Oregon
Oregon could become the first state to tax big companies and send the cash to all residents
Some opponents say the rebate will drive up consumer costs far more than sales taxes would.
California inspired a wave of plastic bag bans—with an unfortunate loophole
The Golden State finally fixed its ban last month, but at least five other states still allow the distribution of extra-thick "reusable" plastic bags.
Woman’s suicide after repeated 911 calls reveals gaps in one city's pioneering crisis response system
Public health departments can tell you how many people they've referred for help and, possibly even, how many people have sought that help. But in Bend, Oregon, officials say it is harder to know how much of a difference the crisis response teams are making in actually saving lives.
The right to repair electronics is now law in 3 states. Is Big Tech complying?
You're legally entitled to fix your own gadgets in California, Minnesota, and New York — but not all tech companies have gotten the memo.
Heat deaths highlight stark differences in state policies protecting workers
Some states like California, Oregon and Washington have passed strict protections for workers in high temperatures. But Idaho, which produces over $10.8 billion worth of agricultural products each year, hasn’t.
Western cities won the right to clear homeless encampments—but will they use it?
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order encouraging cities to “move with urgency” to clear out camps. The move, which is at odds with others in the West, follows a Supreme Court ruling in June.
AC, power banks, mini fridges: State equips Medicaid patients for climate change
Oregon wants to be proactive and pay for equipment that will help an estimated 200,000 residents manage their health at home before extreme weather or climate-related disaster hits.
With surge in hate crimes, state justice department launches hotline awareness campaign
Oregon's confidential hotline connects victims to government and community services that range from counseling to help filing a police report.
Oregon rolls back decriminalization of drugs. But is it too soon?
At a time when drug overdoses plague the nation, Oregon will recriminalize hard drugs, walking back a first-in-the nation experiment that critics say the state botched.
With addiction bill passed, now Oregon faces biggest challenge
Counties have to build new treatment facilities to deflect people away from the criminal justice system but they only have a few months before possession is recriminalized.
Featured eBooks
Oregon's experiment in drug decriminalization failed. Advocates blame the state's political leadership.
Just over three years since Oregon voters passed Ballot Measure 110, elected officials want to repeal key elements, blaming the law for open drug use and soaring overdoses. But it’s their own hands-off approach that isn’t working, advocates say.
After walkouts, Republican senators barred from reelection in Oregon
In a unanimous decision, the state Supreme Court ruled that the lawmakers could not run for another term on this year’s ballot. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Federal tax bill: What it could mean for affordable housing
COMMENTARY | Proposed federal tax incentives can make a huge difference in helping states like Oregon address the housing crisis.
With youth overdose death rates soaring, state offers free opioid reversal medication to schools
The initiative comes amid a spike in the number of teens who have died from drug overdoses in the last five years.
Drug decriminalization stumbled in Oregon. Other states are taking note.
The rocky start could slow the movement to treat addiction as a public health matter.
State retirement plans close savings gap and pad bottom lines
Six years ago and millions of dollars since, Oregon launched the first state-sponsored retirement program for private sector workers. Today, 19 states have launched or plan to launch their own savings programs.
Oregon Tried to Inform Residents About Wildfire Risk. The Backlash was Explosive.
Homeowners fear the state will devalue their properties by publicizing their fire risk.
Looser Liquor Laws Boosted Restaurants — and Maybe Problem Drinking
“Covid brought about a long-delayed reckoning about how alcohol is regulated and controlled.”
Murder Hornets in US Being Trapped With ‘Sex Spray’
The Asian giant hornet is killing honeybees in the west and may migrate east, which could have a devastating economic impact.
The Democratic States Moving to End Mask Mandates
Governors and other officials in at least five blue states took steps this week to dial back the requirements.
