A state judge in Burns has stepped into the legal fray over Measure 114, acting to block the firearms measure. State attorneys plan to appeal.
Around Oregon
Dozens of Oregon school districts likely undercounting homeless students
With the rise in homelessness in the U.S., school districts across the nation – including here in Oregon – are facing new challenges to identify and help students who have no place to call home.
Oregon food banks forced to tighten belts as hunger swells across the state
Local and regional food managers see no signs of the demand abating in the coming months. ‘It just exploded during the pandemic,’ said Susannah Morgan, CEO of the Oregon Food Bank.
Federal court weighs arguments on Oregon firearms measure
A federal judge in Portland said she will decide soon whether to stop Oregon’s new gun law from going into effect. Opponents made their case in a court proceeding held on Friday, Dec. 2.
Oregon pauses new applications for mortgage aid program
The state is putting applications on hold until early 2023 for a program to help at-risk homeowners. Officials say they need to make sure the funds are not overcommitted, but they encourage homeowners to contact the program for free housing counseling.
State legislator aims to get out of deposition in Enterprise public records lawsuit
In legal filings, Greg Smith, a state representative from Heppner, argued a lawsuit accusing him of illegally destroying and withholding public records as part of his economic development work in Malheur County should be dismissed.
Three of four Oregon legislative caucuses select leaders
The Oregon Senate gets the first new president in 20 years while Republican leaders still preside over a delegation in the minority in Salem.
Gov. Brown pardons marijuana possession convictions for about 45,000 people
Following a federal pardon action, Gov. Kate Brown has decided to pardon those in Oregon convicted of possession of marijuana. The state has set up a process to get the pardon.
Oregon economists expect a ‘mild’ recession beginning in 2023
State economist say Oregonians can expect a mild recession to develop next summer, with impacts greater on areas where construction is a prime driver of the local economy.
Oregon prepares for a potential surge of Covid-19 cases and other viral infections
Health officials in Oregon see a tough winter ahead, as Covid, influenza and the virus known as RSV set in. They urge people to get flu shots and Covid boosters, and to observe hygiene measures like hand-washing.