Oregon Jury Convicts Truck Driver in Deadly I-5 Crash That Killed Seven Farmworkers

SALEM, Ore. — A truck driver has been convicted of multiple manslaughter charges in connection with a devastating accident on Interstate 5 that resulted in the deaths of seven farmworkers earlier this year, marking it one of Oregon’s most severe highway tragedies. The crash has sparked a broader discussion about road safety and the responsibilities of drivers on major highways. On Wednesday, the Marion County court found the driver, Lincoln Smith, 54, of California, guilty of seven counts of second-degree manslaughter. Additionally, he was convicted of reckless driving. However, the jury exonerated him on charges … Read more

Portland Resident Sentenced for 2021 Homicide; Beaverton Overdose Leads to Charges; Oregon DHS Faces Renewed Trial by Judge’s Order

Portland, Oregon – A Portland man has been sentenced for his involvement in the 2021 killing of a local resident. Meanwhile, in a separate case, authorities have brought charges in relation to a fatal overdose that occurred in Beaverton last year. Additionally, a significant ruling has emerged from the courts, granting a new trial in a controversial case against the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). The sentencing in Portland follows the conviction of a local man who was found guilty of manslaughter in the 2021 death. The case, which captured the attention of the … Read more

Oregon Jury Awards $260 Million in Landmark Asbestos Case Against Johnson & Johnson

Portland, OR – On Monday, an Oregon state court jury awarded a staggering $260 million to a couple, finding that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder, allegedly containing asbestos, led to the wife’s mesothelioma. The judgment includes $60 million in compensatory damages and a hefty $200 million in punitive damages, according to sources familiar with the proceedings. The plaintiffs, Kyung Lee, 48, and her husband, claimed that Lee’s cancer was a direct result of inhaling asbestos from the widely used baby powder. This verdict is pertinent as Johnson & Johnson is navigating a potential $6.48 … Read more

Oregon Cities Seek Amendment to 2021 Homeless Camping Law Amid Ongoing Housing Crisis

Salem, Ore. – As Oregon struggles with a persistent housing crisis, city officials across the state are calling for more flexibility to manage homeless encampments. A law passed in 2021 has become a focal point of controversy, with local leaders claiming it hampers their ability to address camps they consider problematic. The League of Oregon Cities, representing municipal governments, announced its intention to make amending this law a key priority for the upcoming legislative session. The law currently restricts city policies on camping, requiring them to be “objectively reasonable,” a term not explicitly defined, thereby … Read more