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
Republican Lawmakers Tee-Up Battle Over Transgender Sports in Oregon
After Democrats blocked a bill to keep boys from competing in girls’ sports, Oregon House Republicans immediately sent a letter to DOJ and urged federal action.
Coalition Protests Avelo Airlines’ Cooperation With ICE
The airline is one of a dozen carriers who provide deportation flights under contract with the Department of Homeland Security.
Girls Protest Trans Athlete in Oregon State High School Track Championships
Oregon is among a handful of states that allow males to compete in female sports.
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.
