Keren Eichen News Today

A business in Portland, Oregon, is deploying an autonomous security robot to patrol a downtown parking garage and the surrounding area, according to KPTV.

The majority of Portland voters would consider leaving the city if they could after the defunding of police led to spikes in crime and sprawling homelessness.

Portland, Oregon is the latest city to utilize a mobile robot in place of patrolling security guards to lower crime rates in its downtown core. The patrolling robot navigates a local parking garage 24-hours-a-day, and is equipped with thermal imaging and a two-way intercom for citizens to speak to the operator.

PORTLAND, Oregon (KPTV) — An autonomous security robot is now patrolling part of downtown Portland.Portland city officials and their community improvement partners gathered on Tuesday<a class="excerpt-read-more" href="https://wsvn.com/news/us-world/security-robot-will-patrol-part-of-downtown-portland/">Read More</a>

The robot gives the security team at the U.S. Bancorp Tower a boost with video and audio surveillance, 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Nicknamed “Rob,” the robot provides video and audio surveillance, thermal imaging, and other technology to the perimeter of the building’s parking garage, further enhancing safety and security...

Nicknamed “Rob,” it provides continuous monitoring and surveillance for the security officers inside U.S. Bancorp Tower.

Minnesotas legislative session is scheduled to end in less than two weeks, and government workers are still seeking final approval of their latest contract. The labor agreements, which affect tens of thousands of state workers, include a 2.5% pay raise retroactive to July 1 of last year. Megan Dayton, statewide president of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, said with the House already approving the agreements, it is time for the Senate to do its part. ...

Minnesota officials announced this week that frontline workers can likely start applying for hero checks sometime in June. As those plans take shape, advocates for nursing home staff hope lawmakers come through with additional support. The bonus checks were recently approved during the legislative session, with eligible workers in line to receive $750 each. ...

President Joe Biden used his trip to Illinois Wednesday to tout several new initiatives he said will support American farms. The presidents trip comes as the cost of groceries remains high across the nation. The White House plans to increase funding for domestic fertilizer production, and increase access to farm-management tools. ...