Oregon
Berkshire Hathaway-backed PacifiCorp ordered to pay Oregon wildfire victims another $42M
A jury in Oregon has ordered PacifiCorp to pay more than $42 million to 10 victims of devastating wildfires on Labor Day 2020 — the latest verdict in litigation that is expected to see the electric utility on the hook for billions in damages.
Last June, a jury found PacifiCorp liable for negligently failing to cut power to its 600,000 customers despite warnings from top fire officials. The jury determined it acted negligently and willfully and should have to pay punitive and other damages — a decision that applied to a class including the owners of up to 2,500 properties.
Tuesday’s decision was the third verdict applying last year’s ruling to a specific set of plaintiffs. Last month, a jury awarded $85 million to a different set of nine plaintiffs, and the jury that initially found PacifiCorp liable awarded about $90 million to 17 homeowners named as plaintiffs in that case.
Thousands of other class members are still awaiting trials, though the sides are also expected to engage in mediation that could lead to a settlement.
PacifiCorp, a unit of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, is appealing. The utility said in an email Tuesday it has settled hundreds of claims relating to the fires and “remains committed to settling all reasonable claims for actual damages under Oregon law.”
“For utilities, there is an ominous risk in making future investments in regions where they become the de facto insurers of last resort in a more frequent extreme weather environment,” the statement said.
The fires were among the worst natural disasters in Oregon’s history, killing nine people, burning more than 1,875 square miles (4,856 square kilometers) and destroying upward of 5,000 homes and other structures.
Among those covered by Tuesday’s award is the Upward Bound Camp for Persons with Special Needs in Gates, Oregon, plaintiffs attorneys said in a news release Tuesday. The camp’s executive director testified that a fire began on its property after a power line fell. It destroyed the only indoor spaces that can accommodate campers, leaving the nonprofit organization unable to hold camps during the winter, spring and fall.
The U.S. government is also threatening to sue PacifiCorp to recover nearly $1 billion in costs related to the 2020 wildfires in southern Oregon and northern California, though the company is trying to negotiate a settlement.
Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire Hathaway estimates that its utilities face at least $8 billion in claims across all the wildfire lawsuits already filed in Oregon and California, although the damages could be doubled or even tripled in some of those cases and some of the lawsuits don’t list a dollar amount.
Oregon
Fire pit embers blamed for trailer fire on Table Rock Road; 1 displaced
MEDFORD, Ore. — Fire crews quickly knocked down a trailer fire Monday night that threatened a nearby home in the 3000 block of Table Rock Road, displacing one resident.
Firefighters responded around 9:20 p.m. Monday, May 4. Engine 14 arrived to find a trailer on fire and the flames threatening a nearby residence. Crews knocked the fire down within eight minutes of arrival.
No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. One resident was displaced as a result of the fire.
The cause is believed to be related to the use of an outdoor fire pit, where embers likely ignited nearby combustible materials. Officials said the fire spread from pallets and other items to the RV, causing extensive damage to the RV and minor damage to the exterior of the home.
With warmer, drier weather approaching, officials warned fire risk increases and urged people to follow outdoor fire safety tips. They recommend using a screen on outdoor fires when burning wood, choosing approved propane free-standing fire pits rather than wood-fueled options, keeping combustible materials at least 15 feet away, and discarding cigarettes, ash, embers and other smoldering materials in a non-combustible container filled with water.
Medford Police, Mercy Flights Inc. and Jackson County Fire District 3 assisted on the incident.
Oregon
Oregon Lottery Pick 4 results for May 7
The Oregon Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 7, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 7 drawing
1PM: 3-4-3-4
4PM: 3-9-2-9
7PM: 6-6-4-2
10PM: 7-1-1-8
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Oregon Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 7:59 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 4: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
- Win for Life: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Megabucks: 7:29 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oregon editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Oregon
Distracted teen driver veers off Hwy 99W, fatally strikes pedestrian near Junction City
ROSEBURG, Ore. — A pedestrian was killed when a driver drifted from her lane of travel, striking a Junction City man, according to Oregon State Police.
At 4:48 p.m. on May 5, Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian fatal crash on Highway 99W near milepost 110.5 in Lane County.
Police say a blue Hyundai Elantra driven by a 16-year-old female, was southbound on Highway 99W near Junction City when she became distracted, left the travel lane, and struck a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, Joel Robert Benjamin Coriell, 35, of Junction City, had been walking along the southbound shoulder of the highway.
Coriell was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries and later died at the hospital.
The driver of the Hyundai had reported minor injuries. She remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation, police said.
The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation, OSP stated.
OSP was assisted by the Junction City Police Department, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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