Oregon

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.

  • By Erika Bolstad, Stateline

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.

  • By Liz Farmer

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.

  • By Jake Bittle, Grist

Looser Liquor Laws Boosted Restaurants — and Maybe Problem Drinking

“Covid brought about a long-delayed reckoning about how alcohol is regulated and controlled.”

  • By Elaine S. Povich, Stateline

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

'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.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

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.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

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.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Homebuyer ‘Love Letters’ May Stir Bias. (But They Often Work.)

It’s a financial transaction, not a seduction.

  • By Elaine S. Povich, Stateline

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.

  • By Andre Claudio
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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.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Post-Insurrection, States Balance Capitol Security, Openness

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

  • By Elaine S. Povich, Stateline

Governors Promise Return to Normalcy Once States Hit Target Vaccination Rates

The announcements come as vaccination rates continue to decline nationwide.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

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.

  • By Emma Marris, The Atlantic

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.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

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.

  • By Brent Woodie

Don't be Surprised When Vaccinated People Get Infected

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

  • By Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic

'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.

  • By Rob Davis and Tony Schick, ProPublica

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.

  • By Tony Schick and Rob Davis, ProPublica