Oregon News & Current Events | Public News Service

Dioxins are called persistent organic pollutants (POPs), meaning they take a long time to break down once they are in the environment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 26, 2022

OR Activists Seek Dioxin-Contamination Accountability in Low-Income Eugene

As a West Eugene wood-treatment facility continues the process of reducing operations, activists are seeking accountability for contamination that …

A recent study ranked Oregon as having the highest prevalence of mental illness in the country. (sewcream/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Peer Support Helps Reduce Stigma of Mental-Health Care

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there are many stressors for people right now, from the pandemic to the economy. There is a high …

A plan to update the Coos Bay port could make it among the top ten busiest in the country. (mdurson/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Infrastructure Funds for Port Could Boost Rural OR Community

Funding from the infrastructure measure Congress passed last year could benefit a struggling rural community in Oregon. Lawmakers in the state have …

A recent survey finds 84% of Asian Oregonians did not report race-based incidents or crimes after they happened. (Xavier Lorenzo/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Survey: Hate Incidents Strain Asian Oregonian Communities

There has been an alarming rise in racist incidents against Asian residents in Oregon, and it is changing how community members behave. The Oregon …

The state of the economy is dominating voters priorities ahead of the November midterms. (Joaquin Corbalan/Adobe Stock)

Survey: 'Reliable, Consistent' Bloc of Women Voters 50+ Shouldn't be Ignored

Women ages 50 and over cast a big chunk of ballots, with a big impact in American elections, and a new poll looked at what they want. Findings in …

About a quarter of Oregon's population is a race or ethnicity other than white, according to the Census Bureau. (niyazz/Adobe Stock)

Ties Between Systemic Racism, Hunger on Ballot as Oregonians Vote

Oregon's primary election is today, and one of the issues affecting voters is systemic racism. Black, Indigenous and people of color suffer from …

Parts of Oregon are considered child-care deserts because of the lack of access to care. (Irina Schmidt/Adobe Stock)

Crisis of Child Care Affordability Affects OR Voters

Oregonians are casting their ballots for Tuesday's primary election. One issue affecting many voters is access to child care. Courtney Helstein…

Overtime pay will be phased in for farmworkers in Oregon over the next five years. (Bob/Adobe Stock)

Farmworkers Rights a Ballot Issue as OR Primary Approaches

Ballots are due for Oregon's primary election on Tuesday, and one key issue for voters is the rights of workers who grow the state's food. …

Oregon is one of eight states that conduct their elections completely by mail. (Scott Van Blarcom/Adobe Stock)

OR Called an Easy State to Vote In, But Could Do More

Oregonians have the easiest time casting their votes in the nation, according to studies and can vote in almost any situation. Open access to the …

Jay Formick and his nursing colleagues called on people to join in a march through Oregon City today. (Jay Formick)

OR Nurses Fight for Union Contracts During National Nurses Week

It is National Nurses Week, and nurses in Oregon are celebrating with a call to complete contract negotiations. Nurses at Providence Willamette …

If a homeowner selects to be excluded from chemical sprays, they must agree to maintain their yard to the HOA's common standard, according to nonprofit Beyond Toxics. (Adobe Stock)

More OR Outreach Needed For HOA Chemical Exemption

As the safety debate over pesticides and other chemicals often used for lawn and property maintenance continues, Oregon residents now have more …

Six janitors, above, graduated from a 30-hour curriculum on green and sustainable practices. (Molly J. Smith/Adobe Stock)

OR Janitors Go Green with Sustainability Certification

Janitors in downtown Portland have received a unique certification that signals they're going green. Six janitors were certified through the green …

Data from Oregon State University suggests food insecurity spiked to 1 million people in the state in May 2020. (Mediaphotos/Adobe Stock)

Hunger on Ballot as Oregonians Vote in Primary Election

Ballots will start to be mailed out today for Oregon's primary election, and one issue sure to be on voters' minds is hunger. Food insecurity had …

The Oregon Department of Employment estimates the state needs 2,500 additional Registered Nurses each year, due to a combination of turnover and industry growth. (kovop58/Adobe Stock)

Report: Out-of-State Nurses Key to Rural OR Health

A new report found Oregon's health care system is vulnerable to shortages if trends change in the field of nursing. The Oregon Center for Nursing …

Mercy Corps, an aid organization based in Oregon, is on the ground in Ukraine, Poland and Romania. (Michele Ursi/Adobe Stock)

OR Credit Unions Raise Relief Dollars for Ukraine

Ukrainians continue to suffer in their country from the Russian invasion - and in Oregon, credit unions have banded together to send aid to the …

Small Oregon towns such as Westport, Clatskanine and Astoria support strong fishing economies. (Denise Walker/Adobe Stock)

Rural Communities Feel Brunt of Columbia Salmon Closure

The salmon-fishing season on the lower section of the Columbia River was shut down a week ago, prompting folks to call for more action to save the …

A toxic class of chemicals is used in clothing to make it water and stain resistant. (Claudiu/Adobe Stock)

Grading Clothing Companies' Commitments to Eliminating 'Forever Chemicals'

A new report grades clothing companies based on their commitment to phasing out a toxic class of chemicals known as PFAS. Three of the companies …

Seals bring their pups to Coquille Point in Oregon and nurse them on the shore. (David/Adobe Stock)

New Protections Designated for 'Fragile' OR Shoreline Sites

Oregon has added new protections to unique areas along the southern coast teeming with life. The state Land Conservation and Development Commission …

The humanitarian aid organization Mercy Corps is headquartered in Portland, Ore. (DCasimiro/Adobe Stock)

Scammers Taking Advantage of Efforts to Support Ukraine

Many people are looking for ways to help Ukrainians affected by war. However, they should be on the lookout for scams. Lynn Heider - vice president …

Volunteer opportunities vary widely across Oregon, including helping clean up local parks. (lovelyday12/Adobe Stock)

Oregonians Can Donate Time, Skills for National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, recognizing the time people give to help their local communities. John Afryl, senior program manager for Hands On …

The Oregon Department of Transportation completed a wildlife crossing in 2012 along U.S. Route 97. (Simon Wray/Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife)

Bipartisan Call for Wildlife Crossings in OR from Infrastructure Funding

Oregon state lawmakers have crossed the political divide, coming together to ask for funding of wildlife crossings from Congress's infrastructure law…

Oregon voters passed a measure allowing medical aid in dying in 1994. (Joel bubble ben/Adobe Stock)

Fed Lawsuit Settlement Nixes OR Residency for Aid-in-Dying Law

Oregon's residency requirement to access the state's medical aid-in-dying law is no more, after a settlement in federal court. The Oregon Death with …

Health professionals say meditation or deep-breathing exercises are some ways to manage stress. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

Doctors Offer Advice on Combating Dread of Returning to Workplace

As COVID-19 cases drop, the lights are coming back on at offices across the country, but the thought of returning to work in person could be …

Columbia Memorial Hospital is the major care center serving Astoria, Ore. (jpldesigns/Adobe Stock)

Nurses Speak Out About Working Conditions at OR Hospital

Burnout from the pandemic has caused a nursing shortage in some parts of the country. But at one Oregon hospital, some nurses say they're leaving …

Communities and agriculture are encroaching on the habitat of western painted turtles in Oregon. (Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Conservation Bill Would Stem Species-Decline 'Crisis'

A bipartisan effort in Congress to curb the loss of plant and animal species could get a Senate committee vote as soon as this week. The Recovering …

A new report finds the one-day count of incarcerated children in 2019 was about six times smaller than the annual count. (AungMyo/Adobe Stock)

Report: Hundreds of Thousands of Kids Detained Nationwide

Children were incarcerated in massive numbers in 2019, according to new data. The Sentencing Project's report, "Too Many Closed Doors," found more …

More than $8 billion philanthropy dollars went to women's and girls' organizations in 2018, but still represents a small slice of contributions overall. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Giving Circles Provide Way for Women to Engage in Philanthropy

Philanthropy groups are pointing out a big gap in donations toward groups focused on women's and girls' issues during Women's History Month this year…

The union contract for workers at Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon is in effect until June 30, 2025. (jetcityimage/Adobe Stock)

OR Planned Parenthood Workers Ratify First Union Contract

Caregivers at an Oregon Planned Parenthood clinic have approved their first union contract. About 60 workers at Planned Parenthood of Southwestern …

Polling has shown the vast majority of Americans think prescription drug prices are too high. (kmiragaya/Adobe Stock)

Oregonians Call on Action from Congress on Prescription Drug Prices

Many Oregonians want Congress to act on the escalating prices of prescription drugs. More than 65,000 people from around the state have signed an …

A measure designed to protect election workers in Oregon is awaiting Gov. Brown's signature. (MyPhotoBuddy/Adobe Stock)

Facing More Harassment, OR Strengthens Election-Worker Protections

In response to an uptick in threats against election workers after the 2020 election, Oregon lawmakers passed a measure this session that gives them …

More than 30,000 students attend Mount Hood Community College. (Amadeust/Wikimedia Commons)

OR Colleges Study How to Bring Adult Students Back to Campus

The pandemic has contributed to a devastating drop in enrollment at community colleges. Two colleges in Oregon are exploring how to bring students …

Democrats are expected to control all but one of the newly created congressional seats after Oregon's 2021 redistricting process. (AveryTheComrade/Wikimedia Commons)

New Voting Maps Could Have Big Effects for OR Voters in 2022

The congressional and legislative voting maps are drawn in Oregon, and that could mean changes for Oregon voters in the 2022 elections. Oregonians …

An influx of nursing students could help cover the shortage of health-care workers across Oregon. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

OR Measure Puts Nursing Students 'On Deck' to Address Shortage

Oregon lawmakers have concluded the legislative session with a measure aimed at alleviating the state's nursing shortage. In it's final week…

More than 50,000 students come to Portland Community College each year. (Adumbvoget/Adobe Stock)

Education, Training Investments in OR Could Boost Workforce

In an effort to boost workers in critical industries, Oregon lawmakers are considering a major investment in education and workforce development…

Many of the farmworkers in Oregon near the Columbia River Gorge work in orchards. (Kirk/Adobe Stock)

Radio Station Shares Bilingual News with Gorge Farmworkers

A unique radio station in the Columbia River Gorge provides information in English and Spanish, on topics ranging from the environment to immigration…

More than 910,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United States since the pandemic began. (Yimei Shao/Trade Justice Education Fund)

Valentines on Display for Loved Ones Lost to COVID-19

To mark the losses of the past two years from the COVID-19 pandemic, people are posting Valentine's Day cards in Portland. A wall in the city has …

Easily accessible transportation is a crucial issue, especially for older people, in cities across the country. (Victoria/Adobe Stock)

AARP Grants: An Opportunity for OR Communities to Try New Ideas

Local organizations and governments in Oregon looking for funding for their projects now have an opportunity with AARP's Community Challenge Grant…

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown gave her 2022 State of the State address, opening up a legislative session scheduled to adjourn on March 7. (Gov. Kate Brown)

With Legislative Kickoff in OR, Native American Youth Plot Priorities

Gov. Kate Brown's State of the State address kicked off Oregon's short legislative session, and organizations advocating for diverse communities are …

The Lava Butte crossing in Central Oregon was used by 29 species in its first year. (Oregon Dept. of Transportation)

OR Wildlife Crossings Bill Aims to Reduce Potentially Deadly Collisions

A measure in the Oregon Legislature aims to reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife. House Bill 4130 would allocate $5 million for wildlife …

Under a bill in the Oregon Legislature, law enforcement could not pull someone over only for a broken light on their car. (lowphoto/Adobe Stock)

Backers: OR Criminal-Justice Bill Would Create Job, Housing Stability

Advocates for criminal-justice reform are continuing their effort to change the system during Oregon's upcoming legislative session. Senate Bill 151…

Volunteers with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program are trained and IRS-certified to review and file income-tax returns. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

Tax-Aide Available to Oregonians, with Pandemic Alterations

Oregonians can get free help with their income taxes once again this year. However, as in recent years, the pandemic is changing what the assistance …

Salmon numbers in the Pacific Northwest could improve due to colder ocean temperatures. (Tyler Hulett/Adobe Stock)

Ocean Temperatures Favor Salmon, But Population Decline Still Concern

Recent data on ocean conditions could be good news for struggling salmon in the Northwest. But advocates for the species warn this isn't enough to …

Workers at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center were among a wave of workers nationwide that went on strike in October. (SEIU Local 49)

After Strikes, OR Hospital Workers Notch Win in Union Contract

Healthcare workers at an Oregon hospital have achieved what they say is a "win" after several strikes in recent months. Nearly 300 workers and …

The harms from the blue light of screens is a particular concern for children and teens. (Yekatseryna/Adobe Stock)

Blue Light Blues: Excessive Screen Time Straining Eyes

Screen time has spiked during the pandemic, leading to concerns about what this is doing to our eyes. With more people at home - including kids …

A survey from 2021 found 38% of Oregon respondents with children age 12 and under faced disruptions to their child-care arrangements in the last month. (Kawee/Adobe Stock)

Child-Care Conundrum Presents Hurdles for OR Families

Finding and affording child care is no cakewalk for Oregon families right now. A new report details the pressures and some potential policy fixes…

People of color make up about a quarter of Portland's population, which makes it hard to reach half of voters to elect city council members. (Casimiro/Adobe Stock)

Proportional Elections Seen as Representing More Communities, Coalitions

Advocates for democracy reform say there is another way to hold elections that will better represent more communities. Proportional representation …

About 35% of Oregonians who are vaccinated have received a booster shot as well. (WESTOCK/Adobe Stock)

OR Officials Urge Booster Shots as COVID Cases Skyrocket

Oregon is in the midst of its biggest spike in COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Health officials are urging the public to get …

Five people died as a result of the storming of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021. (Tyler Merbler/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: How Cities Can Defend Against Anti-Democracy Forces

It has been one year since the storming of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and an Oregon-based group has released a report on how local governments …

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