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Good morning, Northwest.
Joe Kent, who ran two unsuccessful campaigns for Congress in Southwest Washington, has resigned as the nation’s top counterterrorism official, saying he can’t support the war in Iran.
Today’s newsletter starts with that developing story.
In other news, gas prices have soared nationwide in part because of the war. And a gallon of gas in Oregon is more expensive than in most states.
Here’s your First Look at Tuesday’s news.
—Bradley W. Parks
FILE - Joe Kent, Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, speaks during a congressional debate at KATU studios Oct. 7, 2024, in Portland, Ore.
Jenny Kane / AP
Southwest Washington’s Kent resigns over Trump’s Iran war
Joe Kent has resigned as director of the National Counterterrorism Center. He said on social media that Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation.” (Associated Press)
The proposed site for a battery storage facility, left, is adjacent to Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, right, March 14, 2026, in Sherwood, Ore.
Saskia Hatvany / OPB
Environmentalists say Washington County renewable energy project is too near national wildlife refuge
As demand for renewable energy in Oregon continues to rise, a Florida-based developer is proposing to build a 200-megawatt battery storage facility in Washington County.
But the location — directly across from the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge — has some local environmental advocates worried about the effects on migratory birds.
They’re pushing for changes to the project. (Monica Samayoa)
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Gas prices starting at $5.39 per gallon are displayed at a Chevron station in downtown Portland, Ore., on March 16, 2026.
Eli Imadali / OPB
3 things to know this morning
- The national average for gasoline yesterday was $3.71 per gallon, while Oregon’s average was $4.48, according to AAA. The war in Iran is one reason why. (Kyra Buckley)
- The forecast calls for green rain today at Kells Irish Pub in Portland, an annual St. Patrick’s Day fundraising tradition. (Kristian Foden-Vencil)
- After a mediation session Sunday, Portland Community College classes are still remote, and the school and striking workers seem like they’re drifting further apart. (Elizabeth Miller)
Orca T420 surfaces in the rain after swimming under the Des Moines Marina pier in Des Moines, Wash., on March 11, 2026.
Kat Martin/Orca Network
Headlines from around the Northwest
- Climate policies took a back seat to budget, other concerns in recent Oregon legislative session (Monica Samayoa)
- Trump administration appeals tear gas restrictions near Portland ICE building (Troy Brynelson)
- Portland resident across from ICE building applauds temporary injunction against use of chemical munitions (Geoff Norcross)
- Republican governor hopefuls among Oregon lawmakers who missed more than one-third of session votes (Alex Baumhardt, Shaanth Nanguneri)
- Mystery orcas from afar thrill Seattle-area whale watchers (John Ryan)
- NBA board of governors to discuss Seattle, Vegas expansion next week, AP sources say (Tim Reynolds)
- Avdija and Camara each score 18 as Trail Blazers coast past Nets 114-95 (Adry Torres)
Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation
“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):
- Trail Blazers executive and Oregon Senate president discuss public financing plan for Moda Center
- How Oregon’s solar industry is faring after the end of federal tax incentives
Mill Ends Park, the smallest park in the United States and once the smallest park in the world, occupies part of a crosswalk in Portland, Ore., on March 9, 2026.
Eli Imadali / OPB
The Portland park formerly known as the world’s smallest marks its 50th anniversary
Most people probably don’t even notice Mill Ends Park while driving by, but it holds a special place in the hearts of many Portlanders.
For years it was known as the smallest park in the world. It lost the title to an even smaller park in Japan last year.
In 1946, Oregon Journal reporter Dick Fagan could see an empty hole in the median from his office window. He planted flowers in the hole and started writing in his newspaper column, called “Mill Ends,” about the imaginary leprechauns who lived there.
The spot officially became a city park on St. Patrick’s Day in 1976 and it was named after Fagan’s column. (Kristian Foden-Vencil)
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