Appeals court reversal, so no Portland troops for now

Appeals Court Delays Troop Deployment

In a reversal, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals paused last Monday’s ruling that allowed President Trump to deploy the Oregon National Guard to Portland. This delay will last till 5 p.m. tomorrow as the wider 9th Circuit Court of Appeals now considers whether to re-hear the case. It was a smaller, three-judge panel within the 9th circuit that earlier ruled to allow the troop deployment to proceed. [OPB]

Arrest of Portland Trail Blazers Coach

Sports columnist Bill Oram writes that the charges against Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups represent “profoundly poor judgment and an incredible betrayal of his position in this city." Billups, who was arrested by the FBI on Thursday morning, allegedly used his star power to draw players into a rigged poker game, one with alleged mafia ties. Billups is unlikely to ever return to the NBA, Oram predicts. [Oregonian 🔒]

Potential Candidate for Governor Wins a Fundraising Advantage

Republican Christine Drazan, who has previously served as minority leader in the state House, won an appointment to the Oregon Senate to fill a vacancy. Drazan, who lost the governor’s race against Tina Kotek in 2022, is expected to try for a rematch next year. The Senate post gives Drazan a new advantage, because Senate rules allow campaign fundraising during next year's legislative session while House rules do not. [OPB]

Scandal at Oregon Renaissance Faire

Whistleblowers have reported alarmingly unsafe working conditions at an unexpected location: The Oregon Renaissance Faire, which draws over 75,000 visitors each year. Inspectors found six safety violations, including head injuries and poor training on machinery. Some workers also claim they’ve been retaliated against for reporting the conditions. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Whistleblowers Say the Oregon Renaissance Faire Isn't All Fun and Turkey Legs

The Oregon Renaissance Faire draws over 75,000 visitors and generates millions each year, but behind the scenes, workers have been sounding the alarm on unsafe working conditions. After whistleblowers filed OSHA complaints, inspectors found six safety violations, including head injuries and poor machinery training. Some workers also claim retaliation by the fair’s parent company, Wandering in Time Productions. Willamette Week reporter Rachel Saslow shares what she uncovered