FOX 12 Beyond the Broadcast

FOX 12 Oregon
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FOX 12 Beyond the Broadcast takes a deeper look at some of the reporting done by the journalists at KPTV in Portland, Oregon.

  1. Jun 24

    ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’: Illicit massage businesses in Oregon

    Spencer Schact and Ward Jolles break down the rise of “illicit massage businesses” in Oregon—storefronts that can appear legitimate but are often tied to commercial sex, trafficking, and organized crime. They explain how these networks recruit and control vulnerable women through debt bondage, why cases are difficult to investigate and prosecute, and what warning signs can help identify suspicious locations. The episode also covers the policy fight over how communities and lawmakers can respond, plus how viewers can report concerns safely without intervening directly.

    26 min

  2. Jun 17

    Butane torches

    Butane torches—sold widely in everyday stores—are being linked to a growing number of explosions, structure fires, and severe burn injuries in Oregon, including burns so deep they can lead to amputations. Investigative reporter Spencer Schacht explains doctors at the Legacy Oregon Burn Center are seeing many cases connected to people using torches to smoke drugs; the biggest danger is the torch’s locking mechanism that can keep the flame on, especially if someone passes out from fentanyl while it’s still burning. The episode (hosted by investigative reporter Ward Jolles with guest Spencer Schacht) highlights proposed solutions: harm-reduction education now, and potential legislation next session to redesign/ban “flame-locking” mechanisms.

    18 min

  3. Jun 10

    Rubicon Fire Restoration

    FOX12 reporter Ezra Kaplan and photographer/editor Frank Frenzel discuss their recent story in Rowena following a wildfire, where Team Rubicon volunteers helped residents by cutting down dangerous “hazard trees” that need to be cleared before the rebuilding process can begin. Frank and Ezra reflect on the human impact of returning months after the disaster—how complex, expensive, and emotionally heavy rebuilding is—and why Team Rubicon’s free labor provided real, tangible hope for families who otherwise couldn’t move forward.

    28 min

  4. Jun 3

    Longview chemical spill

    FOX 12 Investigative Reporter Ezra Kaplan and FOX 12 Reporter Julia Lopez talk about covering a deadly chemical spill in Longview, Washington.

    20 min

  5. Apr 15

    Health benefits of float therapy

    A Northeast Portland woman says that her go-to method for managing chronic pain, stress, and anxiety has been participating in Float Therapy. The process? Sitting alone with your thoughts in a sensory deprivation environment, floating in water so dense that you couldn’t sink even if you tried. In this episode of Beyond the Broadcast, reporter Nora Hart takes the plunge, and talks about what she didn’t expect to experience during her time at Float North. Watch the full Beyond the Broadcast episode exclusively on the FOX 12 Streaming App. Download today on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV.

    27 min

  6. Apr 8

    Challenges to Citizenship

    A married couple trying to navigate the U.S. immigration system through legal channels received a deportation notice earlier this year. In early 2024, the couple filed for an I-130 petition for Andres, a common first step toward permanent residency for immigrants married to U.S. citizens. Two years later, Andres received a notice to appear at a court hearing for deportation. Now the couple is struggling with legal red tape as Andres and Steve’s I-130 petition appointment is scheduled for this spring, ahead of Andres’ deportation hearing set for this summer – leaving the family waiting for answers.https://www.kptv.com/2026/02/23/three-steps-forward-two-steps-back-washington-couple-shares-years-long-immigration-fight/

    20 min

  7. Apr 1

    Needle bill fails

    Neighbors and residents are shocked and frustrated by the failure of Senate bill 1573 – which aimed to ban the distribution of needles, pipes, and drug paraphernalia in school zones. The widely supported bipartisan bill was killed by Senator Lisa Reynolds, but when pressed for comment by investigative reporter Pete Ferryman and her constituents, Reynolds dodged questions and interview – leaving neighbors frustrated.

    29 min

  8. Mar 25

    E-Scooter/E-Bike Crashes

    In 2025, the city of Portland reported more than 2.1 million micro-mobility trips from rented e-bikes and e-scooters, but as ridership climbs, so has the amount of crashes and fatal accidents from impacts with motorists. In this episode of Beyond the Broadcast reporters Adrian Thomas and Ezra Kaplan look deeper into the data, reveal a tragic story of a mother’s grief, and discuss the question so many are asking: Are e-bikes and e-scooters inherently dangerous?

    27 min
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About

FOX 12 Beyond the Broadcast takes a deeper look at some of the reporting done by the journalists at KPTV in Portland, Oregon.

Information

  • Creator
    FOX 12 Oregon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    FOX 12 Beyond the Broadcast