Local News

In a concerning development highlighting issues of civil liberties and law enforcement, Frank Miranda, a U.S. citizen in Portland, Oregon, was detained by plainclothes officers for several hours before his release.

Governors Gavin Newsom of California, Tina Kotek of Oregon, and Bob Ferguson of Washington have announced the establishment of the West Coast Health Alliance. This initiative aims to prioritize public health by grounding policies in scientific evidence, focusing on safety, efficacy, transparency, access, and trust. The Alliance also respects Tribal sovereignty, affirming that Tribes retain authority over their vaccine services.

In a spontaneous demonstration of civic dissent, thousands of cyclists converged on Portland, Oregon, for an "emergency" iteration of the World Naked Bike Ride, voicing opposition to the Trump administration's proposal to deploy the National Guard to quell ongoing protests.

A 17-year-old girl from Clark County, Washington, has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of an adult female at a residence on October 5. Witnesses reported that the victim had been brutally attacked and strangled by the suspect.

On the morning of September 29, Richmond Elementary School was placed on lockdown following significant law enforcement activity nearby. The lockdown, initiated at 9:15 a.m., was a precautionary measure in response to reports of an individual with long guns at a nearby residence.

The 2026 election season in Oregon officially begins as candidates for state and local offices can now file for office. In November, voters will decide on a U.S. senator, six congressional seats, the governorship, labor commissioner, 15 state senate positions, and 60 state house representatives, alongside numerous local offices.

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to file a lawsuit in response to the Trump administration's deployment of 200 California National Guard members to Portland to assist ICE and protect federal property. State and local leaders have condemned the move as an unnecessary and potentially dangerous abuse of power.

U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut has issued a temporary restraining order blocking President Trump's initiative to place the Oregon National Guard under federal control in Portland. The ruling, which aligns with Oregon state officials' stance, highlights concerns that such a deployment could exacerbate tensions and represents an overreach on state sovereignty.

The Oregon Tourism Commission, in collaboration with Wheel the World, has achieved a milestone by designating Oregon as the first state to be "Accessibility Verified." This recognition provides comprehensive accessibility information for travelers with disabilities, enhancing transparency and inclusivity across the state's tourism sector.

Governor Tina Kotek's transportation funding bill, poised to increase the state's gas tax and other fees, is scheduled for Senate discussion. The legislation, if passed, is projected to generate $4.3 billion, providing crucial financial support to the Oregon Department of Transportation, local governments, and public transit agencies.