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Volunteers in Wilsonville, Oregon, are packing a record 4,500 holiday meal boxes for the Sunshine Division, a non-profit organization. This years effort is a response to a growing need in the community, with demand surging due to recent cuts in SNAP benefits and the compounding effects of inflation and COVID-19. The meals, which include pantry staples, fresh produce, and a holiday meal kit, will be delivered to homes, schools, and faith-based organizations across Portland this Saturday. This tradition, started in 1923, highlights the communitys commitment to basic food security.

In the wake of a devastating loss, a Southeast Portland family mourns the tragic death of their beloved Santi Rai, a kind-hearted community member and dedicated family man. As authorities seek answers, the community rallies to support his grieving family, raising funds and honoring his memory. Santis dream of owning his own convenience store remains unfulfilled, leaving his family and community in search of justice and closure.

In a significant development, a federal judge in Oregon has granted states additional time to comply with new food assistance rules for immigrants. This comes after a lawsuit against the USDA over the interpretation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The acts ambiguity led to confusion, with states arguing that the USDAs initial guidance contradicted the law and could lead to administrative errors and penalties. The USDA later issued clarified guidance, confirming that lawful permanent residents are generally eligible for SNAP benefits. The judges decision provides states with more time to adapt to the new rules without immediate penalties.

Heavy rains in the Pacific Northwest have triggered a massive landslide on Highway 29 near Lincoln City, Oregon, causing significant damage and evacuations. Ten homes have been affected, with at least two directly hit. Residents brace for more as the wet weather persists. Jenny Nelson, a local resident, witnessed the slide and described the devastation as incomprehensible. She and her husband expressed relief that no fatalities have been reported. Debris from damaged homes, including refrigerators and propane tanks, has been floating down the Siletz River, highlighting personal losses. With more rain expected, theres concern that additional landslide material could enter the river, potentially causing further problems. The affected portion of Highway 29 is expected to remain closed for an extended period, impacting travel. The community remains resilient, with neighbors actively looking out for one another.

Federal Judge Halts Trump Administrations Attempt to Fine States for Providing Food Assistance to Refugees and Asylum Seekers A federal judge has intervened to stop the Trump administration from imposing fines on states that offer food assistance benefits to refugees and asylum seekers. This ruling comes after a coalition of twenty-one state attorneys general, including Oregon and Washington, challenged new federal rules that could have denied these benefits to legally residing individuals. The judges decision blocks the administration from penalizing states while the legal case is ongoing, ensuring that states can continue providing crucial food assistance during the holiday season.

Portland Public Schools unveils a new plan to enhance Jefferson High Schools academic programs, aiming to attract more students by making advanced learning a core part of every students experience. The plan includes introducing pre-Advanced Placement courses in ninth grade and offering Advanced Placement courses in subjects like social studies and language arts by tenth grade. Additionally, the district plans to strengthen career technical education programs and expand visual and performing arts offerings. The district will engage with the community, develop new course offerings, and gather feedback from families between December 2022 and January 2023.

Grand Jury Clears Deputies in Deadly Shooting; Evans Indicted on Multiple Charges In a Clackamas County case, a grand jury found two deputies justified in using deadly force against a 19-year-old man who allegedly charged at them with an axe. The deputies fired, striking the man three times. The grand jury also indicted the man on several charges, including attempted assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Hes currently receiving medical treatment and will face these charges once released from the hospital.

Heavy Rains Cause Levee Failure, Evacuations in South Seattle Suburbs; Emergency Shelters Set Up Officials ordered immediate evacuations in three south Seattle suburbs following a levee failure, which occurred after a week of relentless rain causing widespread flooding. The Desimone Levee breach impacted parts of Kent, Auburn, and Tukwila, affecting nearly 47,000 people. Emergency shelters were established in Auburn and Monroe, with pet-friendly options available. Authorities emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging residents to move to higher ground immediately.

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission has initiated a full investigation into a private meeting attended by six Portland City Council members, following concerns about potential violations of public meeting laws. The meeting, held on August 6th, may have discussed policy matters, despite the councilors claims of only covering personal issues. The investigation was prompted by an ethics complaint filed by former City Council candidate Ciatta Thompson, who emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in city governance.