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4-Alarm Fire at McMahan’s Now Under Control

Two firefighters were injured battling the raging inferno.

(SALEM) - A 4-alarm fire that raged, and destroyed McMahan’s Furniture and Appliances at the corner of Commercial and State streets most of the morning in downtown Salem in now under control.

Firefighters are continuing to pour water on the building to prevent any hot spots from flaring back to life.

The fire apparently began in the basement, according to a preliminary report from fire investigators.

Ben Westlund Withdraws From Oregon Governor`s Race

Though he seemed to be gaining support, the former Republican turned Independent candidate for Governor steps down.

(SALEM) - Independent candidate for Oregon Governor Ren Westlund is throwing in the towel, even though he has clearly qualified to run in the upcoming election.

This eloquent speech delivered at the state capitol at 2:00 PM today ends speculation about whether Oregon could depart from traditional parties this year in the race for Governor.

Here is the speech Westlund delivered...

Controlled Blast Brings Close to Roth`s Bomb Squad Turnout

The blast shook homes and businesses in the surrounding area.

(SALEM) - "It shook the walls inside my apartment."

That is what one Salem resident reported to Salem-News.com over the telephone just after 3:00 PM, after officers detonated a suspected explosive device at the Roth's IGA store on Lancaster Drive NE in Salem.

A state police bomb squad had taken up position at the Roth's IGA store on Lancaster Drive NE, assisting Marion County deputies over a report of a suspicious device that was located on the store property.

Two Firefighters Injured in 4-Alarm Fire

Firefighters are staying on scene as the flames continue to reignite.

(SALEM) - The Salem Fire Department is continuing to put out hot spots on the four-alarm fire at McMahan's Furniture on State Street in Salem.

Fire Department Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says two firefighters received minor injuries and both are currently being treated. Both were transported to Salem Hospital.

Only one lane of Commercial street reamins closed due to fire appratus. Drivers should stay clear.

Suspicious Device Disarmed at Salem Hospital (UPDATE)

A suspicious device at Salem Hospital has been disarmed. The staff there says they have received word from the Salem Police that they can now open up the parking garage. Operations are returning to normal.

(SALEM) - A suspect device was found on the first floor, southwest corner of the parking garage at the corner of Mission Street SE and Capitol Street SE. The devise is a pipe with wires attached to it.

A hospital spokesperson said no bomb threats were received.

Salem Police Department was called. The Bomb Squad is here.

Bomb Squads Roll out to Two Salem Locations

Residents should stay clear of Roth's IGA on Lancaster and Salem Hospital

(SALEM) - Local area police are on the scene of two suspected suspicious devices in Salem. Information is scarce, but both Salem and State Police bomb squads have been deployed according to Salem Police.

One of the locations is the Roth's IGA store at 702 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem.

The other location is Salem Hospital at 665 Winter Street SE.

Oregon Roofer Wins Online Casino Jackpot

An Oregon roofer nailed a $902,505 return on only a $9 wager!

(CENTRAL POINT) - Matt Eilenberger, a 35-year-old roofer from Central Point, won the Party online casino Mega Jackpot of $902,505.00

Matt is overwhelmed by his online casino win, and plans to get a new home for his family.

“I'm looking to sell my house and get a bigger one!” he said.

Their present home doesn’t offer enough space for the family of five, but now Matt, his wife Alicia, and their three children will have more room to explore and enjoy their lives together.

Matt won the jackpot on a online casino Super Fortune Wheel.

“I can quite honestly say that until a few weeks ago I had won nothing in my life.”

U.S. Raises Airline Threat Level After British Break-Up Terror Plot

Travelers should anticipate additional security measures within the airport and at screening checkpoints. All hair gels, lotions, and liquids have been banned from carry-on luggage.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The Department of Homeland Security is taking immediate steps to increase security measures in the aviation sector in coordination with heightened security precautions in the United Kingdom.

Salem Fire Battling Furniture Store Blaze

4-Alarm Fire in downtown Salem at McMahan's Furniture Store. Commercial Street is closed approximately 3 blocks north and south of State St.

(SALEM) - Salem firefighters are working to extinguish a major fire in a furniture store located at State and Commercial Streets in downtown Salem that broke out at 8:00 AM this morning.

The fire at McMahon's Furniture quickly went to three alarms, and has now gone to four. Firefighters are working to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent businesses.

McMahon's Furniture has been a landmark in downtown Salem for many years and has been holding a "going out of business" sale recently.

Two fire investigators are on scene.

Stay with Salem-News.com for continuing coverage. More updates on the affected area will be forthcoming as they become available.

Media, the French, War and Americans

Is the media to blame when the information flow is unpopular during a time of war?

(SALEM) - You know, I heard it again this week. I’m talking about those statements that start with “The media” and lead to “the war” and then there is this connection with “what is wrong” and you know what?

Each time this is stated, my cup fills a little more, and the tablecloth beneath it is staining.

The picture in my mind tells me the color is red, and a society that accepts war needs somebody else to blame for the mistakes it inevitably brings.