After two weeks battling wildfires in Texas, a strike team sent by the Oregon Department of Forestry headed home—and were immediately replaced by a second team of Oregon firefighters, including two local firefighters based out of the Forest Grove District.
Oregon
Plan to reduce logging, protect habitat in Oregon’s western state forests passes on split vote
The landmark Western Oregon State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan will move forward following a 4-3 vote from the state Board of Forestry on Thursday.
‘Right to repair’ bill passes Legislature, heads to Gov. Kotek
Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, has tried since 2021 to get the Oregon Legislature to pass a “right to repair” bill giving individuals more options to fix their own electronic gear. This time, it finally happened, and the bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
First Free Fishing weekend of 2024 is February 17 and 18
On Friday and Saturday, February 17 and 18, fishing is free in Oregon. Inside: information on fish stocking in local ponds and more on the origin of trophy fish coming soon to Hagg Lake.
Kotek declares statewide state of emergency due to ice storm
Late Thursday, Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency over the fatal storm that has iced sidewalks and roads around the state, caused widespread power outages and damaged scores of homes and vehicles.
Kotek allows more than 10,000 Oregonians to reinstate driver’s licenses
Gov. Tina Kotek on Tuesday issued new orders to forgive unpaid traffic fines for more than 10,000 Oregonians, making them eligible to get their driving privileges reinstated.
Gov. Kotek announces Oregon AI council
The rise of generative artificial intelligence tools now accessible to consumers and businesses has Oregon’s governor taking notice, and now a council will be formed to examine policies for its use in the halls of Oregon government.
Report: Oregon election offices are underfunded, understaffed heading into 2024
Local election offices throughout Oregon are understaffed and underfunded headed into the 2024 presidential election cycle, according to a “grim” report presented to state lawmakers Tuesday.
Oregon students won’t have to show added proficiency in basic skills through 2028 to graduate
The Oregon Board of Education on Thursday voted unanimously to pause a decade-old requirement that students show additional proficiencies in reading, writing and other skills on top of taking regular courses in those subjects. The essential skills requirement will be suspended through the 2027-28 school year.
Oregon health leaders warn of bumpy start for expanded Medicaid system
Oregon’s Medicaid system, which covers more than one in three Oregonians, faces a monumental challenge: proving that its expansion will help keep people housed, fed and healthy.