Kevin Foster

Kevin Foster reports on the intersection of politics and social justice for the MercuryYou can email him or find him on social media.

 

Recent Articles

Recent Portland Police Actions at ICE Facility Test the Limits of Sanctuary Laws 

As anti-ICE protests escalate in Portland, state leaders call for peaceful protest, but confusion over police involvement lingers.

UPDATE: "We Do Not Consent": Sweep at Thousand Acres Removes Longtime Unhoused Community

State contractors used pepper spray on people while removing an encampment along the Sandy River delta. The situation highlights pitfalls in Oregon's approach to chronic homelessness.

Update: PSU Says Pressure From City Councilor Didn't Influence Decision to Drop Penalties Against Student Protesters

After Councilor Mitch Green made controversial threats to withhold city funding for Portland State University over its handling of pro-Palestine voices, students received letters of dropped charges. 

News Apr 1 8:37 PM

National "Tesla Takedown" Day Draws Hundreds to Portland Dealership

Protesters turn up the pressure for drivers to dump their Teslas and boycott the company as its billionaire CEO wields unchecked power over the US government. 

News Mar 25 7:45 AM

Cash-Strapped Tenants Say Landlords Flout Housing Rules at Low-Rent Apartments

As residents push back against property managers, many are questioning whether current oversight and enforcement can meaningfully protect them.

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News Feb 25 4:58 PM

What ICE Can and Cannot Do in Oregon As Trump Targets Immigrants

Portland joins sanctuary city lawsuit against Trump administration as Oregon agencies reaffirm federal policing restrictions

News Feb 14 3:40 PM

As Oregonians Take to the Streets to Protest Trump Policies, Oregon’s Attorney General is Turning to the Courts

Oregon has signed on to five multi-state lawsuits challenging recent presidential executive orders on birthright citizenship, DOGE, federal funding, and health care. 

News Dec 18 1:30 PM

PSU Lays Off 17 Academic Faculty Members As Union Talks of Potential Strike 

Portland State University's professors union says independent financial analysis shows stable cash reserves, raising questions about the necessity for layoffs.

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News Oct 18 3:15 PM

Portland State University Faculty Layoffs Spark Outrage

After faculty received notice of layoffs, PSU's professor union protested at the university president’s office. Faculty allege administrative bloat and bad budgeting are fueling budget cuts.

News Aug 29 8:08 AM

Man Who Tried to Drive Into Crowd of Protesters Faces No Charges

Over 30 pro-Palestine protesters have been arrested in Portland since May, but a counter-protester who drove into a pedestrian area and deployed mace was never charged.

News Jul 4 8:03 AM

Muslim Woman Forced to Remove Hijab in Multnomah County Jail

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office failed to follow religious protocol. The missteps may have been illegal.

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News Jun 11 4:45 PM

How a Food Bank Illuminated Cultural, Political Divides Over Gaza

The situation in Gaza has sent shockwaves through politics, universities, K-12 schools, and recently the Oregon Food Bank

News May 8 7:40 AM

Dark Money Casts a Shadow on Maxine Dexter’s Campaign

In one of Oregon’s most progressive congressional districts, anonymous super PAC money and tensions over Israel’s war in Gaza have taken the spotlight.

News Apr 9 8:30 AM

Frustrated with Biden’s Stance on Gaza, Activists Want Voters to Write “Uncommitted” on Their Ballots

Oregon Democrats are encouraged to cast protest votes in the May primary election. State officials say it may not work as intended.

News Apr 2 9:45 PM

Asylum Seekers in Portland Could Face Homelessness While They Await a Government Decision

At least 20 families filing for asylum could be out on the street soon, as funds for temporary shelter dry up.

News Mar 1 6:20 PM

Multnomah County Commissioners Poised to Vote on Gaza Cease-Fire Resolution

The resolution, introduced by Commissioner Lori Stegmann, has been in the works for the last month. But pro-Palestine organizers are disappointed by what they see as a watered-down statement.

News Feb 29 2:11 PM

Portlanders Gather for Community Vigil After Death of Nex Benedict

Non-binary teen’s death in Oklahoma sparked questions about school bullying, while shining a light on the needs of LGBTQ+ youth

News Feb 5 5:19 PM

Multnomah County Commissioners Clash Over Fentanyl Emergency Declaration

Commissioner Sharon Meieran blasts 90-day fentanyl emergency as "baloney resolution" with no mechanism for results