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JD Vance dismisses outrage over racist Young Republican group chat leak
Associated Press
The public release of a Young Republican group chat that included racist language, jokes about rape and flippant commentary on gas chambers prompted bipartisan calls for those involved to be removed from or resign their positions.
The Young Republican National Federation, the GOP’s political organization for Republicans between 18 and 40, called for those involved to step down from the organization. The group described the exchanges, first reported by Politico, as “unbecoming of any Republican.”
Republican Vice President JD Vance, however, has weighed in several times to speak out against what he characterized as “pearl clutching” over the leaked messages.
Oregon News
TRANSPORTATION
Riders weigh in on looming TriMet service cuts
KPTV | By Leslie Dominique
As TriMet prepares to roll out historic service cuts starting in November, riders across the Portland metro area are getting a chance to weigh in on proposed changes.
During an open house hosted by TriMet on Tuesday at the Rosewood Initiative in Southeast Portland, riders shared concerns and feedback about possible service reductions. Multiple virtual open houses have also been scheduled this month.
The transit agency is working to close a $300 million budget gap. TriMet says the shortfall is due in part to declining ridership and rising operating costs. To help close the gap, the agency plans to cut $159 million from its budget through service reductions.
Starting Nov. 30, TriMet will reduce service on five bus lines during low-ridership hours.
Similar cuts are expected in March 2026.
According to TriMet, the failure of House Bill 2025, a major transportation funding proposal during the 2025 regular legislative session, left many of Oregon’s transit agencies, including TriMet, without the funding needed to maintain service levels long-term.
Oregon House Bill 3991 was passed during a special legislative session this fall. The bill is projected to generate $4.3 billion in funding over the next 10 years. It now awaits Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature.
According to York, HB 3991 is expected to raise about $106 million for the agency through the end of 2027, as long as the bill is not referred to the ballot.
However, York noted that the new funding won’t go far enough. It’s only about a quarter of what TriMet requested, and the increase is temporary, with a two-year limit.
POLITICS
Half of Oregon counties have nothing on the ballot this November
The Oregonian | By Sami Edge
Just 17 of Oregon’s 36 counties will hold elections this November, allowing voters a chance to weigh in on everything from fire department levies to bonds for recreation facilities and whether citizens should be able to veto expensive public projects.
Controversial conservative club sparks protest outside Portland high school
KATU | By Victor Park
A protest outside David Douglas High School in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Portland got heated between parents and students on Wednesday.
The protest was sparked by concerns over a conservative club.
Club America is a school club created by a student that many say is trying to mirror Turning Point USA, a college chapter created by the late conservative influencer, Charlie Kirk.
Marion County public defender office sues Oregon agency, fighting attorney caseload 'quota system'
KGW | By Jamie Parfitt
The plaintiffs hope that the Oregon Supreme Court will mandate a caseload standard which won't threaten defense attorneys' ethical obligations to their clients.
TRUMP ADMIN VS. OREGON
ICE promised doxing cases against Portland ‘anarchists.’ Months later, no charges filed
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Shaanth Nanguneri
The lack of follow-through could be a reflection of the First Amendment concerns most doxing laws and charges pose, legal experts say.
City Council defies Trump with ‘Protect Portland Initiative’ against federal overreach
The Oregonian | By Shane Dixon Kavanaugh
The Portland City Council unanimously approved a pair of proposals Wednesday night that seek to oppose or limit federal actions targeting Oregon’s most populous city amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and attempts to deploy National Guard troops.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Oregon joins suit challenging $14B Hewlitt-Packard Enterprise, Juniper Networks merger
KOIN 6 | By Michaela Bourgeois
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined a multi-state lawsuit filed Tuesday, asking a federal court to look into a proposed $14 billion merger between Hewlitt-Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks.
HEALTH CARE
Providence shuts downs occupational health services at 4 Portland clinics, lays off 43 caregivers
KGW | By Alex Jensen
Starting Nov. 7, occupational health services will not longer be offered at four Providence Portland metro clinics and 43 workers will be laid off.
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