(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon has seven new deaths from COVID-19 and 230 new cases.  The Oregon Health Authority reported the new numbers yesterday.  A total of 149 people are hospitalized for coronavirus, which is eleven fewer than on Monday.  There have now been two-thousand-770 deaths and 208-thousand-446 cases in Oregon since the pandemic began.

(Troutdale, OR)  --  The search continues for a man who disappeared while swimming in the Sandy River.  The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says the search is now transitioning to a recovery effort.  Police say the man disappeared under the water's surface around 4:30 yesterday afternoon near Dabney State Park.

(Portland, OR)  --  Hospitals are nearly full in the Portland area because of people suffering heat-related medical emergencies.  Health officials say there have been more than 500 heat-related emergency and urgent care visits since Friday.  The Oregon Health Authority is asking residents to contact their primary care provider for heat-related illnesses that are not emergencies.

(Salem, OR)  --  Most of Oregon's pandemic-related restrictions will end today.  Restaurants and businesses won't have capacity limits, social distancing rules will end, and people who have been vaccinated won't need to wear masks in most cases.  The state has not yet reached a 70-percent vaccination rate.  The Oregon Health Authority plans to continue work to increase vaccinations to eventually reach a goal of having 80-percent of adults vaccinated.

(Portland, OR)  --  A Hillsboro woman is pleading guilty to embezzling money from the adoption agency where she worked.  Officials say 55-year-old Melodie Eckland worked for the business from 2011 through 2018 as the bookkeeper.  She stole more than two-million dollars.  Under the plea deal, she'll pay two-and-a-half million dollars restitution and give up more than one-and-a-half million dollars that were seized by law enforcement.  She'll be sentenced in November and could face up to 30 years in prison.

(Salem, OR)  --  College athletes in Oregon will be able to sign contracts to make money from endorsements starting tomorrow.  Governor Kate Brown signed a bill passed by legislators that allows athletes at public and private universities to receive compensation for use of the name, image and likeness.  Seven states already have similar legislation in effect, and 13 other states have passed bills that will take effect soon.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is reporting fewer than 100 new cases of COVID-19.  The Oregon Health Authority reported 87 new coronavirus cases yesterday and no new deaths.  Officials say 160 Oregonians are currently hospitalized with coronavirus, which is up 17 from Sunday.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon won't reach a 70-percent vaccination rate by June 30th.  Governor Kate Brown says the pandemic restrictions will still be dropped tomorrow even if the 70-percent vaccination rate isn't reached.  Officials say 19-thousand-147 vaccinations are needed to reach the goal, but the state only added 27-hundred new vaccinations yesterday.
 

(Salem, OR)  --  A new measure passed by the Oregon Legislature gives voters a little more time to submit their election ballots.  Instead of having to turn in ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day, county clerks will accept ballots postmarked on election day.  Ballots will be accepted up to seven days after Election Day.

(McMinnville, OR)  --  The search continues for two people who are missing in the Willamette River in Yamhill County.  Officials say the two were swimming at separate locations on Saturday when they went missing.  Rescuers searched the river but were unable to locate them.  Police identify the missing persons as 37-year-old Nasiruddin Shaik from Salem and 51-year-old Thomas Stavrum from Lafayette.

(Salem, OR)  --  The winners of the Take Your Shot, Oregon vaccination lottery have been chosen, but we won't know who they are until next week.  There are 134 winners, including someone who gets the top prize of one-million dollars.  The Oregon Health Authority is in the process of contacting winners.  They warn to watch out for scammers.  The calls will come from the Oregon Health Authority with an area code of 503 or 971, they will ask about your vaccination status and will not ask for financial information. The Governor will announce the major winners next week.

(Portland, OR) -- TriMet is making changes to its bus and train services in response to the heat wave. When the temperature exceeds 90 degrees, all MAX trains will slow to 35 miles an hour. This normally happens when the temperature hits 100, but because of the prolonged heat, officials want to reduce strain on the cables and tracks. Bus operators may keep windows closed, because it makes the air conditioning system work better.

(Portland, OR) -- Oregon is reporting over 100 new coronavirus cases. The Oregon Health Authority confirmed 138 new cases of COVID-18 yesterday. No new deaths were reported. Officials say 143 Oregonians are currently hospitalized with coronavirus, which is two less than on Saturday. There have now been two-thousand-763 deaths and 208-thousand-136 cases of COVID-19 in Oregon since the pandemic began.

(Portland, OR) -- More record-breaking heat is expected to hit the Portland area today following two consecutive days of record highs. Portland's all time high of 107 degrees set in 1965 was broken on Saturday with a high of 108, and that record was broken on Sunday with a high of 112. Forecasters say today could set a new record high before temperatures begin to cool back down a little for the rest of the week.

(Portland, OR) -- TriMet no longer has capacity limits on buses and trains. The transit agency says it has lifted its pandemic-era rules in response to changes announced by Governor Kate Brown. Those rules included passenger limits and social distancing rules.

(Portland, OR) -- Meals on Wheels People is adjusting its schedule today because of the extreme heat. Meals will be delivered to homebound clients earlier than usual. The meal centers will also adjust their schedules. Volunteers and clients should check their email and the website for the updated times.

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon Legislature ended its session late Saturday afternoon. The five month session included major bills to deal with effects of the pandemic, police reforms, wildfires, and health care. Governor Kate Brown said the session marked a turning point for Oregon putting the state in a better position to address key challenges in the future.

(undated)  --  A Northwest heat wave could shatter all-time records in Washington and Oregon.  The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat alerts from Idaho to Northern California.  The heat wave could last for several days, pushing record-breaking highs into early next week.  The Weather Channel is predicting triple-digit temperatures as far north as western Canada.  It warns Seattle could reach a rare 100 degrees on Sunday and Monday, and Portland could reach a record-breaking 110 degrees.  Salem, Eugene and Medford, Oregon could also get above 110 by Sunday.

(Portland, OR)  --  The U.S. Senate is confirming President Biden's pick of an Oregon State University professor to head up the nation's leading agency for weather, climate and ocean science.  The Senate voted to confirm Rick Spinrad to become the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration yesterday.  Spinrad previously served as the agency's chief scientist under President Obama.  He becomes the third person from Oregon State University to lead NOAA.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is reporting 232 new cases of COVID-19 along with one new death from the virus.  The Oregon Health Authority reported the new numbers yesterday.  Officials say there are currently 162 Oregonians being treated in hospitals for coronavirus, which is up seven patients from Wednesday.  
 

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Clark County Health is lifting the advisory for Vancouver Lake.  Officials say blooms of blue-green algae are gone, and tests show toxin levels from the algae have dropped to safe levels.  With the hot weather, the health department is advising people who use the lake to watch for new algae blooms and to stay away from them.

(Portland, OR)  --  There will be a full closure of I-84 the weekend of July 9th.  Construction of the Blumenauer Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge requires the freeway to be closed so the bridge can be installed.  I-84 eastbound will be closed from I-5 to Cesar Chavez Boulevard.  I-84 westbound will be closed at I-205.  The closure will be in effect starting July 9th at 10 p.m. through 5 a.m. on July 12th.

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials say fewer than three-thousand first time vaccinations were added in Oregon Wednesday, and the upcoming heat wave could cause even fewer people to go to vaccination clinics over the weekend.  The Oregon Health Authority says 35-thousand-290 vaccinations are still needed to reach 70-percent vaccination, which is when most of the restrictions in Oregon will be dropped.  The vaccination rate is currently at 68-point-nine-percent.  Governor Kate Brown plans a news conference today to address the reopening.

(Portland, OR)  --  Cases of COVID-19 are trending downward in Oregon following a slight increase after Memorial Day weekend.  Over the last week, new cases declined nearly five-percent.  The number of hospitalizations increased slightly, but deaths declined.  The number of positive tests declined to three-point-three-percent.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is reporting two new deaths related to COVID-19 along with 233 new cases of the virus.  The Oregon Health Authority reported the new numbers yesterday.  Officials say 155 Oregonians are currently hospitalized with coronavirus, which is up nine from Tuesday.

(Portland, OR)  --  An Excessive Heat Warning from the National Weather Service goes into effect for western Oregon and Southwest Washington on Saturday morning and continues through 11 p.m. on Monday.  High temperatures will be 20 to 30 degrees above normal for late June and could break several records.  The extreme heat brings the risk of heat-related illnesses.  Temperatures will decline after Monday, but they'll still be 10 to 20 degrees above normal.

(Oregon City, OR)  --  Oregon City is taking action following last week's riot at Clackamette Park.  The Proud Boys have reserved the park for the last several weeks.  On Friday, members of Antifa showed up and both groups got into fights.  Oregon City Police have now cancelled all future reservations and the city is in the process of reviewing its park reservation policy.  The police department is investigating the incident.  

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is on track to reach a COVID-19 vaccination rate of 70-percent by June 30th, or maybe a little sooner.  The Oregon Health Authority says 83-hundred new doses of vaccinations were recorded yesterday.  The state is now 38-thousand-143 vaccinations away from reaching 70-percent.  When Oregon reaches the 70-percent mark, most of the COVID-19 restrictions will be dropped.

(Portland, OR)  --  A woman who was hospitalized after being shot in the forehead with a police projectile during protests against police brutality and racial injustice last summer is suing the federal government.  Kristen Jessie-Uyanik filed a complaint in federal court Wednesday, accusing federal officers of excessive force and civil rights violations.  The complaint says federal officers intentionally shot her in the head with a high-velocity projectile outside of the Mark O. Hatfield federal courthouse.  Jessie-Uyanik was demonstrating with a group that called themselves the Wall of Moms.

(Portland, OR) -- Oregon is reporting one new death from COVID-19 and 267 new cases. The Oregon Health Authority reported the new numbers yesterday. Officials say there are currently 146 people hospitalized with coronavirus, which is up two from Monday. The state needs 41-thousand-94 more doses of vaccine to be administered to reach 70-percent vaccination, which is when most of the restrictions will be dropped.

(Portland, OR) -- The Portland Police Bureau will stop pulling over drivers for non-moving violations unless it's a significant safety issue. Mayor Ted Wheeler announced that and other changes at the police bureau yesterday. The bureau will also change the way consent searches are conducted, and officers will tell people they have a right to decline the search. Wheeler says the changes are intended to improve equal justice. White Portlanders make up 75-percent of the population, but account for 65-percent of the traffic stops while Black people account for six-percent of the population and 18-percent of the traffic stops.

(Salem, OR) -- The final COVID-19 county risk level changes for Oregon have been released. Polk County reached a vaccination rate of 65-percent and moves immediately to Lower Risk. Marion, Jefferson, and Klamath Counties will move down to Moderate Risk on Friday. When Oregon reaches a vaccination rate of 70-percent, all of the risk levels will end. That's expected to happen by June 30th at the latest.

(Salem, OR) -- Oregon State Police are asking for help in their investigation of three murders in North Bend last Friday. Police say suspect Oen Nicholson drove a truck to the Noti area and then kidnapped a woman in Springfield, forcing her to drive him two-thousand miles to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where police arrested him. Police believe someone gave him a ride from Noti to Springfield, and they need that person to contact them.

(Portland, OR) -- Hot temperatures and dry conditions hitting the Portland area are prompting a variety of burn bans. Areas of Multnomah County, west of the Sandy River, have banned campfires, fire pits, yard debris and agricultural material. Barbecues are still allowed. Washington County is banning open burning of yard debris, agricultural burning, or land clearing. Residents can still use barbecues, fire pits, smokers and similar cooking appliances.

(Salem, OR) -- The Oregon legislature is sending the governor a bill that will give renters a grace period if they're trying to get rental assistance. The eviction moratorium runs out on June 30th, and people who can't pay their rent starting in July face eviction. If the governor signs the bill, renters who have applied for rental assistance can't be evicted for 60 days. The bill also increases the Landlord Compensation Fund to pay 100-percent of rent on successful applications.

(Portland, OR)  --  The City of Portland is planning two significant changes within the Portland Police Bureau.  Mayor Ted Wheeler and Police Chief Chuck Lovell are scheduled to hold a news conference at noon today to explain the changes.  They have not released details.  Last week, all members of the Police Bureau's Rapid Response Team resigned after one of the officers was charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly hitting a woman in the head with a baton.

(Portland, OR)  -- Oregon is reporting two new deaths related to COVID-19 and 78 new infections.  The Oregon Health Authority reported the new numbers yesterday.  Health officials say 144 people are currently hospitalized with the virus, which is down four from Sunday.  There have now been two-thousand-756 deaths and 206-thousand-850 cases of COVID-19 in Oregon since the pandemic began.  Another 44-thousand-606 vaccinations are needed to reach 70-percent, which is when most of the restrictions in the state will be dropped.

(Springfield, OR)  --  A Springfield woman is doing OK after a triple-murder suspect forced her to drive him more than two-thousand miles over the weekend.  The Springfield Police Department says 34-year-old Laura Johnson was approached in her car during her lunch break Friday afternoon by suspect Oen Evan Nicholson.  Johnson told police Nicholson forced her to drive north.  The pair eventually ended up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Nicholson was taken into custody Sunday.  The 30-year-old is facing multiple charges including murder, attempted murder, and assault.

(Boise, ID)  --  Anti-government activist and militia figure Ammon Bundy is announcing his run for the Idaho governor's office.  In a three-minute campaign video released online, Bundy rails against corruption in both the state and federal government and draws attention to his previous battles with the feds over the use of government land in Nevada and Oregon.  Idaho Republican Party Chairman Tom Luna has previously accused Bundy of dividing the party, calling his campaign political theater.  Governor Brad Little and Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin both make up what is already a crowded primary field. 

(Longview, WA)  --  The City of Longview, Washington is declaring a water shortage emergency following the shutdown of the Westlake Chemical plant that makes chlorine for water treatment in Oregon and across the Northwest.  City officials announced the declaration yesterday.  Residents with even numbered addressed are being asked to water on even numbered days and residents with odd number addresses are asked to water on odd numbered days.  Restaurants can't serve water unless the customer asks for it.  There are also limits on how long kids can play in sprinklers to cool off.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon Healthy Authority is reporting 200 new cases of COVID-19 and one new death.  The health department reported the new numbers yesterday.  Officials say there are currently 149 people hospitalized with COVID-19, which is five more than on Saturday.  There have been two-thousand-754 deaths and 206-thousand-774 cases of coronavirus in Oregon since the pandemic began.
 

(Portland, OR)  --  Fire officials are warning of an increased risk of fire danger in Oregon this week.  KATU-2 reports officials are concerned about the high temperatures and dry conditions hitting the state.  Officials say the risks are expected to continue to rise as the summer continues.

(North Bend, OR)  --  A man who's accused of killing three people in North Bend, Oregon on Friday has been arrested more than two-thousand miles away.  Police say 30-year-old Oen Evan Nicholson turned himself in to authorities in Wisconsin yesterday morning.  He's accused of killing his father, stealing his dad's pickup truck, and running over two people near a casino Friday.  Police say Nicholson then shot and killed another person outside of a cannabis shop.  Police did not say what may have triggered Friday's violence, but they believe Nicholson drove from Oregon to Wisconsin over the weekend.  They also think at least one other person accompanied him during the trip.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon has one new COVID-19-related death, pushing the state's death toll to two-thousand-745.  The Oregon Health Authority reported the new death yesterday along with 300 new infections.  Officials say 151 Oregonians are hospitalized, which is eleven fewer than on Wednesday.  Around 56-thousand adults need vaccinations to reach the 70-percent threshold to lift most restrictions and fully reopen the state. 

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a tow truck driver in Hillsboro.  Hillsboro Police say it happened yesterday morning as the driver was moving vehicles in the parking lot of the Park Creek Village Apartments on Southeast 44th Avenue.  The suspect was upset that the vehicles were being moved and allegedly fired several shots, killing the driver.  The suspect was arrested at the scene. 

(Eugene, OR)  --  A Colorado man is pleading guilty to a federal hate crime for stabbing a Black man from Ontario, Oregon in the neck while he was sitting in a fast-food restaurant.  In 2019, 27-year-old Nolan Strauss walked into a Pilot Travel Center in Ontario and stabbed the victim twice in the neck.  The man was treated at a hospital and survived his injuries.  A maintenance worker held Strauss until police arrived.  The worker asked Strauss why he did it, and Strauss said he didn't like Black people.  Strauss will be sentenced in September.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty is calling for the Portland Police Bureau to eliminate the Rapid Response Team.  In a statement, Hardesty says the resignation of the officers on the team makes it a perfect time to make a change.  She has supported disbanding the team prior to the resignations.  Hardesty says now is the opportunity to show what crowd control and de-escalation in policing looks like without the Rapid Response Team.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Police Bureau's Rapid Response Team is dead in the water following mass resignations.  The Police Bureau says every member of the crowd control unit resigned Wednesday after a grand jury indicted Officer Corey Budworth on a misdemeanor assault charge for what prosecutors say was an "excessive and unlawful" use of force during a protest last August.  Budworth is accused of hitting a woman in the head with a baton.  The Rapid Response Team is staffed by officers who volunteer for the position, and the officers who resigned will remain on duty in their regular jobs.  Meanwhile, Mayor Ted Wheeler says he has directed the Police Bureau to prepare mobile field forces to respond to any public safety needs, including potential violence related to mass gatherings.  He's also asked the Governor and Oregon State Police to make members of their Mobile Response Team to be on standby if they're needed in Portland.

(Eugene, OR)  --  Some of the nation's top athletes will be in Eugene today for the start of the Olympic Track and Field Trials.  Athletes looking to make the U.S. Olympic Team include the world's two fastest women, Dalilah Muhammad and Sydney McLaughlin, who will face off in the women's 400-meter hurdles.  Two-time World Champion medalist Noah Lyles is favored to qualify in both the 100- and 200-meter dash.  The top three athletes in each event will make the team for the Tokyo Olympics. 

(Salem, OR)  --  The Oregon Legislature is expected to pass a bill that'll give renters a grace period if they face eviction after June 30th when the eviction moratorium ends.  Under the bill, if the renter has applied for federal relief, the landlord wouldn't be able to evict the tenant for 60 days.  The bill passed the House and returns to the Senate, where it previously passed, for approval of changes before it goes to the governor.

(Salem, OR)  --  People in Oregon who are receiving unemployment benefits face a deadline this Saturday.  They need to be signed up for the iMatch Skills job search program.  The Oregon Employment Department is bringing back requirements that were relaxed during the pandemic.  That includes proving that they're looking for work.  By September 5th, all of the requirements that were in place before the pandemic will be in place again. 

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is confirming seven new deaths from COVID-19 and 247 new infections.  The Oregon Health Authority reported the new numbers yesterday.  Officials say 162 people are hospitalized, which is down ten from Tuesday.  There have now been two-thousand-744 deaths and 205-thousand-698 cases in Oregon since the pandemic began. The state is adding around ten-thousand vaccinations a day and needs to vaccinate 60-thousand people to reach the 70-percent vaccination rate that will allow the state to reopen.

(Newberg, OR)  --  A man is charged with attempted murder after allegedly trying to kill his child at a rural home near Newberg.  The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office says 46-year-old Shane Rader violated a no-contact order yesterday and shot his three-year-old son in the head with a pellet gun.  He took the boy and his six-year-old brother and dropped them off at Newberg Providence Hospital.  The child was flown on Life Flight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital where he underwent surgery and is in serious condition.  Rader was found by deputies on Parrett Mountain and taken into custody.  He is charged with two counts of Attempted Aggravated Murder.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon Zoo is offering free passes to people who get vaccinated for coronavirus this weekend at the Oregon Convention Center mass vaccination clinic.  A thousand free passes will be given to people who get the vaccination.  This Saturday is the final day of operation for the Convention Center clinic. 

(Salem, OR)  --  Human composting will be legal in Oregon this summer.  Governor Kate Brown has signed a bill that legalizes the process known as natural organic reduction.  The new law takes effect July 1st.  Washington and Colorado have also legalized human composting.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon health officials are reporting an uptick in new cases of COVID-19.  The Oregon Health Authority says the weekly average of cases shows a three-percent increase.  Hospitalizations and deaths were also up.  The number of positive tests increased slightly to four-percent.  Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen says it's likely due to Memorial Day weekend travel and get togethers with family and friends.

The Oregon Health Authority confirmed 7 more deaths and 314 new infections of COVID-19 in the state. Six new cases in Deschutes County, four in Crook County, and two in Jefferson County. The number of patients hospitalized with Covid statewide is 172; 46 of those patients are in intensive care.  Saint Charles Health System  has 26 COVID-19 patients hospitalized; seven in ICU and five on ventilators.  The CDC says Oregon's vaccination rate is currently at 68-percent. When the vaccination rate reaches 70-percent the state can fully reopen.

(Portland, OR)  --  A Portland Police officer has been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly hitting a demonstrator with a baton last August.  The Multnomah County District Attorney announced the indictment against Officer Corey Budworth yesterday.  He's charged with one count of fourth-degree assault.  The incident was recorded on video.  The city has already settled a lawsuit by the victim. 

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon Zoo says this has been the most successful breeding season ever for its condor program.  The zoo announced yesterday a record ten chicks have hatched.  The chicks will now stay with their parents for at least eight months before moving to pre-release pens for about a year.  Eventually, they'll travel to a wild release site to join free-flying condors in California and Arizona.

(Salem, OR)  --  Oregon added 69-hundred jobs in May and the state's unemployment rate was unchanged at five-point-nine-percent.  Most of the new jobs were in Private Education and Professional and Business Services.  Hiring in the restaurant and hotel sector was flat in May.  The Leisure and Hospitality industry is about 46-thousand jobs behind where it was prior to the pandemic.
 

(Portland, OR)  --  The CDC has been delayed in reporting COVID-19 vaccination numbers to Oregon and other states because of a data transfer problem.  The agency plans to have the issue fixed sometime today.  Oregon reported eleven-thousand-430 new doses of COVID-19 vaccine added to the registry on Monday.  The state's vaccination rate is 67-point-nine-percent.  Seventy-one-thousand-522 vaccinations are needed to reach 70-percent when most restrictions will be dropped.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is dealing with over 100 new coronavirus cases.  The Oregon Health Authority reported 127 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday along with eleven new hospitalizations for the virus.  No new deaths were reported, leaving the state's death toll at two-thousand-730.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Police are releasing the identities of four people who were fatally shot in a southeast Portland home on June 6th.  Police identified the victims yesterday as 31-year-old Mitchell Nacoste, 27-year-old Kendall Gragg, 24-year-old Donovan Lenford and 23-year-old Eyion Willis.  Police haven't said what led to the shooting.  OregonLive reports the investigators are looking into whether it was a drug deal gone bad.

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials are investigating two new cases of Legionnaires Disease at the Rosemont Court Apartments in North Portland.  That's the site of a Legionnaires outbreak in January that sickened ten people, one of whom died.  Since then, multiple steps have been taken to eliminate the bacteria, but given the new cases, building officials now say it's not safe to stay there.  They're helping the nearly 100 residents find a new place to live.

(Portland, OR)  --  Nearly a dozen more Oregonians are dead after contracting COVID-19.  The Oregon Health Authority confirmed ten new coronavirus deaths yesterday, raising the state's death toll from the pandemic to two-thousand-726.  The agency also reported 370 new cases of COVID-19 and nine more hospitalizations for the virus.

(Portland, OR)  --  Supporters of a proposed ferry system on the Willamette River are working to get funding for a pilot project.  The group needs more than nine-million dollars for a two-year test run.  The ferry would operate from Cathedral Park at the St. Johns Bridge to Riverplace in downtown Portland.  It would run Monday through Saturday.  The City of Portland isn't funding the project, but they're backing an application for a three-point-three-million-dollar federal grant.  If they get the money, the pilot will start next summer.
 

(Salem, OR)  --  An audit by the Oregon Secretary of State has found six-point-four-billion dollars in accounting mistakes by state agencies.  The report says the mistakes were unintentional and proposed steps to fix the errors.  The annual Keeping Oregon Accountable report is required by the federal government to monitor how federal money is spent.  The division also audited 14 federal programs in eleven state agencies and questioned over five-million dollars in expenditures.  Thirteen programs received clean audits while suggestions were made to improve the state's handling of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Police are releasing the identity of a suspect accused of vandalizing the York statue in Mt. Tabor Park.  Police have arrested 43-year-old Jeannette Grode for the vandalism on Tuesday.  York was an enslaved member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  The bust of York was anonymously placed at the location where a statue of Harvey Scott was previously removed by protesters.  Scott was an editor of The Oregonian and opposed women's suffrage.

(Portland, OR)  --  Half a dozen more Oregonians are dead after contracting COVID-19.  The Oregon Health Authority confirmed six new coronavirus deaths yesterday, raising the state's death toll to two-thousand-670.  The health department also reported 307 new cases of COVID-19.  There are currently 172 people hospitalized with the virus, which is down 34 from Monday.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened early yesterday morning.  Officers responded to a shots fired call at North Interstate and Failing Street near Kaiser Permanente to find a man who'd been shot.  He died at the scene.  Police don't have information about a suspect.  The victim's name hasn't been released.

(Salem, OR)  --  Cities in Oregon will have an easier time building affordable housing under a bill that passed the Oregon legislature.  The bill approved yesterday removes barriers faced by developers, cities, and nonprofits.  It expands where affordable housing can be built to include land zoned for commercial uses or land that's owned by public or religious entities.  The bill now goes to the Governor for her signature.

(Portland, OR)  --  A Baker City man is facing up to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to fraud of COVID-19 relief money.  Court records say 32-year-old Jeremy Clawson admitted to using false information to get 145-thousand-200 dollars in federal money.  He spent nearly 50-thousand dollars to buy a 2016 Dodge Challenger.  He made other large cash withdrawals.  As part of his plea deal, Clawson will pay 125-thousand dollars in restitution.  He'll be sentenced in September.

(Gales Creek, OR)  --  A Gales Creek man is recovering at a hospital after becoming trapped underneath a tractor for 12 hours overnight Monday.  Police say the man was mowing grass in a rural area Monday when his tractor rolled down an embankment and pinned him to the ground.  The man was found by family yesterday morning.  Forest Grove Fire & Rescue crews got the man out from under the tractor.  He was flown on Life Flight to a hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. 

(Portland, OR)  --  Fred Meyer is set to host a hiring event tomorrow for stores in the Pacific Northwest.  The company hopes to hire two-thousand workers at its 132 stores in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.  The hiring event will include both virtual and in-store interviews.  There are positions in retail, e-commerce, pharmacy, manufacturing, and logistics.  The company's average wage is 15-50 an hour.  The Fred Meyer website has details on the hiring event.

(Portland, OR)  --  Five Oregon counties are moving down in COVID-19 risk levels, and one county is moving up.  Lane, Coos, and Wasco counties will move from Moderate Risk to Lower Risk today.  Josephine and Yamhill counties will move from High to Moderate.  Harney County has rising case numbers and will move up from Lower to Moderate Risk on Friday.  Clackamas County remains at High Risk, because the vaccination rate is nearly 63-percent and needs to reach 65-percent to move to Lower Risk.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is reporting just 125 new cases of COVID-19.  The Oregon Health Authority reported the new cases yesterday along with eight new hospitalizations for the virus.  No new deaths were reported.  Oregon's vaccination rate is currently at 66-point-eight-percent of eligible residents.

(Salem, OR)  --  Crews remain on the scene of a four-thousand-acre wildfire burning in northeastern Oregon.  The Oregon Department of Forestry says the Joseph Canyon Fire is completely uncontained and spreading fast on tribal lands near Oregon's borders with Washington state and Idaho.  The fire was first reported on Friday morning, and investigators believe it was sparked by lightning.

(Corvallis, OR)  --  Oregon State University will graduate a record number of students on June 12th in a virtual ceremony.  An in-person graduation celebration for students and university leaders only will take place the day before.  Seven-thousand-391 students will graduate from OSU this spring.  Former President Emeritus Ed Ray will give the address at the virtual ceremony.

(Salem, OR)  --  Oregon OSHA says it will lift its mask requirement when the state reaches a 70-percent vaccination rate for COVID-19.  The agency announced the plan yesterday.  Mask mandates will remain in place for airports, public transit and health care settings.  The new guidance is in alignment with the governor's guidance issued last week.  Oregon is expected to reach the 70-percent vaccination rate as early as June 21st.

(Portland, OR)  --  The search continues for a suspect accused of shooting and killing four people inside a home in southeast Portland.  Officers say the bodies were discovered late Sunday night in a home on Southeast Boise Street near 42nd Avenue.  Police say they do not believe the deaths were part of a murder-suicide.  An investigation is ongoing.

(Salem, OR)  --  Oregon OSHA has cited four businesses a total of 44-thousand-600 dollars for violating COVID-19 rules.  The businesses are Cork Cellars Wine and Bistro in Sisters, Country Bakery in Halsey, Last Stop in The Dalles, and Woodworking Northwest in Portland.  The violations included not wearing face masks or allowing indoor dining when it was prohibited.  Three of the businesses are appealing, and a fourth businesses is waiting for a final order.  OSHA says the businesses were cited because they willfully violated the rules.

(Salem, OR)  --  Oregon and ten other states have reached a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that will require the chemical industry to provide more information about the use of asbestos.  The mineral is used in several products for the construction and automotive industries.  Exposure to asbestos can lead to cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.  The Trump Administration challenged a 2020 court decision that required additional reporting.  The Biden Administration approved the settlement, which still needs court approval.

(Portland, OR)  --  One man is facing charges following a chaotic scene at the downtown Portland Nordstrom Saturday evening.  Portland Police say 36-year-old Tyrone Lee was stealing merchandise, assaulting people and breaking things inside of the store.  He also allegedly punched a security officer.  Police caught up with Lee and arrested him following a brief struggle that led to officers using a Taser on him.  Police say Lee told officers he swallowed heroin and was suicidal.  He was taken to a hospital for evaluation.  

(Portland, OR)  --  Fire officials say a mill in North Plains was damaged by two fires Saturday morning.  The first fire destroyed a small building next to the large mill.  Later Saturday afternoon, a second fire started in a large hopper containing sawdust.  The fire spread to a trailer that was under the hopper.  Crews moved the trailer and doused the sawdust with water.  The first fire was caused by an electrical problem.  The cause of the hopper fire remains under investigation.  No one was hurt in the fires.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is reporting three new deaths from COVID-19 along with 258 new cases.  The Oregon Health Authority reported the new numbers yesterday.  There are currently 198 Oregonians hospitalized with coronavirus, which is up two from Saturday.  Oregon has now seen two-thousand-694 deaths from COVID-19 and 203-thousand-252 cases since the pandemic began

(McMinnville, OR)  --  A man is facing charges after allegedly using a stun gun on another man and then shooting him with a gun in McMinnville.  Police say Estevan Pacheco got into an argument with David Blewett on Saturday, and that Pacheco used a stun gun on Blewett several times.  Pacheco was gone by the time police arrived, but about two hours later, Pacheco returned and allegedly shot Blewett.  Oregon State Police arrested Pacheco in Independence early Sunday morning on a charge of attempted murder.

(Government Camp, OR)  --  Officials are confirming that a magnitude three-point-nine earthquake hit near the summit of Mt. Hood Saturday night.  People near the mountain reported feeling the earthquake.  It caused the first Shake Alert message from the USGS early warning system.  The alert went out about 10 seconds after the quake began.  No damage was reported.

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A Clark County couple is behind bars after being arrested for the starvation death of their adopted child.  Police in California arrested Jesse Franks and Felicia Adams-Franks on Friday for the death of 15-year-old Karreon Franks in a Vancouver, Washington hospital last November.  A judge issued a warrant for their arrest late last month after the Clark County Medical Examiner determined in April that Franks died from starvation and neglect.  Court records say Franks had a rare genetic developmental disorder along with severe autism and blindness.  His parents are being extradited to Clark County to face charges.

(Portland, OR)  --  Over half a dozen more Oregonians are dead after contracting COVID-19.  The Oregon Health Authority reported seven new coronavirus deaths yesterday, raising the state's death toll from the pandemic to two-thousand-683.  The health department also reported 267 new cases of COVID-19 and one new hospitalization for the virus.  Oregon has now seen more than 202-thousand cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

(Bandon, OR)  --  At least five earthquakes are being reported about a hundred miles off the Oregon Coast early this morning.  Two of the quakes which hit west of Bandon had magnitudes of 5.9.  The other earthquakes ranged from 3.2 to 4.2.  No damage was reported on the coast and the quakes weren't strong enough to cause tsunamis.

(St. Paul, OR)  --  The St. Paul Rodeo will be back this summer after being canceled last year due to the pandemic.  Tickets have just gone on sale for the rodeo that's held June 30th through July 4th.  It's one of the top 20 largest rodeos in the nation.  COVID-19 guidelines will be in place.  Tickets purchased earlier in the year will be honored.

(Portland, OR)  --  COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations declined over the last week in Oregon.  The Oregon Health Authority says COVID-19 cases were down 13-percent and hospitalizations fell to 190, which is the lowest figure in six weeks.  The number of positive COVID-19 tests declined to four-point-five-percent.  The number of weekly deaths, meanwhile, increased from 34 to 50.

(Salem, OR)  --  Everyone can fish, clam or crab for free in Oregon this weekend.  No fishing licenses or tags are required for Oregon residents or non-residents this Saturday and Sunday.  All fishing regulations apply, including closures, bag limits and size restrictions.  Currently, razor clamming is closed on popular Clatsop beaches due to toxin levels, but it is open from the south jetty of the Siuslaw River, in Florence to the California border.

(Salem, OR)  --  The Oregon Senate is approving a bill that would allow college athletes to make endorsement deals.  The original version of the bill would have given players a portion of merchandising royalties made by the schools, but the N-C-double-A threatened to make the players ineligible so it was removed from the bill.  The bill passed 23 to 6 yesterday and now moves to the House for consideration.

(Portland, OR)  --  A new study puts Portland near the top of the list of the best U.S. cities for staycations.  The new study from WalletHub ranks Portland 13th out of 180 cities.  The ratings were determined on multiple factors, including parks per capita, restaurant meal costs and the number of residents who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.  Honolulu came in first place followed by Orlando and San Francisco.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon has two new deaths from COVID-19 and 356 new cases.  The Oregon Health Authority reported the new cases yesterday.  Hospitalizations are down to 227, which is eleven fewer than on Tuesday.  There have been two-thousand-676 deaths and 201-thousand-996 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

(Hood River, OR)  --  Governor Kate Brown visited Hood River yesterday to highlight the county's COVID-19 vaccination efforts.  Hood River County has vaccinated nearly 69-percent of its residents using clinics and mobile units.  Brown says the county prioritized populations that have been vulnerable to the pandemic including Blacks, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander and Tribal communities.  She also visited Cardinal Glass Industries which is expanding and adding 50 jobs.  The company makes glass for windows and doors.

(Salem, OR)  --  Salem Police and Crime Stoppers of Oregon are offering a reward of up to 25-hundred dollars for information that helps them find a missing Salem woman.  Police say 42-year-old Tonna Purnell was last seen on or about March 27th at the Days Inn Black Bear Motel in Salem.  Purnell is five feet tall and slender with brown eyes and dark brown hair.  She may have been driving a black Ford Escape. 

(Timberline Lodge, OR)  --  A climber who was killed on Mt. Hood on Sunday is being identified as a man from Spokane, Washington.  Police say 64-year-old Patrick Stretch was climbing with his adult son when he fell 500 feet.  Stretch and his son were descending the mountain when the accident happened.  Stretch was dead when search and rescue teams reached his location.  Officials are reminding people that this is a dangerous time of year to climb the mountain as the warm weather causes falling ice and rocks. 

(The Dalles, OR)  --  Crews remain on the scene of a brush fire west of The Dalles that forced evacuations and closed I-84 Wednesday afternoon.  Fire officials say the blaze is 70-percent contained as of last night.  The fire downed power lines across the freeway and prompted Level 3 evacuations for nearby apartments, a mobile home park and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum.  The evacuation orders were downgraded to Level 1 later last night, allowing residents to return home.  The freeway was reopened after the power lines were removed.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon has three new deaths from COVID-19 and 177 new cases.  The Oregon Health Authority reported the new numbers yesterday.  There are currently 238 Oregonians hospitalized for coronavirus, which is down eleven from Monday.  There have now been two-thousand-674 deaths from COVID-19 in Oregon and 201-thousand-649 cases since the pandemic began.  Nearly 66-percent of Oregon's eligible population has been vaccinated.

(Lincoln City, OR)  --  The Oregon Health Authority has lifted the health advisory for the D River in Lincoln City.  It was imposed last week when higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacterial were detected in ocean waters.  New tests show bacteria levels have returned to normal.  Ocean water is tested on a regular basis along the Oregon Coast.

(Portland, OR)  --  A well-known activist from Indianapolis is facing federal charges in connection to alleged crimes during demonstrations in Portland last year.  Court documents accuse 24-year-old Malik Fard Muhammad of traveling to Portland with his girlfriend specifically to take part in violent demonstrations.  Prosecutors claim evidence shows him buying baseball bats that he gave to other demonstrators and purchasing materials to make Molotov cocktails.  Police say he was caught throwing an explosive device during a demonstration.  Muhammad is charged with possession of destructive devices, obstructing law enforcement, and using explosives to commit a federal felony.

(Oregon City, OR)  --  The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners is removing all assignments from Commissioner Mark Shull after he proposed a resolution that compared vaccine passports to Jim Crow laws.  Board Chair Tootie Smith said Shull's proposal was abhorrent and irresponsible.  Shull said he wanted the proposal to spark discussion about vaccine passports, and he didn't intend it to be racially offensive.  Smith proposed removing Hull's liaison duties, and the rest of the board members agreed.

(Portland, OR)  --  Two Portland-area residents face federal charges for crimes allegedly committed during protests in the city.  Prosecutors say 56-year-old Richard Hernandez is accused of causing more than 160-thousand dollars in damage by breaking windows at the Hatfield Courthouse and the ICE office in Southwest Portland.  Nineteen-year-old Rowan McManigal allegedly destroyed a card reader and intercom at the ICE center.  He's also accused of having a hoax explosive device that was intended to mislead officers if they were arrested.

(Blue River, OR)  --  The U.S. Postal Service is replacing a post office in Blue River that was destroyed by a wildfire last September.  A reopening dedication event will be held at the modular unit today.  A temporary post office has been running out of McKenzie High School in Blue River.  Portland District Manager for the Postal Service, William Schwartz, says the wildfires had a devastating impact and the Postal Service is dedicated to providing mail service to hard-hit communities, such as Blue River, as quickly and conveniently as possible.

(Salem, OR)  --  Three Oregon counties are moving down in COVID-19 risk levels.  Clatsop County is moving from Moderate to Lower risk, while Lane and Polk counties are moving from High to Moderate risk.  Harney and Coos counties have been warned they will move backwards if their numbers don't improve.  In the Portland area, Clackamas County remains at High Risk because its vaccination rate is 62-percent.  Any county with a vaccination rate of 65-percent or better moves to the Lower Risk category.  The new risk levels take effect on Friday.

The Oregon Health Authority reported 220 new cases of COVID-19;  17 in Deschutes County, no new cases reported in Crook or Jefferson County. The number of patients hospitalized with Covid statewide is 249; 61 of those patients are in intensive care.  Saint Charles Health System has 32 COVID-19 patients hospitalized; 6 in ICU and 3 on ventilators.

(Vancouver, WA)  --  No injuries are reported following a massive fire at a homeless encampment in Vancouver.  Firefighters responded to the camp near Northeast 112th and 51st Street just after midnight yesterday to find flames shooting 40 to 50 feet into the air.  Fire officials say everyone was able to escape the encampment safely.  An investigation into what caused the fire is ongoing.

(Forest Grove, OR)  --  An investigation is ongoing into a two-alarm fire that destroyed a shop in the Forest Grove area.  Firefighters responded to the blaze on Hillside Road early this morning.  Crews were able to bring the fire under control by about 2:30 a.m.  It's not yet clear what sparked the blaze.

(Salem, OR)  --  A teenage boy is dead after becoming pinned underneath a vehicle in Salem.  Police say the 15-year-old boy was riding on the hood of a car in a parking lot at Riverfront Park yesterday morning when he fell off and became pinned.  The Salem Fire Department responded and got the boy out from under the car and then transported him to Salem Hospital, where he died.  Salem Police are investigating the crash.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Police are releasing the identity of a man who was killed in a shooting early Saturday morning.  Police say 40-year-old Darren Lockett died at a hospital following the shooting near Southeast 132nd and Center Street.  Police have not said what led to the shooting, and a suspect hasn't been arrested.

(Jefferson, OR)  --  Half a dozen people are recovering after becoming stranded while floating on the North Santiam River.  Albany fire officials say six people were floating on the river near Jefferson Saturday when their raft got snagged on trees.  The current was strong, and they weren't able to get out of the raft.  Albany fire launched two rescue boats and brought the six people safely to shore.  Firefighters warn floaters the current is strong, there's a lot of debris in the rivers from the winter, and the water is still extremely cold.

(Aloha, OR)  --  Police say they've arrested a suspect in connection to a shooting inside an apartment in Aloha.  The Washington County Sheriff's Office says two men were arguing inside the home Saturday when one of them pulled out a gun and fired a shot.  Police say the bullet nearly hit a man who was sleeping on a couch nearby.  No one was hurt.  Deputies arrested 30-year-old Eddy Alvizures of Hillsboro for unlawful use of a weapon and several other charges.