An Oregon school district passed permissive mask rules. Now the state's withholding some funds
In the small coast range school district of Alsea, it’s up to families and teachers whether to wear face coverings when they’re in class.
In The News
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
Portland Clean Energy Fund expands grant reviews but won’t require background checks
Portland Clean Energy Fund approves extra steps for grant review applications but stands firm on not requiring applicants to submit to background checks.
Become a Sustainer and watch now!
Clackamas County sheriff’s deputy shoots and kills person after traffic pursuit into Portland
The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office shot and killed a person Wednesday night following a pursuit along Interstate 205 in Southeast Portland.
Health
With his signature, Inslee pauses WA Cares program for 18 months
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday signed into law a bill that delays the start of a controversial long-term care benefit program known as WA Cares for 18 months. A second measured signed by Inslee will allow certain workers to opt out of the first-in-the-nation program.
Portland’s Lindsey Horan sent to French club Lyon on loan
Portland Thorns midfielder Lindsey Horan has been loaned to French club Lyon through the summer of 2023.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/opb/XMXUAMMDJRBA7POAPO33CZMIAU.jpeg)
Lewis & Clark announces first woman, Black president
Dr. Robin Holmes-Sullivan will take the helm in July following the retirement of Wim Wiewel.
Cutting costs could mean fewer lanes on new Burnside Bridge
A task for working to replace the Burnside Bridge has recommended changes that would save $200 million.
Portland leaders mull tightening public record law after $250K payout to records advocate
Some Portland leaders want to tighten Oregon public record law after the city was forced to turn over documents with the contact information of constituents and pay a longtime records advocate $250,000 in attorney fees.
Oregon appeals court upholds discrimination ruling in Sweet Cakes case, but vacates penalties
For a second time, Oregon judges have found a former Gresham bakery could not refuse service to a same-sex couple on religious grounds. But the court found problems with a $135,000 ruling.
Oregon COVID-19 cases
Source: Oregon Health Authority. Created by Jacob Fenton, Portland Record
Oregon hospital usage
Depending on staffing, Oregon has between 600 and 800 adult ICU beds and between 4,000 and 7,000 regular beds. Labeled percentages are for COVID cases. Source: Oregon Health Authority. Created by Jacob Fenton, Portland Record.
Oregon vaccination rate
"Vaccinated” means two doses of Moderna/Pfizer or one of Johnson & Johnson. Boosted means an additional dose beyond that. Source: Centers for Disease Control. Created by Jacob Fenton, Portland Record.
A second version of omicron is spreading. Here’s why scientists are on alert
It's a sibling of the first omicron variant that swept the world. Is it more contagious? Does it cause severe disease? Will it keep current omicron surges going? Researchers are looking for answers.
World remembers Holocaust as antisemitism rises in pandemic
Holocaust survivors and politicians warned Thursday about the resurgence of antisemitism and Holocaust denial as the world remembered Nazi atrocities and commemorated the 77th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Vice President Harris looks for a fresh start on migration issues in Honduras
The fact that Vice President Harris is even attending the inauguration is a sign of the importance the White House is placing on finding a partner in the fight against root causes of migration.
Gas stoves leak climate-warming methane even when they’re off
A new study finds tiny leaks from loose fittings added up to more emissions than when stoves were in use. The impact on climate change amounts to the same effect as a half-million cars.
Biden will get a chance to fill a Supreme Court vacancy. Here’s what to expect
With Justice Stephen Breyer stepping down, President Biden has his first nomination to the high court. He campaigned on picking a Black woman for the lifetime appointment.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/opb/CWO7OZ7EFZA7TBWFUE6BSCMOEQ.jpg)
Kill Rock Stars at 30: ‘A garbage heap that grows nothing but flowers’
The legendary indie record label passes the three decade mark and looks to the future of rock with renewed excitement.
Oregon wants to bridge the gaps in the state’s 362-mile coastal trail
The Oregon Coast Trail stretches along the entire 362-mile coastline from Washington to California. There are some gaps along the way — disconnected sections of trail that pose safety concerns for hikers. Now, the public is being asked to weigh in on plans to bridge those gaps.
Think Out Loud
Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney is retiring
Peter Courtney is the longest-serving lawmaker in state history. Now, he’s preparing for his last legislative session in office.