Search Results

Washington & Oregon to Sue over Trump Elections Order Washington state attorney general Nick Brown gives news conference announcing a federal lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order attempting to overhaul elections in the U.S., in Seattle, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP photo/Manuel Valdes) (AP) — Washington and Oregon on Friday became the latest states to ask a court to reject President Donald Trump’s efforts to overhaul elections in the U.S., a day after Democratic officials in 19 others filed a similar lawsuit. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said the two states sued separately because they conduct elections entirely by mail and would be particularly harmed by the president’s efforts. “Neither the Constitution nor any federal law gives the president authority to set rules for how states conduct elections,” Brown, a Democrat, said during a news conference. “It is the states that decide how voters are registered. It is the states that decide how ballots are counted.” Friday’s lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Seattle is the fifth against the executive order since it was issued last week. The order includes new requirements that people provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote and a demand that all mail ballots be received by Election Day. It also puts states’ federal funding at risk if election officials don’t comply. That could disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters in the Pacific Northwest, where ballots must be postmarked — but not necessarily received — by Election Day. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs noted at the news conference that more than 300,000 ballots in Washington arrived after Election Day last year. “President Trump’s executive order is nothing more than a blatant attempt to rig the system and suppress votes,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a news release. “He’s trying to make it harder for people to vote. It’s a direct assault on the Constitution and a brazen attempt to act like a king, dictating how states should run their elections.” The lawsuits from the states follow earlier ones against the executive order by nonprofit voting groups and the Democratic National Committee. They say the order could disenfranchise voters because millions of eligible voting-age Americans do not have the proper documents readily available. People already are required to attest to being U.S. citizens, under penalty of perjury, in order to vote. The lawsuits have said Trump’s directive violates the Constitution, which specifies that states have the authority to set the “times, places and manner” of elections. Congress has the power to “make or alter” regulations for elections for president and Congress, but the Constitution doesn’t mention any presidential authority over election administration. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields on Friday called the proof-of-citizenship requirements “common sense” and said the administration “is standing up for free, fair, and honest elections.” Trump has continued to claim he won the 2020 election despite all evidence to the contrary. Courts rejected dozens of his legal challenges and his attorney general at the time said there was no sign of widespread fraud. Reviews, recounts and audits in the battleground states where he contested his loss all affirmed Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. He and other Republicans also promoted the idea during last year’s presidential election that large numbers of people who were not U.S. citizens might be voting. Voting by noncitizens is rare and, when caught, can lead to felony charges and deportation. “It is hard to imagine a subject where this president has less credibility than he does with elections,” said Brown, citing Trump’s lies about the 2020 election and his loss to Biden. “He is always looking to undermine faith in our democracy.”

Mission Accomplished for Blue Origin This image provided by Blue Origin shows, first row, seated, from left: Lauren Sanchez and Kerianne Flynn and standing in back from left: Amanda Nguyen, Katy Perry, Gayle King and Aisha Bowe in West Texas. (Blue Origin via AP) (AP) Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin launched his fiancée Lauren Sanchez into space Monday with an all-female celebrity crew that included Katy Perry and Gayle King. It was the latest wave in space tourism, where more of the rich and famous than ever before — or lucky and well-connected — can enter the zero-gravity realm traditionally dominated by professional astronauts. The New Shepard rocket blasted off on the quick up-and-down trip from West Texas. The fringes of space beckoned 66 miles (107 kilometers) up and provided a few precious minutes of weightlessness. Sanchez, a helicopter pilot and former TV journalist, invited the others along for the 10-minute, fully automated flight, packing on the star power with singer-songwriter Perry and “CBS Mornings” co-host King. Moved by the views of Earth below, Perry said she couldn’t resist singing “What a Wonderful World” in space. Also sharing the ride were film producer Kerianne Flynn; Aisha Bowe, a former NASA engineer who started her own companies to promote science education; and Amanda Nguyen, a scientist who studied planets around other stars and now advocates for survivors of sexual violence. Blue Origin declined to say how much the flight cost or who paid what. The trip came two months before Sanchez and Bezos marry in Venice. It was the 11th human spaceflight for the Washington state-based company, founded by Bezos in 2000 after making a fortune with Amazon. Bezos strapped in for Blue Origin’s first space tourist flight in 2021 and accompanied the latest crew to the pad. The celebrity launch was the nation’s first spaceflight where women filled each seat. The only other all-female crew in 64 years of human spaceflight was back in 1963. That’s when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova launched by herself, becoming the first woman in space. Tereshkova spent three days off the planet. Even after the latest launch, women represent barely 15% of the more than 700 people who have traveled into space. Sanchez said she deliberately chose women to launch with her, each of them eager to inspire both the young and old to dream big, and even commissioned special flight suits. The launch brought out VIPs to West Texas including Oprah Winfrey; Kris Jenner and other members of the Kardashian family; former NASA astronaut Mae Jemison, who became the first Black woman in space in 1992; and several women who previously have flown on private flights. Winfrey, a close friend of King, wiped away tears when the capsule reached space and the passengers were heard marveling at the moon and shouting with joy. As the women were buckling up for the ride back, Perry broke into song. Despite urging by her crewmates, she resisted singing “Roar” or her other tunes and instead chose “What a Wonderful World.” “It’s not about me. It’s not about singing my songs,” Perry said following the flight. “It’s about a collective energy in there. It’s about us.” At a news conference later, she stressed, “We weren’t just taking up space. We were making space for the future.” Bezos opened the capsule’s hatch minutes after touchdown, embracing Sanchez, the first one out. As they emerged, Perry and King kneeled and kissed the ground. “Oh my God, that was amazing,” said King, who considers herself an anxious airplane flyer. Three hours later, Sanchez said she was still trying to process everything. “Profound is like the one word I would use,” she said. This wasn’t the first Blue Origin launch with marquee names. “Star Trek” actor William Shatner caught a lift to space with Blue Origin in 2021 at age 90, soon after Bezos’ inaugural trip. He was followed by former New York Giants defensive end and TV host Michael Strahan and Laura Shepard Churchley, the eldest daughter of Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard, for whom the rocket is named. Two aviation pioneers who missed out on space when they were younger — Wally Funk and Ed Dwight — also rocketed away at ages 82 and 90, respectively. Most of Blue Origin’s passengers — 58 counting the latest launch — have been business or science types, TV hosts or YouTubers. Ticket prices are not disclosed.

Increased Support for Young Learners Photo courtesy of Preschool for All – Multnomah County Entering its fourth school year, the Preschool for All (PFA) program announced it will serve up to 3,800 families in the 2025–2026 school year—quadrupling the number of children served since its launch in 2022. Applications are open from April 2 to April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., for children who are 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2025, and have a parent or guardian living in Multnomah County. Families can apply at pfa.multco.us . “We are pleased to serve up to 1,600 additional children in the 2025–2026 school year, providing more choices for families and growth opportunities for providers,” said Leslee Barnes, director of the Preschool & Early Learning Division at Multnomah County. “We appreciate our educators who create welcoming, developmentally appropriate learning environments. Providers in the program receive extensive support, including coaching, professional development, and funding to build and expand child care facilities.” In 2025–2026, 128 providers—including over 50 new ones—will serve children at nearly 220 locations. This expansion builds on the previous year, when 80 providers served 2,225 children at 133 sites. PFA will also launch a Provider Advisory Group to gather feedback and continue improving program effectiveness. The program has grown from 728 children in 2022-2023 to 3,800 in 2025-2026. This growth provides more options for working families and aims for universal preschool in Multnomah County by 2030, in collaboration with other state and federal programs like Preschool Promise and Head Start.  The Preschool for All Family Survey Findings, conducted by external research partners (Curenton, S. M. et al.) indicate families find real value in the program: 97%   are satisfied or highly satisfied with their PFA experience; 97%   of seats are enrolled; 99% feel welcomed; 95% feel comfortable discussing problems with educators; and 100% believe providers help children feel comfortable sharing about home life. In addition, 65%   of programs offer a 10-hour preschool day for families. Kelly Wirth, a parent of two kids said: "As a mom, having access to Preschool for All has been life-changing for our family. My daughter is not only learning her ABCs, but she’s building confidence, making friends, and developing a love for learning. It’s given her a strong start—and given me peace of mind knowing she’s in a safe, nurturing environment every day. I encourage every family to apply. This program is a gift, and every child deserves the chance to thrive from the very beginning." The county reports that Preschool for All is successfully reaching populations that have historically had the least access to preschool. As of February 2025, 71% of participating families have low incomes, and 65% of children identify as Black, Indigenous, or Children of Color. Additionally, 4% of children live with foster parents or legal guardians, 5% are from families experiencing homelessness, and 30% speak a language other than English at home. In total, 61 different languages are represented among enrolled families. Families can apply through April 30 and choose up to six preschool programs on their application, including schools, home-based and center-based care. Most seats will be filled during the spring. Later in the summer, the application reopens for new applicants to apply for remaining seats or to be placed on a waiting list. To learn more or apply, visit  pfa.multco.us

Click Here to Read Full Paper

Officers arrest a suspect and collect evidence (Photo Courtesy of Portland Police Bureau) Partnering to Improve Safety On March 23, North Precinct Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) officers, along with officers from Central and East NRT and members of the Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, collaborated to enhance the safety and usability of the area surrounding Dawson Park. Partnering with local businesses and the Organized Retail Crime Association of Oregon, officers targeted individuals involved in retail theft and illegal drug activity. During the operation, 26 individuals were arrested, 100 criminal charges were filed, and 16 outstanding warrants were served. Stolen goods valued at hundreds of dollars were recovered and returned to nearby businesses, and several illegal drug transactions were disrupted. North Precinct personnel remained committed to improving safety in and around Dawson Park, continuing efforts to develop creative solutions in partnership with the city.

Continuation of refresh projects Rockwood Library will close to the public starting April 22 to start on a series of bond-funded improvements. Rockwood’s last day open to the public before construction is April 21. Project teams expect the work to last until fall 2025. Rockwood Library (Photo courtesy Multnomah County Library) Multnomah County Library is actively working to build, expand, and renovate library spaces for the public as part of the voter-approved 2020 Library building bond. This year marks a significant transformation for the library system, with the construction and expansion of five libraries and a series of Refresh projects across the system, leading to temporary library closures. The work at Rockwood Library is part of these Refresh projects, which focus on smaller but impactful upgrades at 11 libraries on a shorter timeline. Similar projects at other locations have typically taken about four months to complete. Updates at Rockwood Library will include improved shelf heights for better space utilization and sight lines, a welcoming children's area with new movable furniture, new reading room chairs with and without arms, additional table space, a Tech Bar for patrons to use copy machines, scanners, and computers, as well as fresh paint and new carpet for a refreshed look. While Rockwood Library is temporarily closed, community members are encouraged to visit alternate locations. Midland Library, located at 805 SE 122nd Avenue in Portland, will host Rockwood’s makerspace starting May 13 until Rockwood reopens. Other nearby options include Gresham Library at 385 NW Miller Avenue in Gresham and Troutdale Library at 2451 SW Cherry Park Road in Troutdale. These locations will continue to provide essential library services and resources to the community during Rockwood Library’s renovation.

Community members gather at Augustana Lutheran Church. Photo credit: M. Washington Oregon's Measure 114, a gun control law, was upheld by the Oregon Court of Appeals and will move forward despite potential appeals. The law includes restrictions on high-capacity magazines and requires gun purchase permits.

Jaliyah Elliott pays a visit to the Oregon Boys & Girls Club Get to Know Miss Black Oregon Jaliyah Elliott is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, a dedicated mentor, and a proud representative of Oregon in the Miss Black USA Pageant. As Miss Black Oregon USA, Jaliyah is making history—Oregon has not had a Miss Black Oregon USA since 1994. She is committed to using her platform, H.E.R Inner Strength, to support and uplift women on their personal and professional journeys. H.E.R Inner Strength is more than just a platform—it’s a movement dedicated to healing, empowerment, and resilience. Jaliyah believes that women, regardless of their background, deserve a safe space to grow, learn, and rise above adversity. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and community discussions, she provides women with the resources and support needed to overcome challenges, build self-confidence, and take control of their futures. She is particularly passionate about creating a support system for young women, and teenagers who often lack the guidance and community they need to thrive. Beyond her advocacy, Jaliyah wears many hats—she is a model, stylist, caregiver, and flight attendant who balances her career in service and fashion with her mission to inspire change. As a woman of faith who actively attends church, she is deeply committed to using her spirituality as a guiding force in her work and personal growth. She actively works with youth in her community, modeling the values of hard work, resilience, and self-belief. Miss Black Oregon, Jaliyah Elliott This summer, Jaliyah will proudly represent Oregon at the Miss Black USA National Pageant in Washington, D.C. As she prepares for this life-changing opportunity, she is calling on her community to help support her journey. Donations will not only contribute to essential expenses such as travel, wardrobe, and competition fees but will also help expand the outreach of H.E.R Inner Strength. Every contribution directly fuels mentorship programs, community workshops, and events designed to uplift and educate women. Supporting Jaliyah is about more than just a pageant—it’s about investing in the empowerment of women and the next generation of leaders. Donations can be made via Cash App ($JaliyahElliot), Gofund Me ( https://gofund.me/21a60b0b ), or Zelle ( jaliyahelliott8@gmail.com ). Sponsorship opportunities are also available, offering branding benefits for businesses that want to support her cause and be recognized for their commitment to social impact. For more information, follow her journey on Instagram at @MissBlackOregonUSA and @poshpageantproductions or connect with her via email: Jaliyahelliott8@gmail.com

Many Oregonians may be missing out on tax refunds and credits, but free filing assistance is available through community organizations for those who qualify. Claim Your Tax Refund You may think you don’t need to file a tax return, but you could be missing out on a significant refund. If you need help filing, free assistance is available through the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Program, which funds community organizations across the state to provide tax filing support for those who qualify. Many working Oregonians are not required to file a tax return or haven’t filed in years, but filing can bring several financial benefits. You could receive a substantial refund if your employer withheld too much money from your paycheck, especially if you worked part-time or only part of the year. There are also numerous tax credits available, including the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income workers, the Oregon Kids Credit for families with children, the Working Family Credit for childcare costs, the Retirement Savings Credit for those saving for retirement, and the American Opportunity Credit for college students. Many young people under 18 mistakenly believe their parents' tax return includes their earnings, but they may still be eligible for refunds on excess withholdings while being claimed as dependents. If you haven’t filed in years, including during the pandemic, free in-person tax filing assistance is available to help with prior year returns. Additionally, you may be required to file a state tax return in Oregon, where income thresholds for filing are lower than federal requirements. For example, a single person with no dependents in Oregon must file if they earn at least $7,710. Even if you missed the April 15 deadline, there is no penalty for late filing if you are owed a refund, and free tax help is available through mid-October. The Tax Infrastructure Grant Program supports culturally relevant and rural community organizations, Tribal governments, and other groups in providing free tax education and filing assistance for low-income individuals. Help is available in multiple languages, and funding also goes toward increasing the number of certified tax preparers in Oregon. For free tax filing assistance, you can contact 211Info by calling 2-1-1 or emailing help@211info.org . Additional resources are available at Oregon State University, Western Oregon University, CASH Oregon, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos, and the Latino Community Association.

The Quality Inn Motel on 82nd is reportedly plagued by numerous crimes. Photo credit: M. Washington According to two Portland media outlets, a local motel is under increased scrutiny by the Portland Police Bureau following three shooting deaths in less than two months.   KOIN-TV reported in early January that the Quality Inn Motel, located near the intersection of Northeast Sandy Blvd. and Northeast 82nd Avenue, has been the site of three separate deadly shootings there, one in November and two in December.   According to KOIN, police said it’s been a challenge to clean up the area and they’re looking to get the motel deemed “a chronic nuisance property” but said it’s a long process.   “Our concern level was raised in the beginning, when the first homicide happened,” said PPB spokesman Sgt. Kevin Allen. “The fact that we’ve had these other two in December has only increased the urgency in that area.”   KOIN reported that people who live near the motel have noticed problems like garbage in the parking lot and broken fences, causing concerns, and one man, who wished to remain anonymous, said he witnessed one of the shootings.   “I feel very unsafe because some of these people look like they might be breaking into my house one of these days,” he said.   According to a January 4 article in the Oregonian, Choice Hotels, which owns the Quality Inn brand, said in an email that the hotel is independently owned. The paper reported that Oregon Secretary of State records show that the Quality Inn is registered to GSS Hospitality of Portland with Jun Hyuk Jo listed as president, who did not return a message left on his phone.   The Oregonian stated that police have said little publicly about the three shootings.   The first death was on Nov. 20 when police found 43-year-old Kimo Henriques, a Vancouver resident, in the parking lot with gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital where he died, according to the newspaper.   The next death was on Dec. 4, when Benjamin Walker, 45, of Hillsboro was shot and killed in the hotel parking lot.   And on Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, a third man was killed in the parking lot. Police have made no arrests and have not released his name.   Six other shootings, dating back to 2020, occurred in the same location as the motel, according to the Oregonian, including a shooting in 2022 when it was a Howard Johnson’s when Martre Oliver shot is twin brother, Martese Oliver, who died in the lobby.   According to the Oregonian, police said in court that the brothers had driven to Portland from Renton, Washington, with two women and had rented two rooms for alleged sex trafficking.   The newspaper also reported that the Police Bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit has conducted patrol missions in the area near Northeast 82nd Ave. and Sandy Blvd. to stem human trafficking and that officers had made nine arrests and towed two cars in the latest mission on Dec. 19.   Chrystal O’Day lives just a few blocks from the Quality Inn and another motel, Madison Suites, in the area where four homicides near 82nd Ave. and Milton Street occurred from August 2021 to March 2022, the article stated.   O’Day told the Oregonian that she has been awakened several times in the middle of the night by gunshots, and open drug use is rampant.   “I’d like to see more police presence and I feel like something needs to be done about these motels in these few blocks,” she said.

Click Here to Read Full Paper

Trump admin investigates school district over letting trans student compete in girls’ sports People listen as President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order barring transgender female athlete from competing in women’s or girls sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb5, 2025, in Washington (AP Photo/ Alex Brandon) (AP) — The U.S. Department of Education said in a news release Tuesday that it has opened an investigation into Portland Public Schools, Oregon’s largest school district, over allowing a transgender athlete to compete on a high school girls’ track-and-field team. The federal agency said it was investigating whether this violated Title IX, a 1972 law barring sex discrimination in education. The Trump administration has been using the law to push against schools that provide accommodations for transgender students. President Donald Trump also signed an executive order last month intended to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. “We will not allow the Portland Public Schools District or any other educational entity that receives federal funds to trample on the antidiscrimination protections that women and girls are guaranteed under law,” Craig Trainor, the education department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said in the news release. The department said it also sent a letter to the Oregon School Activities Association, or OSAA, notifying it of an investigation into its “gender identity participation” policy. The department said its investigation into the district was based on a complaint filed with its civil rights office. The complaint said the district and OSAA allowed a high school transgender athlete to compete in the girls’ track and field division over the last two seasons, according to the department’s news release. Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong said the district is in full compliance with Oregon state law, “which may differ from federal guidance,” and that it was working to “navigate this complex legal landscape.” “I want our community to know that I am aware of the complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, and Portland Public Schools is fully cooperating with the investigation,” Armstrong said in a statement. “While I am limited in what I can share at this time due to the sensitive nature of the matter and our duty to protect student privacy, I want to be clear: my commitment — and our district’s commitment — to doing what’s right for all students, especially those most vulnerable, remains unwavering.” Elsewhere, the federal agency has also opened investigations into Denver public schools after an all-gender restroom replaced a girl’s restroom while leaving another exclusive to boys, as well as the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.