Leilani Payne, a pro-Palestine activist, said, “I was sitting down right there (gesturing to the back gate grass patch) and they ran out while my back was turned, and they grabbed me, put me in a chokehold, dragged me up onto the sidewalk, and then (the ICE agent who grabbed her) said, ‘No not this one’ and let me go.”

Payne’s image went global last year after a video showed her being pepper sprayed as a peaceful protester. The pepper spray was held not even 5 inches from the face of the 19-year-old.

The other protester, who was detained, also shared her story. 

“I said, ‘What is the right to tackle me?’ I don’t even know how many men were on me. There was one guy who kept trying to argue with me back and forth and I literally told him to ‘Shut the f*ck up,’ ” said the woman who is barely 5-foot-4 and has pigtails.

She also showed cuts and bruises left from where the officers dragged her. She was released almost 30 minutes later.

1/25/26 | Portland, Oregon | Immigration and Customs Enforcement | Photo by Ashlie Slocum

1/25/26 | Portland, Oregon | Immigration and Customs Enforcement | Photo by @pdx_pali_boost

From the video footage – which is available on Instagram and Tik Tok via @ghxxstgirll –  neither of the women resisted arrest. Four different people were released after being detained that night.

That same night, rounds of ammunition from tear gas, pepper spray balls and HC gas, known as hexachloroethane, was also used multiple times throughout the night from around 9-10 p.m.

The manufacturer of HC gas describes it as a “Military-Style Maximum Smoke Grenade comes from the Defense Technology® #3 smoke grenade. It is a slow burning, high volume, continuous discharge grenade designed for outdoor use in crowd management situations. Emits grey-white smoke only for approximately 1.5 to 2 minutes.”

California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (also known as Proposition 65), includes this warning: “This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead Salts, Methylene Chloride and Hexavalent Chromium, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Lead Salts, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.”

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Originally posted February 3, 2026 at https://ghxxstgirlls.blogspot.com/2026/02/peaceful-protesters-put-into-chokehold.html. Reposted with author’s permission.

The post Federal Agents Put Peaceful Protesters Into a Chokehold appeared first on The Commuter.

If you’ve recently driven on Oregon Highway 34, you may have noticed the street lights going from the typical halogen-type that cast the nostalgic “yellow” beam and buzz noise have been replaced with the more modern LED-style light.

But there’s something different about them … as they cast a purple glow?

At a Glance:

• What: Purple “Rain” – Purple LEDs casting a purple glow on Oregon Highway 34
• Why: A manufacturer defect in the LEDs
• The Cause: LEDs naturally emit blue/purple light. They are typically covered in a phosphor coating to turn that light white. When the coating degrades or fails, the original purple hue leaks through.
• What’s Next: Replacing the affected fixtures in the next 10-12 weeks is estimated at $20,000 for time and materials.
• Website: www.oregon.gov/odot/engineering/pages/illumination.aspx
• For More Information: www.oregon.gov/odot/pages/media-contacts.aspx

Taking notice of these off-colored lights during a drive home one night in the rain, one could only be mesmerized by the purple “rain” cast by the light reflecting through them. The only thing that was missing was Prince, singing “Purple Rain.”

Some of the questions the lights raise: Have these caused any accidents? What is the cause of these lights going purple? Are they being replaced?

Upon being contacted at the Linn County Road Department through email, County Roadmaster Amy Ramsdell replied, “By law, we are not able to perform work on another road authority’s network without their written consent.” She went on to state in the email, “The Linn County Road Department will not be replacing lights on the Oregon Department of Transportation network.”

ODOT Public Information Officer Mindy McCartt wrote, “The purple hue you’re seeing on the streetlights near Oregon 34 at Goltra Road and Denny School Road is a known issue affecting some LED fixtures nationwide. In this case, it is due to a manufacturing defect where the phosphor coating on the LED degrades over time.”

McCartt continued, “LED lights naturally emit a blue or purple light, and the coating is what converts that to the standard white color. When the coating fails, the light can appear purple.”

“These particular lights were installed by a contractor about nine years ago and are outside the standard warranty period,” McCartt wrote. “ODOT maintenance crews recently inspected the site and confirmed that all but two of the fixtures have a purple hue. Replacing all the affected fixtures is estimated to cost approximately $20,000 in time and materials. Because of the volume of business ODOT does with the supplier, we are exploring options to obtain discounted replacement fixtures. That process requires verifying the age and manufacturing batch using serial numbers. We estimate the repairs will take place within the next 10–12 weeks.”

McCartt also addressed the safety concern for these lights: “We are not aware of any crashes specifically attributed to the purple lighting at this location. While the color is unusual, the lights are still functioning and providing illumination.”

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Article posted with author’s permission from https://theratpost.blogspot.com/2026/02/purple-rain-purple-leds-casting-purple.html

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We covered recycling, the first R of the three R’s, that we can do on a personal level to combat climate change in the last issue of the Commuter. Now let’s explore the other two R’s. First up, REDUCING, the second R, your footprint by sorting out the things that no longer fit you or that you no longer use. Giving someone else a chance to appreciate that piece of clothing, piece of furniture, jewelry, shoes, hat or dishes. You get the idea. Uncluttering your life frees up space for you and what you donate will help raise money for good causes.

Whether you’re still living at home or are already living on your own, you’ve been used to having certain things in your life. You can’t take everything with you when you move out. Weeding through all the stuff in your closet, dressers, books, electronics, and everything else can be overwhelming if you try to do it all at once. Take them one section at a time. Make three boxes, label them “Keep,” “Donate/Sell” or “Trash.” After you have filled or are done with whatever part of sorting, ask either your parents, siblings, or roommates if they want anything or if they have anything they want to add to the donation box. 

You have many choices to take your “Donate” boxes to. Here are the main choices:  Vina Moses in Corvallis, Goodwill (two locations-Corvallis and Albany), The Arc (two locations-Corvallis and Philomath), St. Vincent de Paul in Albany and The Cats Meow in downtown Corvallis.  Each of these places serve different populations.  Vina Moses offers clothing for free to the homeless and for those with limited income.

According to an email from Ashley Ri’chard, Community Resource Coordinator at the Arc of Benton County:

 “When you shop at The Arc Thrift Stores, your purchase does far more than stretch your budget, it strengthens an entire community. Every dollar directly supports programs that empower people with developmental disabilities across Benton and Linn counties. 

These funds help provide life-skills training, job coaching, supported employment, social connection opportunities, and wellness programming that many individuals would not otherwise have access to.

“Our stores are also a gateway to inclusion. Many of the people you see greeting customers, sorting donations, or learning retail skills are gaining meaningful work experience through The Arc’s employment and training programs. Your support creates these hands-on learning opportunities, builds confidence, and helps people develop the skills they need to thrive in the workforce and in the community. Shopping at The Arc is one of the simplest ways to invest in a more accessible and welcoming community for everyone.

Finally, she added, “Beyond programming, our thrift stores are alive with community spirit. Each purchase helps create spaces where people with developmental disabilities can build friendships, strengthen independence, and feel connected. The Arc has been part of this community for 67 years, and our thrift stores remain a vital part of how we sustain our mission of dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.”

Similarly, Goodwill’s mission is “to provide vocational opportunities to people with disabilities as well as others with barriers to employment.”

And St. Vincent de Paul’s mission is: “We assist the vulnerable and those in need of consolation, seeking out and utilizing every resource. Being mindful of the sanctity and dignity of all, we know that any charitable work that advances those goals is within the mission of St. Vincent de Paul.”

Determine which one you want to support or which is more convenient or easiest for you to drop off your gently used items. Not every place takes everything. Do your research so you don’t make unnecessary trips.

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Reusing, the third R, is probably the most important one. By not buying new, you can help your budget, the causes each place supports and the planet. All of the thrift stores mentioned have everything at a fraction of the retail prices. 

Globally, about 57% of clothing waste goes to landfills, while in the United States, textiles made up 7.7% of all municipal solid waste sent to landfill in 2018. A significant portion of all clothing produced also ends up in landfills or is incinerated, with estimates suggesting 85% of the total fiber input goes to one or the other. In 2018, the U.S. EPA found 11.3 million tons of textiles went to landfills. 

Discover the excitement and thrill of exploring the world of thrifting.  Nothing compares to the feeling you get when finding something that you know is valuable for a fraction of its worth. You can’t believe your luck that someone donated something you always wanted but couldn’t afford. Once this happens, you’re hooked on thrifting. Lucky for you there are plenty of places to quench your inner Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider. 

Goodwill in both Corvallis and Albany,  Heartland Humane Thrift Shop “The Cat’s Meow” in downtown Corvallis and The Arc thrift stores in Corvallis and Philomath offer 50% off depending on the color of the tags featured that week or month. Goodwill changes which color tag is featured every Sunday. The colors are blue, green, purple, red, and yellow and they rotate alphabetically. The Arc and Heartland Humane Thrift Shop change their tag color every month. If you are or have someone you know that is a senior, all three places offer 15% discounts to seniors every Wednesday. 

Once you start thrifting, you start to focus on what you like collecting. It will help you focus your search to look for certain things. It could be cameras, jewelry, hats, records, furniture, art or anything that you have a passion for. The fun part of thrifting is finding something unexpected. If you don’t know the value of what you are looking at, look it up on your phone. There you can check on what the artwork’s worth and check the reviews on any electronics you might find. 

Return policies are different at different places. Goodwill’s policy is you can’t remove the tags and you must have the receipt. Also, you have 30 days to return your item. Same with St. Vincent de Paul. Keeping the receipt is always a good idea. They both have dressing rooms to make sure it fits. This will save you time and money because you only get credit. No cash refunds. The Arc doesn’t take returns.

These are just a few of the places in our area. There are mom and pop thrift stores, antique malls, and flea markets in both Corvallis, Albany, and all the small communities in the central valley. Not to mention all the estate sales, yard and garage sales every weekend. If you don’t want to leave your house there is always Facebook Marketplace and Ebay. 

Supporting all these businesses is a win-win for you and the people and pets you will be helping.  

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The Oregon Department of Transportation says it needs more funding. Not everyone agrees. 

House Bill 3991, passed by the Oregon Senate on Sept. 29, aims to raise $4.3 billion in transportation funding over the next 10 years. Oregon Department of Transportation officials warn that without it, Oregon’s road maintenance will suffer.

To get there, however, the bill will raise transportation taxes and fees.

Opponents of HB 3991 are already planning to gather enough signatures to refer sections of the bill to 2026 ballots. 

If so, should Oregonians vote against those tax increases? 

On Sept. 29, Oregon lawmakers spent $270,000 of taxpayer dollars to hold a special session, not to help families, but to raise their taxes. The result was House Bill 3991, a transportation funding package that will pull $4.3 billion from Oregonians over the next decade. 

They said it would fix roads and save ODOT jobs. But for families like ours, it’s not a rescue plan; it’s a raid on our paychecks, and a grim reminder that the people footing the bill are always the last to be heard.

We’re a working family in Corvallis, raising four kids and studying mechatronics at Linn-Benton Community College, juggling rising costs for groceries, rent, and fuel just to stay afloat. Every dollar matters. Our family depends on public transit to get to work and school every day, and like most Oregonians, we believe in safe, reliable transportation. 

But HB 3991 does little to make it stronger or more affordable. When lawmakers raise the gas tax, hike vehicle fees, and double the payroll tax, they’re not investing in Oregon’s future; they’re cutting into working families’ paychecks and calling it progress.

Here’s what HB 3991 actually does: It raises the gas tax by 6 cents per gallon, pushing it to 46 cents. Registration fees climb by $42, title fees jump by $139, and starting in 2027 electric and hybrid drivers will be charged by the mile under a new road-usage program. The payroll tax doubles from 0.1% to 0.2% until 2028. 

Add it up, and families already stretched thin are being asked to pay more just to drive to work, take their kids to school, and keep daily life moving.

Supporters claim HB 3991 is a tough but necessary step to prevent road closures and layoffs. We understand that concern, but Oregon’s problem isn’t a lack of money — it’s how that money is managed. An independent review presented to lawmakers in May, as reported by OPB, found ODOT mired in cost overruns, staff turnover, and outdated systems that have “eroded trust with elected leaders.” 

Analysts at City Observatory, a Portland-based think tank, accused ODOT in July of using misleading data to justify higher taxes. The pattern is clear: Oregon doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a management problem — and taxpayers shouldn’t be asked to fund more waste.

Even supporters of HB 3991 admit it’s little more than a short-term fix that postpones Oregon’s real transportation challenges. Without reform, the state will keep pouring money into the same broken system instead of fixing it. 

Oregon must start with accountability: a full ODOT audit, real efficiency reforms, and a fairer balance between user fees and general funding before raising taxes again. Families like ours already stretch every dollar — we shouldn’t have to pay more for the state’s mistakes.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed HB 3991 into law on Nov. 7, but Oregonians could still decide its fate. A referendum effort is underway to overturn the tax increases in the bill, but it will only make the 2026 ballot if enough signatures are collected. 

Now that the governor has added her signature, Oregonians will need to do the same to the referendum petition.  

We support that effort because Oregon deserves a transportation plan that is fair, transparent, and sustainable — not one that treats working families as its personal ATM.

House Bill 3991 is a crucial step in modernizing the state’s transportation funding, which has not experienced a major change since 2017. 

As a result of this outdated funding system, ODOT has been steadily moving towards what is now a $350 million budget shortfall that threatens the livelihood of all Oregonians. 

If HB3991 is repealed, those who rely on the transportation sector for jobs, as well as road users across the state, both urban and rural, will pay a greater price than a gas tax increase. HB3991 is a bill that was passed out of necessity for Oregon, not just ODOT, and for that reason, should not be referred. 

While HB3991 is not a perfect solution, it is necessary to address a very real problem. Critics of the bill, such as Sen. David Brock Smith, argue that this transportation package will disproportionately hurt rural Oregonians who travel farther and have lower incomes. This is a genuine concern, but what about the cost in damages caused by unprepared winter roads and unattended road hazards due to a lack of funding for those same rural Oregonians? 

If HB3991 is referred, not only will jobs be lost, but 12 key maintenance stations will stay shut down, and nearly all of them are responsible for road maintenance in rural Oregon communities. 

The truth is, the dilemma we face is a double-edged sword. Families like Travis and Krystal’s are rightfully worried about the economic burden this legislation threatens. But it’s not the Corvallis and Albany commuters who will be hit the hardest; it’s the Oregonians who commute out of places like Sweet Home, Sisters, and the nine other towns who would otherwise lose their road maintenance crews. 

Even if HB 3991 is repealed and our money is spared in the short run, it’s those same Oregonians who will be left without our state’s support.  

In 2024, approximately 765 highway miles received the highest level of road service; in 2026, approximately 765 road miles will have no dedicated maintenance and instead rely on crews that are already stretched thin from surrounding areas, even in winter. 

ODOT warns of response time delays across the state and that nearly 500 positions would remain cut. To some, this might not justify the need for such an aggressive change in funding, but at the community level, we aren’t just talking about keeping roads open; we are talking about keeping Oregon connected. 

Oregon is one of the largest states by square miles, and as a result, our transportation needs make up the most essential part of our state’s infrastructure. The effects of this lack of funding can already be felt, as a town like Sweet Home has to rely on road crews from Albany and Santiam Junction just to keep the highway and roads clear come winter. 

Without a steady, uninterrupted funding model, essential road maintenance will be delayed, and compounding costs could create a cycle of disrepair impacting every Oregonian. This bill is not perfect, but sometimes perfect is the enemy of progress. 

HB3991 represents progress towards a sustainable, modern transportation system – and that’s worth a few cents at the gas station if we can keep people in the workforce and our roads safe. 

The post Voters can Drive Change with Oregon Transportation Bill appeared first on The Commuter.

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Linn-Benton Community College’s leadership team continues to monitor the federal government shutdown and its potential impacts on our students. At this time, Federal Student Aid programs for the 2025–26 year remain fully funded, and students are continuing to receive Pell Grants, Campus-Based Aid (including Federal Work-Study and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant), and Direct Loans without interruption. Students are also able to access and complete the FAFSA for the 2026–27 year. However, schools have been advised not to make aid offers that include Campus-Based Aid for 2026–27 until federal allocations are finalized. 

Our veteran students using Chapter 31 – Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits may experience delays if the shutdown continues to the winter term, as VA Counselors who authorize these benefits are currently furloughed. Without renewed authorization, tuition payments, housing stipends, and VA Work-Study participation could be temporarily affected. 

Though federal student financial aid seems to be in solid shape for the time being, that is not the case with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, more commonly known as food stamps. Earlier this month, the federal government notified states that payments for SNAP should not be issued until further notice. In Oregon, about 750,000 residents are enrolled in SNAP and will not receive their November food assistance payments unless the shutdown ends before October 31. A significant portion of our students – roughly one in six – receive SNAP benefits; our LBCC Foundation team has graciously agreed to look for temporary resources to help our students who are impacted.

As you know, these are challenging times for many students, employees and residents of our broader communities. LBCC remains committed to supporting students and we will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

If you have any questions, please reach out. We have a Fireside Chat scheduled next week (in-person, November 3 at 2pm in the Fireside Room, and a repeat session on zoom on November 4 at 2pm). There are a lot of important issues to discuss, so please try to attend. In the meantime, let’s hope that our campus can help provide calm during these turbulent times.

Thanks,

Lisa

The post Lisa Avery: Federal Government Shutdown – Impact on LBCC appeared first on The Commuter.

“[The show] showcases designs of local artists who lent their talents to promote the band Skeleton Boy and coincides with their upcoming music,” said gallery coordinator Theo Jones.

Skeleton Boy is a self-described “pop culture punk” band from Albany. The art display will be viewable up through week 10 of fall term.

The post LBCC Art Show to Look ‘Through the Eyeholes of Skeleton Boy’ Nov. 14 appeared first on The Commuter.

ALBANY, Ore. – Linn-Benton Community College is thrilled to announce its participation in the newly established U.S.-UK Community College and Technical Education Exchange, a collaboration focused on sustainability and green skills training. This initiative, developed by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and the UK’s Association of Colleges (AoC), is generously supported by the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation. It will pair U.S. community colleges with UK counterparts to develop student exchange programs focused on sustainability and green skills.

In this exciting first phase, LBCC will partner with Cambridge Regional College in England to offer students hands-on experience in electric vehicle technology, and Bergen Community College (N.J.) will collaborate with Southport College in England in the area of sustainable construction. The four colleges were selected from a robust pool of applicants from both the U.S. and the UK, and will be supported by ACCT and AoC experts in designing their exchange programs.

“I am very proud of our selection for the first exchange program with the United Kingdom, ACCT, and the Association of Colleges,” said LBCC President Lisa Avery. “For LBCC, this provides opportunities to globalize our skilled trades coursework, and it allows students the chance to enhance their skills across borders. Our faculty are excited to collaborate with their partners at Cambridge Regional College, and to grow this partnership in electric-vehicle technology. LBCC’s mission involves transforming communities and building our regional economy, and this exchange is a great example of putting that into practice.”

ACCT President and CEO Jee Hang Lee and AoC Deputy Chief Executive Julian Gravatt formalized this international collaboration with a Memorandum of Understanding, signed at the ACCT Leadership Congress in Seattle on Oct. 24. The event gathered approximately 1,800 leaders in community college education who joined in fostering governance, collaboration, and workforce development for the future.

Following an initial planning session earlier in October, the four participating colleges are now coordinating program details. An in-person meeting between the U.S. and UK faculty and leadership will take place in June, and student exchange programs will officially launch in the summer or fall of 2025. A scholarship pool will be available to support students who join the program’s first cohort.

The program’s impact will extend beyond the initial exchange, building a strong foundation for future collaborative activities that promote global workforce readiness and innovation.

About ACCT

The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern over 1,200 community, technical, and junior colleges in the United States and beyond. For more information, go to www.acct.org.

About AoC

Association of Colleges is the national voice for further education, sixth form, tertiary, and specialist colleges in England. We are a not-for-profit membership organization established in 1996 by colleges for colleges. Our members make up more than 90% of the sector – educating and training 1.6 million people each year. Visit aoc.co.uk to learn more.

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One of those organizations is Linn-Benton Community College’s own Student Leadership Council (SLC), which will be staffing a booth on Welcome Day (Sept. 25 on the Albany campus) and the first week of school to “encourage and promote voter registration,” per LBCC’s Government Relations Manager Linnea Everts. 

The SLC will be promoting a tool called TurboVote, which can help people check their registration status as well as other voting-related information. 

A Sept. 16 press release from Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade read: “Oregonians can register online at OregonVotes.gov/register. Oregonians may also choose to register by completing a voter registration form and returning it to a county elections office. To register to vote in Oregon, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Oregon, and at least 16 years old, with ballots being issued once you turn 18 years old.”

Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5 or postmarked on that day to be counted. Preliminary results will become available following the deadline on the Secretary of State’s website. 

For more voting information, visit OregonVotes.gov. 

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ALBANY, Ore. – Linn-Benton Community College received $130,543 in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) through a Commercial Motor Vehicle Operational Safety (CMVOST) grant for fiscal year 2024.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the support from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the advocacy of Senator Jeff Merkley for educational initiatives like ours,” said Tatiana Wicke, Linn-Benton Community College’s Special Projects and CDL Program Coordinator. “This funding will allow us to serve 20 veterans and their families in our community, making it possible for them to attend our CDL program and achieve their career goals.”

The mission of FMCSA is to is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. The agency is awarding more than $3.5 million to states and other entities through the CMVOST grant, which seeks to reduce the severity and number of crashes on our nation’s roads involving large trucks and buses by expanding the number of CDL holders possessing enhanced operator safety training. 

The CMVOST grant program has three goals: 1) to expand the number of CDL holders possessing enhanced operator safety training; 2) to provide opportunities for current or former members of the United States Armed Forces (including National Guard members and reservists) and their families to enter the trucking or busing industry as drivers; and 3) to help increase training opportunities for candidates from rural, refugee, and underserved communities.

“At FMCSA, our job is all about safety – that includes safety of the roadways and safety of our nation’s commercial motor vehicle drivers,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Vinn White. “So, we are proud to make this funding available, and are committed to working with the awardees to put it to good use, making it easier for drivers to enter into and stay in the CMV industry.”

This will reduce the severity and number of crashes on our nation’s roads involving large trucks and buses by expanding the number of CDL holders possessing enhanced operator safety training. The focus on attracting veterans and individuals from underserved communities helps expand and diversify the trucking industry. The grant also highlights the Biden-Harris Administration’s continued commitment to its Trucking Action Plan, increasing the pool of trained drivers to strengthen the trucking workforce. Strengthening our nation’s trucking workforce also improves the resiliency of our national supply chain.

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