Oregon News & Current Events | Public News Service

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

Friday, January 21, 2022

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)

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

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 …

Groups looking to rein in money in politics hope to pass campaign-finance limits before the 2024 election. (Joaquin Corbalan/Adobe Stock)

Campaign Donation Limits Could Be Coming to OR in 2022

Oregon is among a handful of states without limits on how much people or entities can contribute to election campaigns, but it could change this year…

The Latino Community Association provides computer-skills training for beginners and more advanced users. (GR-Photography/Adobe Stock)

Central OR Organization Tackles Workforce Challenges for Latino Communities

A program in central Oregon is helping growing Latino communities in the region upgrade their workforce skills. The Latino Community Association …

The Oregon Legislature adopted its maps on Sept. 27. (OregonLegislature.gov)

OR Voting Maps Could Weaken Indigenous Communities' Electoral Power

Indigenous communities in Oregon are raising concerns about the voting maps drawn and approved in Oregon. Brian Smith is a political consultant and …

According to the Xerces Society, the western monarch butterfly population has declined by 99.9% since the 1980s. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Legislation Could Mean Brighter Future for OR Monarch Butterflies

Oregon is a critical breeding ground for western monarch butterflies. Human disruption has destroyed much of the pollinator's native territories…

Zenith Energy's facility is in Northwest Portland, with oil coming in by rail through the northern part of the city. (Rick Rappaport)

Blocked Portland Oil-By-Rail Facility Faces One More Test

An effort to block an oil-by-rail facility in Portland could be solidified this week. This summer, the city of Portland decided to deny a land-use …

Fraud experts say if an online deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Protection from Scammers Trying to Steal Holiday Cheer

PORTLAND, Ore. - People are out and about, shopping for the holidays. Unfortunately, scammers are looking to take advantage of their good cheer…

Health-care workers in Springfield are striking through Friday over stalled contract negotiations. (SEIU Local 49)

Outsourced Workers Stand with Striking Colleagues at OR Hospital

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- Recently outsourced workers are standing in solidarity with their striking colleagues at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center…

More than 300 health-care workers at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center began their strike on Monday. (SEIU Local 49)

OR Health-Care Workers on Strike Front Line Call for Greater Protections

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- Strikes that erupted in what became known as "Striketober" aren't over yet. After a two-day strike in October, health-care …

Forests cover almost 29 million acres in Oregon, nearly half of the state. (Gerry/Adobe Stock)

Groups: OR Forestry Climate Plan Signals Commitment to Curb Climate Change

SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Forestry recently approved its first Climate Change and Carbon Plan, to embrace climate-smart forest …

Modern-day agriculture is now closely linked with technology, says a dean from Chemeketa Community College. (sodawhiskey/Adobe Stock)

USDA Grant to Help Invite OR Hispanic Students into Ag, Tech Careers

SALEM, Ore. -- A new project with a grant from the federal government aims to invite Hispanic students in Oregon into agriculture and technology …

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

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 …

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