(Washington, DC) -- Oregon is joining nine other states and the Federal Trade Commission in suing a charity accused of fraud. The lawsuit claims Women's Cancer Fund, also known as Cancer Recovery Foundation International, brought in 18-million dollars between 2017 and 2022, but only one-percent of that money went to cancer patients. Four times that amount allegedly went to Gregory B. Anderson, who operated the charity. The complaint was filed in the U-S District Court for the Southern District of Texas earlier this week.

Hillsboro Arsonist Pleads Guilty To Manslaughter

(Hillsboro, OR) -- The suspect arrested for arson in the January 2022 fire at Hillsboro's Weil Arcade has pled guilty to a number of crimes in the case. According to court documents, Roel Leon, whose true name is Rose Sylvia Sunrise, was facing a second degree murder charge after the body of 40-year-old Ronald Knapp was found in the burned-out building. Leon has pled guilty to manslaughter, arson, and criminal mischief.

EV Rebate Program Resuming

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon is reopening its Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, but only for two months. The rebates can only be given while the program has funding. Battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles under 50-thousand dollars that are purchased between April 3rd and June 4th will be eligible. There's a 25-hundred dollar rebate available to all applicants and a 75-hundred dollar rebate for qualifying low-income applicants. They'll have six months from the date of purchase to apply for the rebate.

Governor Requests Disaster Declaration For Winter Storm

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is asking President Biden to approve a disaster declaration for parts of Oregon because of damage from the winter storm in January. The declaration would cover ten counties and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz. Seventeen Oregonians were killed during the storm. Peak power outages affected more than 238-thousand people. Several counties are still struggling with repairs from the storm. Losses to small businesses are estimated at 165-million dollars. The preliminary public assistance damage assessment is 48-million dollars.

Port Projects Get Federal Funding

(North Bend, OR) -- Several projects on the Oregon coast will receive federal funding, through a port infrastructure development program. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded nearly eight-million dollars to the Ko'Kwel Wharf Improvements Project in North Bend, nearly three-and-a-half million dollars for Port of Newport operational capacity improvements, and in Astoria the Pier Two West Rehabilitation Project will get 25-million dollars. Investments focus on modernizing ports, strengthening supply chains and improving economic security.

Mt. Hood Meadows Extends Season

(Mt. Hood, OR) -- Mt. Hood Meadows is extending its season after receiving heavy snow this month. Meadows is 40 inches away from their average of 430 inches. Seven-day-a-week operations have been extended through April 28th. They'll be open Friday through Sunday the weekends of May 3rd, May 10th and May 17th. The popular Pond Skim will be held May 4th. The season got off to a slow start, but it's ending with excellent spring conditions.

Cycling Increase In Portland

(Portland, OR) -- The number of people biking to work in Portland remains down significantly, but it is starting to rebound. The 2023 Portland Bicycle Growth Report shows a five percent increase last year compared to 2022. From 2019 through 2022, cycling was down 35 percent. It accounts about five percent of the overall commuters in the city. According to the US Census in 2020, around 11-thousand people biked to work in Portland. For the first time, the report counted e-bikes and found one in six people rode electric bikes. The report says an increasing population and negative safety perceptions are some of the reasons why numbers are down.

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