Oregon News & Current Events | Public News Service

HUD's Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program will support a wide range of efforts to house young people. (Roman Bodnarchuk/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

HUD Grant to Help OR Fight Youth Homelessness

SALEM, Ore. - Funds from the federal government are helping communities, including two in Oregon, tackle youth homelessness. The U.S. Department of …

The Providence R-N Medical Advice Line has been a valuable tool during the pandemic, where people can ask about COVID-19 symptoms. (Courtesy of Heidi Sweeney)

OR Nurse Advice Line Plagued by Understaffing

PORTLAND, Ore. - Nurses provide a range of care, and not all of it is delivered in person. The Providence RN Medical Advice Line is a phone number …

Beginning in 2024, manufacturers must increase their zero-emission truck sales to between 30% and 50% by 2030. (Renew Oregon)

Front-Line Communities Applaud OR "Clean Truck" Rules

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Communities on the front lines of climate change are expected to benefit most from new rules in Oregon to move the state toward …

The Build Back Better Act could add 3,900 rental vouchers to Oregon that could house 8,000 people. (Aisyaqilumar/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Act Could Support Families, Affordable Housing in OR

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Supporters of the Build Back Better Act are touting the benefits it will bring to families in Oregon and across the country…

A session at the Vital Aging Conference will explore traveling tips for older Oregonians. (pikselstock/Adobe Stock)

OR Vital Aging Conference Helps Folks Live Vigorous Life

PORTLAND, Ore. -- This week, a conference is helping people live with intention as they get older. The 10th annual Oregon Vital Aging Conference …

A measure in Oregon implemented in February aims to tackle substance-abuse disorder in a new way. (Richelle/Adobe Stock)

OR Drug Decriminalization Measure Strikes at Racial Disparities in Arrests

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Proponents of a measure in Oregon to decriminalize possession of a small amount of drugs are hailing the reduction in arrests after …

Republican candidates likely are viable in only one of the six newly drawn congressional districts in Oregon. (CX Zoom/Wikimedia Commons)

OR Redistricting Maps Face Multiple Court Challenges

PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon lawmakers may have finished redistricting, but legal challenges abound for the maps they've drawn, both at the congressional …

Ten years ago, marchers from Occupy Portland came to Trailhead Credit Union to transfer their money to the nonprofit institution. (Francis Storr/Flickr)

A Decade Ago, Many Americans Ditched Banks for Credit Unions

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Ten years ago today, tens of thousands of Americans decided to join credit unions. It's now known as Bank Transfer Day. On the …

Oregon has been hit with multiple devastating wildfire seasons. Some say action on climate change is needed to mitigate them. (tawatchai1990/Adobe Stock)

With COP26 in Full Swing, Advocates Push U.S. Climate Measure

PORTLAND, Ore. -- As leaders from around the world meet in Glasgow, the United States' plan to tackle climate change is coming into focus. The Build …

Pregnancy tests were the most common services crisis pregnancy centers provided, according to a new report. (puhhha/Adobe Stock)

Report: Crisis-Pregnancy Centers "Mislead" Folks

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A new report investigates facilities that dissuade women from getting abortions. Known as crisis-pregnancy centers, the facilities …

Studies have shown that pesticide exposure in childhood can affect neurological and behavioral development. (Adobe Stock)

Wrongful Pesticide Use on OR School Grounds Worries Public-Health Advocates

HILLSBORO, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Agriculture recently completed an investigation into a suburban Portland school for the misuse of toxic …

Veterans working on a central Oregon ranch supply produce for a restaurant in Bend. (Central Oregon Veterans Ranch)

OR Veterans Ranch Fosters "Post-Traumatic Growth"

BEND, Ore. - Veterans returning home sometimes struggle to find a place where they feel like they belong. In Central Oregon, a ranch is supporting …

The theme for this year's International Credit Union Day is "building financial health for a brighter tomorrow." (snowing12/Adobe Stock)

It's 73rd Annual International Credit Union Day

PORTLAND, Ore. - Millions of members around the world, including some Oregonians, are observing International Credit Union Day today. This year …

The U.S. Postal Service suggests, with the latest changes affecting first-class mail, plan ahead and send packages and correspondence early if you're on a deadline. (Adobe Stock)

USPS Changes Have OR Postal Workers Worried about Holidays

PORTLAND, Ore. - Ahead of the busiest season of the year for the U.S. Postal Service, some Oregon postal workers are voicing concerns about the …

Along with older people, vaccine booster shots are recommended for workers such as health professionals and grocery store workers. (wachiwit/Adobe Stock)

Boosting Booster Shots: State's COVID Response and Recovery Unit

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Recommendations have been released for some people to get booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccine. Oregon is following the FDA and …

The average student debt load of an Oregon graduate is about $27,500. (pogonici/Adobe Stock)

Overhaul to Loan-Forgiveness Program Aims to Help Graduates

PORTLAND, Ore. -- An overhaul of the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program could bring relief to more than 550,000 student-loan borrowers …

Quartzville Creek is among the river sections currently protected as wild and scenic in Oregon, but only about 2% of the state's river miles have that federal designation. (Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Mgmt.)

OR Businesses Support River Protections

PORTLAND, Ore. - Hundreds of Oregon businesses have signaled their support for legislation protecting rivers across the state. In an open letter…

One proposal in Congress would invest $35 billion to expand access to school and summer meals. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Act Could Drastically Cut Child Hunger, Advocates Say

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Groups fighting child hunger say the Build Back Better plan in Congress could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cut down on …

Electricity use is the second-largest source of carbon emissions in Oregon. (Beyond Toxics)

Groups Push for Stronger Action in OR Climate-Protection Program

Corrected 9/28/21, 2 p.m. MDT, to clarify that the Climate Protection Program was not directly created by executive order; and that it is unclear how …

Anglers in the Columbia River Basin have been packing up earlier than normal this year. (ftfoxfoto/Adobe Stock)

Columbia River Basin Closures Put Fishing Jobs 'On Hold'

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Closed fisheries from imperiled fish runs in the Columbia River Basin are prompting calls for action before it's too late. …

Oregon's Latino workforce numbers 200,000, according to the organization Causa. (F8studio/Adobe Stock)

Initiative Shows How to Tackle Digital Divide for Latino Households

PORTLAND, Ore. - A growing slice of the workforce is Hispanic, but a disproportionate number of Hispanic households don't have regular access to the …

A letter encourages Congress to raise taxes on wealthy people, including an additional tax on people with net assets of more than $50 million. (W.Scott McGill/Adobe Stock)

Wealthy Americans Encourage Congress to Raise Their Tax Rate

PORTLAND, Ore. - Wealthy Americans have a message for Congress: Tax us more. More than 200 high-income taxpayers and business owners have sent an …

Oregon's Hispanic population grew 30% from 2010 to 2020. (Gstudio/Adobe Stock)

Hispanic Heritage Month Offers Opportunity for Reflection

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Hispanic Heritage Month began this week, and will be celebrated through Oct. 15. Oregon has a rapidly growing Hispanic population…

More than 42 million Americans may experience food insecurity because of the pandemic, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (Waseem Ali Khan/Adobe Stock)

Groups Fighting Hunger Call for Action This Month

PORTLAND, Ore. - Groups fighting hunger and poverty in Oregon are urging renewed action this month to ensure that everyone is fed. September is …

Members of Congress introduced bills in June banning use of facial-recognition technology by state and federal entities. (Electronic Frontier Foundation/Wikimedia Commons)

Portland's Facial-Recognition Ban Seen as Model for U.S.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A year ago today, Portland passed one of the most sweeping bans of facial-recognition technology in the country. The ban includes …

The Oregon Legislature released two different maps, with Plan A above, for how to draw its six congressional districts. (Oregonlegislature.gov)

Short Period for Public Input on OR Voting Maps Begins

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A small window for public input is open to discuss the Oregon Legislature's proposed voting maps. After receiving detailed census …

The Social Security program will only be able to make full payouts for the next 12 years, according to a new report. (larryhw/Adobe Stock)

Report: Pandemic Will Cause Social Security Funding Shortage

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The pandemic presents some future funding challenges to benefits for older Americans, according to the 2021 Social Security and …

Research has found one hour of cooking can produce nitrous oxide levels that would be illegal if found outside. (avirid/Adobe Stock)

Air Quality Faces Dual Threats from Wildfires, Gas Appliances

PORTLAND, Ore. - Wildfire season has obvious effects on air quality outside, but hidden impacts on air quality also are lurking inside some homes…

The Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton has a capacity of about 1,600 people. (tomas/Adobe Stock)

Despite Past Attempts, OR Not Among States to End Prison Gerrymandering

PORTLAND, Ore. - Local prison populations can affect how voting districts will be drawn. Eleven states, including Washington, have reconsidered …

A report on ecologically important rivers in Oregon highlights the Chetco River in the southwestern part of the state. (Zachary Collier/Flickr)

Research Pinpoints 'Best of the Best' Oregon Rivers to Conserve

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A new report identifies some of the most ecologically important rivers in Oregon. Conservation Science Partners looked at 54,000 …

Along with wage increases, Portland janitors are ensured more COVID-19 protections from their new contract. (SEIU Local 49)

On Pandemic Front Lines, Janitors Get Union Contract Victory

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Janitors have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than 2,000 in the Portland area have been rewarded with a …

About half of student parents and first-generation students are Pell Grant recipients. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

As College Cost Worries Grow, Campaign Urges Doubling Pell Grants

EUGENE, Ore. - Pell Grants are a lifeline for many students attending college, but the federal aid covers far less than it used to. That's why …

A new contract for 600 health-care workers guarantees a $2-3 pay raise immediately for many caregivers. (SEIU Local 49)

Victory for OR Hospital Workers' Union After Hard Year

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Nearly 600 health-care workers in the Willamette Valley are celebrating their success in negotiations with their employers…

More than a fifth of parents of children ages 5 to 12 reported worsening emotional and cognitive health since March 2020. (DanRentea/Adobe Stock)

Supportive Tips for OR Students as In-Person Learning Returns

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Students are set to return to the classroom in Oregon, fueling a mix of emotions. Health and education professionals have some …

U.S. Highway 20 runs through winter habitat for mule deer from Ontario to Burns, in eastern Oregon. (Jessica Sherry/Alita Films)

Solution to Wildlife Collisions Needed on OR Highway

VALE, Ore. - Eastern Oregonians are calling for a solution to wildlife collisions along a stretch of highway through the Malheur River Canyon…

The keynote topic for the Oregon Nurses Association is "health equity as a social-justice imperative." (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

OR Nurses Conference Explores Fairness in Health Outcomes

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Oregon nurses are holding a conference today on an important topic facing the health industry: equitable outcomes for patients…

As the Northwest feels the summer heat, salmon are struggling to migrate hundreds of miles upstream. (Conrad Gowell/Columbia Riverkeeper)

Northwesterners to Rally to Support Threatened Salmon

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Rallies are taking place across the Northwest to support salmon, which face dire conditions in the Columbia River Basin. Saturday…

The disparity between Black and white youths in juvenile facilitied dropped by 13% between 2015 and 2019. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Racial Gap Narrows for Incarcerated OR Youth, But Work Remains

SALEM, Ore. - Young people of color are locked up at disproportionately high rates compared with their white peers, despite recent signs the gap is …

Effects of Oregon's Bootleg Fire stretch all the way to the East Coast, with smoke carried thousands of miles by high-level winds.(Clandestino/Pixabay)

Experts: More Logging Won't Stop Oregon's Wildfires

PORTLAND, Ore. -- As the Bootleg fire burns in southern Oregon, the U.S. Senate is considering an infrastructure package that environmental …

Workers at four Portland-area hospitals negotiated for 10 months before accepting a contract deal. (Alan Dubinsky)

Portland Health-Care Workers Celebrate “Groundbreaking” New Contract

CORRECTION: The eight-hour workday clause in the contract applies only to the housekeeping staff. (8:57 a.m. PST, July 23, 2021) PORTLAND, Ore…

Tillamook County on Oregon's coast is one of two counties in the state hosting an American Connection Corps fellow. (xiao/Adobe Stock)

Bridging the Digital Divide in OR

TILLAMOOK, Ore. -- Like other infrastructure needs, the widening gap in internet access is affecting people across the country. In the spirit of New …

An AARP study finds family caregivers spend an average of 26% of their income on caregiving activities. (verbaska/Adobe Stock)

Study: Taking Care of Family Costly for Caregivers

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Family caregiving is rewarding and challenging, and it can also put a big strain on people's wallets. A new study from AARP found …

Coastal Oregon communities like Yaquina Bay are in the process of updating their estuary management plans. (Jessica Miller/Oregon State University)

Eelgrass Research Could Help Guide OR Coastal Management

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A new study finds restoration of eelgrass, an important marine plant, depends mostly on where, rather than how. The findings could …

Historically, students of color have been less likely to receive postsecondary degrees than their white counterparts. A new Oregon legislative task force wants to change that. (Devin Allphin/Adobe Stock)

New OR Task Force to Support Underrepresented Students in Higher Ed

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon lawmakers want to ensure more underrepresented students are successful in higher education. At the end of the 2021 session…

Oregon has officially reopened in time for July 4th, likely leading to more public gatherings. But will all of them be peaceful? (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

Concerns about Far-Right Activity, Veteran Recruitment on Rise

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Far-right groups could be active over the Independence Day weekend, prompting the Department of Homeland Security to release a …

The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve near Coos Bay supports 65 jobs. (Werewombat/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: Southern OR Coastal Reserve Has Big Local Impact

COOS BAY, Ore. -- A system of little-known public lands protecting sensitive coastal habitats generates big economic impacts for local communities…

The number of children living in poverty was nearly cut in half between 2010 and 2019, according to a new report. (Steve/Adobe Stock)

Report: OR Can 'Be Better' Than Middle of Pack on Child Well-Being

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Child well-being in Oregon was a mixed bag before the pandemic, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS …

The Oregon legislative session is scheduled to adjourn June 27. (ASP Inc/Adobe Stock)

OR Bill Would Overhaul Community Safety, Policing

UPDATE: HB 2002 has died in the Legislature. "This is a profoundly disappointing setback for Oregonians who value and have called for racial justice …

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