Politics
Kotek releases first budget as Oregon's new governor
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has rolled out her first budget plan. She's focused, not surprisingly, on big investments in housing, education and behavioral health.
In The News
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Advocates for summer programming for Oregon kids again try asking the Legislature for funds
After two years of one-time funding for summer learning, the Oregon Legislature is considering a bill that would dedicate ongoing money for summer programs.
How Oregon Dungeness crab make the journey from sea to table.
University of Oregon announces executive director for Ballmer Institute
Harvard psychologist Katie McLaughlin will lead the new institute focused on children’s behavioral health.
Education
Charter school proposal divides rural Southern Oregon community
One side sees the proposal as a behemoth that will change the character of their school. The other sees it as a beautiful opportunity to bring resources to a uniquely vulnerable district.
Nature Conservancy transfers land to McKenzie River Trust
The Nature Conservancy said it’s transferred 1,305 acres of land to the McKenzie River Trust. The property is called the Willamette Confluence Preserve and it’s near the base of Mount Pisgah.
Portland Public Schools to close online academy
District officials say they’re ending the program serving 225 students in June, to plan a “leaner budget” for next year.
Oregon pins hopes on mass timber to boost housing, jobs
In Oregon, mass timber is increasingly being viewed as a construction material that could help the state build more affordable homes and revive rural logging towns.
Former Oregon Gov. Kate Brown named a fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School
Brown will spend about a week at the school. She has not announced more permanent professional plans.
Weekday Wrap: Umatilla tribes legalize cannabis possession on their land
In other news, Oregon farmers could get some help on their taxes from legislation on water rights, federal funds aimed at smart grid development in Eastern Oregon and more.
Washington state lawmakers promise bipartisan action to boost housing supply
A bipartisan group of lawmakers says it is finding common ground in the effort to build new housing in Washington state.
Monarch butterflies wintering in California rebound
Researchers say that the population of western monarch butterflies wintering along the California coast has rebounded for a second year in a row
An ice storm is unleashing treacherous conditions across parts of the Southern US
Stretching from Texas to Tennessee, the storm will continue through at least Thursday morning, affecting travel and possibly knocking out power in some areas. Thousands of flights have been disrupted.
A tiny radioactive capsule was lost on a 700-mile stretch of highway in Australia
The round, silver capsule — measuring roughly a quarter of an inch wide by a third of an inch tall — is believed to have been lost somewhere along the road in Western Australia.
Boeing delivers its final 747 jet today, ending a run of more than 50 years
Boeing built its last-ever 747 in December. It's the end of an aviation era that began with Pan Am's first commercial flight of the jumbo jet in 1970.
Trump sues Bob Woodward for releasing audio of their interviews without permission
The former president has made good on his threat to sue the Washington Post reporter over his use of interview recordings. The lawsuit seeks nearly $50 million in damages.
Families of Oregon students with disabilities search for solutions in face of insufficient academic support
Being back in school in-person is more effective for most students than the days of distance learning. But many students with disabilities missed out even more when they were at home. And that time at home gave parents a chance to see what their children were not learning — and take matters into their own hands.
Superabundant dispatch: Celebrating Lunar New Year with Portland’s Chinese history
In this week’s Superabundant newsletter, learn about the history of America’s second-oldest (and second-largest at one time) Chinatown — in Portland. We also present a straightforward (but delicious) recipe for ginger-scallion lo mein.
Politics Now
‘OPB Politics Now’: The Republican agenda in Oregon
On this week's show, OPB political reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart look at the Republican Party's agenda for the 2023 Oregon legislative session, and the GOP's plans to slow things down if Democrats don't cooperate.