For more than a century, the United States has observed the tradition of daylight saving time (DST), which involves adjusting the clocks forward in spring and backward in fall. This practice began in 1918 during World War I as an energy-saving measure (it was never about farmers, by the way; that’s a myth). While it was abandoned shortly after, it made a comeback during World War II and was later standardized by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966. However, the exact start and end dates of DST have been adjusted over the years. Getting enough vitamin D in Oregon can be rough, especially when we l ..read more

The elections are over, and Oregon is left with a new governor and some changes coming to our gun laws. While it is thought to be a huge victory for those wanting to see some gun reform, this victory may be short lived, as one of the strictest gun measures in the United States, has an uncertain future. Measure 114 With the passing of the measure, these are the changes that are being planned to set in motion. Require permits issued by local law enforcement to buy a firearm require photo ID, fingerprints, safety training, criminal background check, and fee payment to apply for a permit; and pr ..read more

The Fred Meyer in Klamath Falls was allegedly using amateur chemical warfare in an attempt to evict the nearby homeless–part of their preparations for a grand reopening, just in time for Veterans Day. Local Sources Courtesy of Facebook In a video taken by passersby Friday, November 4, manager Marshall Wonser (pictured above) may have admitted to spreading expired, corrosive fish fertilizer around a homeless man’s encampment in an unincorporated field neighboring the property. As of yet, we have not been able to identify the other individuals involved, but they do seem to be a part of the secur ..read more

Portland was once defined by its roses and hiking trails. There were waterfalls, quiet sanctuaries, and paths through the temperate rainforest. Residents could bask in nature, or spend their time strolling through downtown streets, browsing, shopping, and exploring tiny shops. It wasn’t perfect. The city had its fair share of eccentricities, but that was part of the allure. Portland was weird, not unsafe. Now those streets are clogged with homeless encampments and shopping carts, littered with glass pipes and needles. The smell of fermented moss has been replaced with urine and meth vapor. Unh ..read more

A proposed law could make it more difficult for Oregonians to purchase firearms. The idea is simple. Ballot Measure 114 would require a fee for gun purchases, as well as fingerprint submissions, background checks, and a firearm safety course. It would also ban high-capacity magazines carrying 10 rounds or more. If passed, the measure would place Oregon among the states with the strictest gun laws in the nation. As a result, it’s created a heated debate between proponents of gun control and residents that are worried about their rights as gun owners. Gun Restrictions and Countering a Rise in Cr ..read more

Nike co-founder Phil Knight has decided to throw his hat in the ring for republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan. His $1 million donation to her campaign will guarantee that she has a fighting chance against Democratic candidate Tina Kotek. A Tight Race for the Future of Oregon This is a strange time for the state of Oregon. The housing crisis, the pandemic, crippling drought, inflation, and gas prices–not to mention unrest–have all polarized residents, leading to a neck-in-neck race for governor. Nobody knows what’s going to happen on November 8. Drazan (R) and Kotek (D) poll some ..read more

Portland Housing Bureau Director, Shannon Callahan, has decided to step down after nearly five years of service. Her last day will be August 1, the Housing Bureau announced in a statement released July 18. Her resignation comes in the wake of a historic housing crisis defined by mismanagement, fraud, and widespread crime. Portland’s Homelessness Crisis Once a thriving metropolis known for its culture, flower gardens, and forest trails, Portland has become a playground for the homeless. Makeshift shelters and shopping carts clog the sidewalks, where the smell of urine permeates the wet air. Add ..read more

Oregon Lawmakers have voted on a measure to make daylight savings time permanent, which means Oregonians may no longer have to change their clocks twice yearly (“Spring ahead,” “Fall behind”). A 37-20 Vote In a 37-20 vote, the Oregon House decided to make daylight savings time year round if Washington and California do the same.  The next step is for the measure to be signed by Governor Kate Brown.  The Governor’s signature doesn’t mean this measure will go into effect however, as it hinges on the same bill passing in Washington and California.  The Washington State Governor alr ..read more