Food hall planned near Oregon Convention Center – Daily Journal of Commerce

Prosper Portland plans to transform a vacant building near the Oregon Convention Center into a 14,000-square-foot food hall, bar, and event space, with a patio for 10 food carts. The $7.5 million project includes a four-season gathering space, flexible layout, and safe experience. ChefStable will manage the food hall, with construction starting this fall and completion expected in late summer 2027.

Interstate Bridge project cost estimates soar up to $17.7B – Daily Journal of Commerce

The Interstate Bridge replacement project between Vancouver, Washington and Portland has seen its cost estimates more than double to $17.7 billion, raising concerns about funding. The U.S. Coast Guard approved a fixed-span design, but the high costs have complicated the project's outlook. The Oregon Department of Transportation is expected to release a final cost estimate in March, with ongoing state and federal funding sources likely needed to complete the project.

Air stagnation advisory active for Oregon until early Friday morning - oregonlive.com

Hodl your breath

Oregon’s elk show genetic fortitude against a fast-moving and deadly disease - OPB

Oregon's elk populations may have a genetic resistance to chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal illness affecting deer, elk, and moose across North America. Researchers found that 42% of coastal Roosevelt elk and 49% of Rocky Mountain elk in Oregon have a genetic variation that could help them fight CWD, potentially slowing its spread in the state.

Railroad bridge damaged in derailment near Oregon coast | kgw.com

A Portland & Western Railroad bridge over the Olalla Slough near the Oregon coast was damaged in a derailment early Wednesday. Three locomotives and six cars derailed, causing road closures in Toledo. No injuries were reported, but one locomotive leaked diesel fuel, prompting cleanup efforts.

Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter running for Oregon governor | krem.com

Oregon’s 2026 James Beard Awards Semifinalists Are Here | Eater Portland

Oregon has announced its semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, including Le Pigeon, Scotch Lodge, and Heavenly Creatures. The awards, often referred to as the Oscars of the culinary world, recognize excellence in the restaurant industry. This year, Portland's Le Pigeon is the sole nominee in the Outstanding Restaurant division, while Scotch Lodge and Heavenly Creatures have been recognized in the Outstanding Bar and Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service categories, respectively. The full list of nominees will be revealed in the coming weeks, with the winners announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 15.

Alpenrose to close Clackamas plant, shift production to Washington - oregonlive.com

Alpenrose Dairy announced it will close its Clackamas plant by the end of March, shifting production to a facility in Kent, Washington. The closure will result in the loss of 35 jobs, with severance packages offered to affected employees. The company cited worsening butter market economics and a shift in the competitive landscape as reasons for the decision. Consumers can expect to continue seeing Alpenrose's milk and cottage cheese products on store shelves across the Pacific Northwest.

Civil rights march in Eugene echoes past struggles for equality | Local | kezi.com

The MLK Day march in Eugene highlighted ongoing concerns over civil rights and immigration, with participants emphasizing both progress and setbacks in racial and social justice, and expressing hope in younger generations continuing the fight.

Hundreds gather at Oregon Capitol on MLK Day to protest ICE, show support for of immigrants - Salem Reporter

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, hundreds gathered at the Oregon Capitol to protest ICE and show support for immigrants. The event, organized by Si Se Puede Oregon and PCUN, featured music, speeches, and a call for immigration reform. Speakers highlighted the contributions of immigrants and the need for policy change, while counterprotesters also attended, leading to tensions and an arrest.

2 officers hospitalized after shooting in Sullivan’s Gulch neighborhood, PPB says

Oregon Health Authority confirms new measles case in Clackamas County, state's third recent case - KTVZ

The Oregon Health Authority has confirmed a new measles case in Clackamas County, marking the third recent case in the state. The affected individual is unvaccinated, and the authorities are working to identify others who may have been exposed. The public is urged to ensure they are protected against the contagious disease, with measles being highly effective at providing protection through vaccination.

Amazon buys 1.2GW Sunstone solar-plus-storage project from bankrupt Pine Gate

Amazon has acquired the 1.2GW Sunstone solar-plus-storage project in Oregon from bankrupt Pine Gate Renewables for $83 million. The project, one of the largest solar PV projects in the US, includes 1.2GW of solar PV and 1.2GW of battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity, ready to build with all necessary permits and approvals. This acquisition follows Amazon's previous complaints about insufficient power supply to its data centers in the state, highlighting the company's growing energy demands and its shift towards owning its own power sources.

A storm tore open the roof of Tillamook's colossal blimp hangar. Will anyone save it? - oregonlive.com

The historic Tillamook blimp hangar in Oregon faces an uncertain future after a windstorm tore open its roof, exposing it to the elements. The Port of Tillamook Bay, which owns the hangar, has offered to sell it for $1 to anyone willing to preserve it, but repair estimates range up to $50 million. The hangar, completed in 1943, was once the world's largest free-standing wooden structure and housed Navy airships during World War II. Now, it houses the Tillamook Air Museum and other tenants, but the building is unsafe and needs significant repairs. The Port has been unable to find a sustainable business model for the hangar, and its annual revenue falls far short of the repair costs. The community is exploring various funding options, including a bond election and a capital campaign, but the hangar's future remains uncertain.

Congress Abandons Retrieval of Martian Rocks That May Hold Evidence of Extraterrestrial Life

The US Congress has passed a NASA budget that excludes plans to retrieve Martian rocks collected by the Perseverance Rover, which may contain signs of extraterrestrial life. This decision, influenced by escalating costs and the White House's demands, has left planetary scientists disappointed. However, the budget still allocates funds for future Mars missions and the development of technologies needed for potential sample-return missions. Despite the setback, scientists remain hopeful for the possibility of discovering signs of life on Mars through the samples already collected.

Chinese surgeons graft patient’s torn-off ear onto her foot before putting it back in place

In a groundbreaking medical procedure, Chinese surgeons grafted a patient's torn-off ear onto her foot to keep it alive until her scalp could heal, allowing for a successful reattachment after five months.

It's happening: An AI is now the most subscribed to "streamer" on Twitch

Neuro-sama, an AI-powered chatbot created by vedal987, has become the most subscribed 'streamer' on Twitch, surpassing even human streamers like Jynxzi. Originally created in 2018, Neuro-sama gained popularity for her interactions and gaming streams, and her unique personality quirks. On January 5, 2026, she set a new world record for the longest Hype Train, reaching level 126 with over 160,000 subscribers.

National Weather Service Uses AI to Generate Forecasts, Accidentally Hallucinates Town With Dirty Joke Name

The National Weather Service faced embarrassment when it posted an AI-generated weather map that hallucinated names for towns in Idaho, including “Orangeotilld” and “Whata Bod.” The incident underscores the challenges and risks of using AI technology without proper oversight, potentially damaging public trust and the agency's reputation.

Cops Forced to Explain Why AI Generated Police Report Claimed Officer Transformed Into Frog

A police department in Heber City, Utah, faced an embarrassing situation when AI-powered software Draft One generated a police report claiming an officer transformed into a frog. The software, which uses OpenAI's GPT models, picked up on background chatter from the movie 'The Princess and the Frog' leading to the bizarre report. Despite the potential time-saving benefits, concerns about the software's accuracy, potential biases, and accountability issues have been raised.

Nick Reiner arraignment postponed after attorney quits - UPI.com

Nick Reiner's arraignment, originally scheduled for January 7, was postponed after his attorney quit. Reiner faces two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murders and use of a dangerous and deadly weapon. His parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, were found stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home on December 14, and he was arrested and charged the following day.