Sam Stites - Oregon Capital Bureau
Oregon education system reeling from challenges presented by COVID-19 outbreak
NOTE: Salem Reporter is providing free access to its content related to the coronavirus as a community service. Subscriptions are vital to continue. With schools closed now through April 28, and colleges and universities told to move online to teach, educators and…
Coronavirus economic advisory council examining every option in providing support to Oregonians
A sign in the window of Coin Jam on March 17, 2020 announcing a closure during the COVID-19 pandemic (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) NOTE: Salem Reporter is providing free access to its content related to the coronavirus as a community service. Subscriptions starting…
The matches are set for secretary of state, Oregon legislative races
With the deadline for filing for the May primary passing Tuesday, the picture of how Oregon’s 2020 election season will play out in statewide and legislative races became clearer. In the Oregon House, several key races will settle whether Democrats…
Oregon promised millions from federal agency to help confront coronavirus
An image of the coronavirus from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oregon will soon be receiving roughly $7.3 million in federal funds provided as part of an emergency package approved by Congress last week that will help…
Legislative emergency board allocates $24.2 million in emergency spending for coronavirus, flood relief
Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, (left) asks his colleagues whether $5 million is truly enough to fund the state’s response to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19. (Sam Stites/Oregon Capital Bureau) SALEM – The legislative Emergency Board Monday approved emergency allocations, including…
State tells of 4 new virus cases as officials seek more money to ramp up Oregon efforts
Dr. Dean Sidelinger, Oregon state health officer, addresses the media during a recent tour of the Oregon Health Authority’s operations center for the coronavirus. (Jonathan House/Pamplin Media Group) SALEM — While new infection cases emerge in Oregon, state officials say…
State Senator Shemia Fagan enters race for Oregon Secretary of State
Sen. Shemia Fagan, D-Portland, speaks to climate action protestors during a rally on the Capitol steps Tuesday over the Republican walkout. (Sam Stites/Oregon Capital Bureau) Salem, OR — Another Democrat has entered the crowded race to become Oregon’s next Secretary…
Legislation introduced to advance deal between timber and environmental interests
Greg Miller (right), representative of the coalition of timber companies that signed the deal with conservation groups, presents HB 4168 to members of the House Rules Committee Thursday, Feb. 20. (Sam Stites/Oregon Capital Bureau) The fate of the landmark deal…
Improvements to helping Oregon’s mentally ill defendants advancing
Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon. Oregon’s judges would have more options to help criminal defendants found unfit to stand trial should legislation approved 26-4 by the Senate earlier this week be passed in the House. Senate Bill 1575 makes…
Brown asks legislature to fund $7.5 million in earthquake early warning system build out
Prof. Doug Toomey is one of the foremost seismologists on the west coast and oversees the University of Oregon’s ShakeAlert program (Courtesy/University of Oregon) Oregon would prepare 250,000 households to become self-sufficient following a catastrophic earthquake under legislation advancing in…