Same-Sex Marriage Decision Personal For Lawmakers
A bill to legalize same-sex marriage is in the hands of Governor Chris Gregoire. It passed the Washington House Wedesday with a 55-43 vote. During the three-hour debate, many lawmakers shared their own personal stories. >>
Oregon Headlines
Emergency Alert System Improves With Second Test
Portland emergency officials say Thursday's test of an emergency alert system appears to have worked.
Grand Jury Clears Officer In Fairview Shooting
No charges will be filed against the Fairview police officer who shot and killed Larry McKinney last month.
Foreclosure Agreement Will Bring Some Relief To Oregon Homeowners
Some Oregon homeowners caught in the housing market crunch will benefit from the foreclosure relief settlement negotiated by 49 state attorneys general.
Central Oregon Eyes New Drone Testing Sites
Congress passed a bill this week reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration. Among other things, the legislation requires FAA to establish 6 testing sites for unmanned aerial drones. Efforts are now underway to bring one of those sites to Central Oregon.
Metro And Troutdale Battle Over Environmental Standards
The Metro regional government is preparing to throw the book at the city of Troutdale for refusing to tighten environmental standards around urban development.
Snake River Prison Inmate's Death Was Homicide
A Snake River Correctional Institution inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell last week was killed by someone else, according to the State Medical Examiner.
Wash. Legislature: With Gay Marriage Passed, It's Back To Budget And Taxes
Now that gay marriage has passed, it's back to the budget and taxes for Washington lawmakers. The 60-day session is more than halfway over. Next week will bring the February revenue forecast. Then majority Democrats plan to roll out a budget and possible tax hikes.
Washington Voters May Face 2 Ballot Measures On Gay Marriage
Voters may be presented with two ballot measures seeking to overturn a recently passed measure that would legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state.
Wash. Lawmakers Likely To Leave Marijuana Initiative To Voters
Washington lawmakers say they won't likely vote on a proposal to legalize marijuana in advance of a citizen's initiative on the November ballot.
When You Think Spokane, City Wants You To Think Sports
The best amateur women boxers from around the country will participate in a historic event next week: team trials for the first-ever Olympic women's boxing competition. The location for the event is Spokane. And the city has worked to brand itself as a sports destination.
Three Sisters Don't Pull Punches In Former Men-Only Sport
Up until the last few decades it was considered indecent for women to box. This year, women's boxing will make its Olympic debut in the Summer Games of London. The contenders for the first-ever U.S. Olympic women's boxing team face off in Spokane February 13 - 19. It's a big development on the international stage. But the face of boxing has already been changing in small clubs across the Northwest.
Eight Oregon Tribes Awarded Grants For Affordable Housing
The government agency that oversees federal housing policy says it's awarding nearly $14 million to eight Oregon tribes.
Janssens Named Portland Fire Chief
A 24-year veteran of Portland Fire and Rescue has taken the top job.
Crater Lake To Have Final Say On Helicopters
The National Park Service will have the power to ban helicopter flights over Crater Lake without having to go through so much red tape.
Investigation Launched Into Powell 911 Call
An investigation has been launched into how a 911 dispatcher handled a call from a social worker frantically trying to alert authorities that Josh Powell had locked his two sons in his home.
Micron Plans Service For CEO Killed In Crash
Micron Technologies Inc. has scheduled a public memorial service for its former CEO and Chairman Steve Appleton, who was killed last week in a plane crash in Boise.
Eugene Man Pleads Guilty To Impersonating A Police Officer
A man who acted like a Eugene police officer pleaded guilty Wednesday to impersonation.
Suspicious Fire At Salem High Causes $15K In Damage
A suspicious fire at Salem High School caused about $15,000 damage to gear for the marching band's color guard.
City Club Report: Redistricting Process Could Be Flawed
Two separate reports are suggesting refinements to Oregon's redistricting process. Last year, legislative committees redrew the boundaries of state and federal districts.
Oregon Counties Try To Fend Off Financial Insolvency
Several Oregon counties are asking the state for more flexibility in spending, as they try to stave off financial insolvency. Curry County is likely to run out of operating money this summer. Several other counties aren't far behind.
In The Face Of Education Cuts, More Families Consider Private School
OPB is tracking the effects of budget cuts over the course of this school year. It's a series we're calling "Learning with Less." Public schools are seeing larger classes and fewer course offerings. And as Rob Manning reports, some parents are responding to those changes by seeking out alternatives -- in the private school sector.
State Bar Assumes Control Over Bend-Based Law Firm
A judge in Deschutes County has turned over control of a Bend-based law firm to the Oregon State Bar. That body is investigating allegations that the firm’s lead attorney may have stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars awarded to his clients.
Oregon Revenues Down, Slightly
Oregon lawmakers have a clearer picture of what they'll need to do to bring the current spending plan back into balance. State economists said Wednesday that they expect revenues to fall another $35 million. That's not considered a very big drop.
TriMet Plans Changes In Face Of Budget Shortfall
Facing yet more budget woes, Portland's transit agency TriMet has proposed a broad range of changes.
Vestas Announces $220 Million Loss For 2011
Vestas has announced losses almost triple the size of those expected. The Danish wind-turbine company has its North American headquarters in Portland.
Both Sides Of Gay Marriage Debate React To Wash. House Vote
Gay marriage supporters are thrilled. Opponents are gearing up for a ballot fight. That's the dynamic after the Washington House voted Wednesday to send a same-sex marriage bill to the governor.
Growth A Source of Pride — And Strain — At Some Northwest Tribes
The membership rolls at some Northwest tribes are swelling much faster than growth in the general population. Some of that increase is due to a high birth rate among American Indians. Also, rising prosperity from casinos and other businesses is luring Native Americans back into the fold. However, fast growth has strained the fabric of some tribes, while others wish they had more.
Washington Lawmakers Pass Gay Marriage 55-43
A bill to legalize same-sex marriage is on its way to Governor Chris Gregoire's desk. After a three hour debate Wednesday, the state House of Representatives passed the plan 55-43.
Health Care 'Transformation' Would Buy Low-Cost Innovations
Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber hopes his so-called health care transformation will save hundreds of millions of dollars. Oregon lawmakers are poised this month to take the next step in making that a reality.
Hanford Contractor Hires New Safety Culture Manager
The main government contractor building the waste treatment plant at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, has hired a new safety culture manager. This move comes after multiple federal reports have criticized the southeast Washington project -– some saying that employees feel reluctant to raise concerns with the plant.
Public Insight Network
Everybody Reads 2012
OPB is collecting community stories on themes from 'The Girl Who Fell from the Sky." Share your experience with racial identity or family.
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The Daily Astorian
Seaside Dance Team Qualifies For State Championships
Two Groups Vie For Red Lion Inn At The Port Of Astoria
Council Withdraws Resolution To Close Cannon Beach School
Two Groups Vie For Hotel At The Port
The East Oregonian
Failed GPS Collar On Alpha Male Puts End To Text Alerts
Sister Sleuth: Family Reunited With A Little Digging, Help Of Facebook
Loan To Cool Down Milton-Freewater Schools
USDA Loan Adds To Hefty ZeaChem Investment
The Hermiston Herald
Birthday 'Peep' Show Fills Hermiston Lawn
Hermiston City Manager Brookshier Finalist For Cornelius Job
101: Hermiston Man Celebrates 101st Birthday
Schmidt Earns All-state Volleyball Honors
The Medford Mail Tribune
Tribute To A Musical Connection
Housing Woes Hit Affordability Project
Suspect In Slaying May Use Insanity Defense
Gold Hill Man Gets Prison For Mining Violations
The Wallowa Chieftain
County Requests $30,500 From State Wolf Comp Fund
Muller Introduces 300 To Dulcimer
FEMA Awards Grant Of $247,475 To JFD
Eight Targeted For Applause
Artists Volunteer For Joseph Charter Art Program
The Blue Mountain Eagle
Traffic Stop Leads To Pot Bust In Burns
Vilsack: $2.5 Million For Southern Blues
Spotlight On Small-town Life In Grant County
Man Pleads Guilty To 3 Sex Crimes
The Chinook Observer
Brush Gets 88-plus Years In Prison
It's Time For New Economic Directions For Rural Counties
Ilwaco Hospital Cutting 14.7 Jobs
