Springfield man accused of stabbing brother
A 25-year-old Springfield man was taken into custody after he allegedly stabbed his brother outside their apartment complex on Saturday night. Police responded to the call at approximately 8 p.m. after Dominic Ramirez chased his brother, Daniel Ramirez, and mother, Deanna Ramirez, out of their shared apartment with a knife.
Daniel Ramirez suffered several stab wounds to his lower leg and thigh, and was taken to Scared Heart Medical Center.
According to The Register-Guard, the dispute between started over finances.
College student debt raises to record high
According to reports by The Oregonian, the University of Oregon’s tuition has risen 40 percent since 2007, and Oregon student debt is continuing to rise. Oregon students in 2011 graduated with an average debt of about $25,500, 30 percent more than 2007 graduates. In 2007, the last year for which data is available, students signed a total of $532.1 million in loans, and received less than half that amount in grants.
Oregon’s average student debt ranks 21st in the nation.
Landslides close highway lanes
Recent rainstorms have caused landslides that have closed state highway lanes in Douglas and Coos Counties. The Register-Guard reports that lanes have been closed on Powers Highway after a 100-foot section of the road collapsed into the river below. North Umpqua Highway also has one closed lane due to a landslide dropping debris onto the road.
Clean-up efforts will be continuing throughout the day.
Newport woman’s death may affect accused rapist’s case
In the wake of a 32-year-old Newport woman’s death in a head-on car accident, the man she accused of raping her may not face trial without her witness testimony. Charges against Thomas Acosta, which include first-degree rape, sexual assault, strangulation and fourth-degree assault, may be dropped because Lincoln County has little evidence without April Loper’s testimony.
Loper had been dating Acosta when he repeatedly raped and assaulted her. According to Acosta’s court documents, he has been accused of violence in the past, including assault and rape allegations by a former Washington girlfriend.
According to The Oregonian, the 51-year-old man’s trial was scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
Baby elephant born at Oregon Zoo
Oregon Zoo elephant Rose-Tu delivered a calf early Friday, and according to a veterinarian exam on Saturday, the calf is in good health.
Zoo administrators have not yet decided when the public will be permitted to see the elephant calf, according to The Oregonian.