Oregon in the news: amid national policy fights, Gov. Tina Kotek faces a crowded primary as Oregon politics heat up. Kotek, Democrat, has led since 2022.
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 the federal government are clashing over anti-ICE measures and undercover enforcement rules. New York’s budget package tightens cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while other states and the DOJ have filed lawsuits or threatened legal action to defend or contest these policies.
An ICE agent, Christian Castro, has been arrested in Texas after Minnesota prosecutors charged him with four counts of second‑degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime related to the Jan. 14 shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa‑Celis during Operation Metro Surge. The arrest follows earlier revelations that officers provided false information and the case is part of heightened scrutiny of federal agents’ conduct in Minnesota.
The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs have reached the NBA Finals, with Knicks coach Mike Brown on the cusp of his first championship after years as an assistant and head coach. He credits Gregg Popovich's mentorship and humor as shaping his approach.
The European Union has announced a substantial investment in ocean observation, positioning Europe at the forefront of marine monitoring as the United States proceeds with the dismantling of the Ocean Observatories Initiative. The NSF has begun a descope of the OOI, pulling instruments from multiple U.S. sites while the EU commits hundreds of millions to expand global ocean data networks.
Jesse Calhoun has been indicted on five counts of second-degree murder and four counts of abusing a corpse in connection with the deaths of five women in Oregon and Washington, prompting relatives to attend a Portland hearing where a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
The River Avon at Queen Elizabeth Gardens in Salisbury has been deemed unsafe for bathing after tests show sewage pollution from upstream works. The Environment Agency advised against swimming from May 28; the advisory remained until June 1 as residual contamination cleared. Wessex Water says the issue stems from a blocked sewer, with improvements planned, including near-real-time AI water monitors.
Former Oregon senator Bob Packwood has died at 93. His obituary notes a career defined by fiscal conservatism and social liberalism, but overshadowed by a 1993 ethics probe into sexual and official misconduct. He resigned in 1995 and later became a lobbyist; his legacy is marked by tax reform and controversy over his treatment of women.
CNBC reports on states competing for business through speed to market, infrastructure, and permitting reforms as they seek top rankings in a 2026 CNBC study. The piece also highlights governors' goals and how different states are positioning themselves for investment amid potential economic shifts.
The National Science Foundation has paused efforts to remove or disable instruments from the Ocean Observatories Initiative while an expert panel reviews its future. Democratic and some Republican lawmakers had warned the move could threaten coastal safety, weather forecasts, and climate research. The decision follows wide opposition and a Senate measure blocking the decommissioning.
The latest heat events have intensified across Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Bay Area, with warnings of record temperatures and persistent nights. Officials urge cooling measures as authorities warn of health risks and structural stress.
US sprinter Noah Lyles has clocked 14.67 seconds to set the world’s best time in the rarely run 150 metres at Ostrava’s Golden Spike meet, beating Kishane Thompson’s previous mark. Gout Gout finishes third as Australia’s Peter Bol posts a national record in the 1000m.
The court has upheld Hannah Dugan's conviction linked to her handling of an immigration-related incident in Milwaukee; sentencing is not yet scheduled. The case has drawn partisan reactions as the Trump administration pursues a hard line on immigration.
Congress-created America250 faces a clash with President Trump’s Freedom 250 as competing plans for the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations unfold. States are withdrawing, performers are dropping out, and questions over taxpayer funding intensify as organizers race to define a nonpartisan national moment.
Tripadvisor’s 2026 rankings highlight luxury hotels abroad while US residents face travel costs at home. Hawaii remains a premier gateway, Maui and the Big Island offer diverse experiences, and budget-conscious travelers seek value with subscription platforms.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has announced he now opposes the death penalty, arguing it does not deter violent crime and should be abolished. The move comes as he leaves office and amid a broader, national re-evaluation of capital punishment. The governor cites data on declining death sentences, long delays, and the toll on victims’ families and state workers.
A famous comedian facing the weight of Los Angeles prosecutors has a past that is no laughing matter.