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Lisbon, Portugal. | LAURA/PIXABAY

Oregon looks to struggling Portugal for answers on drug addiction

Two decades after decriminalizing drugs, Portugal faces some of the same problems that hound Oregon, though on a smaller scale

Sep 19, 2023

(Left to right) Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, at a press conference in Portland, Jan. 30, 2024, where a a 90-day state of emergency was declared to address the fentanyl crisis in Portland. The action followed a recommendation by the Portland Central City Task Force, and will direct resources in an “unified response.” | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

In downtown Portland’s fentanyl crisis, Oregon leaders declare emergency

The city, county and state governments declared an emergency surrounding fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid, though the announcement won’t include additional funding

Feb 1, 2024

A encampment is seen from the Willamette River in Portland, Ore., on May 29, 2024. | APRIL EHRLICH/OPB

Last year was the deadliest on record for people in Portland who are homeless

Fentanyl drove the biggest spike in Multnomah County deaths, according to the health department

Dec 26, 2024

Oregon Capitol in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

As drug criminalization debate rages, Oregon lawmakers consider creating a new misdemeanor

Democrats and Republicans are seeing whether they can find compromise over what kinds of consequences drug users might face

Feb 13, 2024

Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Gomez, right, stands outside his cruiser while responding to a call in Glendale, Ore. Gomez is a field training officer and said he has helped arrest people after Oregon's recriminalized drug laws went into effect Sept. 1. | TROY BRYNELSON/OPB