Oregon in the news: federal tear gas limits in Portland protests amid ongoing lawsuits; state battles with DOJ on DEI in contracts. Oregon: West Coast state, big on rivers and forests.
A coalition of 14 states and Pennsylvania's governor has filed a lawsuit against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., challenging recent changes to US vaccine policies, including the removal of several childhood vaccines and the replacement of expert advisory members. The case raises concerns over public health and scientific integrity.
Recent weather patterns show a sharp contrast across the US, with record-breaking heat in the Southwest and Arctic cold in the Midwest and East. The West experienced early heatwaves, while polar vortex systems brought snow and freezing temperatures to northern and eastern states, indicating increasing climate variability.
Multiple lawsuits from states and companies challenge President Trump's recent tariffs, imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Courts are ordered to review the legality of tariffs that aim to address trade deficits but are widely viewed as overreach. The White House defends the tariffs as lawful economic measures.
A federal judge in Oregon has temporarily blocked Secretary Kennedy's declaration that sought to restrict gender-affirming care for minors, ruling he overstepped legal procedures. The decision affirms that such care remains lawful and protects providers from federal punishment, marking a significant legal setback for the administration's policies.
Recent studies show that modest daily habits—like extra sleep, brisk walking, and eating more vegetables—can significantly reduce risks of cardiovascular disease and dementia. These small, sustainable adjustments are more achievable than major lifestyle overhauls and can lead to meaningful health improvements.
President Trump has issued an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security to compile lists of eligible voters and barring the U.S. Postal Service from sending absentee ballots to anyone not on these lists. The order aims to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the November midterms but faces multiple legal challenges citing constitutional overreach and risks of voter disenfranchisement. The American Postal Workers Union has launched a campaign defending mail voting, emphasizing its safety and efficiency.
Kentucky's new football coach has implemented rigorous practice routines to rebuild the team after two losing seasons. He emphasizes speed, energy, and a strong culture focused on hard work, aiming to restore pride and competitiveness ahead of the upcoming season.
DNA testing has identified the remains of Kenneth, Barbara, and Barbie Martin from a car found in the Columbia River. The family disappeared in 1958 during a trip. Authorities have concluded their investigation with no evidence of foul play, closing a long-standing case today, Saturday, 18 April 2026.
A vehicle packed with propane tanks and pipe bombs has destroyed the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland after crashing into the lobby before dawn. The driver has died in the incident. Authorities say the club is closed and conducting a joint investigation with local and federal agencies; no members or staff have been injured.
A mid‑May winter storm has delivered heavy, wet snow across Colorado’s Front Range and mountains, easing drought concerns but leaving a longer‑term water outlook unchanged as utilities prep for outages and airports report delays. Forecasts show temperatures rebounding later this week.
The Ambition cruise ship outbreak, linked to hantavirus, has led authorities to allow many passengers to disembark as investigations continue. Dutch authorities report norovirus as a confirmed illness onboard, while CDC monitors the situation amid questions about patient outcomes and travel guidance.
Georgia’s 2026 primary is shaping up as a test of election integrity and technology, with tightened voter ID rules going into effect, a looming debate over voting-system reform, and candidates divided on how to handle 2020-era irregularities while preparing for a potential shift to hand-marked ballots by 2028.
A coalition of states and legal actions challenge or resist new anti-ICE policies and undercover enforcement measures. The DOJ has filed lawsuits in several states over undercover plates and civil cooperation limits, while state governments defend or modify their practices amid ongoing federal-enforcement tensions.