United States Capitol. Photo: Chas Hundley
WASHINGTON D.C. – While we are a hyperlocal news source dedicated to covering the day-to-day happenings in our little corner of the world, we’ve been asked by many readers to include more news from a larger stage as it pertains to us.
In our new weekly National Dispatch feature, published weekly on Tuesdays, we’ll include bits of updates from our congressional delegates, town hall info, and some other items of national import, including national election news as we move into the primary season.
Have a suggestion? Send it to [email protected].
Public impeachment proceedings begin Wednesday
The U.S. House of Representatives kicks off public impeachment hearings against President Donald Trump on Wednesday, starting at 7 a.m. Pacific.
You can watch them live on PBS NewsHour’s youtube channel starting at 7 a.m. or catch them on live television on OPB TV.
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The first public hearing before the House Intelligence Committee will open with Bill Taylor, the top U.S. diplomat to Ukraine, along with George Kent, deputy asst. secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs.
Senator Wyden condemns Turkish government on human rights, is joined by former Portland Trailblazer Enes Kanter
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is scheduled to visit the White House on Wednesday, and his visit has drawn the ire of Oregon’s Senator Ron Wyden who, along with Sen. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts introduced the “Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act” on Tuesday, November 12, denouncing Erdogan’s regime.
“The United States cannot and must not sit on the sidelines when governments restrict the rights and freedoms of their people,” Wyden said. “Trump isn’t only silent when it comes to Erdogan’s repression of human rights, he’s welcoming Erdogan with open arms this week. In that absence of leadership, Congress must stand up for freedom and call out President Erdogan’s attacks on Turkish democracy and hold him accountable.”
They were joined at a press conference in Washington D.C. by former Portland Trailblazer Enes Kanter, an advocate for human rights in Turkey and persistent critic of President Erdogan. Kanter, who was born to Turkish parents and still has family in Turkey, is scheduled to meet with President Trump on Wednesday.
Read more from USA Today on the legislation here.
Representative Bonamici examines the high cost of prescription drugs in NW Oregon
November is diabetes awareness month, and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) is taking the opportunity to highlight the high cost of insulin in Oregon’s First Congressional District. In a report from the House Oversight and Reform Committee commissioned by the congresswoman, prices for the 50 most popular brand-name prescription drugs to manage diabetes in NW Oregon were compared to the same drugs in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
“No one should have to jeopardize their health or worry about affording food because of exorbitant prices for insulin,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Companies are charging much more for these critical drugs in the U.S. than abroad, hurting seniors and families in Northwest Oregon and across the country. I support the Lower Drug Costs Now Act to stop these disparities and allow Medicare to negotiate for better prices.”
According to a press release from Bonamici’s office, about 20,000 seniors and disabled Medicare beneficiaries have been diagnosed with diabetes in Oregon’s First District.
That includes Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop, and Columbia counties and part of Multnomah County.
Locally, Gales Creek is home to Gales Creek Camp, a camp for children to learn how to manage their type 1 diabetes and to have fun in an environment that is uniquely situated to care for youth impacted by type 1 diabetes.
Chas Hundley is the editor of the Banks Post and sister news publications the Gales Creek Journal and the Salmonberry Magazine. He grew up in Gales Creek and has a cat.
