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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...
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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...
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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.
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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...
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Multnomah County Office of Sustainability Advocates for 'FAIR Energy Act' to Reform Oregon Energy Rates

Multnomah County Office of Sustainability Advocates for 'FAIR Energy Act' to Reform Oregon Energy Rates

The Multnomah County Office of Sustainability is actively working to secure fair energy rates in Oregon, particularly in response to rising electricity demand from data centers and increasing consumer energy bills. This effort is bolstered by the passage of the FAIR Energy Act (House Bill 3179) and Senate Bill 688 (Performance-Based Regulation) in the 2025 Oregon legislative session. These laws aim to reform how rates are set for privately owned energy utilities, including Pacific Power, Portland General Electric, and NW Natural, which serve Multnomah County. A key feature of the FAIR Energy Act is the introduction of Multiyear Rate Plans (MRPs), which place utilities on a five-year budget for most costs, indexed to inflation and adjusted for growth and efficiency. This contrasts with the previous system where utilities could request rate increases more frequently and pass costs directly to consumers. The Office of Sustainability, in collaboration with a coalition of consumer and environmental justice advo...
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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
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White House weighs Commerce Secretary Lutnick's ouster amid Nvidia export concerns, sources say

White House weighs Commerce Secretary Lutnick's ouster amid Nvidia export concerns, sources 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
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Oregon Dairy Cattle Confirm First Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detection

Oregon Dairy Cattle Confirm First Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detection

Milk from a Morrow County dairy in Oregon has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), marking the first detection of the virus in Oregon dairy cattle. The preliminary detection was identified through Oregon’s routine statewide milk surveillance program, with initial results reported by the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) on November 6, 2026. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) promptly launched an on-farm investigation and submitted additional samples to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for confirmation, which was received on November 10, 2026. The affected dairy has been placed under quarantine, and enhanced biosecurity measures are now in effect. This quarantine restricts animal movement and implements additional disease control measures. No other affected dairies have been identified at this time, and pasteurized milk and dairy products are deemed safe for consumption, as pasteurization effective...
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New BottleDrop Redemption Center Opens in Hillsboro, Oregon, Enhancing Recycling Access

New BottleDrop Redemption Center Opens in Hillsboro, Oregon, Enhancing Recycling Access

Hillsboro, Oregon, is set to open its newest full-service BottleDrop Redemption Center on Thursday, November 12, at 1500 S.E. 21st Ave., in the former Big 5 Sporting Goods location. This facility, operated by the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, aims to provide Hillsboro residents with a more convenient and efficient way to recycle bottles and cans. The center will offer advanced technology, including the patented Stream Count system for rapid processing of large batches of containers, and will support BottleDrop’s Green Bag and Blue Bag programs. Customers can redeem up to 350 eligible beverage containers daily. The new location will also feature bilingual signage, kiosks, and staff to assist customers, and an exterior mural by local artist Ana Gabriela titled “The Rhythm of Renewal,” which incorporates local flora, fauna, and agricultural history.
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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.
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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 ...
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Third Act Oregon Launches Action Resource Hub to Bolster Democracy and Climate Initiatives

Third Act Oregon Launches Action Resource Hub to Bolster Democracy and Climate Initiatives

Third Act Oregon has established an Action Resource Hub, providing a centralized platform for individuals to engage in efforts aimed at defending democracy and protecting the climate. The hub offers various resources, including information on upcoming peaceful events, a network for promoting and listing events, and tools for U.S. constituents to make an impact. It also features guides for moving money from 'climate criminal banks' to climate-friendly financial institutions and alternative news sources. The initiative emphasizes the interconnectedness of defending democracy and addressing climate concerns, encouraging continuous engagement and action. The hub highlights the importance of citizen advocacy and provides contact information for those interested in joining related action teams.