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Terri Lee Brown, who the Oregon Supreme Court found was wrongly returned to prison after an earlier release, has sued Gov. Tina Kotek, Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton, clemency coordinator Nicole Townsend and other officials for $10,000,000 in damages.
Josephine County woman sues Oregon governor for $10M after wrongful imprisonment
A Grants Pass woman who was wrongly sent back to prison is suing Gov. Tina Kotek and other top officials.
www.opb.org
January 11, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Terri Lee Brown, who the Oregon Supreme Court found was wrongly returned to prison after an earlier release, has sued Gov. Tina Kotek, Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton, clemency coordinator Nicole Townsend and other officials for $10,000,000 in damages.
Jason Davis, public information officer for Lane County Health and Human Services, told KLCC that the Homeless Management Information System and its By Name List launched in 2019 are now considered more reliable.
Citing need for accuracy, Lane County drops PIT count for unhoused community
Since 2005, the county’s conducted annual counts of sheltered individuals, and biennial counts of those without shelter in areas where unhoused people are known to congregate.
www.opb.org
January 11, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Jason Davis, public information officer for Lane County Health and Human Services, told KLCC that the Homeless Management Information System and its By Name List launched in 2019 are now considered more reliable.
A Portland police officer has been reassigned after he was captured on film Friday appearing to agree with the tactics used by federal officers when they fatally shot a Minnesota woman last week.
Portland police officer reassigned after comments on Minneapolis shooting, chief says
While the unidentified officer did not say if he’d seen the video of Renee Nicole Good’s killing, he said he would have shot “if she drove a car at me, yes.” City officials have condemned his statements.
www.opb.org
January 11, 2026 at 8:19 PM
A Portland police officer has been reassigned after he was captured on film Friday appearing to agree with the tactics used by federal officers when they fatally shot a Minnesota woman last week.
A proposal went to the Pasco City Council last year to eliminate fluoride from the city’s water system because of concerns about the health effects and wanting citizens to make their own decisions about fluoride.
Fluoride fights bubble up around Washington
At least seven city councils have grappled with whether to remove fluoride from drinking water. Dental experts point to benefits and say the mineral is safe at levels used in the U.S.
www.opb.org
January 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM
A proposal went to the Pasco City Council last year to eliminate fluoride from the city’s water system because of concerns about the health effects and wanting citizens to make their own decisions about fluoride.
The state’s most recent gray wolf population estimates from 2024 show at least 230 wolves in Washington. That includes 43 known wolf packs and at least 18 breeding pairs.
Could artificial intelligence help prevent wolf-livestock conflicts in Washington?
Artificial intelligence could one day help deter wolves from preying on livestock in Washington state. That’s the hope of the nonprofit Wildlife Protection Solutions.
www.opb.org
January 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM
The state’s most recent gray wolf population estimates from 2024 show at least 230 wolves in Washington. That includes 43 known wolf packs and at least 18 breeding pairs.
Washington’s current tax code is unsustainable, hurts public schools and middle-class families, and needs reform. That was state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal’s top message Thursday during his annual “State of Education” address.
‘Our kids need help.’ Washington schools chief calls for tax reforms to fund education
Washington’s current tax code is unsustainable, hurts public schools and middle-class families, and needs reform.
www.opb.org
January 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Washington’s current tax code is unsustainable, hurts public schools and middle-class families, and needs reform. That was state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal’s top message Thursday during his annual “State of Education” address.
Several hundred people attended a planned immigrant rights rally at Legacy Emanuel in North Portland today in response to the shooting and allegations that Legacy is allowing ICE to dictate patient care at the hospital. Legacy has denied those claims. www.opb.org/article/2026...
January 11, 2026 at 12:35 AM
Several hundred people attended a planned immigrant rights rally at Legacy Emanuel in North Portland today in response to the shooting and allegations that Legacy is allowing ICE to dictate patient care at the hospital. Legacy has denied those claims. www.opb.org/article/2026...
Washington banned thin, single-use plastic shopping bags in 2021. But since then, the state has seen an increase in plastics used for retail transactions. That’s due to a loophole allowing thicker plastic bags.
A new push to ban plastic bags could be in store for Washington
A proposal to fix the issue of thicker plastic bags will go before lawmakers in January. The legislation was pre-filed in the House and Senate last month, and the first hearings are scheduled for Jan. 14 and 15.
www.opb.org
January 11, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Washington banned thin, single-use plastic shopping bags in 2021. But since then, the state has seen an increase in plastics used for retail transactions. That’s due to a loophole allowing thicker plastic bags.
Oregon health officials are investigating two cases of measles in Linn County, and are warning people who might have been exposed to the virus to contact their health provider.
Oregon health officials confirm first measles cases of 2026
Both cases are in Linn County. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash.
www.opb.org
January 10, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Oregon health officials are investigating two cases of measles in Linn County, and are warning people who might have been exposed to the virus to contact their health provider.
City officials said the changes are aimed at reducing fire risk in public parks and other city-owned spaces, citing injuries and deaths linked to unsafe cooking and heating practices.
Grants Pass tightens rules on flammable materials in public, park exclusions
The Grants Pass City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to allow police to seize and destroy flammable materials on public property and expand how long people can be excluded from parks for violations.
www.opb.org
January 10, 2026 at 10:00 PM
City officials said the changes are aimed at reducing fire risk in public parks and other city-owned spaces, citing injuries and deaths linked to unsafe cooking and heating practices.
The Centro Mercado food pantry is a project of Centro Cultural, a Washington County Latino community organization with a 50-plus-year history in Cornelius.
‘At Work With’: What if your groceries were free? At this Cornelius mercado, they can be
As a growing number of Oregonians face food insecurity, a free, market-style food pantry in Cornelius is here to help. El Centro Mercado is open to anyone in need, and specializes in culturally specific foods for Latinos.
www.opb.org
January 10, 2026 at 8:00 PM
The Centro Mercado food pantry is a project of Centro Cultural, a Washington County Latino community organization with a 50-plus-year history in Cornelius.
Oregonians are taking to the streets once again this weekend to take part in multiple anti-immigration enforcement protests across Portland.
More protests to be held this weekend in Portland after Border Patrol shot 2 people
The demonstrations come after a man and a woman were shot and injured Thursday by Border Patrol in Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood.
www.opb.org
January 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Oregonians are taking to the streets once again this weekend to take part in multiple anti-immigration enforcement protests across Portland.
On Friday night, a large share of the town gathered at the gym in Echo High School to remember the lives of 59-year-old David McCarty and his three nieces. A week earlier, all four died after a helicopter he was piloting in Arizona collided with a slackline and crashed.
After fatal helicopter crash, mourners in Echo turn to community for comfort
A small Eastern Oregon town is feeling the "ripple effect" of four sudden deaths.
www.opb.org
January 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
On Friday night, a large share of the town gathered at the gym in Echo High School to remember the lives of 59-year-old David McCarty and his three nieces. A week earlier, all four died after a helicopter he was piloting in Arizona collided with a slackline and crashed.
Portland has been resilient despite a number of key injuries. The team hasn’t had starting forward Jerami Grant since Dec. 18 because of Achilles tendinitis.
Trail Blazers beat Rockets 111-105 to extend winning streak to 5
Toumani Camara scored 25 points and the Portland Trail Blazers extended their winning streak to a season-best five games with a 111-105 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night.
www.opb.org
January 10, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Portland has been resilient despite a number of key injuries. The team hasn’t had starting forward Jerami Grant since Dec. 18 because of Achilles tendinitis.
The defense attorney for one of the people shot by Border Patrol in East Portland Thursday spoke exclusively to OPB about his client.
Read more here: https://www.opb.org/article/2026/01/09/defense-attorney-disputes-police-narrative-in-portland-border-patrol-shooting/.
Read more here: https://www.opb.org/article/2026/01/09/defense-attorney-disputes-police-narrative-in-portland-border-patrol-shooting/.
January 10, 2026 at 5:29 AM
The defense attorney for one of the people shot by Border Patrol in East Portland Thursday spoke exclusively to OPB about his client.
Read more here: https://www.opb.org/article/2026/01/09/defense-attorney-disputes-police-narrative-in-portland-border-patrol-shooting/.
Read more here: https://www.opb.org/article/2026/01/09/defense-attorney-disputes-police-narrative-in-portland-border-patrol-shooting/.
The Oregon Ducks had hoped to capture the school’s first national championship in football, but their season came to a hard stop against Indiana at the Peach Bowl.
Oregon Ducks self-destruct in 56-22 Peach Bowl loss to No. 1 Indiana
No. 1 Indiana romped into the national championship game with a 56-22 blowout of fifth-seeded Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinal on Friday.
www.opb.org
January 10, 2026 at 4:33 AM
The Oregon Ducks had hoped to capture the school’s first national championship in football, but their season came to a hard stop against Indiana at the Peach Bowl.
Two people shot by federal immigration officers in Portland have “an association” with a Venezuelan criminal gang, Portland police said in a news conference Friday. But they did not provide any new details about the events leading up to Thursday’s shooting.
Defense attorney disputes police narrative in Portland Border Patrol shooting
Two people shot by federal border patrol officers in Portland appear to have “an association” with a Venezuelan criminal gang, Portland police said in a news conference on Friday. But they did not provide any new details about the events leading up to Thursday’s shooting by U.S. Border Patrol in East Portland.
www.opb.org
January 10, 2026 at 2:35 AM
Two people shot by federal immigration officers in Portland have “an association” with a Venezuelan criminal gang, Portland police said in a news conference Friday. But they did not provide any new details about the events leading up to Thursday’s shooting.
A federal judge on Friday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing most of his executive order on elections against the vote-by-mail states of Washington and Oregon.
Judge blocks Trump’s elections order in lawsuit by vote-by-mail states Oregon and Washington
A federal judge on Friday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing most of his executive order on elections against the vote-by-mail states of Washington and Oregon, in the latest blow to Trump’s efforts to require documentary proof of citizenship to vote and to require that all ballots be received by Election Day.
www.opb.org
January 10, 2026 at 2:22 AM
A federal judge on Friday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing most of his executive order on elections against the vote-by-mail states of Washington and Oregon.
Clark College’s new Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms was officially unveiled on Thursday.
Clark College celebrates arrival of advanced manufacturing satellite campus in Ridgefield
The idea for the campus in north Clark County originated nearly twenty years ago.
www.opb.org
January 10, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Clark College’s new Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms was officially unveiled on Thursday.
Officials hope a new state-funded “accelerator” can tackle off-putting prices and other barriers to adoption of the fuel, which can reduce air travel emissions by 50-80%.
Washington state pumps more tax dollars toward green jet fuel
The state’s approach contrasts with the Trump administration, which has heaped scorn on taxpayer-financed decarbonization incentives. They favor policies to maximize fossil fuel production to drive down energy costs.
www.opb.org
January 9, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Officials hope a new state-funded “accelerator” can tackle off-putting prices and other barriers to adoption of the fuel, which can reduce air travel emissions by 50-80%.
Portland City Council will not elect a new leader until mid-January after a planned vote Thursday was tabled following news of an East Portland shooting involving federal law enforcement officers.
Shooting by federal officers puts Portland council president vote on hold
Councilors met twice this week with the goal of electing a leader.
www.opb.org
January 9, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Portland City Council will not elect a new leader until mid-January after a planned vote Thursday was tabled following news of an East Portland shooting involving federal law enforcement officers.
While the championships are the final Olympic team qualifier, the event is also a showcase of the depth of U.S. figure skating — and a chance for Pacific Northwest athletes to be seen alongside the sport’s biggest names, including world champion and Olympic gold favorite Ilia Malinin.
5 Pacific Northwest skaters take the ice at US Figure Skating Championships as 2026 Olympic race heats up
Five Pacific Northwest figure skaters compete in the final Olympic team qualifier in St. Louis this week alongside the sport’s biggest names and Olympic hopefuls.
www.opb.org
January 9, 2026 at 8:30 PM
While the championships are the final Olympic team qualifier, the event is also a showcase of the depth of U.S. figure skating — and a chance for Pacific Northwest athletes to be seen alongside the sport’s biggest names, including world champion and Olympic gold favorite Ilia Malinin.
Leaders of Oregon’s Head Start programs are urging state officials to restore $9.5 million in funding cuts that have spurred additional layoffs and program reductions in key early childhood education services offered to more than 12,000 Oregon children age 5 and under.
Oregon Head Start calls on Gov. Kotek to reallocate nearly $10M in lost funding
Governor had previously promised to monitor rollout of new budget changes to Oregon’s early childhood education programs.
www.opb.org
January 9, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Leaders of Oregon’s Head Start programs are urging state officials to restore $9.5 million in funding cuts that have spurred additional layoffs and program reductions in key early childhood education services offered to more than 12,000 Oregon children age 5 and under.
With the latest decree, the governor says she hopes to focus more attention on people on the streets struggling with drug addiction or mental illness. To that end, Kotek is steering $20 million approved by lawmakers last year toward those efforts.
Gov. Tina Kotek extends Oregon’s homelessness emergency for a third time
While the state has helped thousands of people out of homelessness, recent counts show the problem increasing in much of the state.
www.opb.org
January 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM
With the latest decree, the governor says she hopes to focus more attention on people on the streets struggling with drug addiction or mental illness. To that end, Kotek is steering $20 million approved by lawmakers last year toward those efforts.
Despite a new flu variant boosting national numbers, things in Oregon are better than last year. Officials say they can’t predict whether that will continue, and hospitalizations have climbed.
As new ‘superflu’ hits other states hard, Oregon is doing relatively well
A new influenza strain barreling across the country has hit many states hard, causing illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths to spike and bringing warnings of a record flu season.
www.opb.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Despite a new flu variant boosting national numbers, things in Oregon are better than last year. Officials say they can’t predict whether that will continue, and hospitalizations have climbed.