Scottie Barnes
Freelance reporter
Scottie Barnes writes breaking news and investigative pieces for The Epoch Times from the Pacific Northwest. She has a background in researching the implications of public policy and emerging technologies on areas ranging from homeland security and national defense to forestry and urban planning.
LATEST
State Economists Nudge Oregon’s Economic Forecast Down
Although it will take in record revenue, Oregon will have about $500 million less to spend in the 2025–2027 budget cycle than previously forecast.
Oregon Lawmakers Debate Legal Aid to Immigrants as Public Defense Crisis Spirals
Legislators may appropriate $21 million to defend immigrants, as more than 5,500 criminal defendants await a court appointed attorney.
Republican Lawmakers Decry Oregon Sanctuary Policies After Cartel Boss Arrest
The arrest of a Sinaloa Cartel leader illegally residing in the state capital and dealing fentanyl has Oregon lawmakers reconsidering sanctuary policies.
Oregon Lawmakers, Courts Weigh Strict New Gun Laws
The Oregon legislature is debating three new gun bills while the Oregon Supreme Court considers the fate of a ballot measure on hold since 2022.
Oregon Vows to Defy Federal Immigration Enforcement
Oregon’s evolving sanctuary laws aim to provide a firewall against the federal mass deportation plan targeting illegal immigrants.
Trump Pauses Federal Offshore Wind Leases, Calls for Review of Wind Projects on Federal Land
During the pause, federal officials will review the effects of wind projects on wildlife and consider whether wind energy is viable without federal subsidies.
Oregon Lawmakers Ask Trump Administration to Halt Barred Owl Bounty
Four state lawmakers are asking the DOGE to nix a federal plan to kill barred owls, long protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Oregon’s Chavez-DeRemer Being Considered for Trump Administration’s Labor Secretary
During her 2024 congressional race, Rep. Chavez-DeRemer was endorsed by 20 labor unions.
Oregon Voters Reject Universal Basic Income and Ranked-Choice Voting
Voters also decided on measures to amend the state constitution to provide lawmakers with impeachment powers and set officials’ salaries.
Harris Wins Reliably Blue Oregon, Swing District House Seat Too Close to Call
One of the most competitive races in the country, the battle for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District remained too close to call.
