Conrad Wilson

Jury selection is underway in the trial of a man charged in a deadly stabbing attack aboard a light rail train in Portland, Ore.

Oregon's new law designed to direct suspects with a mental illness to a state hospital is leaving some behind. Those charged with misdemeanors don't always qualify. That's raised some alarms.

In the Pacific Northwest, about half the number of jail deaths are caused by suicides. An investigation by NPR member stations raises concerns about the steps being taken to prevent the deaths.

Some Oregon inmates with mental illness are in jail rather than a state mental health hospital. A federal judge will hear arguments Tuesday that Oregon is not providing timely, appropriate care.

The ACLU has sued 15 states over inadequate public defender programs. Oregon is trying to head off legal action by considering a bill that would increase funding and oversight for the state's system.

A bipartisan sanctuary law that Oregon lawmakers passed easily in 1987 is now subject to a repeal vote.

In June, Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced they would house 1,600 immigrant detainees in federal prisons. But now nearly all detainees have been moved elsewhere, deported, or released.

Oregon is one of two states to allow split verdicts for most felony cases. Many critics say the non-unanimous jury system leads to convictions of innocent people.

A case going before the Oregon Court of Appeals on Friday argues that the state's sentencing laws for juveniles violates the U.S. Constitution and a 2012 Supreme Court ruling.

Some immigrants housed in prison were held three to a cell for up to 23 hours a day, according to court filings. The government maintains that detained immigrants are not being denied due process.