OPB
@opb.org
Connecting people across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest through the power of a shared story. Share your tips: 🔗 https://www.opb.org/submit-idea/
Intergenerational relationships can be beneficial for everyone. A recent study from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga found that conversations between college students and older adults helped the students gain a better perspective on their older peers.
An SOU class designs a space for intergenerational play
Southern Oregon University is building a retirement facility on campus. Students and professors are working to figure out how to create spaces to bring college students and older learners together.
www.opb.org
December 25, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Intergenerational relationships can be beneficial for everyone. A recent study from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga found that conversations between college students and older adults helped the students gain a better perspective on their older peers.
After at least four humpback whales were entangled this year in Oregon commercial Dungeness crab fishing gear, conservation groups are petitioning the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt measures to reduce the amount of fishing gear during whale feeding and migration seasons.
Conservation groups urge Oregon to reduce whale deaths from crab fishing gear
Petition comes weeks after young entangled humpback whale found stranded near Yachats
www.opb.org
December 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM
After at least four humpback whales were entangled this year in Oregon commercial Dungeness crab fishing gear, conservation groups are petitioning the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt measures to reduce the amount of fishing gear during whale feeding and migration seasons.
The announcement could be a good sign for the state’s chances of getting a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump to potentially open up tens of millions of dollars to deal with the flooding’s aftermath. Gov. Bob Ferguson plans to ask for such a declaration in the coming weeks.
RFK Jr. declares public health emergency for Washington state flooding
The action from Kennedy, the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is focused on helping meet the needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
www.opb.org
December 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The announcement could be a good sign for the state’s chances of getting a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump to potentially open up tens of millions of dollars to deal with the flooding’s aftermath. Gov. Bob Ferguson plans to ask for such a declaration in the coming weeks.
Cannon-Miller, executive director of the Deschutes Historical Museum, and her partner in gelatin, collections manager Rebekah Averette-Zaback, concocted the idea in 2024 while looking at historical cookbooks.
Deschutes Historical Museum sets the mold with second annual gelatin show and competition
Participants across generations gathered in Bend to fawn at the altar of a mid-century culinary craze, where they saw and tasted classic and creative concoctions.
www.opb.org
December 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Cannon-Miller, executive director of the Deschutes Historical Museum, and her partner in gelatin, collections manager Rebekah Averette-Zaback, concocted the idea in 2024 while looking at historical cookbooks.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality recently launched the Zero-Emissions Rebates for Oregon Fleets Program for these larger vehicles, which are often used by businesses.
Oregon launches rebate program to help businesses pay for electric fleet vehicles
The program provides a wide range of rebates for businesses and nonprofits buying or leasing a new electric medium or heavy-duty vehicle. Utility vans, walk-in delivery trucks, school buses and tractor trailers are all eligible.
www.opb.org
December 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality recently launched the Zero-Emissions Rebates for Oregon Fleets Program for these larger vehicles, which are often used by businesses.
Northwestern Oregon is in for a relatively mild Christmas, after a windstorm forecast for Christmas Eve petered out by noon. The National Weather Service lifted a wind advisory for the region, as well as a wind warning for northwest Oregon, by 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Northern Oregon areas in for mild Christmas weather
A windstorm forecast for Christmas Eve petered out by noon.
www.opb.org
December 25, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Northwestern Oregon is in for a relatively mild Christmas, after a windstorm forecast for Christmas Eve petered out by noon. The National Weather Service lifted a wind advisory for the region, as well as a wind warning for northwest Oregon, by 3 p.m. Wednesday.
An Oregon company is blaming President Donald Trump’s signature budget bill for more than 100 layoff notices it sent to staff two days before Christmas.
Purelight Power lays off 84 Medford workers, citing Republican rollback of solar credits as it shuts down
An Oregon company is blaming President Donald Trump’s signature budget bill for more than 100 layoff notices it’s sending to staff Christmas week.
www.opb.org
December 25, 2025 at 12:25 AM
An Oregon company is blaming President Donald Trump’s signature budget bill for more than 100 layoff notices it sent to staff two days before Christmas.
The Oregon FFA, formerly the Future Farmers of America, has said it could lose up to $1.1 million in state funding. That’s 72% of the organization’s total 2024 revenue, according to tax documents.
Oregon FFA could lose much of its funding following state budget cuts
The Oregon FFA could lose up to $1.1 million due to state budget cuts. The Oregon Agriculture Teacher's Association is asking lawmakers to keep funding the program.
www.opb.org
December 24, 2025 at 9:27 PM
The Oregon FFA, formerly the Future Farmers of America, has said it could lose up to $1.1 million in state funding. That’s 72% of the organization’s total 2024 revenue, according to tax documents.
That crackling fire on your TV is great, but if you're looking for something other than yule log to gaze at this holiday season, give OPB's "Slow TV" a whirl. Enjoy a beautiful sunset in Astoria or watch steelhead jump in the Umpqua River. Consider it a gift from us to you.
OPB’s ‘Slow TV’ brings you a maritime sunset, Cascade Range hike and more
OPB is trying a new experiment: filming scenic journeys through beautiful landscapes at a leisurely pace.
www.opb.org
December 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
That crackling fire on your TV is great, but if you're looking for something other than yule log to gaze at this holiday season, give OPB's "Slow TV" a whirl. Enjoy a beautiful sunset in Astoria or watch steelhead jump in the Umpqua River. Consider it a gift from us to you.
More than a million travelers could pass through Portland International Airport this month. Anyone who's traveled this time of year knows it can be stressful, but a group of volunteers are helping to remedy that with the help of their four-legged friends spreading comfort and joy.
Holiday travel anxiety? Portland airport has therapy llamas and service dogs for that
During the busiest travel month of the year at Portland International Airport, local nonprofits bring service dogs and therapy llamas to help spread joy.
www.opb.org
December 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM
More than a million travelers could pass through Portland International Airport this month. Anyone who's traveled this time of year knows it can be stressful, but a group of volunteers are helping to remedy that with the help of their four-legged friends spreading comfort and joy.
Santa isn't the only taking a break from the arctic cold these days. Gray whales have been migrating south from feeding grounds off Alaska to give birth near Mexico. And soon they'll be swimming by Oregon where volunteers along the coastline will help you see them at various whale watching spots.
Whale Watch Week starts Dec. 27 on the Oregon Coast
Volunteers with Oregon State Parks will fan out along the coast from Dec. 27 to Dec. 31 to help people see gray whales swimming past Oregon.
www.opb.org
December 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Santa isn't the only taking a break from the arctic cold these days. Gray whales have been migrating south from feeding grounds off Alaska to give birth near Mexico. And soon they'll be swimming by Oregon where volunteers along the coastline will help you see them at various whale watching spots.
As federal immigration officers fan out across Oregon cities and suburbs, some immigrant families are opting to stay inside their homes. These Hillsboro neighbors are helping those in hiding by delivering groceries and other essentials.
Underground mutual aid group helps feed Hillsboro’s immigrant families in hiding
According to the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, in October and November, immigration officials arrested at least 265 Oregonians in Washington County, the state’s most diverse county. In the county seat of Hillsboro, those arrests have translated into fear.
www.opb.org
December 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM
As federal immigration officers fan out across Oregon cities and suburbs, some immigrant families are opting to stay inside their homes. These Hillsboro neighbors are helping those in hiding by delivering groceries and other essentials.
Reposted by OPB
Forecast backs off most severe winds, but gusty conditions still expected today. Underground mutual aid group gets essentials to Washington County immigrant families afraid to leave home. Astoria sunset. Blazers lose. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: A windy Christmas (Eve)
A windstorm coming up from California is expected to create gusty conditions in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Here's your First Look at Wednesday's news.
www.opb.org
December 24, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Forecast backs off most severe winds, but gusty conditions still expected today. Underground mutual aid group gets essentials to Washington County immigrant families afraid to leave home. Astoria sunset. Blazers lose. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
The lawsuit alleges that HHS’s declaration seeks to coerce providers to stop providing gender-affirming care and circumvent legal requirements for policy changes.
Oregon and 18 other states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming care
Oregon, 18 states and the District of Columbia have sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and its inspector general over a declaration that could complicate access to gender-affirming care for young people.
www.opb.org
December 24, 2025 at 3:10 PM
The lawsuit alleges that HHS’s declaration seeks to coerce providers to stop providing gender-affirming care and circumvent legal requirements for policy changes.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it will provide $12 billion in financial aid to farmers hit with economic challenges caused by low crop prices and the administration’s ongoing international trade disputes.
Pacific Northwest growers could see little of $12 billion Trump farmer bailout
The Trump administration will plan to bail out U.S. commodity farmers caught in the president’s ongoing trade disputes. But fruit, vegetables and nut growers in the Pacific Northwest will likely see little of that money.
www.opb.org
December 24, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it will provide $12 billion in financial aid to farmers hit with economic challenges caused by low crop prices and the administration’s ongoing international trade disputes.
Today, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he wants to see a proposal for a tax on incomes over $1 million next month and would work with Democrats to make sure it passes.
Gov. Ferguson says he wants to see a ‘millionaires’ tax’ in Washington state
Washington state hasn’t really had an income tax for nearly a century, but that might be about to change.
www.opb.org
December 24, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Today, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he wants to see a proposal for a tax on incomes over $1 million next month and would work with Democrats to make sure it passes.
Newport’s attorneys argue the city isn’t equipped to handle scores of federal personnel, plus however many detainees they may hope to lodge, and that its tourism-centric economy would take a dive.
Newport sues Trump administration to prevent potential detention center
The lawsuit came the same day a federal judge issued a temporary injunction stopping efforts to relocate a U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter.
www.opb.org
December 23, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Newport’s attorneys argue the city isn’t equipped to handle scores of federal personnel, plus however many detainees they may hope to lodge, and that its tourism-centric economy would take a dive.
The windstorm is expected to hit Wednesday morning and run through the afternoon, a time when many people are traveling to be with loved ones for Christmas Eve.
National Weather Service gives 20% chance of 70 mph winds in western Oregon, Washington for Christmas Eve
The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories across Western Oregon and Washington for Christmas Eve. But the agency is not sure yet whether gusts will reach 40 mph or 70 mph.
www.opb.org
December 23, 2025 at 10:28 PM
The windstorm is expected to hit Wednesday morning and run through the afternoon, a time when many people are traveling to be with loved ones for Christmas Eve.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area to support its immigration crackdown, a significant defeat for the president’s efforts to send troops to U.S. cities. Here's what that means for Oregon.
Supreme Court keeps Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area, for now
The Supreme Court’s decision Tuesday has no direct impact on Oregon’s case, but does start the clock for the appellate court, which said it would set a hearing date after the high court issued its decision in Illinois.
www.opb.org
December 23, 2025 at 9:28 PM
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area to support its immigration crackdown, a significant defeat for the president’s efforts to send troops to U.S. cities. Here's what that means for Oregon.
The Trump administration argues the bureau can only be funded with Federal Reserve profits — the Fed has operated at a loss since 2022. Without additional funds, the CFPB is expected to run out of operating money in January.
Oregon and 20 more Democratic-led states sue White House over consumer protection bureau funding
The coalition of states has sued the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and its director, Russell Vought. They argue that the White House's decision to withhold funds from the agency is unconstitutional.
www.opb.org
December 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The Trump administration argues the bureau can only be funded with Federal Reserve profits — the Fed has operated at a loss since 2022. Without additional funds, the CFPB is expected to run out of operating money in January.
Union representatives say they are seeking stability and clarity, noting they often work long hours unexpectedly and juggle the work of several staff members. Said one union rep, “The cliche we hear all the time about the new city government is that we’re building a plane as flying it."
Portland city council staff unionize
One year after a major overhaul to the city’s system of government, City Council staffers have unionized. The 41 employees work for the councilors and the council's operations department, conducting policy research and preparing presentations for meetings.
www.opb.org
December 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Union representatives say they are seeking stability and clarity, noting they often work long hours unexpectedly and juggle the work of several staff members. Said one union rep, “The cliche we hear all the time about the new city government is that we’re building a plane as flying it."
Reposted by OPB
It could be a windy Christmas Eve in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The OregonSaves retirement program shows early signs of success. Portland traffic deaths decline. Blazers lose a sweaty one. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Damaging winds could cause trouble Christmas Eve
A possible windstorm on Christmas Eve could continue the trend of extreme weather in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Here's your First Look at Tuesday's news.
www.opb.org
December 23, 2025 at 3:32 PM
It could be a windy Christmas Eve in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The OregonSaves retirement program shows early signs of success. Portland traffic deaths decline. Blazers lose a sweaty one. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
By many measures, Oregon's retirement savings program — the first of its kind at the state level — has been a success. But the program also has one problem: people keep dipping into their savings before they retire.
OregonSaves has $430M in assets, but people keep taking money out
Oregon’s first-in-the-nation retirement system is doing well. But people keep taking savings out before retirement.
www.opb.org
December 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
By many measures, Oregon's retirement savings program — the first of its kind at the state level — has been a success. But the program also has one problem: people keep dipping into their savings before they retire.
Running water has returned to Sheridan Federal Correctional Institution after adults in custody spent much of the weekend without it. The water shut off after a landslide caused an off-site water line to burst on Friday, following a week of severe rain across western Oregon.
Water service returns to federal prison in Sheridan
Federal prison officials plan to continue handing out bottled water to staff and inmates for the near future.
www.opb.org
December 23, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Running water has returned to Sheridan Federal Correctional Institution after adults in custody spent much of the weekend without it. The water shut off after a landslide caused an off-site water line to burst on Friday, following a week of severe rain across western Oregon.
A windstorm packing gusts of up to 65 mph could hit western Oregon and Southwest Washington on Christmas Eve, triggering power outages and downing trees, forecasters and electric utilities warned Monday.
Oregon, SW Washington brace for a possible windstorm on Christmas Eve
A windstorm packing gusts of up to 65 mph could hit northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington on Christmas Eve, triggering power outages and downing trees, forecasters and electric utilities warned Monday.
www.opb.org
December 23, 2025 at 2:44 AM
A windstorm packing gusts of up to 65 mph could hit western Oregon and Southwest Washington on Christmas Eve, triggering power outages and downing trees, forecasters and electric utilities warned Monday.