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Oregon News
Here we go again: Billups arrest is another setback for Trail Blazers franchise seeking momentum
The Oregonian | By Joe Freeman
A franchise that has endured more than its share of bad news in the 21st century was dealt another sobering blow Thursday, when Chauncey Billups was arrested by federal agents for allegedly laundering money and committing wire fraud conspiracy as part of a years-long poker scheme. The Blazers’ coach, who blossomed into an unwavering and stable presence during the team’s multiyear roster rebuild, has been placed on immediate leave by the NBA.
POLITICS
‘OPB Politics Now’: Talking Tina Kotek – the National Guard, reelection and her first term
OPB | By Dirk VanderHart, Lauren Dake, Andrew Theen
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek says she’s making progress on some of the state’s most pressing problems. But even some of her most ardent supporters seem skeptical and the Democrat is eyeing a likely reelection effort.
On the latest episode of “OPB Politics Now,” reporters Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake discuss their recent reporting on Kotek.
They talked to dozens of people about how she’s doing. Republicans and Democrats. Lawmakers and lobbyists. And an interesting theme emerged: It seems most everyone thinks she will win another term, but not as many are sure she deserves one.
Christine Drazan appointed to state Senate; hints at 2026 run for governor
The Oregonian | By Carlos Fuentes
Rep. Christine Drazan, a prominent Republican from Canby, was appointed to fill an empty state Senate seat Thursday as she acknowledged she could depart the seat early to again run for governor in 2026.
Meanwhile, several Republican legislative aides and lawmakers told The Oregonian/OregonLive they’ve heard speculation that Drazan plans to announce a run for governor at an event Monday evening. A spokesperson for Drazan on Wednesday declined to comment on her plans.
In a press release, Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr of Dundee welcomed Drazan to the caucus.
“Christine Drazan is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the challenges facing Oregon families,” Starr said. “She has shown time and again that she’s willing to stand up for her community and fight for a better path forward for our state.”
Rep. Christine Drazan fills seat of former Senate Republican leader amid local support
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Shaanth Nanguneri
Former House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby is headed to the state Senate after beating out two opponents for the seat of former Sen. Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, in a Thursday meeting where she sought to dispel county commissioners’ concerns that a potential run for Oregon governor in 2026 could distract her from the role.
Drazan’s appointment to the Senate leaves a vacancy in the 51st House District spanning much of Clackamas County, which will require another appointment process involving commissioners and a list of potential Republican candidates. In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, called Drazan a proven leader who understands the needs of Oregonians.
“She has shown time and again that she’s willing to stand up for her community and fight for a better path forward for our state,” Starr said. “Our caucus is thrilled to welcome her to the Senate, and we’re confident she’ll serve her constituents with the same integrity, energy, and commitment that have defined her public service.”
Former House Republican Leader Christine Drazan appointed to vacant state Senate seat
KATU | By Steve Benham
Commissioners in several counties on Thursday appointed former Republican House Leader Christine Drazan to the Senate seat once held by former Sen. Daniel Bonham.
“Christine Drazan is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the challenges facing Oregon families,” said Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr of Dundee. “She has shown time and again that she’s willing to stand up for her community and fight for a better path forward for our state.”
Oregon’s weak disclosure rules let lobbyists play both sides
Oregon Capital Chronicle | Opinion by Aidan Bassett, Kate Titus
Because Oregon has weak lobbying disclosure and transparency rules, lobbyists are not required to inform clients nor obtain their consent before representing adverse interests.
Jewish newspaper shut out of Portland city councilors’ press conference on Israel
The Oregonian | By Zaeem Shaikh
The editor of Portland’s only Jewish news outlet says he was blocked from a virtual press conference last week with four city councilors about “Israel’s illegal occupation, apartheid, or genocidal violence against Palestinians.”
HOMELESSNESS
Homeless women sue Pendleton for what they say are unfair bans on ‘resting’ in public
The Oregonian | By Lillian Mongeau Hughes
Five homeless women are suing the city of Pendleton over its ban on “resting” anywhere in the city between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
TRUMP ADMIN VS. OREGON
Judge to rule by Monday on whether to alter order barring any National Guard troops in Portland
The Oregonian | By Maxine Bernstein
A federal judge in Portland signaled Friday that she could clear the way for Oregon National Guard soldiers to come to the city but still bar out-of-state troops for now.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
‘Not feasible’: Spirits brand closing Oregon, Washington tasting rooms
KOIN 6 | By Jashayla Pettigrew
Multiple Oregon and Washington tasting rooms will call it quits next year due to a Pacific-Northwest-based spirits brand’s “restructuring.”
Heritage Distilling Co., which conducts business as IP Strategy, has announced that all five of its tasting rooms will permanently shutter on Dec. 31. This impacts two locations in Eugene, along with three others in Washington’s Gig Harbor, Roslyn and Tumwater.
In a statement, IP Strategy Co-founder and CEO Justin Stiefel said the restructuring was “an extremely difficult decision” after 13 years of operating the tasting rooms.
“But changing consumer behaviors, increasing costs and recently-enacted and proposed taxes at the state level made future investments in this part of our business operations unsustainable,” Stiefel added. “With the largest tax increase in state history now going into effect, and more already being discussed for next year, we determined that the path to profitability and growth for our spirits business in the current environment is not feasible.”
HEALTH CARE
Corvallis-Based Samaritan Health Seeks to Join Larger Washington State Health System
Willamette Week | By Andew Schwartz
Corvallis-based Samaritan Health Services announced this week it is integrating with a larger health system based in Washington state, months after an earlier consolidation effort with a different entity fell through.
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