Local News

Governor Tina Kotek has initiated measures to ready state agencies for impending budgetary constraints, including halting out-of-state travel and preparing for major budget reductions, as Oregon anticipates a potential loss exceeding $15 billion in federal funding over the next ten years.

JaMarcus Shephard, previously the wide receivers coach at the University of Washington, has been appointed as the head coach of the Oregon State Beavers. His tenure at Washington was marked by his successful development of wide receiver prospects, underscoring his expertise and potential impact on the Beavers' program.

Howard Chiou, Medical Director for Communicable Disease and Immunization at the Oregon Health Authority, reported that only about 9% of Oregonians have received the COVID-19 vaccine this season, marking a significant 21% drop from the previous year. In contrast, flu vaccination rates are marginally higher, with 1 million Oregonians vaccinated, though this still represents a 5% decline from last year.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has announced a significant legal victory, confirming that a federal lawsuit has successfully overturned the Trump administration's attempt to impose immigration status requirements on survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. This decision ensures that survivors can access essential services without facing additional barriers, marking a crucial step in safeguarding community safety and upholding justice for vulnerable populations.

A tragic accident in Portland's Richmond Neighborhood has claimed the life of 87-year-old Grey J. Wolfe, prompting an investigation by the Portland Police Traffic Division's Major Crash Team. The incident occurred on Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, where Wolfe was struck by a vehicle driven by an adult female, who remains cooperative with authorities as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Oregon has taken significant steps in gun control with the enactment of the Community Safety Firearms Act, which bans rapid-fire devices and authorizes local governments to restrict concealed weapons in public buildings. This legislation aims to mitigate gun violence and enhance community safety.

The REACH Community Development Corporation is evaluating potential legal actions against the federal government, aiming to halt the deployment of tear gas and other crowd control munitions during protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland. This initiative seeks to address the adverse health impacts on residents of Gray's Landing, a housing complex for low-income seniors, veterans, families, and individuals with disabilities.

Multnomah County Commissioner Shannon Singleton has announced sweeping reforms to the county's deflection program, aiming to more effectively integrate sobering and diversion services with housing and behavioral health systems. The initiative seeks to enhance outcomes and ensure alignment with the original objectives of state legislation.

Multnomah County has facilitated the transition of 6,160 individuals from homelessness to housing between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, reflecting a 12 percent rise from the prior year. Since its inception in 2021, the Supportive Housing Services program has successfully housed 15,724 people throughout the Portland metro area, underscoring its vital role amidst contracting federal and state funding streams.

In a tragic incident early Friday morning in Portland's Hollywood District, a shooting resulted in the death of one individual and left another person injured, according to police officials. The suspect, Daniel A. Snegirev, was apprehended later that day, marking a swift response by law enforcement.