Jeff Thompson

New York, Portland, Queens

Breaking news editor at Oregon Public Broadcasting

Breaking news editor for @OPB. Father of a millennial and a Gen-Zer 🤯. Hobbies include records & booze. Tweets/RTs are not official OPB posts

Articles

Investigators believe missing kayaker’s body was found in Willamette River

1 month ago | opb.org | Jeff Thompson

In this photo provided by Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office on April 12, 2025, emergency crews search for a missing kayaker on the Willamette River. Deputies believe they found the missing kayaker Sunday, May 4 near Meldrum Bar Park in Gladstone. Courtesy of Clackamas County Sheriff's OfficeInvestigators believe they have recovered the body of a 20-year-old man who went missing while kayaking in the Willamette River last month.
Oregon and Washington could be in for another destructive wildfire season

1 month ago | opb.org | Jeff Thompson

Fire officials say the 2025 wildfire season in Oregon and Washington could look a lot like last year’s expensive and destructive wildfire season. The region is at an elevated risk for large and costly fires, according to a forecast out this week. FILE - A sign warns of wildfire ahead on Interstate 84 eastbound near Durkee, Ore., July 31, 2024. A forecast out this week says the 2025 wildfire season could rival last year's.
Winter weather returns to the Cascade passes in Oregon and SW Washington

2 months ago | opb.org | Jeff Thompson

Heavy snow and gusty winds are expected along Cascade passes in Southwest Washington and most of Oregon for the next few days. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch through Saturday afternoon. Up to 2 feet of snow could accumulate by then, mostly at elevations above 2,500 feet. Wind gusts could reach 35 miles per hour. Several inches of snow fell in the passes overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning.
Former St. Helens teacher now faces 29 sexual abuse charges

Feb 25, 2025 | opb.org | Jeff Thompson

A St. Helens High School choir teacher jailed for alleged sexual abuse against students is facing new charges, and his request for bail was denied Monday. The outside of St. Helens High School on Nov. 15, 2024. Court records show Eric Stearns, 47, is now facing 29 counts of sexual abuse, 26 of which are felony charges. An amended indictment against him now includes 16 total victims. The alleged abuse happened between 2015 and the current school year.
Arrest warrants issued for Bend family accused of child abuse

Feb 21, 2025 | opb.org | Jeff Thompson

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has issued nationwide felony arrest warrants for a Bend-area family indicted in a child abuse case. Sarah Session is facing 19 different charges for alleged abuse against her 9-year-old stepson. Charging documents say she intentionally caused serious physical injury to the child and attempted to kill him. Her parents, Gary and Paula Hardenburg, face criminal mistreatment charges for aiding and abetting the abuse.
Winter storm warnings underway in western Oregon; weather advisories east of the Cascades

Feb 13, 2025 | opb.org | Jeff Thompson

Winter weather alerts are in place for much of Oregon and Southwest Washington Thursday and Friday, including potential snow and freezing rain along the Willamette Valley, the Coast Range and the Columbia River Gorge. Snow begins to build up on Interstate 5 near Coburg, Oregon, on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. More snow, and potentially freezing rain, is expected in the region. Officials are urging people to stay home if possible, and many school districts are closed.
Extreme cold in western Oregon could give way to freezing rain overnight

Feb 12, 2025 | opb.org | Jeff Thompson

Extreme cold gripped most of Oregon overnight Wednesday morning, with temperatures well below freezing in western Oregon and well below zero in Eastern Oregon. Cold weather advisories were in effect for most of the state through noon Wednesday, and then will go into effect again Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. Rita Calhoun eats a warm cup of soup at a warming shelter in Southeast Portland, operated by Multnomah County, Feb. 11, 2025.
US Rep. Val Hoyle exits DOGE caucus, says Elon Musk is ‘breaking the system’

Feb 7, 2025 | opb.org | Jeff Thompson

U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle has announced she’s leaving the bipartisan Department of Government Efficiency House caucus. The new department agency was created by executive order of President Donald Trump and is being led by “special government employee” Elon Musk. A separate congressional caucus first met in December. Hoyle, who just won reelection to her second term, was one of a few Democrats to participate. In a post on X, Hoyle said she joined the caucus to be a voice for working people.
Rollover crash closes I-405 in Portland during morning commute

Feb 5, 2025 | opb.org | Jeff Thompson

A rollover crash on Interstate 5 northbound at I-405 closed all exit lanes, including the city center off-ramps, in Portland, Ore., on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. Courtesy of Portland Police BureauA rollover semi-truck crash on Interstate 5 at Interstate 405 closed all exit lanes at the interchange during the Wednesday morning commute, including all northbound lanes to I-405 and all city center exits.
Winter weather alerts from the Oregon Coast to the Cascades

Feb 5, 2025 | opb.org | Jeff Thompson

Winter weather alerts are in place for most of western Oregon this morning, from the coast to the east slopes of the Cascades. Along the Willamette Valley, a winter weather advisory for accumulating low-elevation snow is in effect through noon. Some flurries fell Wednesday morning at elevations over 500 feet, including Interstate 5 at Capitol Highway.