Eastern Oregon
Latest Stories
Culture
What is it like to be a rancher at 4,200 feet elevation in Eastern Oregon?
“It’s stressful, but it’s a fantastic lifestyle,” said Sumpter Valley rancher Dean Defrees on OPB’s “At Work With” series.
Public health
After finding forever chemicals in its drinking water, this Eastern Oregon city stopped testing for them
PFAS turning up in Oregon cities remain unregulated by federal clean water laws.
In Pendleton, a tiny plane keeps people connected. But could buses do it better?
The Essential Air Service program helps Eastern Oregon stay linked to Portland, especially after Greyhound ended service in January.
Federal funding for Pendleton flights sees reprieve, but could stall next month
U.S. Department of Transportation says government shutdown means Essential Air Service funding will eventually run out.
Eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains have big changes on the horizon, if the federal government can finalize them
People have until Monday to weigh in on the draft preliminary land management plan for the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman national forests, collectively known as the Blue Mountains.
Grant County hospital announces layoffs
Blue Mountain Hospital District says federal budget cuts played a role in its decision to lay off staff.
Health
A rural Oregon town lost its maternity ward. As Trump’s Medicaid cuts loom, other hospitals may be next
Most Oregon hospitals have been bleeding cash for years, and at least two are already set to close their obstetrics units.
Culture
Jockeys at Indian Relay Races burn up the track at Pendleton Round-Up
The wildest rides in this chaotic tradition of Eastern Oregon leave the track behind altogether.
Hermiston clears the way for data center industry
Attracted by cheap power, plentiful land and proximity to the Columbia River’s water supply, Amazon Web Services has built dozens of data centers in communities across Umatilla and Morrow counties. Hermiston is next.
Politics
Oregon Rep. Cliff Bentz on his vote for the ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ and engaging with constituents
In an interview with OPB, U.S. House Rep. Cliff Bentz defended his vote on Republicans’ domestic policy bill that cut federal dollars for Medicaid and SNAP benefits, while extending President Trump’s tax cuts.
