Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality is significantly understaffed and underfunded, state auditors find
Around Oregon
Port of Morrow sees new fine for continuing pollution of groundwater
The state’s second largest port continues overspreading nitrogen-laced wastewater atop a contaminated aquifer despite a record fine.
Wallowa County commissioners press Kotek, legislatures on ‘Greater Idaho’ border talks
Wallowa County commissioners are pressing state officials in both Oregon and Idaho to advance the conversation on shifting the border.
Former Nyssa chief convicted of misconduct, sentenced to jail, loses badge
AROUND OREGON: A state judge sentenced Ray Rau, former Nyssa police chief, to 10 days in jail after convicting him of official misconduct in his duty as Tillamook police chief. Rau also had to surrender his police certification during a court proceeding on Wednesday, April 3, in Tillamook County Circuit Court.
Inequity, mismanagement beleaguer Oregon’s early learning agency, employees say
Records allege “racist environment” and deep divisions over child care governance at the state’s early learning agency.
Kotek’s wife gets aide, office space as governor considers creating ‘Office of the First Spouse’
The governor’s consideration of a ‘Office of the First Spouse’ comes shortly after three top administration officials stepped down or took leave
State Libertarian Party calls out rail center projects
The Libertarian Party of Oregon dubbed a pair of rail centers in Nyssa and the Willamette Valley “one of the most blatant examples of government corruption” and wants the $51 million state lawmakers approved to build the truck-to-rail centers refunded to taxpayers.
In a departure from last year, Oregon Legislature wraps up session in high spirits
OREGON NEWS: The Oregon Legislature finished its work ahead of schedule. The 35-day session prioritized the homelessness and drug addiction crises, pouring millions into housing and treatment programs
Oregon House sends housing bill to governor, approving $369 million
OREGON NEWS: State takes another toward catching up on housing with funding, rules. The Oregon House gave final approval to the legislation and it now goes to Gov. Tina Kotek. No Malheur County projects appear on the list.
Findley joins Senate in passing drug law reforms, sending package to Kotek
AROUND OREGON: The sweeping drug addiction proposal reverses parts of Measure 110, recriminalizing possession of small amounts of drugs and expanding treatment options.