Jake French Interview

Four years ago, he was paralyzed from the neck down when his friend tackled him.  Today, he’s an inspirational speaker and author of a new book.  Hear how 26 year old Jake French from Dufur, Oregon has kept his positive attitude.  He sat down with Rebecca Marshall.

Bullying a Growing Problem

If you are a parent, you know how problematic, devastating, and sad bullying can be.  Even if you're not a parent, you were a kid once and probably experienced a form of bullying at some point.  The issue is in the news all the time too.  Just this morning, a teenager in New York was laid to rest after killing herself last month.  Her family says she was the victim of a cyber bullying campaign.
Coming up today on Portland's Afternoon News, we'll hear from an expert at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital, who helps kids cope with bullying.  Dr. Ajit Jetmalani will explain the difference between teasing and bullying (it can be a very fine line) and talk specifically about cyber bullying and how it's different from the more traditional forms. 
He has a lot to say about the topic, so he'll also be on The OHSU Effect tomorrow morning at 8:00 here on KXL.  I hope you'll tune in.
-Lacey

Life on the Streets of Israel

I was born the same year as the Six Day War in 1967.  I've never known there to be long lasting peace in the Mideast.  I've never been to Israel and I've never been anywhere near that part of the world, until now.  I'm very excited and nervous to go.

My goal is to talk to teachers, vendors, lawmakers, historians, Palestinians, even comedians. There's unrest in neighboring Syria and Egypt which could make things interesting.  Not to mention, Iran testing missiles this week.

Here's where you come in.  What do you want to know?  Please post on this blog or on Facebook and I'll do my best to get the answers you are looking for.

 Happy New Year!

 Rebecca Marshall

Cold Case Comfort

  It took 17 years for the family of Kimberly Dunkin to get justice.

Be Safe This New Years Eve

In just a few days we will ring in 2012.  Whatever your plans are for New Years Eve, please be safe.  Police agencies around the state will be out in full force looking for drunk drivers.  Starting Friday night at 6:00, Oregon State Police are starting their "Drive Sober or get Pulled Over" campaign. 
To avoid drunk driving, or other drivers who might be drunk, you can always take public transit.  TriMet buses and MAX trains will be free on Saturday night, starting at 8:00.  MAX will also run later than normal.  In fact, the last yellow line train will leave the Expo Center station at 3:42 a.m. 
And of course there are plenty of taxi services in the Rose City, but because New Years Eve is a busy night, it's recommended that you make a reservation in advance.
However you celebrate, be safe, have fun and Happy New Year from KXL!
-Lacey

Most Memorable Story of the Week

Did you see this story from earlier this week?  We covered it here on KXL but here is a link to the story covered by our news partner KGW.  A Beaverton man thought to have been murdered by serial killer John Wayne Gacy back in the 70's, is alive and well in Beaverton.  What I find most shocking about this story is that Ted Szal didn't talk to his family for more than 30 years.  He left Chicago because of a bitter divorce and a disagreement with his family, but then felt too much time had passed for him to call and make amends.
I think it's very apropos that this discovery was made during the holidays.  And it shows that it is never too late to apologize or make up or reach out to loved ones and friends who you have fallen out of touch with.  I can't imagine living for more than 30 years and having someone think I was dead!  What I took away from this story is that there is nothing more important than family...and whatever disagreements you might have with them...it's best to forgive and forget. 
Merry Christmas!
--Lacey