Author Archives: Jerry Curry

Coronavirus and the States: Congress to Send States Money; Layoffs Hit Midwest

Read Stateline coverage of the latest state action on coronavirus. The $2 trillion stimulus package moving through Congress would provide $150 billion to states, territories, local and tribal governments. It appears to allow some flexibility in how states could spend the money but does not address state revenue shortfalls brought on by stunted economic activity. Source: Coronavirus […]
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Asian American Harassment | Climate Change Order | 2020 Census – OPB’s Think Out Loud

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Asian Americans have reported an increase in racist harassment and attacks across the United States. Before the novel coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic, the big story in Oregon legislative politics was the walkout by state Republicans to prevent Democrats from passing a cap-and-trade bill. Without a quorum, Democratic lawmakers were […]
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Editorial: Breaking the silence about opioid epidemic

Every day we get the latest on the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. How many people tested positive, and how many have died. The number rolls higher and higher every day as our political leaders struggle to find a way to slow its spread. But there’s another, more deadly, epidemic that has swept across the U.S. over […]
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Counties could be rated by risk of coronavirus spread, Trump says

President Donald Trump said Thursday that federal officials are developing guidelines to rate counties by risk of virus spread, as he aims to begin to ease nationwide guidelines meant to stem the coronavirus outbreak. In a letter to the nation’s governors, Trump said the new guidelines are meant to enable state and local leaders to […]
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Want to get tested for coronavirus? Here’s Oregon’s latest guidance about who’s eligible

Nearly a full month into Oregon’s coronavirus outbreak, many residents remain confused about whether they’re eligible for testing. The Oregon Health Authority on Wednesday updated its testing guidance for health care providers and laboratories. Source: Want to get tested for coronavirus? Here’s Oregon’s latest guidance about who’s eligible – oregonlive.com

For the first weekday since March 16, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown skips coronavirus briefing

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has delivered coronavirus response announcements and fielded questions from reporters in telephone calls every weekday since March 16. But the governor opted not to hold such a call on Thursday because most of the state’s updates are expected to be delivered by health officials at a 1 p.m. briefing. Source: For the first […]
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Oregonians swarm stores for improvement projects, ignoring stay-home order

Kat Bradfield tries to follow Oregon’s stay-at-home order enacted on Monday to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The Portland resident has already been working at home and pledges to remain inside “as much as humanly possible” and only shop for what she truly needs. Source: Oregonians swarm stores for improvement projects, ignoring stay-home order […]
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Is It Still A Good Idea To Enjoy Oregon’s Outdoors?

Last week, we published an article with recommendations for safe hiking practices in our local forests and parks. Health experts advised that as long as hikers kept a safe, 6-feet distance from others, getting outdoors was not only safe but good medicine. At that time, national forests and state parks in Oregon were encouraging people […]
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Rosenblum joins call to stop online price gouging

Purell for $250? Oregon’s attorneys general urges Amazon, others to monitor third-party sellers. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is joining with top justice department officials from 32 other states in urging major online retailers to take action against price gouging by third-party sellers as the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to spread. Source: Pamplin Media Group […]
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Oregon arts community expects $56 million loss from coronavirus crisis, survey finds

Oregon arts community expects $56 million loss from coronavirus crisis, survey finds. The state’s artistic community expects to lose $56 million from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Regional Arts & Culture Council. Since Gov. Kate Brown’s March 11 order banning large gatherings, arts organizations have had to cancel performances indefinitely and […]
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