Danny Peterson

1 week ago | koin.com | Ariel Iacobazzi |Danny Peterson

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Public health officials are warning the public about a new type of toxic algae in the Columbia River that can be deadly to animals. This new algae has so far been found along the moving body of water that is the Columbia River, considered an unusual setting compared to where other algae are commonly found. Officials said at least two dogs died after eating this new form of toxic algae. That’s why public health officials say to be extra cautious as the weather gets warmer.

1 week ago | koin.com | Joelle Jones |Danny Peterson

MOSIER, Ore. (KOIN) — As the wildfire season continues to grow, Oregon state and federal officials provided an update Friday morning on what residents can expect heading into summer. Those talks come after the state saw a handful of brush fires this week, with some even sparking evacuations. In Mosier, the earth was left scorched following the Cherry Hill fire on Wednesday. Oregon Department of Forestry said crews will continue to monitor until there is no more heat or smoke.

1 week ago | koin.com | Ariel Salk |Danny Peterson

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Students in Hillsboro staged a walkout after the district announced cutting theater from next year’s curriculum at Century High School. “The theater program is their career course. It’s what they want to do in their life, and they’re just ending it. It’s horrible,” said Century High School Senior Kenneth Polin. The Hillsboro School District is facing a $20 million budget shortfall going into next year.

1 week ago | koin.com | Danny Peterson

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Salem man was sentenced to nine years in prison for drug trafficking charges related to an investigation that began back in 2021. Rico Anthony Russell Rigutto was sentenced after investigators discovered thousands of fentanyl pills, dozens of pounds of methamphetamines and other drugs in his possession, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

1 week ago | koin.com | Danny Peterson |Joey Vacca

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson are unveiling their plans to bolster housing development in the Rose City with a series of strategies, informed by a workgroup with multiple local stakeholders. This comes after the duo previously announced a plan to waive system development charges earlier this month.