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Federal judge finds lawsuit against Portland for breaking up Black neighborhood can proceed
A federal lawsuit accusing the City of Portland, Emanuel Legacy Hospital and Prosper Portland of conspiring to destroy a previously thriving Black neighborhood can move forward. A U.S. District Court judge recently denied a motion to dismiss the case.

Parents take Newberg School District, board members to trial
A trial gets underway Tuesday in Yamhill County Circuit Court that could result in current and former Newberg School District board members paying out financially for what parents allege were violations of Oregon’s public meeting laws that cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in severance pay and legal fees.
Oregon judge rules that voter-approved Measure 114 gun safety law violates the state constitution
The decision was handed down by Circuit Court Judge Robert S. Raschio, the presiding judge in Harney County in rural southeast Oregon.
Clark County authorizes creation of a new public defenders office
Clark County recently authorized the creation of a new public defenders office to handle felony criminal cases instead of contracting out public defense for indigent clients.

Oregon eviction filings above pre-pandemic levels; advocates say more state aid needed
The $88 million lawmakers set aside this spring is on pace to run out by next summer, advocates said.

Oregon’s public defense crisis leaves defendants to navigate legal system on their own
A ruling by a federal judge targets those in custody without attorneys, leaving thousands of Oregonians charged with crimes to navigate legal hearings and the court system on their own.

Law enforcement officials press lawmakers to tighten Oregon’s drug laws
Police and sheriff's departments around Oregon ay they want authority to arrest people who use and possess drugs as a way to steer them to treatment.
Public defender at heart of Oregon Supreme Court case changes jobs, prompting state questions
Attorneys with the Oregon Department of Justice say a case that cuts at the heart of the state’s overwhelmed public defense system – and that’s currently before the Oregon Supreme Court – could be moot because the attorney at the center of the debate has left his job. But they’ve stopped short of asking the justices to toss out the case.

Oregon judge questioned by Republican senators over equity, diversity
Mustafa Kasubhai has served as a federal magistrate in Eugene since 2018 and is seeking a lifetime appointment as a U.S. District Court judge. Throughout the hearing, Republican Senators focused less on his judicial record and philosophy and more on comments he’s made outside of the courtroom about race, diversity and gender.

Senior Washington County prosecutor placed on leave amid human resources investigation
Washington County Chief Deputy District Attorney Bracken McKey was on “administrative leave” effective Monday, according to the county.