The December quarterly meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will be held virtually and in person on Wednesday, December 3, in the Auditorium of ODVA, located at 700 Summer Street N.E. in Salem. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11:30 a.m., which is open to the public.

Established in 1945, the Advisory Committee holds a distinct and fundamental role in advising the director and staff of ODVA. The nine members of the Advisory Committee are military veterans from all corners of the state, appointed by the governor to serve and act as advocates for veteran issues and veteran concerns across Oregon.

Following every quarterly business meeting, the committee holds a town hall inviting the public to raise questions or concerns about broad veteran issues or to share information with the committee and agency director.

Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the committee by emailing odva_vaac@odva.oregon.gov. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Please register at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/b2ce0f46-4c12-4c26-a3a5-d9a9049afbc2@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf to attend the business or town hall portion of this meeting. Attendees will be allowed to participate during the town hall portion only and will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online at a later date.

The December 2025 Veterans Advisory Committee Quarterly Meeting Report is available on ODVA’s website here: www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Documents/December%202025%20Advisory%20Committee%20Quarterly%20Meeting%20Report%20FINAL.pdf. More information about the Veteran Advisory Committee can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or Tribal veteran services office online at oregon.gov/odva.

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The County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to review grant applications from 9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. December 8, 2025 via Zoom.

Applicants to the COGP will present their proposed projects for acquiring, planning, developing and rehabilitating county-run camping facilities. The Committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The list will then be forwarded to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval.

A meeting agenda will be posted on the County Opportunity Grant Program web page at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-cogp.aspx. A link to view the Zoom meeting will also be posted at the site.

The COGP Advisory Committee consists of seven members who represent counties, recreational vehicle owners, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state.

The COGP was established in 1983 to direct a portion of revenue from recreational vehicle registration fees to counties for park and recreation sites and programs. All Oregon counties are eligible to apply. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

For more information about the COGP, visit oprdgrants.org.

SALEM, Oregon— The Drone Rule Advisory Committee will hold its second meeting to review drone use in state parks, discuss goals for safe and responsible operation and begin providing feedback on draft proposed rules for drone takeoff and landing at Oregon State Parks and the ocean shore.

The Rule Advisory Committee will meet for its second meeting 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. The public can watch the livestream on YouTube on OPRD Director’s Office live channel . A recording will be available after the meeting.

The Rule Advisory Committee includes representatives from recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists and other stakeholders.

Staff will review feedback from the committee, amend the draft as needed and then open the draft rules for public comment this winter. Staff will review public feedback, amend the draft as needed and then present the rules to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for adoption.

The goal is to have a final set of regulations ready for implementation by Spring of 2026.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) previously discussed drone takeoff and landing in early 2022. OPRD paused the rulemaking process after it generated a lot of public feedback both in support and against the proposed rules.

OPRD convened a work group to draft criteria and maps where drones should be allowed to take off and land at state parks and along the ocean shore.

The work group included representatives from conservation organizations, drone enthusiasts and trail-user groups. It helped develop proposed standards that identify areas where drone use should be permitted or restricted.

The group’s work helped inform the proposed draft rules on drone takeoff and landing now under discussion.

At its regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday night, the College Place Public Schools (CPPS) Board of Directors voted unanimously to place a renewal of the expiring 2023 to 2026 Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy on the February 10, 2026 ballot.

The proposed renewal levy maintains vital funding that supports high-quality learning experiences for students in every CPPS school for 2027-20230. These locally approved funds bridge the gap between what the state funds and what actual costs are to operate schools at the current standard. The renewal will also help the district keep up with the rising costs of educational programs, safety supports, staff, and services.

If approved, this levy would continue to fund essential educational programming, including classroom staffing, student mental health supports, extracurricular activities like band, choir, and athletics, and school safety enhancements. These are programs and services that are not fully funded by the state.

 “College Place Public Schools delivers an exceptional education in a supportive, small-school environment,” said Board Chair Eva Brown. “Renewing this levy is essential to sustaining the programs and opportunities our students deserve and to upholding our commitment to responsible, transparent use of local taxpayer funds.”  

The EP&O levy currently makes up roughly 18 percent of the CPPS annual operating budget. It is not a new tax, but a continuation of an expiring levy that voters last approved in 2022 at the same rate of $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. Renewal of the levy will not raise the tax rate above the amount previously approved, though actual collections are capped by state-defined levy limits.

Superintendent Jim Fry emphasized the importance of continuity: “This renewal is about maintaining the level of service and support our students rely on. These local dollars ensure that every student is known, challenged, and prepared for a bright future. It’s how we deliver on our mission every day.”

The official election date is Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Voters within the College Place Public Schools boundaries will receive ballots by mail in late January. For more information about what the levy funds visit https://www.cpps.org/page/levy-2026

Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor and Child Pornography Crimes

November 25, 2025

Media contacts: 

• Erica Heartquist, OHA, phd.communications@oha.oregon.gov
• Stephanie Condon, ADPC, stephanie.condon@oha.oregon.gov
• Bryant Haley, OLCC, ryant.haley@olcc.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">bryant.haley@olcc.oregon.gov
• Mindy McCartt, ODOT, tt@odot.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">mindy.m.mccartt@odot.oregon.gov

Agencies unite to urge Oregonians to ‘Rethink the Drink’ this holiday season

The Rethink the Drink invites open conversation about alcohol, how people can keep Oregon safe this holiday season.

PORTLAND, Ore. -  As Oregonians prepare to celebrate, gather and reconnect with loved ones this holiday season, state agencies renew their call to “Rethink the Drink” - encouraging people to pause, reflect and make mindful and healthy choices when it comes to their alcohol consumption.

Leading this effort is Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Alcohol & Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission (OLCC) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Through statewide community outreach, they hope to shift the holiday drinking culture in Oregon to reduce the pressure to drink alcohol during family gatherings or holiday parties.

This year, Rethink the Drink is encouraging people to come together to help one another be healthy and care for their communities. That includes creating healthy environments that support people in their efforts to drink less.

“During celebrations, it’s easy to drink more than we intend to,” says Dr. Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer at OHA. “We can support each other by having honest, compassionate conversations about our drinking - not judging, but looking out for one another.”

Holiday events and binge drinking sometimes go hand in hand. That can contribute to unsafe driving and other dangerous behavior. Binge drinking impairs judgement, slows reaction times and increases the likelihood of making fatal decisions.

“We see the consequences of impaired driving all year, but the risks increase around the holidays,” said Ryan Stone, Impaired Driving Program Analyst at ODOT. “If you plan to drink, plan your ride. A text, a call, or a quick rideshare request can prevent a crash, a DUII, or a tragedy. The people you share the holidays with want you to get home safely.”

More Oregon adults drink excessively than most of us realize, more than 1 in 5. Most people in this group are not affected by alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder. However, by drinking excessively, people increase their odds of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life.

Holiday gatherings often involve social drinking, which can lead to binge and heavy drinking, patterns of drinking associated with injury, impaired driving and long-term health risks. Each year, more than 2,500 Oregonians die from alcohol-related causes including eight types of cancer, liver disease, heart disease, memory and mental health issues, sleep disruptions and more.

What People Can Do to Celebrate Mindfully

To help people enjoy the season with their health in mind, the “Rethink the Drink” campaign offers practical strategies:

1. Healthy Hosting:
   • Provide non-alcoholic beverage options.
   • Provide ample food since people drink more when they’re hungry.
   • Avoid asking people why they aren’t drinking or pressuring them to drink more.
2. Pace your drinks:
   • Set a personal drink limit before you arrive.
   • Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic ones.
   • Consider diluting drinks with ice or low-sugar mixers.

3. Count and plan:
   • Decide ahead of time how many drinks feels “safe” for you.
   • Track how many drinks you have; consider using an app.

4. Plan for a safe ride:
   • If you plan to drink, arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare, or take public transportation.
   • Impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol. If you’re going to use anything that affects how you feel or think, make a transportation plan and line up a sober driver or another safe way home.

5. Talk about it:
   • Encourage open conversations and ask loved ones how they feel about drinking.
   • Avoid pressuring others to drink; support those who choose not to.

Supporting Everyone

Not everyone drinks, and not everyone who drinks wants to drink a lot. It’s important to create holiday environments that feel safe and inclusive for all.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence or misuse, confidential help is available: 1-800-923-4357 (Oregon’s substance use support line).

The Risks of Impaired Driving

Alcohol continues to play a major role in fatal and serious-injury crashes across Oregon, especially during the holiday season. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect decision-making and slow reaction time.

But alcohol isn’t the only concern. Impairment can come from any substance that makes you feel different — including cannabis, prescription medications, or combinations of substances. All can affect your ability to drive safely.

That’s why agencies are encouraging Oregonians to make a transportation plan before they drink or use any impairing substance. Planning ahead protects you, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road.

Learn more about impaired driving and Oregon’s safety efforts.  

About Rethink the Drink

Rethink the Drink is a health communications initiative led by the Oregon Health Authority, in partnership with ADPC, OLCC, and ODOT. The campaign invites Oregonians to have mindful conversations about when, how much and why they drink - for themselves, their families and their communities. There are several resources at RethinkTheDrink.com to help people who want to drink less, or to support individuals or their loved ones who might have an alcohol use disorder. You can also find Rethink the Drink on Facebook and Instagram.

EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon, man appeared before a U.S. District Court Judge today and pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for assaulting a victim on the basis of their sexual orientation.

Daniel Andrew McGee, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of a Hate Crime Act Involving an Attempt to Kill.

According to court documents, on the evening of July 5, 2021, McGee met the victim at the victim’s apartment after communicating on the dating application Grindr, an application designed for, and primarily used by, gay men. McGee assaulted the victim over the course of several minutes, striking the victim on the head with a wooden tire thumper. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries during the assault, including serious head wounds.

The investigation revealed McGee had been researching and planning the attack for weeks. For at least one month prior to the attack, McGee searched the internet for homophobic and graphically violent anti-gay material. McGee planned for the attack by purchasing the weapon and other materials from Amazon and searching the internet for suggestions on how to get away with murder.

On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene, Oregon, returned a one-count indictment charging McGee with a Hate Crime Act Involving an Attempt to Kill.

McGee faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on March 3, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

As part of the plea agreement, McGee has agreed to pay restitution in full to his victim.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. Joseph Huynh, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and Tenette Smith, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division Criminal Section, are prosecuting the case.

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Need to know

• In October, approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been stolen from their EBT cards.
• Take action today to keep your EBT card safe from electronic theft by locking your cards when not in use, blocking out of state and online purchases, and changing your PIN regularly.
• Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
• Link to video

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services is encouraging people in Oregon to take action today to protect the SNAP food and TANF cash benefits on their EBT cards from electronic theft like card skimming, card cloning, phishing and other similar methods.

Most theft occurs in the beginning of the month immediately after SNAP and TANF benefits are issued to EBT cards. Criminals use methods like skimming devices, internet scams and fake websites to steal card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). Once they have this information, they use online or out-of-state purchases to drain SNAP food and TANF cash benefits from a person’s card.

In October, approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been stolen from their EBT cards. Criminals were blocked from stealing EBT benefits 104 times because people took action to protect their EBT cards.

“People and families in Oregon rely on their SNAP food and TANF cash benefits to help them meet their basic needs,” said Director Liesl Wendt. “Taking simple steps like changing your PIN, locking your cards and blocking online and out-of-state purchases works and keeps your benefits safe. We encourage everyone to do this today.”

ODHS recommends that everyone with an EBT card take these steps to keep their benefits safe:

• Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
   
• Freeze your card between uses: When you’re not using your EBT card, consider freezing it as an extra layer of protection. Simply unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for "Freeze Card" under "Account Services."
   
• Block out-of-state and online purchases: You have the option to block transactions made outside of Oregon and online purchases to safeguard your card from unauthorized use. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for “Protect My Account" under “Account Services." You can remove the blocks later.
   
• Change your PIN regularly: Get into the habit of updating your PIN often. This can help protect your account if someone does gain access to your card number. Here are the ways you can ​change your PIN number:​
  • Call 888-997-4447;
  • Log into the ebtEDGE website.
     
• Take your EBT card to the closest ODHS benefits office​.
   
• Keep your PIN secret: Never share your PIN or write it on your card. Cover the keypad whenever entering your PIN in a public setting. Thieves may use small cameras to capture your PIN entry.
   
• Inspect card readers carefully: Before swiping your card at an ATM or other card reader, check for anything unusual. Skimming devices are often placed on top of existing card readers. If you see anything that looks out of place or tampered with, avoid using it and let the business know.
   
• Monitor your EBT account activity: Make it a habit to check your account regularly for any unusual charges. If you see a charge you didn’t make, report it immediately, cancel your card and request a replacement. Here are the ways you can ​get a new card:​
  • Call the EBT Replacement Line at 1-855-328-6715;
  • Go to an ODHS benefits office​.

• Don’t respond to suspicious texts: If you receive a text message asking for your EBT card number or PIN, ignore it. ODHS will never ask for your information this way.

• Avoid social media scams: Only trust posts and messages about your benefits from official ODHS accounts. ODHS will never ask for your benefits case number, PIN or other card information on social media.
   
• More information is available on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage. There is a brochure, flyer and wallet card available in many languages. There are also short videos about using an EBT card, how to replace an EBT card and all the ways to protect your EBT benefits. These are posted in the How-to Videos section of benefits.oregon.gov.

October reports of EBT benefit theft to ODHS

• Number of Oregon households affected: 223
• Number of failed theft attempts because people took steps to protect their EBT cards: 104
• Number of thefts by program: 49 TANF, 559 SNAP
• Dollar amounts of stolen benefits:
  • Total: $85,902
  • TANF (CASH): $17,108
  • SNAP (FOOD): $ 68,794

NOTE: This data represents only what has been reported to the Oregon Department of Human Services and likely undercounts actual instances of EBT theft experienced by people in Oregon.

How to request replacement for TANF benefits

ODHS can replace Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits that are lost due to fraud. TANF families who believe benefits have been stole from their EBT card should contact ODHS to request replacement benefits within 30 days of the benefits being stolen. Information on card safety and how to request replacement TANF benefits can be found online here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx

ODHS cannot replace SNAP benefits

The federal funding to replace benefits ran out on Dec. 21, 2024, and ODHS is no longer authorized to replace stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

About SNAP in Oregon

SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year.

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PORTLAND, Ore.— Scott E. Bradford has taken the oath of office to remain as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the District of Oregon.

Senior U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman administered the oath of office before staff, court personnel, and family. The moment was especially meaningful because Judge Mosman previously served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Bradford also clerked for him.

“Being chosen to lead the District of Oregon is a privilege I do not take lightly. I am deeply humbled by the district court’s vote of confidence in me, and I am committed to serving our community alongside remarkable colleagues and agency partners, who dedicate themselves to the mission every day,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “My focus remains on the Department’s priorities: keeping our country safe, upholding the rule of law, and protecting civil rights.”

Attorney General Pamela Bondi previously appointed Bradford as U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon on July 28, 2025.

Bradford has been a federal prosecutor for more than 18 years and has handled all manner of criminal cases, including violent crime, narcotics trafficking, child exploitation, fraud, cyber, and national security.

Bradford joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and served in a variety of leadership roles within the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

In 2022, Bradford served as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia where he trained justice sector partners within the region to combat cybercrime. Before becoming the U.S. Attorney, Bradford was the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section in the National Security Division in Washington, D.C.

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PORTLAND, Ore. – A century-old-plus suspension bridge that links visitors to the rugged beauty of Washington’s Yakima River Canyon has earned international recognition. The Umtanum Suspension Bridge Rehabilitation Project, led by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with design and engineering support from HDR, was recently named the winner in the New Life category of the 2025 Footbridge Awards in Chur, Switzerland.

Organized and sponsored by Bridge Design & Engineering Magazine, this year’s awards were among the most competitive in the program’s history, with a record number of entries worldwide. For the BLM, the honor underscores the importance of preserving historic features while showing how innovative and creative partnerships can deliver safe, sustainable recreation opportunities.

“Public lands belong to everyone, and access is key to connecting people with these landscapes,” said Stephen Small, Spokane BLM District Manager. “The Umtanum Bridge safeguards a piece of history while ensuring that more than 100,000 annual visitors can safely hike, fish, and explore this special area. Receiving this award is a proud moment for the BLM and a reflection of what’s possible through collaboration with skilled partners like HDR.”

 A bridge between people and place

Spanning Washington’s only Blue-Ribbon trout stream, the 220-foot (67-meter) clear-span suspension bridge has long been both a landmark and a lifeline. Built around 1925, it once carried vehicles across the Yakima River and Northern Pacific railroad tracks to reach homesteads in Umtanum Creek Canyon – many tied to the railroad that still parallels the river. At one time, the bridge even carried Model Ts.

Though several similar suspension bridges once crossed the canyon, Umtanum is the only one that remains. Converted to foot traffic in the mid-1980s, it now connects the BLM’s Umtanum Recreation Area to canyon trails, public lands, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wenas Wildlife Area. It is also the only access point to the west side of the Yakima River along the entire 27-mile canyon, linking visitors to routes like the 8-mile Umtanum Creek Trail and the Skyline Trail from Ellensburg to Selah.

With more than 100,000 annual visitors, Umtanum is one of the BLM’s busiest recreation sites in Washington. In 2024, the agency expanded the site by acquiring 650 acres of private land, adding riparian and upland habitat as well as more space for public enjoyment.

Innovation meets stewardship

By the 2010s, years of wear and storm damage had left the bridge in poor condition. To restore its role as a safe and welcoming landmark, the BLM partnered with HDR on a rehabilitation plan that honored the bridge’s character, protected the river below, and strengthened the crossing for long-term use.

With no original design plans available, HDR engineers relied on rope-and-ladder inspections, detailed surveys, and advanced modeling to assess performance. Their design replaced deteriorated parts with durable, low-impact materials while retaining as much of the historic structure as possible.

BLM employees Thane Syverson, then Spokane District Engineer (now Idaho State Engineer), and Diane Priebe, then Wenatchee Field Office Recreation Planner (now retired), guided the project from planning through rehabilitation. Their leadership ensured the work respected the site’s historic and environmental values while addressing safety and durability.

Construction, completed in July 2021, overcame pandemic-era supply chain disruptions through resourceful substitutions, all while staying on schedule and within the $800,000 budget. The result is a sturdier deck, improved railing, and a bridge ready to serve the community for generations – all delivered with minimal environmental disturbance.

“This was an excellent opportunity to leverage our expertise and leverage innovative tools to identify creative and sustainable approaches that would breathe new life into a historic bridge in a beautiful setting,” said Michael Roberts, HDR project engineer. “The BLM challenged us to identify and develop a solution that was reliable, environmentally responsible, and faithful to the bridge’s heritage. We’re incredibly excited to see the project be recognized on the world stage like this and are honored to share this project’s success with the Team and the BLM.”

 A model for the future

The Footbridge 2025 Award’s jury, consisting of an internationally esteemed panel of bridge engineers, architects, and those passionate for bridges, praised the project for preserving the bridge’s character while revitalizing it for modern use. All in all, a successful example/case study offering inspiration for other projects and assets to strive for.

For the BLM, the recognition affirms its mission to protect cultural resources, provide access to outdoor recreation, and manage America’s shared landscapes for long-term benefit.

“Bridges like Umtanum connect people to history, nature, and each other,” said Small. “This recognition highlights the care we put into stewarding these places and the importance of preserving them so future generations can enjoy the same experiences.”

Now stronger than ever, the Umtanum Suspension Bridge remains one of Kittitas County’s most recognizable landmarks, ready to serve the next century of hikers, anglers, and families who come to discover the beauty of the Yakima River Canyon.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, woman made her initial appearance today after allegedly assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Tigard, Oregon.

Summer Shepherd, 37, has been charged by criminal complaint with Assaulting a Federal Officer.

According to court documents, on November 23, 2025, ICE officers were in Tigard executing an arrest of an individual. Shepherd drove up to where the officers were making the arrest and pushed an officer in the chest, causing the officer to stumble back. The officer walked back to his vehicle and closed the door. Shepherd proceeded to strike the vehicle with her hands, denting the car. Shepherd yanked the door open and when the officer put his hand out to prevent Shepherd from coming inside, she slammed the door hitting the officer’s left arm. With the help of additional officers, Shepherd was apprehended.

Shepherd made her first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.  She was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, man made his initial appearance today after allegedly making violent threats at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Portland.

John Paul Cupp, 45, has been charged by criminal complaint with Threats Made Against a Federal Law Enforcement Officer.

“Threats of violence against the brave members of law enforcement and their families will not be tolerated, said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding those accountable who threaten and intimidate those who protect our communities, and we will continue to prosecute criminal threats of violence to the fullest extent of the law.”    

“Threats to law enforcement personnel have absolutely no place in our community,” said Acting Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Portland Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres. “Attempts to intimidate those sworn to protect the American people and uphold our Constitution degrade efforts to keep all of us safe. The FBI will use all investigative means available to us to seek out and arrest anyone using violent rhetoric to express themselves.” 

According to court documents, on October 14, 2025, Cupp began yelling insults at law enforcement officers as they were approaching a crowd. Cupp threatened to kill law enforcement officers and sexually assault their wives.  

On November 3, 2025, Cupp posted a video online reiterating the same threats to federal agents and their wives. On November 13, 2025, Cupp continued posting violent threats online to officers and their family.

Cupp is a prolific producer of online content and regularly posts aggressive rhetoric, calls for war against the United States, antisemitic threats, and threats of violence.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 40 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed near ICE facilities, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

Cupp made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The FBI is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

City of Richland Fire and Emergency Services will be hosting an internal blood drive on Tuesday, November 25th at 2710 Duportail Street, Fire Station 74. The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., providing Richland Fire and Emergency Services staff with a dedicated opportunity to donate and support lifesaving blood supply needs throughout the region.

While the event is closed to the public, members of the media are invited to attend to capture the beginning of what will become a major, citywide effort in the months ahead.

This internal staff blood drive will serve as an important first step as the City prepares for a much larger, record-breaking blood drive set to take place in early 2026. By mobilizing employees early, Richland aims to build momentum, strengthen awareness, and highlight the City’s ongoing commitment to public health and emergency readiness.

Workers File Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Legacy; Invite Executives Back to the Bargaining Table “We’ll bring the turkey, the sides and the pumpkin pie.”

(Portland, Ore.) – The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Legacy Health for illegally refusing to meet with advanced practice providers (APPs) and come to a fair contract agreement to prevent a strike. While Legacy has told workers, “We have been in active labor contract bargaining with staff and continue to work in good faith to create a contract that is beneficial to all parties.” In fact, Legacy executives and outside lawyers walked away from the bargaining table Nov. 20 and have said they would not continue contract discussions; a violation of federal law. 

The 135 advanced practice providers (APPs) at Legacy Health have offered to meet with Legacy executives every day leading up to a strike in order to reach a fair agreement that protects patients, enables Legacy to recruit and retain skilled caregivers, ends inequitable practices like unpaid work and averts the need for a strike. If Legacy continues illegally refusing to meet with healthcare providers, a strike will start Dec. 2.

“We’re fighting for a fair contract to give every patient what they deserve: shorter wait times, more available appointments and continuity with the caregivers you know and trust,” said Leigh Warsing, PA and ONA bargaining team member at Legacy. “We’re ready to reach a fair agreement that improves patient care and avoids a strike, but we need Legacy executives to come to the table.”

“We’ll bring the turkey, the sides and the pumpkin pie.” Warsing added. “Legacy executives just have to show up.”

• Click here to watch APPs press conference on Nov. 21 

The APPs at Legacy include nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) who care for patients in the Portland metro area and SW Washington. They are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) which represents more than 3,500 frontline healthcare providers at hospitals and clinics throughout the Legacy Health system. 

While not unique, Legacy’s illegal refusal to meet with healthcare workers is unusual. Multiple Oregon hospitals and health systems, including Kaiser Permanente and St. Charles Bend, met with caregivers in the days leading up to a strike and reached fair agreements which prevented them. In recent years, ten California hospitals and health systems have also reached similar agreements in the 10 days prior to strikes. Multiple hospitals and health systems in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois have also continued talks with frontline healthcare workers in the days before a strike and successfully reached agreements which prevented strikes from occurring. 

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/RespectAPPs to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the APPs, and stay informed about the impact of the potential strike.

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Beginning today through Dec. 12, Bend Fire & Rescue invites the community to bring non-perishable food donations to any of our fire stations to help combat food insecurity for local families in need this holiday season.

Bend Fire is asking for donations of non-perishable food items such as canned goods, dried pasta and grains, and items like honey and sugar. Some of the most needed items include canned fruits and vegetables, soup and peanut butter. Donated food will be provided to NeighborImpact and distributed through their network of local pantries, meal sites, and shelters.

Help us put food on the table and keep bellies full this season by donating your non-perishable food items to any of the bins stationed outside at the following locations:

• Bend Fire & Rescue Stations:
  • West Fire Station – 1212 SW Simpson Ave., Bend
  • East Fire Station – 62420 Hamby Rd., Bend
  • North Fire Station – 63377 Jamison St., Bend
  • South Fire Station – 61080 Country Club Dr., Bend
  • Tumalo Fire Station – 64725 Cook Ave., Tumalo
  • Pilot Butte Fire Station – 425 NE 15th St., Bend 

Thank you for helping give back to our neighbors this season. Learn more about the NeighborImpact Food Bank at neighborimpact.org/get-help/foodbank/.

Looking for more ways to give?

• Bend Fire & Rescue’s Santa Express is coming to Bend neighborhoods Dec. 5, 6 and 8 collecting donations of new toys, gently used coats and non-perishable food. Learn more about this fun community event at bendoregon.gov/santa-express.  
• NeighborImpact’s Online Food Drive allows you to donate fresh produce and healthy staples for local food banks.
• Donate money to NeighborImpact or a food pantry near you.

Four steps to a happy (and healthy) holiday meal