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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — None of the last eight unbeaten teams in major college football this season were unbeaten going into November last year. Or the year before that. Or the year before that.

Or in the decades before that, in some cases.

The last eight unbeatens: No. 1 Oregon (8-0), No. 3 Penn State (7-0), No. 5 Miami (8-0), No. 9 BYU (8-0), No. 11 Iowa State (7-0), No. 13 Indiana (8-0), No. 18 Pitt (7-0) and No. 21 Army (7-0).

“It can get real special,” Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. said after the Hurricanes beat Florida State on Saturday. “We’ve just got to keep attacking, go 1-0 every single week. On to the next.”

In the cases of Oregon, Penn State and maybe Miami, those starts aren’t necessarily surprising. With regard to everyone else on the list, yes, it’s fair to say most would be surprised. Of the eight teams, five were unranked in the AP Top 25 preseason poll. And three of the eight — Pitt, BYU and Indiana — weren’t even supposed to be in the top half of their conferences if preseason rankings are to be believed.

“It means everything,” Indiana offensive lineman Mike Katic said after the Hoosiers beat Washington to remain unbeaten and extend perhaps the best feel-good story in college football this fall. “I love this place with my whole heart, and I’m so grateful for everyone in this program that has helped me get to where I am. I’m so proud of this team and these coaches for everything and breaking through and getting Indiana football back on top.”

Take away the pandemic-shortened season of 2020, and the last time Indiana was undefeated going into November was 1967. That 57-year wait is more than most on the list — but nothing compared with Iowa State. The last time the Cyclones were unbeaten going into November was during World War II; the last time they were unbeaten and untied this late into the calendar was 1938.

“The character of our team keeps showing up,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said after the Cyclones — who were off this weekend — rallied to beat UCF on Oct. 19. “You can say, boy, you really love this team in January and you can say, boy, I really love this team in spring ball. But I think the reality is that it is who they have grown to become in the offseason and as a football team. The leadership and the resolve just showcase themselves.”

No. 1 Oregon

Last time unbeaten entering November: 2013 (excludes 2020, when the Ducks were 0-0).

Regular-season games left: Saturday at Michigan, Nov. 9 vs. Maryland, Nov. 16 at Wisconsin, Nov. 30 vs. Washington.

Preseason pick: 3rd in AP poll, 2nd in Big Ten.

Outlook: A pair of long trips still await, but there’s no ranked teams (as of now, anyway) left on the regular season schedule.

No. 3 Penn State

Last time unbeaten entering November: 2019.

Regular-season games left: Saturday vs. No. 4 Ohio State, Nov. 9 vs. Washington, Nov. 16 at Purdue, Nov. 23 at Minnesota, Nov. 30 vs. Maryland.

Preseason pick: 8th in AP poll, 3rd in Big Ten.

Outlook: A five-game November slate starts with the showdown against the Buckeyes, a game with Big Ten and playoff implications.

No. 5 Miami

Last time unbeaten entering November: 2017.

Regular-season games left: Saturday vs. Duke, Nov. 9 at Georgia Tech, Nov. 23 vs. Wake Forest, Nov. 30 at Syracuse.

Preseason pick: 19th in AP poll, 3rd in ACC.

Outlook: The Hurricanes haven’t faced a ranked team yet this season and almost certainly won’t this month, either.

No. 9 BYU

Last time unbeaten entering November: 2020.

Regular-season games left: Nov. 9 at Utah, Nov. 16 vs. Kansas, Nov. 23 at Arizona State, Nov. 30 vs. Houston.

Preseason pick: Unranked in AP poll, 13th in Big 12.

Outlook: Off this week, and then the showdown in Salt Lake City awaits against the Utes. The trip to Arizona State will be tough as well.

No. 11 Iowa State

Last time unbeaten entering November: 1938 (not counting a 4-0-1 start in 1944).

Regular-season games left: Saturday vs. Texas Tech, Nov. 9 at Kansas, Nov. 16 vs. Cincinnati, Nov. 23 at Utah, Nov. 30 vs. No. 17 Kansas State.

Preseason pick: Unranked in AP poll, 6th in Big 12.

Outlook: A five-game November for the Cyclones as well, and the last two games on the slate might be the toughest.

No. 13 Indiana

Last time unbeaten entering November: 1967 (not counting a 2-0 start in 2020).

Regular-season games left: Saturday at Michigan State, Nov. 9 vs. Michigan, Nov. 23 at No. 4 Ohio State, Nov. 30 vs. Purdue.

Preseason pick: Unranked in AP poll, 17th in Big Ten.

Outlook: The surprise of America, perhaps. The Michigan rivals await the next two weeks, and then a potential showdown in Columbus might decide the Hoosiers’ Big Ten hopes.

No. 18 Pitt

Last time unbeaten entering November: 1982.

Regular-season games left: Saturday at No. 20 SMU, Nov. 9 vs. Virginia, Nov. 16 vs. No. 11 Clemson, Nov. 23 at Louisville, Nov. 30 at Boston College.

Preseason pick: Unranked in AP poll, 13th in the ACC.

Outlook: Pitt’s defense has been stellar, and it’ll be tested against SMU and Clemson. The Panthers have a chance in their hands.

No. 21 Army

Last time unbeaten entering November: 1996.

Regular-season games left: Saturday vs. Air Force. Nov. 9 vs. North Texas, Nov. 23 vs. No. 8 Notre Dame, Nov. 30 vs. UTSA, Dec. 14 vs. Navy.

Preseason pick: Unranked in AP poll, 5th in the American Athletic.

Outlook: Army has scored 42 or more points in each of its last four games. Big tests await but the offense looks legit.

Blink-182’s ninth studio album “One More Time…” topped the album charts last fall

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Summer is heating up, and so is the variety of concerts you can attend at different Portland music venues.

Here are the top acts performing in the Rose City through July.

When: Wednesday, July 10 at 8 p.m.
Where: Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

A defining artist of West Coast hip-hop, Compton rapper YG will fittingly begin and end his tour out west. His discography includes guest appearances from other popular artists like Drake, 50 Cent and J. Cole.

When: Saturday, July 13 at 7 p.m.
Where: Moda Center, 1 N Center Ct St, Portland, OR 97227

Blink-182’s ninth studio album “One More Time…” topped the charts last fall. The band’s ongoing North American tour serves as a victory lap, joined by fellow rock group Pierce the Veil.

When: Saturday, July 13 at 8 p.m.
Where: McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

R&B artist Lucky Daye has songwriting credits for major acts like Beyoncé, Ne-Yo and Usher. He’s also developed a strong reputation as a solo act with the hit song “Over.” The Rose City will be the second stop of his upcoming concerts in support of the June 28 release “Algorithm.”

When: Thursday, July 18 at 8 p.m.
Where: Moda Center, 1 N Center Ct St, Portland, OR 97227

Hailing from The Bronx, N.Y., bachata group Aventura has extended their farewell tour for all North American dates to enjoy. Fellow New York native Cardi B recently attended the Brooklyn show.

When: Friday, July 19 at 7 p.m.
Where: Moda Center, 1 N Center Ct St, Portland, OR 97227

JAM’N 107.5, the city’s top hip-hop radio station, will bring Ice Cube, E-40, Mya, Xzibit, Ginuwine and The Luniz all to the Rose Quarter.

When: Thursday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St, Portland, OR 97201

With Tony, Grammy and Emmy awards under his belt, Ben Platt is touring in support of his latest album “Honeymind.” The multi-hyphenate is well known for roles in “Pitch Perfect,” “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Theater Camp.”

When: Friday, July 26 at 8 p.m.
Where: Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Rising rapper Ken Carson had a breakthrough year in 2023 with the release of his album “A Great Chaos.” His most popular tracks include “Overseas,” “Yale” and “Fighting My Demons.”

One group called the case the largest sexual abuse scandal in recent history

SEATTLE, Wash. (AP) — Fifteen current or retired Joint Base Lewis-McChord servicemen who say the Army failed to protect them from a military doctor who has been charged with sexual abuse are each seeking $5 million in damages for the emotional distress they say they have suffered.

“I have overwhelming feelings of sadness, fear, and anxiety,” one serviceman said in his complaint. “The severity of this emotional toll has made confiding in and seeking comfort from my family very challenging. I deal with mistrust because of how I was violated.”

Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at the base’s Madigan Army Medical Center, faces 52 charges involving claims of abusive sexual contact with 41 victims, said Michelle McCaskill, spokesperson with the U.S. Army Officer of Special Trial Counsel. He has pleaded not guilty.

Stockin is scheduled to face court-martial in January 2025. A court-martial is the military’s trial court system. Trials are similar to the criminal justice system, where both sides present evidence and cross-examine witnesses. An abusive sexual content charge carries a maximum sentence of seven years, and the indecent viewing charge has a maximum of one year. If the judge ran the sexual abuse charges consecutively, he would face a maximum of 336 years in prison, McCaskill said.

His lawyer, Robert Capovilla, said they intend to fight every allegation until the jury reaches a verdict.

“Until then, we sincerely hope that the United States Army is fully prepared to respect Major Stockin’s Constitutional rights at every phase of this process,” he told The Associated Press. “We urge everyone to keep an open mind, to remember Major Stockin is presumed innocent, and understand that this fight is just getting started.”

JBLM is the U.S. Army’s fifth-largest base and is about 47 miles (75 kilometers) south of Seattle. It has a population that tops 100,000 — with 40,000 active duty, 50,000 family members and 15,000 civilian and contract employees. The personnel includes the Yakama Training Center. The Madigan medical center is the Army’s second-largest medical treatment facility.

The group Protect Our Defenders called the Stockin case the largest sexual abuse scandal in recent history and called for a Congressional review.

“Stockin must be held accountable. Army leadership must answer for how and why Stockin’s abuse was allowed to continue,” the group said in a November news release ahead of the doctor’s initial hearing on the charges. “We urge the Pentagon to take this case seriously, as well as support and embolden male survivors seeking justice and are reaching out for help. We cannot let history repeat itself by silencing survivors.”

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ruth Castro said when they received the first 11 claims, they sent out a statement in March saying they are reviewing them and “no decision on how to respond will be made until the Army’s review is complete and the claims have been investigated.” Castro said late Friday that she was trying to learn if they had an update to that response.

The 15 servicemen who filed the complaints were former patients of Dr. Stockin. They primarily saw him for pain management. The most recent filings were made on Thursday on behalf of three Army members and one with the Airforce. All four had been suffering chronic back pain.

One said he had an appointment with Stockin in September 2021 about a pulled muscle in his lower back. He was taken to an exam room and was alone with Stockin when the doctor told him to take off his pants and underwear, according to the complaint. He said Stockin fondled his genitals without wearing gloves.

The three others told similar stories, and they all said they had never had an exam like that before and left feeling uncomfortable and violated.

“I do believe this directly led to exacerbating my drinking because I did not know how to cope with this trauma,” one of the men said. He spent a year drinking until he blacked out, and finally entered an outpatient rehabilitation program to get sober.

“Since 2022, I’ve had to ask my wife to attend every medical appointment I’ve made because I do not feel comfortable being one-on-one with a medical professional as a direct result of Dr. Stockin,” he said.

The law firm Sanford Heisler Sharp filed Federal Tort Claims Act complaints against the U.S. Army and Department of Defense on behalf of the servicemen, claiming the agencies were negligent in hiring, supervising and retaining Dr. Stockin. They have six months to investigate the claims and after that, the servicemen can file a federal lawsuit, said Christine Dunn, a lead attorney on the cases.

One of the servicemen said he reported Stockin’s behavior to his superior officer, but nothing was done. Two other complaints say Stockin continued to see and abuse patients as late as April 2022 — two months after the army claimed it had removed him from duty, Dunn said.

“Each time another victim reaches out to me, I become more and more determined to hold the Army accountable for putting this serial predator in a position to abuse patients,” Dunn said. “The sheer volume of victims here points to the Army’s negligence in failing to keep patients safe.”

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) –The Keller Auditorium is one of the city’s premier performance venues. But it’s more than a century old, outdated in several respects and it would not survive a major earthquake.

The City of Portland owns the building and Metro manages it as part of the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts. Currently, there are three proposals city leaders are weighing to either renovate or replace the Keller Auditorium.

Renovating it would close the current facility and take about 19 months. The other proposal would be to build a new venue while the Keller continues to operate.

Portland residents are able to share their thoughts through an online survey until July 7.

This KOIN 6 News special looks at all three proposals to clarify the differences and shed light on each as city leaders may announce their decision later in July.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE KELLER

The venue opened as a public auditorium on July 4, 1917 and was used as a community space, a museum and even a hospital during the Spanish Flu epidemic. In 1962, the Keller Auditorium’s roof, windows and light fixtures were damaged during the infamous Columbus Day Storm. Then in the late ’60s, the space was renovated from a multi-purpose venue into a theater and was renamed the Civic Auditorium. It became the Keller Auditorium in 2000 after Richard Keller donated $1.5 million for renovation. Today, the Keller Auditorium is the largest auditorium in the state of Oregon. Along with Portland’s other centers for the arts, it generates more than $60 million in regional spending every year.

Keep in mind, the Keller is an auditorium, not a performing arts center. A performing arts center has multiple spaces to do a variety of things at one time. The Keller is not able to do that.

METRO’S POINT OF VIEW

Metro has done much of the research for the cost of either renovating or replacing the Keller.

“Keller Auditorium is like Portland 5’s warhorse,” said Robin Williams, the Executive Director for the Portland’5 Center for the Arts. “It generates almost 50% of our total earned revenues. The money is used to subsidize all the non-profit users of our theater, so it’s very critical.”

The Metro study found closing the Keller for a nearly 2-year renovation would mean 336 jobs lost, $100 million in lost output, $42.3 million in lost labor income and missing out on $5.1 million in state and local revenues.

Williams said those numbers “definitely” tilt her decision toward building a new facility while the current Keller would keep operating.

“We have a responsibility to support our local arts users and we can’t do it with a partial or full closure,” she said. “Closing at all is not an option.”

A Metro cost analysis shows renovating the current venue would cost $290 million, while building a new venue in the Lloyd District would cost $429 million. A new venue at PSU would cost $447 million.

Greg Phillips of Creative Stage Arts Development, which focuses on arts organizations, said there are “soft costs” on top of the “hard costs” such as construction. The soft costs include architects, designers, theater designers, permitting and planning.

Building a new venue also fits in with their vision for bringing back Portland’s central city.

“It ensures our arts model remains robust. Building new gives us a lot of opportunities to expand,” Williams said. “Because the Keller is an auditorium. It is not a performing arts center. …. It gives us more opportunities to provide more content to people and then maybe do something else really fabulous with the Keller.”

As leaders make a decision, Phillips — who is also a former executive director of Portland’s Center Stage — said they will feel “influence from everywhere. There is now a very public outreach program where we’re doing surveys and focus groups and let everybody know that this is a critical moment, this is a big decision, an important one for the future of Portland.”

He also said each site has advantages.

“I believe each one of them will become something wonderful, regardless of which one gets a performing arts center,” Phillips said.

PLAN 1: REMODEL CURRENT VENUE

The Halprin Landscape Conservancy is spearheading the effort to renovate the Keller Auditorium at its current location, on SW 3rd between Clay and Market, directly across from Keller Fountain.

They say Keller’s historical significance should not be undercounted. It’s more beneficial to the city to keep Keller where it is despite an interruption of performances.

Scott Andrews with Melvin Mark Companies is also a co-chair of the Halprin Landscape Conservancy. He said they estimate a renovation cost of $267 million if they begin in 2027.

Renovation will provide “a 21st Century auditorium, new seating, new lighting, better acoustics, better loading, 20% additional square footage to the building where there will be restaurants, better backstage facilities, bars, restrooms. For the investment, we think it’s the best thing for the city to do.”

Andrews also said the Keller Auditorium is “a very important asset to the neighborhood. And there are hundreds of hotel rooms, bars, restaurants within walking distance, not to mention over 3000 parking spaces adjacent. It’s a great location. It’s a part of the downtown arts and culture district and it’s an important element to the health and wellbeing of downtown.”

Unions are concerned about the job losses during the lengthy construction period. But Andrews said “the damages caused by the downtime to both organizations who use the Keller and the unions can be mitigated. And we’re working with them to do that.”

He suggested one way would be to add $25 million to the cost estimate — which would raise the total renovation cost but still be considerably less money than the other proposals on the table.

Andrews is aware that there aren’t any other venues in the city that could bring in Broadway shows during the construction period. “But we have no concern that the audience won’t come back once the Keller is renovated.”

PLAN 2: PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Portland State University wants to build a new performing arts center on land it already owns on campus. Their $385 million proposal would include a 3000-seat auditorium, a hotel with restaurants, a conference center and an outdoor plaza.

“The Number 1 reason why (to build a new facility) is that the show can go on,” said PSU Foundation President Sarah Schwarz. “A new space being built in a new location allows the Keller to keep on moving through performances, hiring the folks in the arts ecosystem — which still hasn’t fully recovered from the pandemic — while a new, bigger, better, modernized ready-for-the-next-100 years arts center can happen at the PSU site.”

Jason Franklin, a PSU vice president of planning, construction and real estate, said they are looking to create an arts complex that will be a downtown Portland destination.

But the money would come from different sources.

“The overall cost is $385 million for the 3000-seat venue to replace the Keller,” Franklin said. “The remaining program — the hotel, the PSU 1200-seat auditorium — that would be paid for by different sources. Hotel would be private investment. The 1200-seat auditorium would be money we would bring from the state legislature for that academic space.”

Schwarz added this is a moment for “big philanthropy” in Portland.

“We’ve been doing a lot of research and in conversation with other national leaders we’ve learned that these are opportunities for the entire community to uplevel. One person recently said to me, ‘Great cities are built by philanthropy,’ and we see this as a wonderful opportunity for all of Portland to come together to create a world-class destination.”

The proposed PSU facility is planned for SW 1st and Lincoln, a little farther away from the central downtown area. Franklin said concerns it wouldn’t revitalize the city are unfounded.

“We think it’s a great opportunity to revitalize not only the south end of downtown but also reactivate the Keller site itself,” he said. “We really see it as kind of a 3-in-1 opportunity for revitalization downtown.”

PLAN 3: THE LLOYD DISTRICT

The Urban Renaissance Group, the owners of the Lloyd Center, is behind the effort to build a new performing arts venue in the Lloyd District. Their proposal would anchor a nearly 30-acre redevelopment of the Lloyd Center Mall site.

That development would include housing, open spaces, retail, restaurants and offices in addition to the newly built theater. They emphasize the growth in North and Northeast Portland — including the $450 million in federal funding that will go to capping a portion of I-5.

It would be the only P5 theater on Portland’s east side.

KOIN 6 News invited the Urban Renaissance Group to take part in this discussion, but they declined.

DECISION

The online survey remains available through July 7.

Portland City Council will consider all three plans and is expected to announce a decision later in the month.

A Level 2 “Be Set” notice has also been established for the area east of Highway 97 and south of Rosland Pit.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notice has been issued for some parts of the Darlene Fire early Tuesday afternoon, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Central Oregon Fire officials estimate the fire at 50 acres large and say air and ground resources are actively working to suppress the fire.

The Level 3 evacuation applies to the area east of the railroad tracks near Darlene Way and Ice Cave Road. A Level 2 “Be Set” notice has been established for the area east of Highway 97 and south of Rosland Pit.

A temporary evacuation point is available for residents in need of support at La Pine High School as of 2:40 p.m.

Up-to-date information about the fire can be found on the Emergency Management dashboard.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Part of Oregon’s northern coast reopened for razor clamming on Tuesday after an elevated level of a marine biotoxin in shellfish led officials to shut down harvesting on the entire Oregon coast in an “unprecedented event” that sickened dozens of people.

As of Tuesday, razor clam harvesting is open from the Washington border to the Yachats River but remains closed from the river to the California border due to high levels of paralytic shellfish poison and domoic acid, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife announced.

A spokesperson for the department said its most recent tests showing safe biotoxin levels were reported on June 6 and June 14.

While different shellfish are showing improvement in biotoxin levels, officials said mussel harvesting and bay clamming remain closed on the entire Oregon coast.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture told KOIN 6 News there is no timeline for when other areas on the coast might open for harvesting, noting the department is continuing to monitor biotoxin levels.

The toxin is produced from Alexandrium, a marine algae that is commonly found off the Oregon coast. Officials said the reason why the toxin grew to a “huge bloom” and caused “severe toxicity” is not well understood.

According to the Oregon Health Authority, there have been 38 reported cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning and seven people have been hospitalized.

ODFW, OHA, and the Department of Agriculture held a joint press conference on May 31 announcing the closure on the entire Oregon coast, which marked an “unprecedented event” that has never been seen in Oregon based on the number of species impacted and individuals getting sick from PSP.

Officials initially said at least 20 people were sickened from the PSP outbreak after harvesting mussels from Short Beach near Oceanside, Hug Point, and Seaside.

Authorities added that climate change will impact the frequency of PSP as harmful algae increases in frequency and toxicity.

Near average temperatures return to the Portland area Tuesday afternoon

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Drier and sunnier skies will help the Portland-Vancouver metro area warm on Tuesday.

Near-average temperatures for the middle of June are expected Tuesday afternoon as highs warm into the mid-70s around Portland. Tuesday’s warming and drying trend is just the start of the building summer heat around western Oregon and Washington.

The threat of excessive heat starts to increase on Thursday and Friday. This stent of the summer-like heat will only last through the end of the week. Slightly cooler conditions are expected by the weekend.

Caution should be taken while spending a prolonged amount of time out in the heat this week. Staying hydrated, wearing light-colored/loose-fitting clothing and taking frequent breaks are good practices to have on Thursday and Friday.

Temperatures will cool back into the 80s and 70s by the weekend and into the start of next week. That’s due to slightly cloudier skies and another dip in the jet stream.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A U.S. Coast Guard crew from Air Station Astoria rescued a 14-year-old hiker who suffered a severe knee injury while hiking with her dad in the Deschutes National Forest on Father’s Day.

Because the injured hiker was unable to return to the trailhead, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter team was dispatched to the area at 4:20 p.m. The coastal crew reached the patient two hours later and dealt with numerous issues while trying to lift the girl to safety.

The towering trees and steep terrain made it impossible for rescuers to reach the teen with the helicopter’s hoist cable. Acting fast, the team lowered two rescue swimmers into the wilderness a quarter of a mile from the injured hiker. The rescue swimmers trekked into the woods, loaded the patient onto a stretcher and carried her over fallen trees, rocks and snow, back to the lift site.

U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jason Weeks said that the surrounding trees, steep terrain and severity of the injury made for an “incredibly challenging but rewarding rescue.”

“The environment in this region posed significant challenges but, because of our constant training for dynamic conditions such as these, we were able to work together as an effective team and complete our mission successfully,” Weeks said.

The father and the family dog were also lifted to the rescue chopper and the family was flown to the Redmond Municipal Airport. Paramedics then took the girl to a local hospital, where she was said to be in stable condition.

“This aircrew consisted of three dads, so it was very heartwarming to, on Father’s Day, play a role in the safe return of a father and his daughter back to safety,” Weeks said.

Officials on the Oregon Coast famously blew up a beached whale carcass with dynamite in 1970.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) —  No, authorities in Oregon are certainly not blowing up a beached whale carcass with dynamite — again — like officials near the coastal town of Florence decided to do in 1970.

Why would anyone need to dispel such a hair-brain scheme? Well apparently, rumors have been swirling that a repeat of history might take place, once again sending chunks of blubber hurtling through the air, according to Oregon State Parks, who says, “It isn’t happening.”

According to a Facebook post by OSP, the false claim that they were planning on blowing up the deceased humpback whale — which has been on a North Coast beach since it washed ashore in late May — has been “making the rounds” on the social media site. 

According to officials, the natural decomposition and necropsy that was performed “has left nothing but an unrecognizable blob and a horrible stench.” 

They are urging people to avoid the area at all costs. What’s more, the section of the beach where the whale corpse is located is also a snowy plover management area. Should hordes of people attempt to visit the beached whale, they could cause “the nests to fail,” officials said. 

“No one wants this to happen. Don’t go there.”

To satiate the public’s intense curiosity, which was on display when the whale first washed ashore last week when it drew crowds of people, OSP shared an updated photo of the deceased animal from several days ago, now barely recognizable. 

The original exploding whale incident that happened decades ago in Oregon is now so famous there’s a memorial park in its honor on the Siuslaw River near where it happened. 

PORTLAND, Ore. (Portland Tribune) — No threat of elimination will be held over Oregon State baseball’s head for at least one more contest, as the Beavers pulled off a 10-4 win over fourth-seeded Tulane in Corvallis as the hosts of a regional site in the 2024 NCAA Baseball Tournament.

“I feed off the energy of the crowd,” outfielder Gavin Turley said. “What I do on a day-to-day basis is for them. Trent (Caraway) said last night, ‘hey, let’s go put on a show,’ so I feel like that’s kind of my job. Go out there, put on a show and give them something worth watching.”

Turley bashed his fifth grand slam of the year and his 19th total bomb of the season to put Oregon State ahead 6-3 in the fifth inning. It was his lone hit of the night, but the impact of the swing wouldn’t be lost as it gave Oregon State a lead it wouldn’t surrender after an otherwise slow start.

Oregon State had mustered just three hits and a pair of runs, both scored on a Mason Guerra double, prior to the grand slam. The tank would open the floodgates for the Beavers the rest of the night as they amassed 13 total base knocks. Micah McDowell led the way in the category, recording four hits in five at-bats, including two hits immediately following intentional walks to teammate Travis Bazzana.

“It gives me a chip on my shoulder and a bit of an edge,” McDowell said about teams electing to put Bazzana aboard and pitch to him instead. “Obviously (Bazzana) is a phenomenal player and I’m probably going to get more opportunities like that down the road… (I try) to use it as fuel to put a good swing on the ball.”

Read more at Portlandtribune.com

The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners

Authorities said Patrick Myers, 44, was shot by a member of SERT and was quickly taken to a nearby hospital

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man who was shot by police after a warrant was served on a Northeast Portland home early Wednesday morning has been identified, authorities said.

According to Portland police, this all began just after 4 a.m. when detectives from the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) served the warrant at a home on Northeast 137th Avenue.

After more than an hour of communication between a man in the house — identified by police as 44-year-old Patrick W. Myers — and the Crisis Negotiation Team, Myers stopped communication, prompting SERT to enter the home.

At the same time, Myers exited out the back door with a rifle, officials said.

“As SERT was breaching the front door of the home where the suspect was located, this individual went out the back door,” Mike Benner with the Portland Police Bureau said. “He was armed with a rifle, and one of our SERT members shot him.”

Authorities said Myers was shot by a member of SERT and was quickly taken to a nearby hospital, where he is expected to survive. Once recovered, he will then be booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.

No officers were injured and the SERT member involved is now on paid administrative leave per standard protocol.

The search warrant served was related to a recent indictment for six counts of second-degree encouraging child sex abuse and one count of encouraging sexual assault of an animal.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Portland police.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon Senator Ron Wyden called for the Portland Trail Blazers to erect a statue of former Blazer Bill Walton outside the Moda Center on Tuesday, following the beloved big man’s death on Monday.

“Can’t stop thinking today about the passing of my friend Bill Walton and hoping a statue of him will soon be in the works outside the Moda Center so he can always be remembered appropriately in Rip City,” Wyden wrote on social media.

Walton’s hometown of San Diego has been notably unwelcoming to a 1,200-pound bronze statue of the NBA star in recent years. The life-sized, 6-foot-11-inch statue depicts Walton, who was an avid cyclist, with his arms outstretched in front of a bicycle. The $200,000 statue was commissioned by a private group, which attempted to donate the piece to the San Diego Airport in 2016. The Airport Authority’s Art Advisory Committee rejected the offer, the San Diego Tribune first reported.

The committee told donors that it rejected the sculpture because it “lacks strong relevance to the Public Art Collection, which is focused on commissioning original artworks that are seamlessly integrated into the airport environment,” the Tribune reported. Since then, the statue has traveled around the greater San Diego area: Petco Park, the Valley View Casino Center, and Ski Beach Park in Mission Bay.

The statue was mostly paid for by San Diego philanthropists Pat and Stephanie Kilkenny in honor of Walton’s charitable work for the San Diego community. Walton’s donations were often channeled through the Lucky Duck Foundation, which was founded by the Kilkenny family and named after their love for the Oregon Ducks, the San Diego Tribune reported.

KOIN 6 News reached out to Lucky Duck about the possibility of the foundation loaning the already-existing statue of Walton to the Blazers organization or the City of Portland. Lucky Duck Foundation Chief Executive Officer Drew Moser told KOIN 6 News that, although the Walton family is currently dealing with other issues following the NBA legend’s death, it was something that the organization would look into.

“I spoke with Pat Kilkenny about it and we’ll confer with the family at the appropriate time,” Moser said.

KOIN 6 News reached out to the Trail Blazers organization on Tuesday about the possibility of a Walton statue outside the Moda Center. The Trail Blazers did not immediately respond. Walton helped the Blazers organization win its only NBA championship in 1977. Walton was also named the NBA Finals MVP.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — It’s going to be a busy weekend for all of you travelers out there.

AAA predicts this year will break records with the number of people hitting the road, estimating roughly 600,000 Oregonians will travel over the long weekend.

“Memorial Day is shaping up to be the second busiest on record. The only year that beats us is 2005,” said AAA’s Marie Dodds. “We’ve never had more people go by car, so that means expect lots and lots of company.”

Dodds further noted this impact reaches beyond the roads.

“Air travel is also very robust and is seeing the second highest volume for the holiday,” she said.

“We’re actually expecting a 17% increase over Memorial Day weekend this year in passenger traffic than we saw in 2023,” added Allison Ferré with Port of Portland.

Given these numbers, Portland International Airport suggests travelers arrive at least two hours before their flight, as parking continues to be in high demand.

This could be a sign for the summer, according to Dodds.

“Normally when we see a super strong Memorial Day like this year, it signals that we will have a very strong travel season ahead,” she said.

AAA is also encouraging drivers to be prepared in an emergency and expects to rescue more than 5,000 drivers here in Oregon. They say the number one issue comes from dead batteries, so they suggest checking them before you travel.

Officials said the woman went to police after being sexually assaulted, despite threats upon her life.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Tyrik Aliem Dawkins was sentenced to 25 years in prison Thursday in a Washington County court for rape and other sex abuse charges. 

The charges stem from a series of events that unfolded around September 2021, when Dawkins met a woman via an online dating site, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. 

“The defendant quickly became aggressive and possessive of the victim,” officials said in a release. “These actions escalated when Mr. Dawkins sexually assaulted the victim multiple times at her apartment in Hillsboro. He took her cell phone, her car keys, and repeatedly blocked her from leaving her apartment over a two-day period.”

Dawkins then “forced” the woman to drive him to the Portland hotel where he was lodged. Though he allowed her to leave his hotel eventually, he threatened to kill her should she tell the police about what he did. 

The victim nevertheless reported the attacks to the Hillsboro Police Department and acquaintances. 

Officials said law enforcement gained key digital evidence connecting the defendant to the victim through interviews with her and those she spoke to about it. 

On April 25, Dawkins was convicted of first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree sodomy, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse and coercion. 

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Plans to develop offshore wind energy areas off the Oregon coast are moving forward after the United States Department of the Interior announced a proposal on Tuesday to sell wind energy leases in Coos Bay and Brookings.

The lease proposal, from the department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, includes more than 195,000 acres and could power more than one million homes.

The department is now looking for feedback on several proposed lease stipulations, including offering bidding credits to bidders who commit to supporting workforce training programs for the floating offshore wind energy industry, developing a domestic supply chain for the industry, or a combination of both.

Another proposal would provide bidding credits to bidders who commit to community benefit agreements with tribes, local communities, and other stakeholders impacted by the lease development.

“As we move forward with offshore wind energy in Oregon and the Gulf of Maine, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management remains dedicated to close collaboration with our government partners and key stakeholders,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein. “We’re excited to unveil these proposed sales and emphasize our commitment to exploring the potential for offshore wind development from coast to coast.”

The Interior Department said the proposed sale follows engagement with Tribes, local communities, and federal and state agencies, noting they prioritized avoiding offshore fishing grounds for the wind energy areas.

BOEM said it will work with its Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Forces – which includes members of federal, state, and Tribal governments – to coordinate the potential sales.

In a press release, the Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians said they are “extremely disappointed” in the decision to move forward with the sale of leases of Wind Energy Areas.

According to the Tribe, the acreage in the proposal is within the Tribe’s ancestral territory and are important areas for tribal fishing.

“The Tribe has consistently urged that BOEM delay moving forward with wind energy development until a better understanding is made of the impacts to fish, wildlife, the marine environment, and cultural resources important to the Tribe,” said Tribal Council Chair Brad Kneaper. “No one, including BOEM has an understanding on how wind development will impact the fragile marine environment.”

“Recently, the Tribe urged Governor Kotek to ask BOEM to delay lease sales to help get more information and allow the Oregon Roadmap process to play out,” Chair Kneaper furthered. “Commercial fishing interests separately requested such a delay. This only makes sense because the Roadmap may be a futile effort without a commitment from BOEM to actually consider the recommendations of the Tribe, the State, and coastal stakeholders.”

The proposed lease sales come after federal officials finalized Oregon’s wind energy area proposals in February.

In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Rep. David Gomber — chair of the Oregon Coastal Caucus– said “The Coastal Caucus simply cannot support any further steps by BOEM toward development until Oregon can complete its Offshore Wind Roadmap. The federal government owes the people of the Oregon Coast the due diligence required to ensure that these turbines won’t disrupt both our coastal economy and its ecology. The Coastal Caucus stands in firm opposition to lease auctions at this time.”

The Winterhawks took a commanding 3-1 lead in the series

by: The Associated Press

Posted: May 1, 2024 / 10:54 PM PDT

Updated: May 1, 2024 / 10:54 PM PDT

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Marcus Nguyen had two goals and an assist, and Nate Danielson added a goal and three assists as the Portland Winterhawks defeated the visiting Prince George Cougars 5-2 to take a commanding lead in the WHL’s Western Conference final series.

Gabe Klassen and Diego Buttazzoni also scored for the Winterhawks, who lead the best-of-seven series 3-1. Game 5 is Thursday night at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland.

Hudson Thornton scored twice for the Cougars, who won the series opener 5-0 at home, but have since lost three straight — 5-3, 4-1 and 5-2.

The Winterhawks led 2-0 after the first period and took a 3-1 lead into the third. The Winterhawks outshot the visitors 39-28.

The Winterhawks went 1-for-4 on the power play, while the Cougars were 2-for-3.

Investigators found Billy Ray Trueblood II at a Portland Trail Blazers game

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A Beaverton man was sentenced to federal prison on Tuesday after selling fentanyl pills to a man who died from an overdose in 2019, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Officials said 33-year-old Billy Ray Trueblood II was sentenced to over three months in prison with four years of supervised release for his role in the death.

In March 2019, investigators responded to a fatal overdose of a man in his early 30s, who was found unresponsive by his roommates, according to court documents. An autopsy later confirmed he died from an acute fentanyl overdose.

Officials said the man became addicted to opioids after using prescription painkillers in college to deal with athletic injuries. Investigators learned he had been buying drugs from Trueblood since college and recently sent him text messages to buy “blues,” a term used to describe counterfeit Oxycodone pills made with fentanyl.

After the man’s overdose, investigators were unable to find Trueblood until one investigator spotted him on television at a Portland Trail Blazers game, officials said.

After another investigator confirmed Trueblood was at the game, they relayed the information to police at the game who arrested him.

During his arrest, Trueblood had a large amount of cash and several types of pills on him that resembled the pills found in the overdose victim’s bedroom.

On Nov. 10, 2020, Trueblood was charged by a federal grand jury in Portland with distributing fentanyl, distributing fentanyl resulting in death, and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.

He later pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl on May 30, 2023.

NEWPORT, Ore. (KOIN) — If it’s a warm, sunny day, it’s tough to find a place prettier than Newport, nestled along Oregon’s central coast.

It’s one of the reasons Sgt. Aaron Bales makes the area his home, and it’s why what happens just under the surface here hits so close to home.

“We’re seeing a dramatic increase in overdoses, and I’m just seeing an overall increase in drug use,” the K9 narcotics officer said during a recent interview with KOIN 6.

The fentanyl and drug crisis hit the community of 10,000 like a punch to the gut.

If the public perception is that areas like Portland are seeing the worst of the drug epidemic, Bales suggests coming to Newport to look around.

“We’ll see empty Narcan in trash cans all the time when we’re serving search warrants and stuff. Very common. Just kind of a sobering thought,” he said.

In just two examples, Newport police shared both dash and body camera footage with KOIN 6.

In the bodycam footage, a young man admits to being high on fentanyl after getting arrested at a domestic disturbance.

The dash cam shows the end of a high-speed pursuit where the suspect bolts from his car. Police later learned he was on fentanyl.

In the three years before Measure 110 passed, Newport police handled a total of three overdoses.

In the past three years, the figure is 24 and counting, and that’s only what authorities have been able to firmly log in the small town.

The local hospital says its overdose count linked to narcotics is up more than 60%.

Bales has even responded to overdoses where he knew the person fighting for their life.

“It can be pretty difficult when it’s someone you know,” he says. “Obviously, it’s nothing compared to what the family goes through, but it can be tough.”

When Measure 110 decriminalized those smaller amounts of drugs, local efforts to effectively work drug cases did a 180-degree turn in the wrong direction.

“It’s hard to work up to a delivery case without making any possession cases. In bigger cities with drug teams, I can’t speak to them, but over here in a small community it’s a challenge for us.”

Trying to target dealers, or find the main drug pipeline, becomes harder and harder when there’s no way to basically climb up the pyramid with the help of informants, says Bales.

The larger impact on smaller communities has been noticed some 90 miles away in Newberg at Hazelden Betty Ford, one of the state’s top rehab and recovery facilities.

“You don’t know if that pill you have is going to be the one that kills you or not,” one former patient told KOIN 6.

The woman, who didn’t want to be identified because she’s only 11 months into her recovery, grew up in rural Oregon.

She became addicted to prescription opioids following a surgical procedure.

At her worst, she was lost in a world of pills with others in her drug “orbit” downing anything they could find.

“It [fentanyl] was everywhere. It felt like it was literally everywhere,” she said. “In Yamhill County, there’s so much access to drugs. There’s a lot of opioids on the streets, fentanyl on the streets,” she said.

Gail Porter, one of the facility’s top counselors, says the effects on rural communities are very real.

“In small-town living, there’s not a lot of accessible supports. There’s not a lot of media attention. It doesn’t get talked about,” said Porter.

A one-two punch of COVID-19, plus the unintended consequences of110, hit smaller communities the hardest.

“Isolation. You have this pandemic. You have this age of the digital world. There’s a removal of contact. If they felt it in big cities, imagine how COVID impacted smaller cities where there’s already not enough support,” said Porter. “Keeping people out of a criminalization space, that’s the goal of 110. I think like any law, rule, there’s some reassessing that needs to happen.”

Back in Lincoln County, Bales gets ready for another day on patrol with his K9 partner “Zoe.”

Newport law enforcement hopes the recent decision in Salem to unwind much of 110 might change the landscape when it comes to getting more drugs off the streets.

“What we’re doing now isn’t working. We’re not intervening in drugs as much as we were. We’re not able to get them at the delivery level, to catch the dealers, and we’re not able to give the help that addicts need,” Bales said.

A recent study tied to OHSU suggests more treatment options for those locked up in rural areas are desperately needed, especially in states like Oregon. 

Oregon and Washington will ban the sale of new, gas-powered vehicles by 2035

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Washington is offering partial refunds to low-income residents who buy or lease electric vehicles.

On Tuesday, the Washington State Department of Commerce announced it would dole out $45 million in rebates starting in August.

The program offers a rebate of up to $5,000 for those who purchase a new electric vehicle, or who obtain a two-year lease. Those who obtain a lease of at least three years could receive up to $9,000.

Eligible residents include single-person households that earn up to $45,180 per year, or four-person households that earn up to $93,600.

With the Internal Revenue Service offering tax credits to drivers who purchase EVs or fuel cell vehicles, Washington is following federal efforts to promote alternative fuel vehicles and cut emissions in the U.S.

“Washington state is already a leader in EV adoption, but many more people interested in ditching the gas pump may think they can’t afford to do it,” Gov. Inslee said in a statement. “With these new rebates, we’re significantly lowering the entry point, opening the door to EVs for people of modest incomes as we continue paving the way to a clean transportation future for all.”

According to the Washington Commerce Department, the transportation sector is the state’s leading contributor to greenhouse gases. The agency estimates the rebate program could drop carbon dioxide emissions by 24,000 metric tons.

In Oregon, the Department of Environmental Quality re-opened the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program earlier this month. Applicants must purchase or lease an EV between now and June 4 to be eligible.

Both Oregon and Washington have committed to banning the sale of new, gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Authorities say a former police officer wanted for kidnapping his son after allegedly killing two people in Washington state shot himself after a police chase ended on Interstate 5 north of Eugene, Oregon, on Tuesday afternoon. His 1-year-old son is safe in police custody, while the suspect’s current condition is unknown as this time, according to authorities.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.