InvestigationsAn Oregon Employment Department worker described wasted time, political influence and an ineffective system for processing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims.PORTLAND, Ore. — As tens of thousands of people in Oregon waited for unemployment benefits, state workers paid to process their claims wasted hours scrolling through Instagram and Facebook at a temporary call center in Wilsonville.“A lot of us were playing on our phones. I was playing on my phone throughout the whole day,” said Desi Thonis, 32, an Oregon Employment Department worker. “It was so stupid because we...…InvestigationsAn Oregon Employment Department worker described wasted time, political influence and an ineffective system for processing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims.PORTLAND, Ore. — As tens of thousands of people in Oregon waited for unemployment benefits, state workers paid to process their claims wasted hours scrolling through Instagram and Facebook at a temporary call center in Wilsonville.“A lot of us were playing on our phones. I was playing on my phone throughout the whole day,” said Desi Thonis, 32, an Oregon Employment Department worker. “It was so stupid because we...WW…

Breaking NewsAn Oregon Employment Department worker described wasted time, political influence and an ineffective system for processing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims.4:16 PM PDT June 29, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — As tens of thousands of people in Oregon waited for unemployment benefits, state workers paid to process their claims wasted hours scrolling through Instagram and Facebook at a temporary call center in Wilsonville.“A lot of us were playing on our phones. I was playing on my phone throughout the whole day,” said Desi Thonis, 32, an Oregon Employment Department worker. “It was...…Breaking NewsAn Oregon Employment Department worker described wasted time, political influence and an ineffective system for processing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims.4:16 PM PDT June 29, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — As tens of thousands of people in Oregon waited for unemployment benefits, state workers paid to process their claims wasted hours scrolling through Instagram and Facebook at a temporary call center in Wilsonville.“A lot of us were playing on our phones. I was playing on my phone throughout the whole day,” said Desi Thonis, 32, an Oregon Employment Department worker. “It was...WW…

Breaking NewsFor the second-straight month, Oregon broke sales records for legal marijuana.7:10 PM PDT May 18, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — There is one bright spot in the economy: marijuana sales.In April, Oregon saw $89 million in legal marijuana sales. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission reports marijuana sales were up 45% in April, compared to last year, making April 2020 the largest month on record for the state.Proponents believe the coronavirus pandemic could be the catalyst for other states and the federal government to legalize marijuana because it would bring tax revenue, create jobs and...…Breaking NewsFor the second-straight month, Oregon broke sales records for legal marijuana.7:10 PM PDT May 18, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — There is one bright spot in the economy: marijuana sales.In April, Oregon saw $89 million in legal marijuana sales. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission reports marijuana sales were up 45% in April, compared to last year, making April 2020 the largest month on record for the state.Proponents believe the coronavirus pandemic could be the catalyst for other states and the federal government to legalize marijuana because it would bring tax revenue, create jobs and...WW…

Breaking NewsUnlike most states, Oregon has not stepped in to limited unemployment insurance tax hikes due to COVID-19.11:55 AM PST December 11, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — Many Oregon businesses already struggling to survive will soon face another challenge: higher unemployment insurance tax rates.“We are operating on such a shoestring,” said Kim Spiegelberg of The Barbers, a local chain of barber shops. “It could not come at a worse time.”Last month, the Oregon Employment Department mailed notices warning businesses of rate changes for employers who pay into the state’s unemployment...…Breaking NewsUnlike most states, Oregon has not stepped in to limited unemployment insurance tax hikes due to COVID-19.11:55 AM PST December 11, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — Many Oregon businesses already struggling to survive will soon face another challenge: higher unemployment insurance tax rates.“We are operating on such a shoestring,” said Kim Spiegelberg of The Barbers, a local chain of barber shops. “It could not come at a worse time.”Last month, the Oregon Employment Department mailed notices warning businesses of rate changes for employers who pay into the state’s unemployment...WW…

Breaking NewsThe most common reason customers don’t get credit for all their containers is because bags aren’t clinched tightly or stickers are missing.1:26 PM PST December 2, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — We’ve heard the complaints. And seen them too. Online reviews on Yelp, Google and Better Business Bureau are filled with angry posts from people who claim they didn’t get credit for all their cans and bottles at Oregon's BottleDrop locations.“I got short changed,” said Steve McCalmont. “I thought something is kind of fishy here.”BottleDrop allows people to fill up a bag with cans and bottles, drop...…Breaking NewsThe most common reason customers don’t get credit for all their containers is because bags aren’t clinched tightly or stickers are missing.1:26 PM PST December 2, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — We’ve heard the complaints. And seen them too. Online reviews on Yelp, Google and Better Business Bureau are filled with angry posts from people who claim they didn’t get credit for all their cans and bottles at Oregon's BottleDrop locations.“I got short changed,” said Steve McCalmont. “I thought something is kind of fishy here.”BottleDrop allows people to fill up a bag with cans and bottles, drop...WW…

Breaking NewsDr. Steven LaTulippe, a family medicine doctor in Dallas, Oregon, said he and his staff have not worn face masks in his clinic since the COVID-19 pandemic began.4:35 PM PST December 1, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — An Oregon doctor has refused to wear a mask while caring for patients, despite government orders requiring health care providers wear face coverings to help limit the spread of COVID-19.“I and my staff, none of us, not once, wore a mask in my clinic,” said Dr. Steven LaTulippe, a family medicine doctor at South View Medical Arts in Dallas, Oregon.LaTulippe’s comments were...…Breaking NewsDr. Steven LaTulippe, a family medicine doctor in Dallas, Oregon, said he and his staff have not worn face masks in his clinic since the COVID-19 pandemic began.4:35 PM PST December 1, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — An Oregon doctor has refused to wear a mask while caring for patients, despite government orders requiring health care providers wear face coverings to help limit the spread of COVID-19.“I and my staff, none of us, not once, wore a mask in my clinic,” said Dr. Steven LaTulippe, a family medicine doctor at South View Medical Arts in Dallas, Oregon.LaTulippe’s comments were...WW…

Breaking NewsCritics argue some local leaders are sending the wrong message to the community by traveling out of state during a critical stage of the pandemic.3:02 PM PST November 24, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — Washington County Commissioner Dick Schouten wore a blue Hawaiian print shirt while sitting on a sunny balcony during a Nov. 10 board meeting on Zoom.“This is the beginning of day three and we’re having a great time!” Schouten said in the meeting. “The weather has been great. The sun has been warm.”Schouten is one of several elected officials in Oregon facing public backlash after...…Breaking NewsCritics argue some local leaders are sending the wrong message to the community by traveling out of state during a critical stage of the pandemic.3:02 PM PST November 24, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — Washington County Commissioner Dick Schouten wore a blue Hawaiian print shirt while sitting on a sunny balcony during a Nov. 10 board meeting on Zoom.“This is the beginning of day three and we’re having a great time!” Schouten said in the meeting. “The weather has been great. The sun has been warm.”Schouten is one of several elected officials in Oregon facing public backlash after...WW…

Breaking NewsSharon Meieran, who has called for restrictions on public gatherings and business operations to help slow the spread of the virus, saw no problem with her travel.5:32 PM PST November 23, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran is drawing criticism for her decision to travel to Hawaii despite a spike in coronavirus cases in Oregon that resulted in travel warnings.Multnomah County employees, who spoke on a condition of anonymity, said Meieran is sending the wrong message during a critical stage in the COVID-19 pandemic.Reached by phone on Monday, Meieran...…Breaking NewsSharon Meieran, who has called for restrictions on public gatherings and business operations to help slow the spread of the virus, saw no problem with her travel.5:32 PM PST November 23, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran is drawing criticism for her decision to travel to Hawaii despite a spike in coronavirus cases in Oregon that resulted in travel warnings.Multnomah County employees, who spoke on a condition of anonymity, said Meieran is sending the wrong message during a critical stage in the COVID-19 pandemic.Reached by phone on Monday, Meieran...WW…

Breaking NewsThousands of victims are dealing with bogus debts after billions of dollars meant for struggling small businesses ended up in the hands of identity thieves.1:17 PM PST November 17, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — Alyssa Parks doesn’t own a grocery store, even though the U.S. government thinks so. In July, the Small Business Administration (SBA) paid $44,900 to provide critical disaster relief for a fictitious grocery store.Fraudsters listed Parks as the business owner on the SBA loan application and her home address as the grocery store location.“I’ve never owned a business before. I’ve...…Breaking NewsThousands of victims are dealing with bogus debts after billions of dollars meant for struggling small businesses ended up in the hands of identity thieves.1:17 PM PST November 17, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — Alyssa Parks doesn’t own a grocery store, even though the U.S. government thinks so. In July, the Small Business Administration (SBA) paid $44,900 to provide critical disaster relief for a fictitious grocery store.Fraudsters listed Parks as the business owner on the SBA loan application and her home address as the grocery store location.“I’ve never owned a business before. I’ve...WW…

Breaking NewsA retired assistant U.S. attorney offers his thoughts on the ongoing unrest including fires, vandalism and riots.4:22 PM PDT August 19, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — Retired assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Peifer has a unique perspective on the violent protests in Portland. During his time as a federal prosecutor, Peifer handled domestic-terrorism cases and learned a lot about anarchists, eco-terrorists and violent extremists. Peifer recently spoke with KGW about the ongoing unrest in Portland. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.KGW: Are the violent protests,...…Breaking NewsA retired assistant U.S. attorney offers his thoughts on the ongoing unrest including fires, vandalism and riots.4:22 PM PDT August 19, 2020PORTLAND, Ore. — Retired assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Peifer has a unique perspective on the violent protests in Portland. During his time as a federal prosecutor, Peifer handled domestic-terrorism cases and learned a lot about anarchists, eco-terrorists and violent extremists. Peifer recently spoke with KGW about the ongoing unrest in Portland. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.KGW: Are the violent protests,...WW…