Oregon

Jeff Merkley co-sponsored the legislation to stop arming Israel.

Ron Wyden, who holds dual citizenship in Israel, voted to continue arming Israel.

Steven Woolcock, 48, made his first appearance in Clackamas County Circuit Court, records show. He did not enter a plea. His attorney, Shannon Kmetic, declined to comment.

Public records show Woolcock lives in Beavercreek. A grand jury indicted him on July 10 on five charges: first-, second- and three counts of third-degree sexual abuse.

In a response to Cecil’s complaint to the state labor bureau, the county acknowledged that Shumate “did retaliate” against Cecil for her complaints about work conditions but that Shumate apologized for hostile communications.

County officials denied that Cecil was ever directed to lie in court and said she lost her lead position and pay because a supervisor was hired instead.

Growers in the Pacific Northwest are anticipating a strong crop this year, with a higher yield than last year’s harvest. But what they weren’t anticipating was a workforce shortage that’s being driven by the fear of immigration enforcement raids.
...
the fear of potential enforcement activity led to a 50% reduction in available workers for most cherry farmers in the region at the start of harvest

Oregon's legislature just passed Bill HB 2138:

https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/06/oregon-middle-housing-bill-passes-legislature-expands-2019-reforms.html

In recent years, Oregon did 2 things to make housing more affordable :

Oregon reformed zoning.

Most american cities require single individual homes, the most expensive form of housing. You want to build something else? Good luck. They will try to stop you. Oregon changed zoning rules to make it easier to build duplexes, triplexes and condos.

Oregon banned parking requirements

Most american cities ban new buildings that don't add parking. If you want to build housing without parking, it's illegal. Basically, buyers and renters are forced to pay for parking spots, whether they like it or not. Even if they don't have a car. Even if they are blind. Oregon ended mandatory parking requirements. Eliminating parking requirements doesn't mean 0 parking. It just means it's up to buyers and sellers now.

These 2 reforms delivered some good results:

https://www.streetroots.org/news/2023/04/12/parking-reform-secret-new-oregon-housing

https://www.sightline.org/2025/06/04/oregons-zoning-reforms-are-working-but-they-need-some-upgrades/

But unfortunately, they didn't go far enough.

This new bill makes it significantly easier to build housing.

For the first time in my life, I can say Oregon has a realistic chance to fix the housing crisis.

Let's hope Bill HB 2138 is signed. This was long overdue. 🎉🥳🎊