Oregon

Tragic Lawsuit Alleges Oregon Officers Abandoned Mentally Ill Man to Die in Hot Patrol Car While They Scrolled on TikTok

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COOS BAY, Ore. — The family of a man who died in police custody has filed a lawsuit, claiming that officers failed to provide necessary medical care while focusing on personal distractions, including social media. Nathan Bradford Smith, 33, who struggled with mental illness, died of heat stroke exacerbated by methamphetamine use after an arrest in July 2024. According to the lawsuit filed Wednesday, Coos Bay police officers allegedly neglected Smith’s obvious signs of medical distress, instead spending time in a parked patrol car watching TikTok and texting. The complaint accuses the city of Coos … Read more

Oregon Takes Bold Steps to Enhance Behavioral Health Services with New Legislative Measures

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Salem, Oregon — In a significant shift aimed at bolstering the state’s behavioral health system, Governor Tina Kotek has formally endorsed a series of legislative measures. These new laws are designed to improve access to mental health services and expand support for individuals dealing with behavioral challenges. During a ceremony marking the occasion, Kotek noted the critical importance of addressing mental health issues in Oregon, especially following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted that many individuals have been struggling without the necessary resources or access to care. Among the key components of … Read more

Oregon Law Schools Set to Expand Criminal Defense Clinics with New $3.4M Fund

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EUGENE, Ore. — A new initiative promises to bolster criminal defense clinics at law schools across Oregon, reflecting a growing commitment to legal representation for vulnerable populations. This funding effort comes in response to the pressing need for public defenders in the state, where thousands of individuals lack legal counsel. The Oregon legislature has recently authorized a significant allocation of $3.4 million to enhance these programs, following a prior one-time funding of $2.1 million in 2024. With this backing, law schools in Salem, Portland, and Eugene anticipate expanding their clinical offerings, designed to provide hands-on … Read more

Oregon Takes a Bold Step: New Bill Empowering Tribes to Reclaim Jurisdiction on Tribal Lands Signed into Law

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Salem, Oregon — A new law aimed at simplifying jurisdictional complexities in Oregon’s Indian Country has been signed by Governor Tina Kotek. The legislation, which garnered unanimous support in both chambers of the state Legislature, was enacted on May 22 and will establish a formal process for tribal nations to request changes to state jurisdiction on their lands. The law specifically addresses the implications of Public Law 83-280, enacted in 1953, which allowed certain states, including Oregon, to claim jurisdiction over tribal lands. This has complicated criminal and civil matters, as jurisdiction often varies based … Read more