Gov. Kotek tells Oregon districts they can’t reduce school days to cut costs
Districts that reduced school days to cover budget holes will need to add them back onto the next school year under the order issued April 16 by the governor.
Category STATE NEWS
Bethell, running for governor, sparks backlash for remarks on public defenders
Gubernatorial candidate Danielle Bethell, a Marion County commissioner, is facing criticism after mocking public defenders. Legal leaders say her comments undermine efforts to address attorney shortages. She suggested reopening prisons that the state corrections agency no longer owns.
Commentary: It’s time to tackle complex issues that arise with urban growth boundaries
In an opinion piece, Oregon Capital Chronicle columnist Randy Stapilus discusses urban growth boundaries and the colliding interests of housing, ag lands and economic needs.
Keizer Sen. Thatcher’s ‘cool adventure’ coming to close
In 2026 Kim Thatcher wraps up 20-plus years as a legislator representing Keizer, first as a state representative and now a senator.
Forecasters prepare for rising drought, wildfire risk after NOAA climate outlook
After a mild winter and dry spring outlook, here is how Oregon is preparing for the potential of its warmest year on record.
Business leaders urge Kotek to think bigger in prosperity council mission
The Oregon Business Council called on the new state panel to respond decisively to the state's economic challenges – high housing costs, lagging school performance and climate risks.
Judge denies anti-gas tax group’s attempt to extend voter pamphlet deadline
U.S. District Judge Michael Simon on March 20 denied the plaintiffs’ motion to allow for 52 more submissions to the Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet.
Unprepared: The broken pipeline teaching Oregon’s teachers
While other states have pivoted to evidence-based instruction, Oregon’s educational gatekeepers—from the governor’s office to the legislature and university deans—have allowed a pipeline of inadequately trained teachers to flow into classrooms, leaving 3 out of 5 of the state’s third graders unable to read proficiently.
Gene Derfler, ‘generational leader’ in Oregon Legislature, dies at 101
Derfler, a Republican from Salem, served as Senate president and majority leader during a long tenure as an elected leader.