Category OREGON NEWS
As drought worsens, Western states brace for wildfires, water shortages
As warmer weather arrives, Oregon is among the states preparing for a dangerous wildfire season across the drought-stricken West.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Bethell, running for governor, draws backlash for remarks on public defenders
Gubernatorial candidate Danielle Bethell, a Marion County commissioner, is facing criticism after mocking public defenders. Legal leaders say her comments undermine efforts to address attorney shortages. She suggested reopening prisons that the state corrections agency no longer owns.
‘I lost it all’: Residents of Oregon homeless camp say Forest Service blew off calls, appointments to reclaim lost property
Former residents of one of Oregon’s largest homeless encampments say they lost cars, work tools, irreplaceable family photos and other items as the U.S. Forest Service evicted people from federal land outside of Bend.
Vineyard owners interested in selling farmland outside Salem for VA cemetery expansion
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is moving ahead with plans to expand Willamette National Cemetery to a 307-acre farm property east of Salem. The agency has proposed demolishing the historic Waldo House as part of the project.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Oregon business leaders urge Gov. Kotek to think bigger with prosperity council effort
“For decades, Oregon’s central economic question was how to manage growth. Today the question is whether we can generate it at all," the Oregon Business Council wrote in a letter to the governor.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Oregon voters have rejected most laws in referendums, with many decided outside November
Oregon voters have shot down nearly two-thirds of laws referred to the ballot through the referendum process in Oregon history.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
How Salem lawmakers’ priorities fared during the 2026 session
From immigration to health care, local lawmakers had ambitious priorities for the 35-day legislative session. Here's what passed and what didn't.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Deadly fungal disease that attacks bats detected for first time in Oregon
Oregon was one of about a dozen states that have avoided white nose syndrome and the fungus that causes it in bats since it first showed up 20 years ago in New York.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Public invited to share input, ideas for getting Oregon back on track to meet climate targets
The public can weigh in on 48 possible actions the state can take to get back on track to reduce greenhouse gas pollution at least 45% by 2035.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.