Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Western States Center

PEN America @penamerica.bsky.social · 18h

Anyone who's read George Orwell knows #CensorshipIsSo1984.

This #BannedBooksWeek, we're asking you to do more than #ReadBannedBooks.

Could we suggest a $5 donation to PEN America for every one of the books you've read on our "Banned Books Bingo Card"?

Please donate now at: pen.org/2025-support...

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 1d

We urge Sec. Noem to take in the real Portland, not the one “untethered to the facts” and manufactured by the Trump administration to justify this abuse of power. We are a peaceful city. We are a beautiful city. And we are a city united against the military policing our communities.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrives in Portland for Tuesday visit

The secretary arrived at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland just after noon Tuesday, where Portland police officers had blocked off streets and cordoned off observers and…

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 1d

Let Kristi Noem know that #OregonIsHome! Keep Portland Free! You’re Barking Up the Wrong Tree!
Join us for a #PawsOffPortland puppy party at Revolution Hall TODAY (Oct. 7) at 4 PM.

RSVP here: bit.ly/pawsoffpdx

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 2d

An 84-year-old Vietnam vet and his wife were knocked down by federal agents while peacefully protesting in Portland. Federal violence against community members isn’t law enforcement, it’s intimidation.

Read more at OregonLive 🔗 buff.ly/J7EQ3py

Federal agents knock down elderly couple during Portland protest

An 84-year-old said she sustained a concussion and was hit with a projectile after she and her husband, a Vietnam vet, were knocked down by federal officers.

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 5d

We're proud to be Portland. #NowhereElsePDX

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 6d

Troops in Portland won't stop the AMP conference. Our strategic gathering of movement leaders is more crucial than ever. Check out the workshop preview: buff.ly/EkEtAHt

#PDXAMP25 #AMPisBack #PDXEvents #DefendDemocracy #AdvocacyInAction

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 6d

Tonight at 6pm: attend Protect Oregon's virtual kickoff to learn how Portlanders across the city can take action with their friends and neighbors to oppose any military takeover in Oregon. Sign up for this and more upcoming events at bit.ly/42k86JT

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 6d

This week, more than a dozen Oregon mayors signed a joint letter rejecting any attempt to federally militarize the Portland metro area. Oregon is home, not a military target. #NoTakeoverOR

bit.ly/3KvVSYI

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 7d

It’s LGBTQ History Month 🌈
Western States Center honors the fight for inclusive democracy, from the 1992 No On 9 campaign to today’s struggles for equality. History isn’t just memory, it’s a guide for action.

Learn more: NoOn9Remembered.org

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Bend the Arc: Jewish Action @bendthearc.bsky.social · 7d

And tracking extremism and hate is vital. Our safety depends on protecting each other.

Follow groups like @splcenter.org, @aclu.org, Political Research Associates, NAACP, and @westernstatescenter.org which still commit to this work.

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 7d

This Yom Kippur arrives amid heightened political tensions and spiritual urgency, reminding us that teshuva is both personal and collective.

May your fast be meaningful and your reflection deepen your resolve. G’mar chatima tova.

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Tina Kotek @tinakotek.bsky.social · 10d

Today, I was in downtown Portland walking peacefully with Oregonians to say that we don’t need military intervention here.
We are peaceful.
We are united.
We are Oregon.

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Oregon for All @oregonforall.bsky.social · 9d

On Sept 18th, clergy who have shown up daily at the immigration courthouse and ICE building stood in solidarity with immigrant communities, leading a powerful 'Faith Over Fear' action. We're proud to be a part of the launch of this faith coalition.

Learn more here: form.jotform.com/252608413367...

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Oregon for All @oregonforall.bsky.social · 9d

Thousands of Oregonians, community leaders, and elected officials came together in downtown Portland on Sunday to say loud and clear: we don’t want federal troops in our communities. ✊

Read more about the rally here: www.kptv.com/2025/09/29/h...

#Oregonforall

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 9d

Make no mistake: this isn’t just about Portland or whatever city this administration targets next. President Trump is attempting to write himself a blank check to deploy federal agents and military troops anywhere he wants, against whoever he wants.

Sign on to help #ProtectOregon: buff.ly/MkrAs7z

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Tina Kotek @tinakotek.bsky.social · 10d

There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security. There is no need or legal justification for military troops in our major city.
www.klcc.org/politics-gov...

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Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield @agdanrayfield.bsky.social · 10d

BREAKING NEWS: Oregon sues Trump administration over unlawful federalization of National Guard. Read more.

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Senator Ron Wyden @wyden.senate.gov · 11d

Taken just a few minutes ago outside the ICE facility in Portland that Trump claims is under siege. My message to Donald Trump is this: we don’t need you here. Stay the hell out of our city.

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Tina Kotek @tinakotek.bsky.social · 11d

My office is reaching out to the White House and Homeland Security for more information. We have been provided no information on the reason or purpose of any military mission. There is no national security threat in Portland. Our communities are safe and calm.

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 11d

Oregon is home.
Not a military target.

Sign-on to help #ProtectOregon: buff.ly/MkrAs7z

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 13d

Retired National Guard generals disagree with the plan to deploy troops to our cities, telling the NYT that "the military is designed to fight external enemies, not citizens" and that the DC deployment is an attempt to "intimidate the local population." www.nytimes.com/2025/09/21/u...

Trump Is Expanding the National Guard’s Role. Some Former Generals Worry.

Responding to crises at home is part of the Guard’s mission. Helping crack down on crime in U.S. cities isn’t, say some former leaders, who fear this shift could hurt the force.

www.nytimes.com

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 14d

Our statement on the tragedy at the Dallas ICE facility today. (Also see alt-text for full statement.)

We are thinking of the victims and families impacted by the attack at the ICE facility in Dallas, Texas, today. People detained by ICE continue to face gross human rights violations in American custody, and this violence only adds to that horror. Political violence has no place in our communities. It makes us all less safe.

There is a great deal we do not yet know about this devastating incident, and we urge caution when sharing potential misinformation and unconfirmed reports before a full investigation is completed. We call on elected officials to reject any attempts to weaponize this tragedy to erode Constitutionally protected rights.

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 14d

“Pulling firefighters off active lines isn’t about safety,” said Isa Pena, of Innovation Law Lab, one of the firms representing Hernandez. “These reckless arrests are designed to frighten people and keep us from coming together in support of our neighbors, family, friends and coworkers.”

ICE releases Oregon firefighter arrested last month during Bear Gulch Fire

Rigoberto Hernandez Hernandez’s release came suddenly Wednesday morning without a court order.

www.opb.org

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Liz Yates @lizyates.bsky.social · 14d

Got to contribute to a really good article on the antisemitic background of a recent Fox News host. Check it out.

Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 15d

Our Momentum Program Director, Liz Yates, wants to remind you that streamers aren’t harmless, they’re the “cheerleaders and enforcers” of authoritarian assaults on multiracial democracy.
Read more: buff.ly/fFnQtb7

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Western States Center @westernstatescenter.org · 14d

Nine Spokane protesters face federal conspiracy charges, a political prosecution meant to intimidate rather than seek justice. Citing the dangers of politicized prosecutions, Sen. Murray is blocking Pete Serrano’s nomination. This is federal overreach against dissent. bit.ly/spokane9

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