Changes to the U.S. Forest Service’s national and Northwest forest plans should protect more old-growth trees from wildfire and climate change.
OREGON NEWS
Feds pledge $600M for new I-5 bridge linking Washington and Oregon
I-5 bridges spanning the Columbia River are at risk of failure in an earthquake. The grant is the first significant commitment of federal dollars for the replacement project, which has been under discussion for over two decades.
NW states, tribes reach ‘historic’ deal with feds over Columbia River Basin fish, dams
OREGON NEWS: The Biden administration promises a total of $1 billion for renewable tribal energy production and work towards restoration of imperiled salmon.
Federal judge denies Republican senators’ request to run after walkout
OREGON NEWS: Three state senators lost a federal lawsuit they used to get on the ballot for reelection despite unexcused absences. A judge said he couldn’t find that it would be in the public interest to allow their move.
Oregon State Hospital will submit corrective action plan after patient escape
The state psychiatric hospital in Salem could lose its ability to bill Medicare for services if it doesn’t correct security issues federal regulators identified during an inspection.
OREGON NEWS: Lawmakers, advocates ask state to investigate NW Natural for misleading claims about natural gas
A coalition said NW Natural should publicly disclose to consumers the health and climate risks of natural gas-burning appliances.
State legislator to pay Malheur County $70,000 over public records issues
OREGON NEWS: Greg Smith, state representative and the former Malheur County economic development director, agreed recently to pay the county $68,000 regarding its assertions he mishandled public records requests connected to the Treasure Valley Reload Center.
Kotek, Portland task force recommend more cops, public drug use ban, business tax breaks
Some recommendations, like picking up trash, can happen immediately. Others, like building 20,000 homes downtown, will take years.
Though many jail inmates have addiction problems, facilities lack treatment services
Oregon Rep. Pam Marsh plans to introduce a bill in the 2024 session to provide funding for jail addiction medication, screenings and more.
Former Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Edwin Peterson dies at 93
Former Oregon Chief Justice Edwin J. Peterson died on Saturday in Salem, leaving behind a legacy of modernizing the courts system.