OPB

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A student puts their phone away at Harmony Academy in Lake Oswego in this 2023 file photo. A proposed policy to ban cell phone use in Oregon schools did not clear a key Senate committee on Wednesday. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF / OPB

A bill to ban cellphones in Oregon schools is dead

Lawmakers couldn’t find agreement, but speculated Gov. Tina Kotek would act with an executive order

May 22

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Oregon veterans and VA staff fear Trump cuts could harm benefits, health care

The Department of Veterans Affairs says it’s fixing a struggling system

Apr 24

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Columbia River Mental Health announces new CEO amid nearly $6M shortfall

The struggling mental health services provider in Vancouver hopes the new CEO will help address financial problems and reopen facilities

Apr 8

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A white board in a hallway inside the Oregon State Hospital in November 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

How Oregon’s laws on forcing mental health treatment could change this year

The state has wrestled for years with ordering civil commitments for people with severe mental illness. Here’s what you need to know.

Apr 1

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U.S. Congressman Cliff Bentz speaking with attendees at the American Conservation Coalition's 2023 Summit at the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. | COURTESY/GAGE SKIDMORE VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Oregon Rep. Cliff Bentz defends cutting federal spending, discusses Medicaid cuts

The GOP congressman said that health care will be focus of potential cuts and suggested their will be a work requirement to be eligible for Medicaid

Feb 27

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon’s flu season one of the worst in the past decade

Oregon is experiencing a significant second peak of flu illness and hospitalizations this month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared this flu season a high severity for all age groups for the first time since 2017-2018.

Feb 25

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Wildfire smoke covers the Ochocos Mountains in Central Oregon on Aug. 18, 2020. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon is home to 4 of the top 5 smokiest cities nationwide

Northwest researchers find Medford, Grants Pass and Bend had the most wildfire smoke from 2019-2023

Feb 20

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Picket line near Providence St. Vincent Medical Center on Jan. 28, 2025. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Providence faces a fifth week of strikes as St. Vincent doctors secure union deal

Unionized nurses and Providence officials did not have a clear path forward on negotiations Sunday

Feb 11

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Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. | PORTLAND TRIBUNE

Fired Oregon prison health leaders delayed treatment, retaliated against staff, report claims

The 84-page internal investigation from the Oregon Department of Corrections also highlighted poor health care for women

Feb 6

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Nurses and supporters picket outside of Providence Milwaukie Hospital on June 18, 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill to offer unemployment pay to striking workers sets up clash in Salem

Labor groups argue the bill would extend a crucial lifeline to workers. Employers say it would lead to longer strikes.

Feb 6