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Good morning, Northwest.

It’s been a busy three weeks in the city of Roses.

President Donald Trump announced he was sending the National Guard to Portland on Sept. 27.

Since then there has been a protracted court battle over whether the president can actually do that. There have also been protests with frogs, dogs and naked bike riders.

We start this morning’s newsletter with a timeline of the past three weeks and a look at what’s ahead.

Meanwhile, the federal government shutdown has dragged on since the start of the month — and it’s taking a toll on Oregon.

Here’s your First Look at Monday’s news.

—Bradley W. Parks

A timeline of Trump’s focus on Portland

A lot has happened from the time President Donald Trump announced late last month he’d be sending National Guard troops to Portland.

Saturday’s “No Kings” protests drew tens of thousands of people peacefully marching through the streets of Portland, with a very strong frog contingent, and cities across the state.

And it’s only been about three weeks.

Here’s a quick look at how things have progressed and what’s still ahead. (Tony Schick and Jeff Thompson)

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3 things to know this morning

• The federal government shutdown is nearing its four weeks. Members of Oregon’s congressional delegation describe a stalemate as hundreds of thousands of federal workers remain furloughed without pay, including many in Oregon, which is home to nearly 30,0000 federal workers. (Bryce Dole)
• A planned five-day strike by thousands of registered nurses and other Kaiser Permanente health care workers in Oregon, California and Hawaii ended yesterday, with plans calling for bargaining to resume this week. (Associated Press)
• Oregon’s black bears are entering hyperphagia, meaning they’re eating as much as they can before entering hibernation in the winter. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says people should be aware of any food left outdoors. (Rachael McDonald)

How is AI changing education in Oregon?

This week, we go inside Oregon classrooms to see how students and teachers are using artificial intelligence — for better and worse. How do students resist the urge to cheat on assignments? How do teachers teach something they’re just learning themselves? (Peter Frick-Wright)

Listen

Headlines from around the Northwest

• This Northwest author is part of the tradition of surviving while ‘laughing and smiling and crying about it’ (Lillian Karabaic)
• Northwest scientists hope underwater fiber-optic cables can help save endangered orcas (Annika Hammerschlag)
• Shrinking funds pinch Corvallis wildlife rehab facility (Brian Bull)
• A Washington man started a nationwide guitar group for men dealing with cancer. Here’s their story (Lauren Gallup)
• Guerrero hits 6th postseason homer and Blue Jays beat Mariners 6-2 to force Game 7 of ALCS (Ian Harrison)

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):

• Organizers on ‘No Kings’ protests in Burns and Vancouver 
• Portland youth-led nonprofit providing free digital literacy and technology training for older adults 
• Multnomah County prosecutor on combatting human trafficking and providing help for survivors

Eugene muralist Liza Mana Burns paints Oregon’s stories to make people feel at home

If you walk along the streets of Eugene, chances are you’ll stumble across one of painter and illustrator Liza Mana Burns’ many striking murals adorning some of the city’s buildings, including the Kiva Grocery store.

Burns says she’s always surprised whenever she sees her artwork around town.

“I’ll get to be like, ‘Oh, that’s me, and that’s me, and I designed that and that’s me!’ which is fun,” she said.

Burns, who grew up in Eugene, said her art combines abstract representations of Oregon’s natural landscapes with intricate icons of Oregon’s history.

The result is a colorful tapestry that serves as a love letter to the state.

This story was first published on Oct. 5, 2024. (Steven Tonthat)

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/10/20/no-kings-portland-national-guard-first-look/