Planned Parenthood navigators help abortion patients arrange for travel, costs and other needs – OPB’s Think Out Loud

Even before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, being able to terminate a pregnancy was not a choice available to everyone who wanted it, particularly for those with low incomes living in rural areas with no health care providers in their community. And since the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson ruling that returned the […]
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Oregon irrigation modernization recommendations raise timing concerns

A team of experts has recommended Oregon water regulators spend $13.5 million in their initial phase of distributing $50 million allocated by lawmakers for irrigation modernization projects. The relatively modest amount and the sizable proportion of projects not recommended for funding have raised concerns about whether some irrigation districts will be able to meet federal […]
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After a child’s death, California weighs rules for phys ed during extreme weather

California lawmakers are considering protections for students during students’ physical activities during heat waves, wildfires, excessive rain and flooding — events that are becoming more common in Oregon. Many states have adopted protocols to protect student athletes from extreme heat during practices. But the California bill is broader and would require educators to consider all […]
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Legal dispute centers on murrelet ‘edge effects’ from logging

Environmental advocates said in court this week that a federal timber project near the Oregon Coast unlawfully doesn’t account for harms suffered by endangered marbled murrelets on forestland surrounding logging sites. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management argues the Cascadia Wildlands and Oregon Wild nonprofits simply want to revise the plan based on their own […]
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In memoriam: Barney Speight

Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber and other health policy leaders say Speight had a hand in key reforms that expanded access and coverage over his decades-long career. Many of us who have been engaged in the world of Oregon health care, health coverage and health policy sadly noted the death of Barney Speight, who would have […]
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Portland’s climate tax could fund energy-efficiency upgrades for 3,100 homes

Portland’s climate action fund is preparing to invest $140 million toward 3,100 home retrofits over the next five years. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease energy usage, lower utility bills and increase housing resilience for qualified homeowners, renters and multifamily homes within Portland city limits. But first, Portland Clean Energy Fund staff […]
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Pietro Belluschi’s architectural legacy lives on in Oregon – OPB’s Think Out Loud

You may not know it, but you’ve likely encountered a building designed by Pietro Belluschi before. The notable modernist architect designed over 30 public buildings in Portland and around Oregon, and numerous homes and churches. Belluschi was known as one of a group of architects creating a distinctive Northwest modernist style that matched his buildings […]
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State wildfire agencies prepared to respond to fire season but will need more staff in future

The state’s top wildfire responders say they are prepared for the approaching wildfire season, but they are concerned about adding staff and resources in the future amid expectations that wildfires will increase. At a news conference Wednesday, the leaders of the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon Department of […]
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Oregon is close to settling class action lawsuit over foster care failures

Oregon’s foster care system could soon face additional monitoring and forced improvements, under a potential settlement agreement being negotiated this week between the state and plaintiffs in a federal class action lawsuit. A yet-to-be-appointed monitor could track the Oregon child welfare system’s progress improving foster care for up to a decade, according to a broad […]
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Oregon prepares for fire season as temperatures rise and volunteer rates fall

Oregon likely will face an above-average risk of wildfires by July and August, with fire risks peaking in September and October, said Doug Grafe, the governor’s wildfire programs adviser, at a press conference Wednesday. Chris Cline, fire protection chief for the Oregon Department of Forestry, said that the agency is preparing by hiring a seasonal […]
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