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Oregon Lawmakers Urge VA to Prioritize Funding for Veterans' Homes in Roseburg and Lebanon

Oregon Lawmakers Urge VA to Prioritize Funding for Veterans' Homes in Roseburg and Lebanon

A bipartisan group of Oregon lawmakers, including U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, and U.S. Representatives Cliff Bentz and Val Hoyle, have called on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prioritize federal funding for two critical veterans' care projects in Oregon. The lawmakers sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins ahead of Veterans Day, advocating for the construction of a proposed State Veterans' Home in Roseburg and renovations to the existing Edward C. Allworth Veterans' Home in Lebanon. The proposed Roseburg facility aims to expand long-term care options for veterans in Southern Oregon, particularly in Douglas County, which is home to an estimated 10,000 veterans. The project is currently in the preliminary stages of preconstruction. The delegation emphasized that continued investment in Oregon's veterans' care infrastructure is essential to meet the needs of the state's geographically diverse veteran population, especially in rural areas. This request is part of a broader ef...

Oregon Congressional Delegation Secures $1.8M in DOJ Grants for Tribal Victim Services

Oregon Congressional Delegation Secures $1.8M in DOJ Grants for Tribal Victim Services

Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with Congressman Cliff Bentz, have announced that four Oregon Tribes will receive a combined $1,804,643 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). These grants are designated to develop, expand, and enhance culturally appropriate services for crime victims within Tribal communities. The funding, sourced from the DOJ’s Tribal Victim Set-Aside Services and the Services for the Victims of Crime programs, will support trauma-informed, victim-centered services. These services include direct support like counseling and crisis intervention, culturally specific traditional healing, and infrastructure projects such as building shelters. Additionally, the grants will aid Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) search efforts, family support, strategic planning, community outreach, and provider training. The recipients include the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Ind...

Oregon Senators Announce $1.8 Million DOJ Grants for Tribal Victim Services

Oregon Senators Announce $1.8 Million DOJ Grants for Tribal Victim Services

Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden have announced that four Oregon Tribes will receive a combined $1,804,643 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). These grants are intended to develop, expand, and enhance culturally appropriate services for crime victims within Tribal communities. The funding comes from the DOJ’s Tribal Victim Set-Aside Services and the Services for the Victims of Crime programs. These programs support trauma-informed, victim-centered services, including counseling, crisis intervention, culturally specific traditional healing, and infrastructure projects like building shelters. Additionally, the grants will aid Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) search efforts, family support, strategic planning, community outreach, and provider training. The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, and Klamath Tribes are the recipients of this funding. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde al...

Oregon Department of Forestry Recognizes Three Logging Companies as 2026 Operators of the Year

Oregon Department of Forestry Recognizes Three Logging Companies as 2026 Operators of the Year

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has honored three logging companies as its 2026 Operators of the Year. Wood River Timber of Klamath Falls was recognized for eastern Oregon, Lone Rock Logging in Roseburg for southwest Oregon, and Iron Horse Logging in Mapleton for northwest Oregon. These companies were selected for their commitment to sustainable practices and their efforts in forest management. Specifically, Wood River Timber, owned by Ray Driscoll, was lauded for its work in thinning overcrowded pine trees on private land west of Klamath Falls, aiming to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk. The ODF selection committee highlighted Driscoll's skillful logging, which protected desired trees while removing others to open the forest floor for grazing by cattle and wildlife. Jim Gersbach, ODF Public Affairs Specialist, emphasized that this recognition acknowledges loggers who prioritize environmental care and adhere to practices that safeguard forest resources.

Congressman Bentz Announces $197.3 Million for Oregon's Rural Healthcare in 2027

Congressman Bentz Announces $197.3 Million for Oregon's Rural Healthcare in 2027

Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) has announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has awarded $197.3 million for fiscal year 2027 to enhance and modernize rural healthcare in Oregon. This funding is a continuation of the 'Big Beautiful Bill’s Rural Health Transformation Program,' which provided a similar amount to Oregon in the previous year. Congressman Bentz was the sole member of Oregon’s congressional delegation to vote in favor of this funding measure. In 2026, the program distributed $16.4 million across 42 'Immediate Impact Award' projects addressing urgent needs, and $80.1 million to 103 'Catalyst Award' projects aimed at improving healthcare access in areas such as maternity, primary, and senior care. Additionally, $21.7 million was allocated to Oregon's nine federally recognized Tribes, $35 million to its 35 rural hospitals, and $10 million to its 100 rural health clinics.

Representative Cliff Bentz Announces $197.3 Million Federal Award for Oregon's Rural Healthcare in 2027

Representative Cliff Bentz Announces $197.3 Million Federal Award for Oregon's Rural Healthcare in 2027

Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) has announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has allocated $197.3 million to Oregon for fiscal year 2027. This funding is designated to enhance and modernize rural healthcare services across the state. The allocation is a continuation of the 'Big Beautiful Bill’s Rural Health Transformation Program,' which provided a similar amount to Oregon in the previous year. The program aims to support both ongoing healthcare initiatives and the development of new projects in rural areas. In 2026, the program distributed $16.4 million to 42 'Immediate Impact Award' projects addressing urgent needs, and $80.1 million to 103 'Catalyst Award' projects focused on improving access to maternity care, primary care, and senior care. Additionally, $21.7 million was provided to Oregon's nine federally recognized Tribes, $35 million was distributed among the state's 35 rural hospitals, and $10 million went to its 100 rural health clinics. Congressman Bentz was the sole memb...

Democrats are preparing to probe the Trump family's finances

Democrats are preparing to probe the Trump family's finances

Oversight committees are already naming investigative targets, including Trump, his sons and his son-in-law.

White House discussing Howard Lutnick's future as Commerce secretary, people familiar say

White House discussing Howard Lutnick's future as Commerce secretary, people familiar say

By Jarrett Renshaw, Jonathan Landay and David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Senior White House officials are discussing whether Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick should be pushed out amid a spy scandal surrounding Nvidia's now-former CEO Jensen Huang, two people familiar with the

Oregon Department of Forestry Names Lone Rock Logging Southwest Oregon's 2026 Operator of the Year for Environmental Stewardship

Oregon Department of Forestry Names Lone Rock Logging Southwest Oregon's 2026 Operator of the Year for Environmental Stewardship

Roseburg-based Lone Rock Logging has been recognized as Southwest Oregon's 2026 Operator of the Year by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). This award acknowledges the company's exceptional commitment to protecting natural resources during timber harvesting operations, particularly in adherence to the Oregon Forest Practices Act. Lone Rock Logging was specifically lauded for its careful planning and execution in areas requiring additional protections, such as wider buffers along streams and restrictions on equipment near fish-bearing waterways. The company successfully navigated challenging terrain, moving harvested timber while preserving standing trees and minimizing environmental impact. Techniques included strategic log placement for cable equipment and testing lighter synthetic cables to reduce damage to retained trees. Additionally, C and M Timberland Resources of Glide received a Merit Award for its work in stream protection and erosion prevention.

Oregon Reflects on 56th Anniversary of Infamous Exploding Whale Incident

Oregon Reflects on 56th Anniversary of Infamous Exploding Whale Incident

Oregon is marking the 56th anniversary of a notorious event that occurred on November 12, 1970, when state crews attempted to dispose of an 8-ton gray whale carcass that had washed ashore on a Florence beach. In an effort to remove the dead whale, authorities decided to use dynamite. Crowds gathered to witness the unusual disposal method, which was also documented by KATU reporter Paul Linnman and photojournalist Doug Brazil. When the explosion occurred, large chunks of blubber and a heavy mist were propelled into the air. While no one was injured, one significant piece of blubber landed on and flattened a car. The incident has since become a cautionary tale in Oregon's history, with Linnman famously stating that future officials would remember not only what to do but, more importantly, what not to do in similar situations.

Bipartisan Efforts Target Forest Management and Wildfire Threat Post-Election

Bipartisan Efforts Target Forest Management and Wildfire Threat Post-Election

Following the November election, there is a renewed bipartisan push in Washington to address critical issues such as the growing threat of wildfire and the declining health of America’s federal forests. Lawmakers from both parties are seeking common ground to solve these problems, which have been exacerbated by decades of 'no-touch' management leading to overstocked forests. In January 2025, 64 House Democrats joined Republicans in supporting legislation to improve forest management and accelerate restoration work. Recent bipartisan cooperation has also led to legislation, supported by Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican Rep. Russ Fulcher, becoming law, expanding opportunities for counties and tribes to manage federal forests and reinvest timber revenues in restoration projects. Oregon Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley and Republican Congressman Cliff Bentz have also introduced legislation to expand opportunities for converting woody material from forest management projects into renewable ...

Weyerhaeuser Donates $10,000 to Lane Community College's Wildland Fire Management Program

Weyerhaeuser Donates $10,000 to Lane Community College's Wildland Fire Management Program

Weyerhaeuser, a timber and land management company, has donated $10,000 to Lane Community College's Wildland Fire Management Program. This contribution is part of Weyerhaeuser's 'Fighting Fires Together' initiative, which was established in response to the severe 2020 wildfires and initially focused on providing mental health resources for firefighters. The donation aims to further support workforce development in fire management by equipping students with industry-standard tools. Kyleigh Gill, Oregon Public Relations Manager at Weyerhaeuser, stated that this investment ensures students are aware of job opportunities and become enthusiastic about careers in the field. The funds will provide essential equipment for students to gain practical experience in fireline cutting and other wildland fire management techniques, preparing them for various positions in the sector.