The Portland Focal
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The Portland Focal
@portlandfocal.bsky.social
Independent local news for Portland, OR. https://focalnews.org/portland-or
One person was killed and two were taken to a hospital after a shooting at a Gresham bar late Saturday. Police said there was no ongoing threat to the community as the investigation continued.
Fatal shooting at Gresham bar leaves two others injured
One person was killed and two were taken to a hospital after a shooting at a Gresham bar late Saturday. Police said there was no ongoing threat to the community as the investigation continued.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 10:34 PM
The Ducks fell out of the AP poll Sunday after a turnover-plagued home loss left them 3-2. UCLA climbed to No. 12, while Georgia took over the top spot.
Oregon’s 17-15 loss to UCLA ends four-year AP Top 25 run
The Ducks fell out of the AP poll Sunday after a turnover-plagued home loss left them 3-2. UCLA climbed to No. 12, while Georgia took over the top spot.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Recent polling from OPB and DHM Research indicates close contests in Oregon’s governor’s race and Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. The findings point to competitive midterm campaigns in both states, though the available polling details do not include candidate percentages or margins.
Polls put Oregon governor’s contest and Washington’s 3rd District race on close footing
Recent polling from OPB and DHM Research indicates close contests in Oregon’s governor’s race and Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. The findings point to competitive midterm campaigns in both states, though the available polling details do not include candidate percentages or margins.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 9:45 PM
A 24-year-old man was arrested in Portland after investigators found nearly a pound of heroin and more than $1,500 in cash, police say. Court records allege he sold large quantities around the metro area for a Mexico-based boss.
Portland man accused of selling heroin supplied through Mexico-based operation
A 24-year-old man was arrested in Portland after investigators found nearly a pound of heroin and more than $1,500 in cash, police say. Court records allege he sold large quantities around the metro area for a Mexico-based boss.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Tuesday is the final day for eligible Oregonians to register for the general election. State officials urge voters to check their registration and return ballots early to avoid delays.
Oregon voters face Oct. 13 registration cutoff ahead of Nov. 3 election
Tuesday is the final day for eligible Oregonians to register for the general election. State officials urge voters to check their registration and return ballots early to avoid delays.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Federal agents used tear gas after about 30 people blocked ICE vehicles near Lancaster Drive and Sunnyview Road in Salem on Saturday morning, police said. Authorities are collecting evidence as Oregon and federal agencies prepare to review the incident.
Salem police investigate federal agents’ use of tear gas during ICE vehicle blockade
Federal agents used tear gas after about 30 people blocked ICE vehicles near Lancaster Drive and Sunnyview Road in Salem on Saturday morning, police said. Authorities are collecting evidence as Oregon and federal agencies prepare to review the incident.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 6:04 PM
One person was killed and two were injured in a shooting at VN Fusion Bar N Grill in Gresham late Saturday. Police say there is no ongoing threat to the community as investigators seek information.
Gresham bar shooting kills one person, sends two others to hospital
One person was killed and two were injured in a shooting at VN Fusion Bar N Grill in Gresham late Saturday. Police say there is no ongoing threat to the community as investigators seek information.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Fewer people are commuting to Oregon jobs from Washington and other states as the state’s hiring remains weak. Oregon still collected an estimated $268 million in income taxes from Clark County commuters in 2024, but that was about $33 million less than it might have received if their numbers had he
Oregon’s shrinking cross-border workforce leaves a $33 million tax gap
Fewer people are commuting to Oregon jobs from Washington and other states as the state’s hiring remains weak. Oregon still collected an estimated $268 million in income taxes from Clark County commuters in 2024, but that was about $33 million less than it might have received if their numbers had he
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Nine candidates are competing for three Hillsboro City Council seats, with divisions over data center development, tax incentives and farmland protection shaping the races. All say affordability and housing are major concerns as voters prepare for the Nov. 3 election.
Hillsboro voters face stark choices on growth, data centers and corporate tax breaks
Nine candidates are competing for three Hillsboro City Council seats, with divisions over data center development, tax incentives and farmland protection shaping the races. All say affordability and housing are major concerns as voters prepare for the Nov. 3 election.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Wayne Knight scored twice as UCLA beat Oregon 17-15 in a turnover-heavy game, staying unbeaten despite losing starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava to a lower-leg injury. The Ducks committed seven of the game’s 10 turnovers and failed to convert a late two-point attempt.
UCLA’s late defensive stand preserves 5-0 start in Eugene
Wayne Knight scored twice as UCLA beat Oregon 17-15 in a turnover-heavy game, staying unbeaten despite losing starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava to a lower-leg injury. The Ducks committed seven of the game’s 10 turnovers and failed to convert a late two-point attempt.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 6:35 AM
A Kodiak 100 turboprop took off from the Willamette River on Friday and passed beneath Portland’s Hawthorne Bridge, startling a witness who captured the flight on video. The FAA was asked to clarify which rules govern the maneuver and said it expects to respond next week.
Floatplane’s Willamette River departure takes it beneath Hawthorne Bridge
A Kodiak 100 turboprop took off from the Willamette River on Friday and passed beneath Portland’s Hawthorne Bridge, startling a witness who captured the flight on video. The FAA was asked to clarify which rules govern the maneuver and said it expects to respond next week.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 12:18 AM
Salem police say about 30 people blocked ICE vehicles near Lancaster Drive on Saturday and that agents used tear gas to clear the area. Rep. Andrea Salinas criticized the federal operation, while the city says its investigation is ongoing.
Salem investigates reports of tear gas during ICE operation as Salinas criticizes agents
Salem police say about 30 people blocked ICE vehicles near Lancaster Drive on Saturday and that agents used tear gas to clear the area. Rep. Andrea Salinas criticized the federal operation, while the city says its investigation is ongoing.
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 11:46 PM
The Southern Oregon park can appeal the decision, but it will no longer hold accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums unless the denial is reversed. Wildlife Safari remains accredited by the Zoological Association of America.
Wildlife Safari in Winston denied renewal by Association of Zoos and Aquariums
The Southern Oregon park can appeal the decision, but it will no longer hold accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums unless the denial is reversed. Wildlife Safari remains accredited by the Zoological Association of America.
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 10:14 PM
Built in 1892 by brickmaker and dreamer Charles Piggott, the Southwest Portland landmark has survived foreclosure, fires and years of neglect. Its longtime owners, John and Kelsey Grout, are now seeking a buyer who will care for the castle as they prepare to move closer to family.
Portland’s Piggott’s Castle, restored by one family for decades, is preparing for a new owner
Built in 1892 by brickmaker and dreamer Charles Piggott, the Southwest Portland landmark has survived foreclosure, fires and years of neglect. Its longtime owners, John and Kelsey Grout, are now seeking a buyer who will care for the castle as they prepare to move closer to family.
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Portland’s sidewalk-cleaning program is expanding along 82nd and 122nd avenues, Northeast Sandy Boulevard, Southeast Division Street and other East Portland corridors. The city says the service now reaches about 70 business districts and has removed 260 tons of garbage since launching last year.
Portland adds Eastside business corridors to sidewalk sanitation service
Portland’s sidewalk-cleaning program is expanding along 82nd and 122nd avenues, Northeast Sandy Boulevard, Southeast Division Street and other East Portland corridors. The city says the service now reaches about 70 business districts and has removed 260 tons of garbage since launching last year.
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 8:01 PM
About 30 workers at NORPAC fled the Brooks facility Thursday after federal immigration agents arrived in its parking lot and arrested a person in a car, according to a company human resources coordinator. The incident prompted additional workers to leave early or miss later shifts, disrupting produc
ICE arrest at Brooks food plant sends workers fleeing into nearby woods
About 30 workers at NORPAC fled the Brooks facility Thursday after federal immigration agents arrived in its parking lot and arrested a person in a car, according to a company human resources coordinator. The incident prompted additional workers to leave early or miss later shifts, disrupting produc
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Two online surveys of unvaccinated adults in spring 2021 found that messages acknowledging distrust of government and emphasizing individual liberty increased respondents’ stated willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Researchers cautioned that the findings point to ways of opening conversations, no
OSU-Cascades study: Vaccine outreach worked better when it addressed distrust and personal choice
Two online surveys of unvaccinated adults in spring 2021 found that messages acknowledging distrust of government and emphasizing individual liberty increased respondents’ stated willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Researchers cautioned that the findings point to ways of opening conversations, no
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 6:27 PM
A Multnomah County judge ordered Portland City Councilor Dan Ryan to preserve communications on his personal devices while a public-records lawsuit proceeds. The order requires new backups, a detailed account of what happened to an older phone and forensic imaging of devices and backups.
Judge orders forensic review of Dan Ryan’s phones in records dispute
A Multnomah County judge ordered Portland City Councilor Dan Ryan to preserve communications on his personal devices while a public-records lawsuit proceeds. The order requires new backups, a detailed account of what happened to an older phone and forensic imaging of devices and backups.
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Jonathan Deline received a $500 payment after buying Affordable Care Act coverage without federal premium assistance, but his monthly insurance bill rose by $125 this year. The one-time checks are going to eligible consumers in 30 states, while many Oregonians face higher premiums and fewer plan cho
Eugene resident gets $500 federal health insurance check as premiums climb
Jonathan Deline received a $500 payment after buying Affordable Care Act coverage without federal premium assistance, but his monthly insurance bill rose by $125 this year. The one-time checks are going to eligible consumers in 30 states, while many Oregonians face higher premiums and fewer plan cho
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 3:59 PM
The nonprofit serving nearly 200 young musicians a year says declining donations and tighter grant competition could force it to cut classes or scholarships. Forty-three percent of its students receive financial aid to cover lessons.
Albany Youth Orchestra warns donations could fall $50,000 short next year
The nonprofit serving nearly 200 young musicians a year says declining donations and tighter grant competition could force it to cut classes or scholarships. Forty-three percent of its students receive financial aid to cover lessons.
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 2:57 PM
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is working to reacquire nearly seven acres of rugged coast south of Yachats, land removed from its reservation in the 19th century. Conservation groups helped buy the property for $120,000, but the transfer to the tribe was still underway.
Siletz land return would protect nearly 7 coastal acres south of Yachats
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is working to reacquire nearly seven acres of rugged coast south of Yachats, land removed from its reservation in the 19th century. Conservation groups helped buy the property for $120,000, but the transfer to the tribe was still underway.
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 1:53 PM
The 20th annual Portland celebration will bring dancers to a Northeast Portland basketball court for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and a fundraiser supporting unsheltered residents. Weekend rehearsals are open to beginners.
Portland’s ‘Thrill the World’ dance returns Oct. 24 with fundraiser for Hygiene4All
The 20th annual Portland celebration will bring dancers to a Northeast Portland basketball court for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and a fundraiser supporting unsheltered residents. Weekend rehearsals are open to beginners.
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Mari Martinez was arraigned Friday in Hillsboro after her 3-year-old son was found safe following a multistate Amber Alert. Prosecutors also allege she left the child unattended in a hot tub days earlier; she was released on $50,000 bail with GPS monitoring and other restrictions.
Beaverton Amber Alert case: Mother arraigned on custodial interference, child neglect charges
Mari Martinez was arraigned Friday in Hillsboro after her 3-year-old son was found safe following a multistate Amber Alert. Prosecutors also allege she left the child unattended in a hot tub days earlier; she was released on $50,000 bail with GPS monitoring and other restrictions.
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 8:06 AM
Jeremy Braden Williams, a Salem-Keizer Public Schools employee, pleaded not guilty Friday in Marion County Circuit Court. The indictment alleges he duplicated sexually explicit videos involving minors over several months; he is due back in court Nov. 24.
McNary instructional assistant denies 10 child-abuse-related felony counts
Jeremy Braden Williams, a Salem-Keizer Public Schools employee, pleaded not guilty Friday in Marion County Circuit Court. The indictment alleges he duplicated sexually explicit videos involving minors over several months; he is due back in court Nov. 24.
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 7:01 AM
A driver was taken to a hospital with injuries believed to be life-threatening after a car overturned and caught fire Friday. Northbound I-205 was closed at Northeast Airport Way as authorities investigated.
Driver critically hurt in I-205 crash near Airport Way; northbound lanes closed
A driver was taken to a hospital with injuries believed to be life-threatening after a car overturned and caught fire Friday. Northbound I-205 was closed at Northeast Airport Way as authorities investigated.
focalnews.org
October 10, 2026 at 3:53 AM