Oregon

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.

8 Best Winter Festivals in the U.S.

A list from Travel + Leisure showcases festivals that include snow golf and volleyball, skiers hanging onto a cowboy on horseback and plungers jumping into the icy waters.

'Love Letter' Legislation Leads to Lawsuit

A real estate firm filed a lawsuit to contest a new law in Oregon that prohibits sellers from presenting their clients with letters from prospective homebuyers, a common practice in competitive markets.

Homelessness, Homicides and Hospitality: One City’s Ongoing Reputation Problem

Portland, Oregon, once a popular travel destination for business travelers, foodies and nature lovers, is struggling to regain its tourism footing after months of social justice protests and record crime rates.

Local Leaders Beg for 'Substantial State Assistance, Immediately' to Combat Illegal Marijuana Farms

An Oregon county declared a state of emergency and is requesting $750,000, 45 new employees and the National Guard, which officials say is necessary because the illegal businesses are running rampant, depleting resources and spiking crime.

The Best and Worst Places to Work in America

A nationwide ranking from a nonprofit group factors in state policies related to wages and worker protections.

State Officials to Drone Operators: Please Stop Harassing the Animals

Wildlife officials in Colorado this week urged recreational drone pilots to avoid disrupting animals during flights, the latest example of a growing issue for state agencies.

Post-Insurrection, States Balance Capitol Security, Openness

Dissatisfaction with democracy could lead to further attacks at state capitols.

Governors Promise Return to Normalcy Once States Hit Target Vaccination Rates

The announcements come as vaccination rates continue to decline nationwide.

The West Can End the Water Wars Now

Far-right radicals in Southern Oregon are threatening to bust open an irrigation canal. Instead, the region could be a model for managing watersheds in a warmer world.

States Look to Ban Police From Lying During Interrogations

Lawmakers in Illinois approved legislation that would prohibit police from lying to minors during interrogations, and similar proposals are underway in other states.

Ranking: The Worst States for Retirees

The least favorable places to live post-work years on the list, which was compiled from several sources, have high taxes and soaring housing costs, among other things.

Don't be Surprised When Vaccinated People Get Infected

Post-immunization cases, sometimes called "breakthroughs," are very rare and very expected.

'We Have Counties in Deep Trouble': Oregon Lawmakers Seek to Reverse Timber Tax Cuts That Cost Communities Billions

For decades, corporate timber benefited from tax cuts that devastated local budgets. Lawmakers want change and have filed dozens of bills, making this one of Oregon’s most consequential sessions for forest policy.

Timber Tax Cuts Cost Oregon Towns Billions. Then Polluted Water Drove Up the Price.

Rural communities in Oregon paid millions of dollars for clean, safe drinking water because the state didn’t protect their watersheds from logging-related contamination.

State Medical Board Won't Let Doctor Practice After He Advised Against Masks

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | U.S. House approves federal marijuana legalization … Endangered tree species that grizzlies rely on could see new protections soon … Two out of five transit riders in Utah say they won’t return after the pandemic.

New Mexico, Oregon, Michigan and Washington State Issue New Shutdown Orders

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Jackson, Mississippi accuses biodiesel plant of illegal dumping … A high denial rate for Hawaii workers compensation claims linked to Covid … Gov. Gavin Newsom expresses regrets for attending outside restaurant gathering.