JW

James Whitfield

Metro Desk Editor

Oregon ExpressPortland, Oregon

James Whitfield is a metro desk editor at Oregon Express, covering news from Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas.

21 articles published

Articles by James Whitfield

Building Community: Rick Wallace's Vision for a Welcoming Wilsonville
local news

Building Community: Rick Wallace's Vision for a Welcoming Wilsonville

Rick Wallace is transforming Wilsonville into a vibrant community hub, focusing on inclusivity and local engagement to help residents feel at home.

April 30, 2026

Centennial Softball Team Dominates with Record-Breaking Inning
local news

Centennial Softball Team Dominates with Record-Breaking Inning

The Centennial Eagles softball team showcased their talent with a stunning nine-run inning, securing a mercy-rule victory that boosts their season prospects.

April 28, 2026

Oregon Faces Measles Resurgence: Health Officials Urge Vaccination
local news

Oregon Faces Measles Resurgence: Health Officials Urge Vaccination

The Oregon Health Authority reports a notable rise in measles cases, prompting officials to emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent outbreaks.

April 26, 2026

Federal Decision to Close Portland Forestry Office Sparks Concerns Over Local Impact
local news

Federal Decision to Close Portland Forestry Office Sparks Concerns Over Local Impact

The federal government's plan to close the Portland forestry regional office raises concerns about job losses and environmental oversight in Oregon.

April 26, 2026

Oregon Extends Public Comment Period on Offshore Wind Energy Development
local news

Oregon Extends Public Comment Period on Offshore Wind Energy Development

Public comments on Oregon's offshore wind energy plans have been extended, inviting community input on this pivotal environmental initiative.

April 24, 2026

Spring Awakens: Scappoose Bay Watershed Council's Native Plant Sale Promotes Local Ecology
local news

Spring Awakens: Scappoose Bay Watershed Council's Native Plant Sale Promotes Local Ecology

The Scappoose Bay Watershed Council is hosting a native plant sale this April, encouraging biodiversity and community engagement in Oregon's natural landscapes.

April 23, 2026

Oregon Zoo Mourns the Loss of Zawadi Mungu, Beloved Lion and Conservation Icon
local news

Oregon Zoo Mourns the Loss of Zawadi Mungu, Beloved Lion and Conservation Icon

The Oregon Zoo grieves the passing of Zawadi Mungu, a cherished lion who lived to 18, one of the oldest in North America, highlighting the zoo's commitment to wildlife conservation.

April 19, 2026

Measles Exposure Confirmed at Providence Portland Medical Center: What You Need to Know
local news

Measles Exposure Confirmed at Providence Portland Medical Center: What You Need to Know

Health officials confirm measles exposure at Providence Portland Medical Center, raising concerns about vaccination and public health in Oregon.

April 19, 2026

U.S. Forest Service Shifts Focus: Portland Headquarters to Close, New Office in Salem
local news

U.S. Forest Service Shifts Focus: Portland Headquarters to Close, New Office in Salem

The U.S. Forest Service's decision to close its Portland headquarters and research station marks a significant shift in operations, impacting local forestry management and research efforts.

April 15, 2026

Oregon Restaurant Pioneers Zero-Waste Initiative, Secures National Grant
local news

Oregon Restaurant Pioneers Zero-Waste Initiative, Secures National Grant

A Portland restaurant has been awarded a national grant for its innovative zero-waste practices, setting a new standard for sustainability in the culinary industry.

April 15, 2026

Senator Ron Wyden Addresses Iran Relations at Pendleton Town Hall
local news

Senator Ron Wyden Addresses Iran Relations at Pendleton Town Hall

During a recent town hall in Pendleton, Senator Ron Wyden discussed the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations and their implications for Oregon residents.

April 14, 2026

Portland City Council Considers Tax Relief for Small Businesses Amid Economic Strain
local news

Portland City Council Considers Tax Relief for Small Businesses Amid Economic Strain

Portland's City Council is set to discuss potential tax relief for small businesses facing economic challenges. This initiative aims to support local entrepreneurs and revitalize the community.

April 12, 2026

Food Forward Initiative Aims to Elevate Oregon's Culinary Scene to Global Heights
local news

Food Forward Initiative Aims to Elevate Oregon's Culinary Scene to Global Heights

Oregon's Food Forward initiative seeks to transform the state's food industry, enhancing its global presence and boosting local economies. Experts weigh in on its potential impact.

April 12, 2026

Klamath County Commissioner Under Scrutiny for Alleged Ethics Violations in Real Estate Transactions
local news

Klamath County Commissioner Under Scrutiny for Alleged Ethics Violations in Real Estate Transactions

A Klamath County commissioner faces scrutiny over alleged ethics violations related to property dealings, raising concerns about governance and transparency.

April 12, 2026

Supreme Court Ruling on Conversion Therapy: Implications for Oregon's Youth
local news

Supreme Court Ruling on Conversion Therapy: Implications for Oregon's Youth

The Supreme Court's decision against Colorado's conversion therapy ban raises questions about the future of similar practices in Oregon and the protection of LGBTQ+ youth.

April 11, 2026

Oregon and Washington Crack Down on Studded Tire Use: Fines Begin Tomorrow
local news

Oregon and Washington Crack Down on Studded Tire Use: Fines Begin Tomorrow

Starting tomorrow, both Oregon and Washington will impose fines for the use of studded tires. This move aims to protect road conditions and promote safer driving.

April 8, 2026

Alolia Café: Brewing Community and Connection in Gresham
local news

Alolia Café: Brewing Community and Connection in Gresham

Alolia Café, a new coffee shop in Downtown Gresham, fosters a sense of belonging among women, cultivating friendships and support in the community.

April 5, 2026

Portland Police Investigate Fatal Shooting at Local Plaid Pantry
local news

Portland Police Investigate Fatal Shooting at Local Plaid Pantry

Authorities are searching for a suspect following a deadly shooting at a Plaid Pantry in Portland. The incident has raised concerns about safety in local neighborhoods.

April 3, 2026

Cervical Cancer: A Persistent Threat Despite Advances in Vaccination and Screening
local news

Cervical Cancer: A Persistent Threat Despite Advances in Vaccination and Screening

Cervical cancer remains a significant health issue in Oregon, highlighting the gaps in vaccination and screening efforts despite available preventive measures.

April 2, 2026

Legacy of Fear: Portland's Notorious Serial Killer Dies in Prison
local news

Legacy of Fear: Portland's Notorious Serial Killer Dies in Prison

The death of a convicted serial killer in Portland raises questions about his impact on the community and ongoing investigations into unsolved cases.

April 1, 2026

Two Arrested After Disturbance in Southern Oregon Community
local news

Two Arrested After Disturbance in Southern Oregon Community

A physical altercation in a Southern Oregon community led to the arrest of two individuals. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

March 31, 2026