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Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson focused his State of the State address on flood recovery, taxing millionaires, and immigration enforcement.
What Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said, and left unsaid, in his State of the State address
The speech drew a more positive reaction from fellow Democrats than last year’s inaugural address. He touched on flood recovery, taxes and immigration enforcement.
www.opb.org
January 15, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson focused his State of the State address on flood recovery, taxing millionaires, and immigration enforcement.
Tuesday night, the Portland Public Schools’ board voted to end Jefferson’s dual assignment policy, which has allowed families in the neighborhood to choose to have their student attend Jefferson or one of three other local high schools. It will also become a comprehensive high school.
In effort to boost enrollment, Portland Public Schools board votes to change boundaries for Jefferson High School
Jefferson will become a comprehensive high school, with new boundaries taking effect in the 2027-2028 school year.
www.opb.org
January 15, 2026 at 1:30 AM
Tuesday night, the Portland Public Schools’ board voted to end Jefferson’s dual assignment policy, which has allowed families in the neighborhood to choose to have their student attend Jefferson or one of three other local high schools. It will also become a comprehensive high school.
Oregon's cannabis industry faces record-low prices due to oversupply from high production and flat demand, with yearly sales now below $1 billion.
📹 by Eli Imadali/OPB
✂️ by Joey Lovato/OPB
✏️ by Kyra Buckley/OPB
📹 by Eli Imadali/OPB
✂️ by Joey Lovato/OPB
✏️ by Kyra Buckley/OPB
January 15, 2026 at 12:20 AM
Oregon's cannabis industry faces record-low prices due to oversupply from high production and flat demand, with yearly sales now below $1 billion.
📹 by Eli Imadali/OPB
✂️ by Joey Lovato/OPB
✏️ by Kyra Buckley/OPB
📹 by Eli Imadali/OPB
✂️ by Joey Lovato/OPB
✏️ by Kyra Buckley/OPB
A ban on police face coverings has been one of the most talked about policy proposals in the first two days of Washington’s legislative session, with lead lawmakers and the governor lining up in support.
Proposed ban on police face coverings gains momentum in Washington Legislature
Gov. Bob Ferguson has thrown support behind the bill. It could face legal challenges if passed.
www.opb.org
January 15, 2026 at 12:00 AM
A ban on police face coverings has been one of the most talked about policy proposals in the first two days of Washington’s legislative session, with lead lawmakers and the governor lining up in support.
After more than 10 hours of heated debate, the Portland City Council has elected Councilor Jamie Dunphy as its council president for 2026.
Portland Councilor Dunphy wins council president seat after deadlocked votes
After selecting Jamie Dunphy as their president, Portland city councilors selected Olivia Clark as their vice president.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 10:50 PM
After more than 10 hours of heated debate, the Portland City Council has elected Councilor Jamie Dunphy as its council president for 2026.
State health officials say they need to grow the agency’s staffing to make needed IT changes, but some lawmakers on Tuesday questioned other aspects of the agency’s request — including its push to slash $170 million that primary care providers rely on to serve lower-income Oregonians.
Oregon Health Authority seeks funds to pay for federal changes while cutting provider care payments
State health officials say they need to grow the agency’s staffing to make needed IT changes, but some lawmakers on Tuesday questioned other aspects of the agency’s request — including its push to slash $170 million that primary care providers rely on to serve lower-income Oregonians.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 10:00 PM
State health officials say they need to grow the agency’s staffing to make needed IT changes, but some lawmakers on Tuesday questioned other aspects of the agency’s request — including its push to slash $170 million that primary care providers rely on to serve lower-income Oregonians.
Oregonians have only a day left to sign up for health care coverage through Oregon’s health insurance marketplace website, or they will have to wait until next year to get covered. Open enrollment using the marketplace ends at midnight Thursday, Jan. 15.
People needing health care coverage have until Thursday to sign up for Obamacare
With Congress debating cuts to consumers’ premiums, state officials urge Oregonians to enroll now and steer clear of fake websites offering false promises.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Oregonians have only a day left to sign up for health care coverage through Oregon’s health insurance marketplace website, or they will have to wait until next year to get covered. Open enrollment using the marketplace ends at midnight Thursday, Jan. 15.
Over 50 demonstrators dropped to the ground for a “die-in” at the parking lot of Medford’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement office on Tuesday.
Protestors hold ‘die-in’ at Medford ICE office
This week, demonstrators showed up at Medford’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement office for the first time. That follows nationwide protests against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement crackdown.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Over 50 demonstrators dropped to the ground for a “die-in” at the parking lot of Medford’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement office on Tuesday.
With temperatures roughly 5 degrees warmer than average in December, much of Oregon has less than 50% of its normal snowpack. A state hydrologist says there's still time to catch up, but without it the state could be facing a dry summer.
Low snowpack around Oregon leads to concern about dry conditions this summer
There's still time for snowpack to increase, but with temperatures above average in December a state hydrologist says it could lead to lower river flows in the spring and summer.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 8:30 PM
With temperatures roughly 5 degrees warmer than average in December, much of Oregon has less than 50% of its normal snowpack. A state hydrologist says there's still time to catch up, but without it the state could be facing a dry summer.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is appointing Tim Knopp, a former state senator from Bend, to help improve the state's business climate. The Republican Knopp led the longest legislative walkout in Oregon history in 2023.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek taps Republican rival to boost business relations
Tim Knopp, a former state senator from Bend, will join Kotek’s administration.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is appointing Tim Knopp, a former state senator from Bend, to help improve the state's business climate. The Republican Knopp led the longest legislative walkout in Oregon history in 2023.
Reposted by OPB
Not something anyone I've talked to was expecting. Former state Sen. Tim Knopp, who led the longest legislative walkout in Oregon history, now works for Gov. Tina Kotek. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek taps Republican rival to boost business relations
Tim Knopp, a former state senator from Bend, will join Kotek’s administration.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Not something anyone I've talked to was expecting. Former state Sen. Tim Knopp, who led the longest legislative walkout in Oregon history, now works for Gov. Tina Kotek. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
The two-page court filing is short on details, but means federal prosecutors have established probable cause and that the criminal case against Luis Nino-Moncada can proceed.
Grand jury indicts man shot by Border Patrol in Portland
Luis Nino-Moncada was charged with aggravated assault on a federal employee with a deadly or dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 6:15 PM
The two-page court filing is short on details, but means federal prosecutors have established probable cause and that the criminal case against Luis Nino-Moncada can proceed.
For years, a Yakima nonprofit has been collecting empty glass containers to be recycled, doing something the municipal disposal hauler didn't do. But the logistics of getting the glass recycled proved challenging, especially with no glass recycling facilities east of Washington's Cascades.
There’s no glass recycling facility east of Washington’s Cascades. So, groups are shipping used containers to Portland
When glass enters a landfill, it can take up to a million years for it to break down. But for many communities east of Washington's Cascades, keeping it out of the landfill isn't easy.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM
For years, a Yakima nonprofit has been collecting empty glass containers to be recycled, doing something the municipal disposal hauler didn't do. But the logistics of getting the glass recycled proved challenging, especially with no glass recycling facilities east of Washington's Cascades.
While voters and lawmakers have levied taxes against high earners, companies and other groups in the city, some leaders say businesses and workers have to scramble to keep up. Many argue that the growing burden has led to a poor business climate in Portland and beyond.
How Portland taxes have grown since the pandemic
Businesses operating in the Rose City have seen an increasing number of taxes to pay and keep track of since 2019.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 4:30 PM
While voters and lawmakers have levied taxes against high earners, companies and other groups in the city, some leaders say businesses and workers have to scramble to keep up. Many argue that the growing burden has led to a poor business climate in Portland and beyond.
Reposted by OPB
“The termination of a lead union organizer during the fragile, initial phase of a union drive is an exceptionally severe act,” reads the complaint, filed Tuesday with the Oregon Employment Relations Board.
This comes a day before the council prez election. Smith is currently a nominee for the role.
This comes a day before the council prez election. Smith is currently a nominee for the role.
Portland Councilor Smith accused of firing staff in retaliation for union drive
In an Unfair Labor Practice charge filed Tuesday, the union accused City Councilor Loretta Smith of firing an employee in retaliation for labor organizing.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:52 AM
“The termination of a lead union organizer during the fragile, initial phase of a union drive is an exceptionally severe act,” reads the complaint, filed Tuesday with the Oregon Employment Relations Board.
This comes a day before the council prez election. Smith is currently a nominee for the role.
This comes a day before the council prez election. Smith is currently a nominee for the role.
Reposted by OPB
Mixed results so far for a program aiming to fill vacant storefronts in Portland's Old Town. Federal wheat bailout could be weak. How Portland taxes have grown. Blazers and Ducks both blown out. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2026...
OPB’s First Look: Filling vacant storefronts in Portland’s Old Town
Why businesses with the No Vacancy project in Portland have struggled to open their doors. Here's your First Look at Wednesday's news.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Mixed results so far for a program aiming to fill vacant storefronts in Portland's Old Town. Federal wheat bailout could be weak. How Portland taxes have grown. Blazers and Ducks both blown out. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2026...
The initial idea behind No Vacancy was simple: connect business owners to property owners. But so far none of the businesses getting support from the No Vacancy project have actually opened.
No Vacancy, no grand openings: Pilot program finds mixed success filling vacant storefronts in Portland’s Old Town neighborhood
In early 2025, Prosper Portland partnered with the Old Town Community Association to fund a pilot project called No Vacancy to help fill some of the empty storefronts in that neighborhood. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the central city had a combined office and retail vacancy rate of 39% according to Costar.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:30 PM
The initial idea behind No Vacancy was simple: connect business owners to property owners. But so far none of the businesses getting support from the No Vacancy project have actually opened.
The month-old union representing Portland City Hall staff has filed its first labor complaint against city management. In an Unfair Labor Practice charge filed Tuesday, the union accused City Councilor Loretta Smith of firing an employee in retaliation for labor organizing.
Portland Councilor Smith accused of firing staff in retaliation for union drive
In an Unfair Labor Practice charge filed Tuesday, the union accused City Councilor Loretta Smith of firing an employee in retaliation for labor organizing.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:55 AM
The month-old union representing Portland City Hall staff has filed its first labor complaint against city management. In an Unfair Labor Practice charge filed Tuesday, the union accused City Councilor Loretta Smith of firing an employee in retaliation for labor organizing.
State transportation officials estimate damage to roads from historic recent flooding in Washington will cost between $40 million and $50 million.
Road damage from Washington flooding to cost at least $40 million
Last month’s heavy flooding inflicted at least $40 million to $50 million of damage on Washington’s highways, state transportation officials estimated to lawmakers Monday.
www.opb.org
January 13, 2026 at 10:00 PM
State transportation officials estimate damage to roads from historic recent flooding in Washington will cost between $40 million and $50 million.
Oregon wheat growers now know what the Trump administration’s $12 billion bailout for farmers will do for them. They are saying that the $39 per acre they will receive will cover only a fraction of the cost of producing their crop.
Trump’s farm bailout probably won’t cover Pacific Northwest wheat growers losses
Oregon wheat farmers continue to deal with low crop prices and high input costs. They’ve recently learned the Trump administration’s $12 billion bailout package likely won’t help much.
www.opb.org
January 13, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Oregon wheat growers now know what the Trump administration’s $12 billion bailout for farmers will do for them. They are saying that the $39 per acre they will receive will cover only a fraction of the cost of producing their crop.
If the motion is granted, Oregon would join Washington, D.C., and Colorado in preventing ICE’s practice of making warrantless arrests of people in Oregon.
Oregon immigrant rights attorneys sue to stop warrantless ICE arrests
Portland-based Innovation Law Lab filed the preliminary injunction motion in U.S. District Court in Eugene on Friday. It’s part of a 2025 lawsuit on behalf of two individuals suing ICE after they were detained late last year without a warrant.
www.opb.org
January 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM
If the motion is granted, Oregon would join Washington, D.C., and Colorado in preventing ICE’s practice of making warrantless arrests of people in Oregon.
The festival features 37 films created by local and international filmmakers that are divided into six themed two-hour blocks aiming to educate audiences about the ocean. After each block, viewers can attend panels to take a deeper dive into topics of interest.
An ocean-themed film festival returns to Newport this month to educate audiences
The festival will be held Jan. 23-24 at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Newport Performing Arts Center. It will showcase 37 films created by local and international filmmakers that aim to educate audiences about the ocean.
www.opb.org
January 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The festival features 37 films created by local and international filmmakers that are divided into six themed two-hour blocks aiming to educate audiences about the ocean. After each block, viewers can attend panels to take a deeper dive into topics of interest.
In her second annual address, Mayor Kaarin Knudson called for further improvements to public safety in downtown area and building more housing.
In State of the City address, Eugene mayor focuses on safety, especially on Highway 99
In her address, Mayor Kaarin Knudson highlighted several challenges for the city this year, including the Highway 99 corridor, public safety, housing and the need to change the way it provides fire services.
www.opb.org
January 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM
In her second annual address, Mayor Kaarin Knudson called for further improvements to public safety in downtown area and building more housing.
In a continued crackdown on immigrant truck drivers, the Trump administration recently highlighted the Oregon crash that killed a newlywed couple. The mother of one of those killed said the couple would have been “broken-hearted” by the anti-immigrant rhetoric following the incident.
Immigrant truck driver to enter plea in Deschutes County Court after fatal crash
Rajinder Kumar of India to plea in Deschutes County court after fatal trucking accident that killed two in rural Central Oregon. The case is the most recent to draw the attention of the Trump administration.
www.opb.org
January 13, 2026 at 4:30 PM
In a continued crackdown on immigrant truck drivers, the Trump administration recently highlighted the Oregon crash that killed a newlywed couple. The mother of one of those killed said the couple would have been “broken-hearted” by the anti-immigrant rhetoric following the incident.
The council deadlocked at 6-6 last week as a marathon debate turned personal. More progressive members accused the current council president of racism while moderate members accused her challenger of having a "juvenile" leadership style.
Portland City Councilors will again attempt to elect council president Wednesday
After several delays, the Portland City Council will meet on Wednesday to elect its legislative leader for 2026.
www.opb.org
January 13, 2026 at 3:30 PM
The council deadlocked at 6-6 last week as a marathon debate turned personal. More progressive members accused the current council president of racism while moderate members accused her challenger of having a "juvenile" leadership style.