Courtney Vaughn

Police have arrested a suspect who they believe started the fire near City Councilor Candace Avalos’ home on October 26. According to the Portland Police Bureau, Vashon M. Locust, 51, was trying to use an electrical outlet in a shed near Avalos’ house to plug in a heater in the early morning hours on Sunday, October 26. The outlet didn’t work, so he reportedly lit a small fire, which spread. The fire destroyed the councilor’s vehicle, carport, and part of her home. Initially, police said the blaze was suspicious, but later reported no sign of any accelerant or incendiary device that would indicate the fire was a targeted attack. Court records indicate Locust is likely unhoused and as recently as 2024, was documented as battling behavioral health issues.

A preliminary injunction blocking the federal government from deploying National Guard troops to Oregon will remain in effect until November 7. The injunction was issued Sunday evening, November 2 by US District Judge Karin Immergut, in Oregon’s case against the Trump administration over National Guard deployment. Immergut said she is still reviewing all the exhibits […]

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will rehear an appeal regarding Oregon National Guard deployment. By agreeing to reconsider the case, the court vacated an earlier ruling that would have allowed for troops to deploy to Portland. The decision comes after a panel of three judges sided with the Trump administration on October 20, finding […]

Updated: 5:44 pm October 24. Originally published 2:04 pm October 24. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has paused any deployment of National Guard troops to Portland until Tuesday evening, October 28. The order was issued as a decision was pending from a different court on whether out-of-state troops could deploy to Portland.  In its […]