Meerah Powell
Meerah Powell is a general assignment and breaking news reporter for OPB. She previously worked as a news reporter and podcast producer for Eugene Weekly in her hometown of Eugene, Oregon. Along with writing and audio work, Meerah also has experience with photography and videography. She graduated from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication. Send Meerah story ideas at mpowell@opb.org.
Latest Stories

Oregon AG decries ‘police state’ arrest tactics by federal officers in Portland
Nation | News | localOregon AG Decries 'Police State' Arrest Tactics By Federal Officers In Portlandby Meerah Powell Follow OPB July 22, 2020 12:41 p.m. | Portland, Ore.In a court hearing Wednesday, attorneys representing both the Oregon Department of Justice and federal agencies deployed in Portland made their arguments in a lawsuit claiming civil rights abuses amid ongoing protests.

Oregon changes how it counts COVID-19 recoveries, prompting concerns about accuracy
Last month, the Oregon Health Authority implemented a new guideline in which it would consider COVID-19 cases recovered after 60 days. Previously, public health officials would individually call patients to assess recovery.
Meerah’s Test Story
Testing this brand spankin' new CMS.

Metro Ballot Measure To Support Homeless Services Polling Positively
Out of 600 metro area voters polled earlier this month, nearly 60% said they would vote "yes" on the ballot measure.

Live Updates: Known Oregon Coronavirus Cases Surpass 800
Oregon's total number of known coronavirus cases stands at 826 as of Friday morning, according to the Oregon Health Authority.

Known Oregon Coronavirus Cases Surpass 800; State To Receive New Testing Devices
As of Thursday morning, Oregon has a total of 826 diagnosed cases of the virus and 21 known related deaths.

Clark College Faculty Union Negotiation Deadline Impending, Set To Strike Monday
The union's deadline to reach an agreement with the college is 5 p.m. Friday. If a strike starts Monday, the college's interim president said all classes would be canceled for the duration of the strike.

Portland-Based Mercy Corps In Puerto Rico Offering Aid After Earthquake
Mercy Corps has worked on turning local community centers into “resilience hubs” with solar panels, emergency kits and disaster preparedness training.

Woman Charged With Hate Crime For Allegedly Harassing Saudi Arabian PSU Student
Jasmine Renee Campbell, 23, is accused of grabbing a foreign exchange student's hijab, attempting to choke her with it then rubbing it on parts of her naked body.

Forecast: Parts Of Oregon Could See Record-Breaking Heat
Portland, Eugene and Salem are expected to tie or break high temperature records next week.