Oregon City, OR – Recent news from the Pacific Northwest paints a vivid picture of the diverse events unfolding across Oregon, from significant legal proceedings and community achievements to pressing policy debates and local sports highlights. In the Oregon City area and beyond, headlines capture a range of developments, including the indictment of a former West Linn doctor, a decisive local soccer match, and the announcement of the new Miss Oregon Teen.
Justice System Focuses on Former West Linn Doctor
In a significant legal development, former West Linn doctor David B. Farley, 67, has been indicted by a Clackamas County grand jury on 11 felony counts. These charges include first- and second-degree sexual abuse and first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, stemming from alleged incidents occurring between 2009 and 2020. Some of the charges reportedly involve victims who were under the age of 14. Farley, who had practiced medicine in Oregon for three decades, had his medical license revoked in 2020 following allegations of abuse that were reported to West Linn Police that same year.
The indictment follows a period of intense community concern and scrutiny. A Clackamas County grand jury had declined to bring charges against Farley in 2022, which led to widespread criticism of the initial police investigation and the handling of the case by the Clackamas County District Attorney’s office. The District Attorney subsequently requested that the Oregon Department of Justice take over the investigation. After reviewing evidence and hearing testimony from nine witnesses, the DOJ presented the case to a grand jury, resulting in the current indictment.
Farley has pleaded not guilty to all counts and is currently lodged at the Clackamas County Jail, with bail set at $500,000. A jury trial is scheduled to commence on December 3. Concurrently, Farley is a defendant in a substantial civil lawsuit brought by more than 130 women and girls, collectively seeking damages nearing $1 billion. The institutions where he worked, including West Linn Family Health Center, Legacy Meridian Park Hospital, and Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, are also named in the lawsuit.
Local Soccer Rivalry Sees Lake Oswego Victorious
On the local sports scene, the boys’ soccer match between Lake Oswego and Oregon City delivered a clear outcome in their Three Rivers League opener. The Lake Oswego Lakers secured an impressive 5-1 victory over the Oregon City Pioneers at Lake Oswego High School on Wednesday, October 8.
While the teams were tied 1-1 at halftime, Lake Oswego surged in the second half, scoring four unanswered goals to seal the win. Senior Jayden Wilkinson was a standout performer for the Lakers, contributing two goals and an assist. Freshman Jay Park also scored, assisted by Wilkinson. Other Lakers who contributed offensively included Greyson Sarkisian with an assist, and team captain Conor Lyons, who also had an assist.
This victory marks a strong start to league play for Lake Oswego, improving their overall record to 3-3-4 and 1-0 in league standings. Conversely, Oregon City’s record falls to 1-8-1 overall and 0-1 in the league.
Miss Oregon Teen 2026 Crowned
In a highlight for local youth and community engagement, Mila Pearl has been named Miss Oregon Teen 2026. A senior at Oregon City High School, Pearl discovered her passion for pageantry through musical theater. This marks her first year of competitive pageant experience, having previously won the Miss Portland Metro Teen title and placing in the top 11 at the Miss America Teen pageant in Orlando, Florida.
As Miss Oregon Teen, Pearl will serve as a representative for her home state, focusing her community service initiative on ending hunger. She has a long history of volunteer work, including in soup kitchens and food drives.
State-Wide News: Policy Shifts and Legal Battles
Beyond the immediate Oregon City news, several broader state-level issues are capturing attention.
ICE Encounters and Civil Rights Scrutiny: The actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have come under renewed scrutiny. Francisco Miranda, a U.S. citizen born in California, alleges he was “forcibly abducted” by masked ICE agents in Milwaukie after they mistook him for a non-citizen. Miranda claims he was detained for hours at the Portland ICE facility despite presenting his driver’s license. His attorney has sent a tort claim to the Department of Homeland Security. The incident has prompted calls for an investigation from Oregon Congresswoman Janelle Bynum and condemnation from the Milwaukie City Council. Meanwhile, Oregon’s congressional delegation, including Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici and Maxine Dexter, are pressing federal officials for answers regarding alleged civil rights violations and protestor tactics at the Portland ICE facility. Concerns include accountability of ICE agents, the use of force against demonstrators, and detainment policies.
National Guard Deployment Debate: A federal appeals court has allowed President Trump to maintain federal control over Oregon National Guard troops but has kept a block on their deployment within Portland. This ruling preserves the status quo while the court considers the legality of such deployments. While the Oregon National Guard remains federalized, they cannot be deployed in the city, a move that Oregon’s Attorney General has called a win for Oregonians seeking calm.
Healthcare Policy Changes: Oregon has decided to halt a planned Medicaid expansion program for individuals preparing to leave prison. The Oregon Health Authority cited technical and timing challenges in updating eligibility systems as the reason for not implementing the novel initiative, which aimed to bridge a care gap and reduce overdose risks for formerly incarcerated individuals. Advocates have expressed concern that this cancellation could lead to increased overdoses and untreated illnesses. Additionally, Oregon’s transgender healthcare law continues to face obstacles two years after its enactment.
Legal and Regulatory Matters: The Oregon Supreme Court is currently reviewing a case concerning vape packaging regulations, highlighting a potential conflict between free speech protections and the state’s efforts to regulate products attractive to minors.
Economic and Political Updates: An Eastern Oregon nursery is among the small businesses reportedly impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. In political news, the Oregon House Republicans have elected Rep. Lucetta Elmer of McMinnville as their new leader.
The news from Oregon reflects a dynamic period, with significant legal battles, policy shifts, and local events shaping the state’s narrative.
