Lucas Wright

For those looking to escape the hustle of Black Friday shopping, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has a breath of fresh air to offer. Imagine stepping out into the tranquility of nature instead of queuing up for doorbuster deals—come November 29th, "Green Friday," this vision becomes a reality. In what's becoming a holiday weekend tradition, the department is waiving the day-use parking fees at Oregon's state parks.

The Bird Alliance of Oregon has spread its wings with a new purchase. The organization recently acquired a 12.5-acre property on NE 82nd Avenue, with grand plans to construct a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital and nature sanctuary. The site, located at 2800 NE 82nd Ave, is slated for significant development to transform it into a haven for both wildlife rehabilitation and community engagement, featuring nature trails, park space, and educational resources.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is calling on residents throughout the state to have their say in the development of emergency management strategies. On February 11, 2024, Oregonians will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual town hall aimed at gathering public input on the agency's strategic and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) plans.

The highly pathogenic avian flu (H5N1 Eurasian strain or EA H5) that has been hovering on the radar of wildlife officials across North America since late 2021 continues to be a concern. In the latest developments, Oregon has steadfastly been testing wild birds for the HPAI virus. Despite the widespread detection of the virus in various avian species, all tests in Oregon have, to date, yielded negative results – a slice of hope amid the outbreak narrative.

In a significant crackdown on illegal drug trade in Eugene, the Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit (EPD SCU) in collaboration with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) and other law enforcement agencies, successfully carried out a coordinated operation resulting in the seizure of drugs, cash, and a firearm. The operation was set in motion by EPD SCU and DINT following a month-long surveillance of a suspected drug trafficking individual, culminating in three search warrants executed in Lane County on Monday, as reported by the City of Eugene.

In a recent turn of judicial events, Eric Douglas Alexander, a 42-year-old man, faced a judge in Multnomah County for a string of severe charges, including attempted murder and arson, according to the District Attorney's office. The allegations emerged from a pattern of harassment aimed at Alexander's former intimate partner, culminating in the deliberate burning of a house.

In a proactive movement to bolster readiness for a potentially catastrophic event, the Coquille Indian Tribe united with the State of Oregon to exhibit an emergency preparedness drill. This brings to the fore the setup of an Evacuation Assembly Point (EAP), a strategic initiative considered critical in the wake of a Cascadia earthquake and subsequent tsunami threats, as reported by the Oregon Department of Human Services. The EAP, a temporary meeting spot, offers refuge for communities while first responders assess and address the areas struck by disaster.

November has been designated as Native American Heritage Month in Multnomah County, with the Board of Commissioners making the proclamation on November 14th during their board meeting. Acknowledging the numerous Tribal Nations represented within the county, which number over 380, the move is intended to celebrate and reflect upon the rich histories and contributions of Native American communities. As reported by Multnomah County News, Chair Jessica Vega Pederson remarked on the significant role Native community members play within the County's programs and partner organizations.

The City of Longview and three police officers are facing a lawsuit over the New Year's Day shooting death of Katelynn Rose Smith, who was reported to be suicidal at the time of her death. Smith's mother, Danielle Whiting, is spearheading the complaint that targets the city, along with Officers Elijah Heston, Dylan Fletcher, and Caitlyn Woolcott-Rose. As stated in details from

Residents of Portland, Oregon, should keep their umbrellas close at hand as the National Weather Service (NWS) predicts a series of showers throughout the upcoming days. Today Portlanders can expect "a chance of showers before noon, then a chance of showers after 2pm," with a mostly cloudy sky and a high hovering around 51 degrees, according to National Weather Service Portland. The chance of rain today stands at 40%, with new precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.