See Road Camera Views around the Klamath Basin:

Lake of the Woods
Doak Mtn.
Hiway 97 at Chemult
Hiway 140 at  Bly
Hiway 97 at GreenSprings Dr.
Hiway 97 at LaPine

 

Around the State of Oregon

Oregon Gov. Kotek sends $5 million to food banks ahead of SNAP cutoff, due on Saturday

Food banks across Oregon have warned that they do not have enough resources to absorb the impact of the ongoing government shutdown.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on Wednesday declared a state of emergency over hunger and directed $5 million to food banks across the state, seeking to avert the impending November loss of food stamp benefits for hundreds of thousands of Oregonians under the federal government’s ongoing shutdown. 

Kotek’s emergency declaration gives authority to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to coordinate with local governments, nonprofit organizations and private companies to “respond and mitigate the impacts of this emergency.” It calls for “essential protective measures” from the Oregon Department of Human Services to address food insecurity, while directing the agency to provide financial assistance to those facing hunger due to the loss of SNAP benefits.

The order lasts until the end of the year, unless the federal government distributes benefits or Kotek changes its terms herself. 

“It’s unacceptable that families are being used as leverage in a political standoff in Washington, D.C.,” Kotek said in a statement. “While the Republican-controlled Congress fails to do its job, Oregon will do ours. We stand up for each other, whether it’s fires, floods or any other crisis. I call on all Oregonians to do what they can to help their neighbors.”

About one in six Oregonians, the majority of whom are children, disabled or seniors, rely on SNAP for food assistance.

Kotek’s declaration comes one day after the federal government shutdown hit its four-week mark with Democrats voting no unless they get $1.3 trillion returned to the budget, most of it seen as waste by Republicans in Congress who simply offered a clean CR bill.  Sen. Chuck Shumer and Democrats are still refusing to back off their demands to restore subsidies for states under the Affordable Care Act, meant to be only temporary during Covid, that were rolled back under the GOP’s tax and spending law.

In her Wednesday order, Kotek drew upon $5 million from federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds to support the state’s network of food banks. That money is unspent from previous years and “can support short term crisis benefits without creating new ongoing requirements, which is ideal for this emergency,” the governor’s office said. 

Pressure is mounting on Governor Tina Kotek to endorse the transportation funding bill that was approved during a special legislative session.

For weeks, Kotek has refused to sign the bill and has ignored it.  Two Democratic state senators, Janeen Sollman and Jeff Golden, are imploring the Governor to sign the bill, expressing concern that any delay could undermine public trust.

The Governor has a period of 30 business days following the session to sign the bill. Republicans are eager to present it to voters but are unable to begin gathering the 78,000 signatures required until the Governor provides her signature.

Should they successfully collect the signatures, it would prevent the bill from being enacted until the General Election in November 2026.

 

Christine Drazan is once again announcing she will campaign to run for Governor of Oregon.

The former leader of the House Republicans declared her candidacy at a manufacturing site in Portland on Monday. She addressed a crowd of industry employees, many of whom were donned in hard hats and reflective vests, stating, “This race will be about you.”

Drazan ranks among the most prominent Republican figures in Oregon. She previously contested the gubernatorial election in 2022, narrowly losing to Democratic nominee Gov. Tina Kotek by less than 4%.

Gov. Kotek’s term will be up in November of 2026 where she must be re-elected to stay in power.  The state’s most pressing problems continue to include persistent crises in housing and homelessness, widespread public safety concerns involving crime and drug addiction, and signs of a weakening state economy. Job growth is near an all-time low in the state.

Recently, she was appointed to occupy a vacant seat in the Oregon Senate. Her announcement may pave the way for a rematch with Kotek, who is anticipated to seek reelection but has not yet disclosed her intentions. Drazan’s aspirations for higher office were well-known among political insiders in Salem. According to three Republican sources, she convened a meeting regarding this matter with trusted lobbyists last week.

In August, a Republican fundraising platform had already indicated her candidacy for governor, despite her not having made any official declaration. On Monday, her political committee was updated to reflect her gubernatorial campaign. As she entered the event at the Gunderson Marine & Iron facility, which specializes in constructing bridges, barges, ships, and other projects, she walked under a large American flag and greeted a long line of workers with handshakes before taking the stage.

 

Warm Springs Man Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

A Warm Springs, Oregon, man made his first appearance in federal court yesterday after being charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury following a shooting on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

Carlos Ralph Miller-Smith, 31, has been charged by criminal complaint with involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

According to court documents, on October 25, 2025, Warm Springs Police Department officers were dispatched to a shooting at a residence within the exterior boundaries of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the temple. A witness identified Miller-Smith as the shooter. Miller-Smith was detained and placed in a patrol vehicle. The victim succumbed to their injuries the next morning.

Miller-Smith made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Warm Springs Police Department are investigating the case. Pamela Paaso and Kate Rochat, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, are prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Oregon State Hospital improvements recognized by The Joint Commission

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon State Hospital has maintained its accreditation with The Joint Commission after a recent review by the healthcare accrediting agency found that the hospital has successfully sustained corrective actions around practices related to falls and seclusion or restraint.

The Joint Commission (TJC) is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops health care performance standards and accredits and certifies more than 23,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. A TJC surveyor recently revisited OSH to review whether the hospital sustained these practices implemented in the spring to address the findings from a March 2025 survey following a sentinel event. OSH continues its efforts to improve patient care to those it serves.

“Many teams came together across the hospital to address TJC’s concerns around the care and assessment of patients following falls and for patients in seclusion or restraint,” said OSH Interim Superintendent Jim Diegel. “These actions included a focus on training and a dedicated seclusion-restraint team to better support patients. We will build on this momentum of change and focus on iterative practices to continuously improve upon the daily care we provide every patient.”

TJC surveyors initially lifted a preliminary hold on OSH’s accreditation status in late April after the hospital addressed findings identified as a serious threat to patient health and safety. As part of the survey process, TJC surveyors were required to conduct a follow-up accreditation visit to ensure OSH sustained the changes.

The hospital will continue to work with OHA and external partners like TJC and CMS to deliver high quality, patient-centered, psychiatric treatment for adults from throughout the state.

 

An additional six individuals are filing a lawsuit against the Oregon Youth Authority, claiming they experienced sexual abuse during their time at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn.

Dr. Edward Gary Edwards is also included in the lawsuit. This case adds to the increasing number of legal actions against the OYA and Edwards, following serious allegations of abuse, negligence, and a cover-up spanning four decades.

The six men were all minors, under the age of 18, at the time they allege the abuse took place, amidst what they describe as a culture of silence. Their legal representatives assert that many of the plaintiffs were unaware that their experiences of abuse were part of a broader pattern until media coverage earlier this year revealed the cover-up.

 

2025-30 Oregon Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Approved 

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) announce that the 2025-30 Oregon Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) has received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Between 2020 and 2025, there were 51 declared emergency events in Oregon. This plan supports ongoing efforts to reduce natural hazard risks across the state. 

Both OEM and DLCD would like to extend their gratitude to the 348 people—from various backgrounds and levels of government—who participated in the 20-month-long update process. Their contributions resulted in a thorough, inclusive and comprehensive document that will serve people visiting and living in Oregon during the coming years. 

The NHMP outlines strategies to reduce long-term risks from natural hazards such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods, drought, and landslides. The 2025-30 update includes: 

• Updated Risk Assessment:Incorporates new data and tools to better understand hazard exposure and community vulnerability across the state. 
• Focus on Whole Community:Identifies actions that consider the needs of communities that may be more vulnerable to hazard impacts. 
• Alignment with Local Plans:Supports coordination between state and local mitigation efforts. 
• Public and Partner Input: Reflects contributions from local governments, Tribal nations, academia, private and nonprofit organizations, and community members

 

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) commemorates Oct. 30, 2025, as Weatherization Day in Oregon in recognition of the state’s longstanding commitment to energy efficiency, health, and housing stability.

The proclamation, signed by Governor Kotek, honors the work of the agency and its network of local partners who have helped thousands of low-income households make their homes safer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient. 

“Many homes were built before energy efficiency homes were common, leaving families today with heightened costs and health risks,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “The OHCS weatherization program reduces energy costs for families, benefits the economy by supporting good paying jobs, and improves health outcomes. The benefits of the weatherization program start at home and extend to making everyday life better.” 

Since its inception in 1979, Oregon’s weatherization assistance program has operated in partnership with community action agencies and local service providers across all 36 counties. In 2024 alone, the program weatherized 1,060 homes, saving participating households an average of $761 in annual energy costs. These improvements often make a life-changing difference for seniors, children, and people with disabilities — populations most impacted by rising energy costs. 

One example of the program’s impact comes from Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP), which recently completed extensive weatherization upgrades for two elderly residents of a 1996 manufactured home. When the couple’s heat pump failed during a harsh winter, they were forced to rely on a small wood stove on an enclosed porch for warmth, creating unsafe and unhealthy living conditions. 

Using funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and the Bonneville Power Administration, YCAP provided a comprehensive solution that replaced the broken equipment and ensured long term efficiency. These improvements restored safety and comfort to the couple’s home. 

“I have had the most excellent experience with our YCAP updates. The whole team went beyond all expectations and did their very best. We were in great need and now are enjoying a warm and comfortable living space,” one of the residents shared. 

“Our home weatherization program has a profound impact on the people we serve, particularly for vulnerable populations. Not only are we extending the life of people’s homes, but we are lowering their utility bills and improving their quality of life,” said YCAP Executive Director Alexandra Ball. “Weatherization promotes health, safety and energy efficiency, and we are grateful to Governor Kotek for promoting these essential life-sustaining services.” 

The governor’s proclamation underscores that weatherization revitalizes communities by spurring economic growth, reducing environmental impact, and keeping dollars in local economies. The program also plays a critical role in advancing Oregon’s climate and equity goals by ensuring that vulnerable households share in the benefits of energy efficient investments. 

 

Marine Board Urges “Check Email” for Motorboat Registration Renewal Notices

The Oregon State Marine Board will be emailing motorboat registration renewal notices to boaters who have email addresses on file whose registration expires on December 31, 2025. Each renewal notice is unique to the owner and their boat. Owners are encouraged to take advantage of the online renewal option, and the email has detailed instructions for using the Boat Oregon Store. For boaters who do not have an email address on file with the agency, renewal notices will be sent via US Mail and should arrive by mid-November.

The fastest way to get on the water is to renew online through the Marine Board’s Boat Oregon Store, which provides a printable temporary permit to go boating right away. Owners can renew multiple boats or purchase Waterway Access Permits in one transaction for a $1.50 portal provider fee. The registration decals are mailed within 2-5 days from online sales and within 7-10 business days from the date of receipt by US mail with payment and the remittance coupon. Owners can then expect an additional 2-4 weeks for their decals to arrive by US Mail. The timelines may vary since printing and mailing are handled outside the agency.

Any watercraft with a motor or sailboats 12 feet or longer are required to be titled and registered with the Marine Board. Early bird online sales begin on November 1. Motorboat registration fees are $8 plus $5.95 per foot and are issued on a 2-year calendar basis for 2026. Renewing in the fall or early winter months is recommended to avoid long delays during the peak summer season.

Nonmotorized boaters of kayaks, canoes, rafts, drift, stand up paddleboards, and their inflatable versions can also purchase waterway access permits through the Boat Oregon Store. A 7-day permit costs $6, an annual permit is $20, and a two-year permit is $35. Annual and two-year permits are also valid for one or two calendar years. Paddlers are encouraged to purchase permits early in the year to get the most use out of them and to explore the bounty of waterways in the state. Because permits can be saved or printed immediately, they make great “stocking stuffers” for the holidays, especially if you plan on gifting someone a boat. Permits are transferable to other paddlecraft, and children under 14 are exempt.  

Visit the Boat Oregon Store help page with videos and written instructions on how to navigate the store to renew your motorboat registrations or purchase Waterway Access Permits. 

 

 

OHA announces Oregon Health Forward Champions and new Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge

SALEM, Ore. -The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced a list of Champions for its Oregon Health Forward (OHF) effort and launched a new Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge, with a call to organizations across the state to sign the pledge and consider what commitment they can make to advance health for all.

The cornerstone of Oregon Health Forward, launched earlier this year, is the statewide Call to Action — OHA’s initiative to galvanize a “whole of society” commitment to its 2030 strategic goal by building new public-private partnerships and cross-sectoral investments to address health disparities. OHA is proud to announce a list of Champions from across sectors and across the state who are leveraging their positions to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees, students, patients, and communities.

Each Champion brings to this effort a founding commitment to Move Oregon Health Forward, described below:

• Marin Arreola, President, Advanced Economic Solutions Inc.

Advanced Economic Solutions will expand access to equitable and affordable behavioral health services across Oregon by investing in community-based workforce development, supporting and elevating Traditional Health Workers, strengthening culturally responsive care, and advancing integrated health navigation.

• Julia Banks, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo Foundation will invest $250,000 in housing stability, with grants to five organizations across the state focused on helping renters avoid eviction and stay housed.

• Dr. Adrien Bennings, President, Portland Community College

Portland Community College has launched and will continue to refine a Behavioral Health Career Pathway, offering a clear and structured journey for students in the field, and diversifying Oregon’s behavioral health workforce for long-term growth.

• David Drinkward, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hoffman Construction Company

Hoffman Construction Company will build out a Recovery Ready Workplace substance use prevention program, working with Care for Construction, a provider of a full range of prevention, awareness, and treatment services custom-built for people in construction.

• Clarissa Etter-Smith, Health Care Executive Director, Genentech

Genentech will expand pathways into STEM education and careers for underrepresented youth in collaboration with community-based programs and continue to remove barriers to care by providing patient assistance, conducting inclusive clinical trials, and supporting patient advocacy organizations and other patient-serving social services nonprofits

• Peggy Maguire, President, Cambia Health Foundation

Cambia Health Foundation will award $200,000 in grants in 2025 focused on innovative whole-person primary care models, early intervention for young children and caregivers, and building a diverse primary care workforce with a focus on behavioral health.

• Gustavo Morales, Executive Director, Euvalcree

Euvalcree will provide technical assistance and strategic support to organizations engaged in economic development activities in Eastern Oregon, seeking to improve regional health and wellbeing through shared economic advancement.

• Dr. Jayathi Murty, President, Oregon State University

Oregon State University will invest in rural health, through placements for public health students, STEM and job readiness for high school students, and expand chronic disease and mental health programming in rural and underserved communities.

Now, for the first time, organizations interested in joining this effort may sign on to the Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge, which asks signatories to commit to the following principles:

1. Hold firm. In a time of rising demand and growing uncertainty, we commit to staying the course: Advancing health and opportunity is a smart investment in stronger communities and a more resilient future.
2. Act where we can. We will take steps — large and small — to strengthen the health and wellbeing of the people we employ, serve and impact.
3. Consider health in all decision-making. We will weigh how our policies, budgets, products, and services affect people’s ability to live well — especially those who face systemic barriers.
4. Support solutions. We will use our voice and resources to back efforts that help more Oregonians thrive.
5. Stand together. By adding our name publicly, we join a growing statewide network committed to Oregon’s health.

Organizations may also continue to make Oregon Health Forward commitments, which may take the form of financial investments in health, programmatic changes, or new partnerships.

All pledge signatories and partner commitments will be recognized and elevated by OHA and celebrated publicly in an end-of-year celebration.

“Now more than ever, it is the responsibility of all of us who care about health and wellbeing in Oregon to demonstrate to our communities that we are committed to making this state a place where everyone can thrive,” said OHA Director Sejal Hathi, M.D., MBA. “I’m proud to sign the Oregon Health Authority onto to the Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge and to announce commitments from our Champions Council that embody these principles. I hope that others see these actions and ask what their organizations can do – no matter their sector – to make it easier for all Oregonians to achieve their full potential for health and wellbeing.”

The first iteration of this work was supported by the CDC Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization that mobilizes philanthropic and private-sector resources to help extend the lifesaving work of the nation’s public health system.

To sign the pledge, make a commitment, or find out more information about the Call to Action, visit our web page here.

 

Eighth Annual Waterway Cleanup Series Removes Over 31,000 Pounds of Litter

On Wednesday, October 15, SOLVE, in partnership with Clackamas Water Environment Services, hosted the final event of the Waterway Cleanup Series at High Rocks Park, marking the conclusion of its eighth year.

With the dedication of 41 volunteers, 490 pounds of trash was diverted from the Clackamas River. This wrap-up event capped a summer-long initiative that mobilized more than 1,700 volunteers across 60 events, resulting in the removal of over 31,000 pounds of litter from rivers, streams, and creeks across the region, roughly equivalent to removing the weight of 200 tires from Oregon’s waterways.

Running from May through October, the Waterway Cleanup Series focused on protecting the health of rivers and streams across the Pacific Northwest, including the Molalla, Rogue, Siletz, Willamette, Clackamas, and Columbia Rivers. Volunteers tackled litter before it could flow downstream and harm wildlife, helping to ensure cleaner water for recreation and for future generations.

“Each bag of litter collected is a small but powerful act of care for our rivers,” said Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer of SOLVE. “I know it can feel overwhelming to pick up the total amount of debris accumulating in our waterways, but every single piece removed makes a difference. It’s the combined effort of volunteers across the region that keeps our rivers cleaner and healthier for everyone.”

The partnership between SOLVE and Clackamas Water Environment Services has been central to this effort for eight consecutive years, providing volunteers with the resources and support needed to make a visible impact on local waterways.

“The WES-SOLVE Summer Waterways Cleanups series aims to mobilize and educate volunteers to become stewards of our waterways and natural areas,” said Greg Geist, Director of Clackamas Water Environment Services. “Our rivers support us, so we must take care of them. Sometimes, it requires extra effort and community collaboration to accomplish this, which is the purpose of initiatives like these.”

With this summer-long series wrapped up, Fall with SOLVE is in full swing, offering year-round opportunities to get involved. From neighborhood cleanups to restoration projects across Oregon and SW Washington, volunteering with SOLVE is easy and rewarding. Learn more: solveroregon.org/seasons

 

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a good reminder to protect your business from cybercriminals

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) reminds everyone that cybersecurity is a hot topic for the insurance sector today and a growing concern for many businesses.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), uniting the public and private sectors to encourage behaviors that reduce online risks. The campaign emphasizes that fundamental actions can make a big difference in defending our nation against cyber threats and protecting our critical infrastructure.

Businesses, large and small, should consider cyber insurance as part of their risk management process. Cybersecurity is a risk that all insurance carriers should take seriously from an operational resilience perspective, as cybersecurity events can disrupt your business, costing you money.

Most commercial property and general liability policies do not cover cyber risks, and cyber insurance policies are highly customized for clients. Insurers and insurance producers must protect the highly sensitive consumer financial, health and nonpublic personal information collected as part of the underwriting and claims processes. Reports show that sectors such as health care and financial services are experiencing higher cybersecurity incidents and claim costs, partially due to the data they manage.

CISA has tips to protect your business. Cybercriminals look for easy targets. Businesses without basic precautions are vulnerable. Start with these four essential steps to safeguard your data and enable employees to stop attacks before they happen:

1. Teach employees to avoid phishing: Phishing tricks employees into opening malicious attachments or sharing sensitive information. Train employees to recognize and report suspicious activity. 
2. Require strong passwords: Strong passwords are a simple but powerful way to block criminals from accessing your accounts through guessing or automated attacks. Make them mandatory for all users. 
3. Require multifactor authentication (MFA): MFA – also known as two-factor authentication – adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords. Require it to make accounts significantly more secure. Use phishing resistant MFA where available. 
4. Update business software: Outdated software can contain exploitable flaws. Promptly install security updates and patches to keep your systems protected.

CISA also recommends businesses back up all their business data and encrypt it. Encrypting your data and devices strengthens your defense against attacks. Even if criminals gain access to your files, information stays locked and unreadable. Make encryption part of your security strategy.

“We see a complicated landscape in cybersecurity, which remains a priority for us,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator and acting insurance commissioner. “We are seeing increasing calls for legislation nationwide and regulation for enhanced cybersecurity measures to address risks including identity theft, business interruption, data repair costs, and more.”

More companies are entering the market each year. According to the most recent report on the Cyber Insurance Market from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, issued in fall 2024, shows a cyber insurance market of roughly $9.84 billion in direct written premiums.

The U.S. cyber insurance market accounts for 59 percent of the $16.66 billion in premiums written for cyber coverages globally in 2023. This indicates a growing demand for cyber insurance coverage. The number of claims has also gone up with more than 33,000 in 2023. This increase reflects the rising frequency of cyber incidents.

 

 

PORTLAND, Ore.— The owner and operator of La Popular, a money service business with locations in Oregon and Washington, pleaded guilty Friday, to conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds.

Brenda Lili Barrera Orantes, 40, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

According to court documents, Barerra Orantes operated La Popular stores in Hillsboro, Beaverton, Woodburn, Odell and Canby, Oregon, as well as in Vancouver, Washington.

From August 1, 2024, through November 1, 2024, La Popular stores sent over $4.2 million dollars in wire transfers to places in Mexico. During this same time period, Barrera Orantes and other co-conspirators accepted $49,500 in cash represented as drug proceeds and laundered the funds through La Popular stores. Barrera Orantes charged a ten percent commission to help launder the money. Barrera Orantes admitted that when she wired these funds she used false sender information, structured wire transfers into smaller amounts, and used different La Popular stores to help conceal the drug proceeds.  

On April 16, 2025, investigators executed federal search warrants at Barrera Orantes’ Beaverton residence and three La Popular stores in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Vancouver and arrested Barrera Orantes. During the warrants, agents seized $316,542 in cash, a 2021 Cadillac Escalade, jewelry, and high-end clothing.

On May 13, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 23-count indictment charging Barrera Orantes with money laundering and conspiracy, failure to file a currency transaction report, and failure to file a suspicious activity report.

Barrera Orantes pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. She also agreed to forfeit her Beaverton residence and all the seized property involved in her money laundering offense. Barrera Orantes faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on January 21, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

 

 

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public input on the draft of the 2026 Oregon Recreation Trails Plan, which outlines recommendations to improve trails over the next 10 years.

The statewide plan highlights trends and issues to create priorities for grant funding and other recommendations for actions. The plan covers all motorized and non-motorized trails on public lands and waterways in Oregon, not just within Oregon State Parks. This includes hiking, biking and equestrian trails, motorized ATV trails, snowmobile trails and water trails.

Public feedback on the plan will be open from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28. Oregon Parks and Recreation notes that input on the plan also provides guidance to federal, state and local agencies as well as private sector partners.

Information used for the drafted plan comes from multiple sources, including statewide surveys conducted in October 2024 and April 2025, follow-up focus groups in May and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

 

Rural hospitals throughout the state may be approaching a financial crisis as significant federal Medicaid reductions are anticipated, with healthcare providers cautioning that the consequences could result in clinic closures, staffing deficits, and a concerning departure of physicians from Oregon’s underserved areas.

With the continued effort by Democrats in Washington D.C, rurul hospitals are losing out on over $50 billion in funding across the country.

At the heart of this predicament is H.R. 1, a comprehensive federal budget legislation enacted earlier this year that restructured Medicaid financing nationwide.

In response, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urgently working to obtain a temporary financial support through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) — a new, short-term initiative from the federal government aimed at assisting rural health systems in weathering the repercussions. However Democrats must begin funding the government again as no temporary solution OHA is proposing will last very long at all.

Should Oregon’s application be successful, the state could secure as much as $100 million each year for a duration of five years, commencing in 2026.

These resources would be allocated to strengthen rural clinics, enhance telehealth services, train local healthcare providers, modernize outdated healthcare facilities, and more.

 

The United States Postal Service has announced its official mailing deadlines for the 2025 holiday season, assisting customers in planning ahead to ensure timely delivery of their cards and packages.

For those sending items within the contiguous 48 states, the following send-by dates are recommended:

December 20 for Priority Mail Express, the quickest domestic shipping option offered by USPS. USPS advises customers to ship early, use trackable services, and consider acquiring insurance for valuable items.

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