National Guard

Wilson joined OPB's "Think Out Loud" to discuss his plans for executing this final budget, the Portland police's role in protests and the possibility of National Guard troops in the city.

President Donald Trump’s move to mobilize the National Guard in California against the wishes of the state’s governor is playing out in yet another court battle over constitutional powers. In Washington state, Democrats have watched the events unfold with anxiety.

National Guard members typically respond to wars and natural disasters. The Trump administration wants them to help with immigration issues.

The Vancouver Police Department is making safety plans in anticipation of gatherings, protests or potential unrest after Tuesday’s election.

Oregon’s hospitals are preparing for an influx of National Guard troops next week, to help with COVID-19 cases.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced on Friday that she would be sending up to 1,500 Oregon National Guard troops to help hospitals deal with the surge in delta variant COVID-19 cases.

Last week, Oregon's psychiatric hospital was 33% understaffed, prompting Oregon Health Authority Dir. Patrick Allen to call for help from the National Guard.

Leaders in Clackamas County have called on Oregon to send National Guard members on door-to-door wellness checks in areas hardest hit by power outages.

Health officials are still working to vaccinate people in the first, 1A, phase of vaccinations including frontline health workers. It is still unclear when vaccinations will start in the second phase which includes groups like educators, people over the age of 75 and people with pre-existing conditions.

The Oregon Army National Guard soldiers are in quarantine, but state military officials say they should be home before Christmas Eve.