Oregon Capital Chronicle

12/13/2025

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission on Friday unanimously found that the state’s longest-serving representative violated ethics laws and used his position as a public official to secure a higher salary for work on a regional development authority.

Seven members of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission on Friday found that Smith used his position to secure a higher salary.

12/12/2025

The submission, expected to be carried out via horse-drawn carriage, amounts to a dramatic rebuke of new taxes passed by legislative Democrats in late September.

The submission will likely ensure a gas tax increase approved by Oregon lawmakers this year doesn’t take effect.

12/12/2025

Though unintentional, Oregon's Capitol now has the largest set of gender-neutral bathrooms of any state legislature. It was a practical move during building upgrades to ensure enough bathrooms for anyone visiting.

In two newly-opened halls hugging the rotunda of Oregon’s Capitol, a set of wooden doors stand side by side, wall to floor. Mirrors with sinks and bright lights radiate in the background, with a sign on the front entrance reading: “This is a multi-stall, all-user restroom.” The first-floor bat...

12/11/2025

Oregon's year-over-year unemployment rate increase was the highest in the nation in September.

September unemployment rates rose in 25 states and fell in 21 compared with last year, the government reported Dec. 11 in a shutdown-delayed analysis.

12/11/2025

The U.S. Senate in long-anticipated votes failed to advance legislation Thursday that would have addressed the rising cost of health insurance, leaving lawmakers deadlocked on how to curb a surge in premiums expected next year.

The U.S. Senate failed to advance legislation Thursday that would have addressed the rising cost of health insurance, leaving lawmakers deadlocked.

12/11/2025

Willamette and Pacific universities plan to merge, creating Oregon’s largest private university.

Willamette President Steve Thorsett and Pacific President Jenny Coyle publicly announced their plans Thursday to create what they’re calling the University of the Northwest.

12/11/2025

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12/11/2025

Oregon’s largest gas utility, NW Natural, has in recent years touted hydrogen-blended gas and “renewable natural gas” as the solution to reducing the carbon intensity of its fuels and meeting the state’s targets for curbing planet-warming greenhouse gas pollution.

NW Natural partnerships with Tyson and Modern Hydrogen on fuel projects could be impacted by layoffs and factory closures.

12/11/2025

A public lands group is suing the Trump administration for replacing a picture of Glacier National Park on next year's America the Beautiful pass with a picture of Trump.

WASHINGTON — A public lands advocacy group sued the Trump administration in federal court Wednesday over the inclusion of President Donald Trump’s face on the forthcoming National Park annual pass. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of...

12/11/2025

Three Democrats are running for an open state House seat that is among the most competitive and unpredictable in Oregon.

Only one Republican has thrown their hat in the ring for Oregon’s 52nd House District primary, while three Democrats are running so far.

12/10/2025

The decision before Congress is simple, commentator and physician Evan Saulino writes: Protect families and communities by extending the healthcare tax credits that keep millions insured.

The decision before Congress is simple: protect families and communities by extending the healthcare tax credits that keep millions insured.

12/10/2025

TransAlta Corporation has signed an agreement with Puget Sound Energy to switch the last coal-fired power station in Washington state to natural gas.

The facility was set to close this year. A deal TransAlta announced with Puget Sound Energy on Tuesday will keep it producing power with a different fuel.