Alex Baumhardt - Oregon Capital Chronicle
Alex Baumhardt has been a national radio producer focusing on education for American Public Media since 2017. She has reported from the Arctic to the Antarctic for national and international media, and from Minnesota and Oregon for The Washington Post. She previously worked in Iceland and Qatar and was a Fulbright scholar in Spain where she earned a master's degree in digital media. She's been a kayaking guide in Alaska, farmed on four continents and worked the night shift at several bakeries to support her reporting along the way.
East Oregon board deceived by Rep. Greg Smith’s illegal pay raise considers rehiring him
The board of the Columbia Development Authority proposed a $294,000 a year contract to Smith to stay on as executive director through 2028.
Utility watchdogs accuse PGE of skirting new law meant to make data centers pay for rising demand
PGE doesn’t plan to simply assign the costs of energy investments needed to support data centers, to data centers, but to focus on all drivers of “peak demand.”
NW Natural alternative fuel projects face uncertain future as partners falter
NW Natural, has in recent years touted hydrogen-blended gas and “renewable natural gas” as the solution to reducing the carbon intensity of its fuels, but partnerships on alternative fuels projects with companies facing layoffs and closures could hinder NW Natural's progress.
State seeks public input on Oregon’s first cyanide-processed gold mining operation
The public has until Feb. 6 to comment on the proposed Grassy Mountain Gold and Silver Mine near Vale in Malheur County.
After nearly two-year lapse, Congress renews Secure Rural Schools funding
The Secure Rural Schools act provides tens of millions each year to schools and communities across the West.
Oregon’s largest teachers’ union hosts training to protect students from ICE
More than 600 teachers and school staff are expected to attend training sessions in Bend, Eugene and Oregon City over the weekend.
Oregon governor targets permitting reform, global trade in new ‘prosperity roadmap’
Gov. Tina Kotek will also create a new Prosperity Council and a role for a ‘prosperity officer’ in the executive branch to coordinate statewide economic development.
Oregon co-leads suit against USDA over cuts to food assistance for refugees, asylum seekers
States argue the USDA misinterpreted changes to SNAP eligibility, blocking refugees and asylees from getting benefits even after obtaining residency.
Fuel leak in BP pipeline drives Oregon to state of emergency over fuel supply
Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency through Dec. 24 in light of potential disruptions and higher-than-expected gas prices.
Oregonians have five weeks to secure expiring federal home energy tax credits
The nonprofit Energy Trust of Oregon is encouraging residents to invest in heating and cooling pumps, solar panels, before federal money goes away.