Regional News

Published on: December 17, 2025 By Isobel Charle Oregon’s farmworker union PCUN and its allies are calling for a work and school stoppage day Dec. 18 in order to show support for immigrant communities threatened by increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence in the state.Oregonians are asked to avoid all economic activities, including work and shopping, for 24 hours to push back against what organizers called cruel and illegal tactics […]

By Isobel Charle   A proposed renewable diesel plant on the Columbia River would likely not live up to its promise of supporting Oregon’s emissions goals, according to a new report.The NEXT Renewable Fuels refinery near Clatskanie would produce 50,000 barrels of diesel daily. Audrey Leonard, staff attorney for the conservation group Columbia Riverkeeper, which released the report, said more than 90% of the facility's fuel would come from high-carbon crops […]

By Brian Bahouth   Since early August, “Recall Hall” signature gathering tables could be seen on yards and in parking lots across Lincoln County. On December 2, Lincoln County Clerk Amy Southwell announced the petitioners had gathered the 3,945 signatures needed to initiate a recall election of Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Hall. Commissioner Hall has decided to remain in office and stand for the recall election, which, according to Amy […]

By Isobel Charle, Public News Service Federal tax credits for making energy saving changes at home are expiring at the end of the year but some opportunities for Oregonians to save on upgrades will remain beyond 2025. Expiring federal energy efficiency credits can save homeowners up to $3,200 on upgrades like heat pumps and insulation. Originally established to last 10 years under the Inflation Reduction Act, these and other climate incentives are […]

By Brian Bahouth With 35.6 percent turnout, Lincoln County voters approved a five-year tax to fund the Lincoln County Veteran Services Office. See measure details below. Out of 14, 043 votes cast, .01 percent of votes cast made up the margin of approval.   MEASURE: 21-235 Veterans Service Office Five Year Local Option Tax QUESTION: Shall County levy $0.035 per $1,000.00 assessed value for Veterans Service Office operations for five […]

By Brian BahouthFederal judge Ann L. Aiken has granted a motion by the Newport Fishermen's Wives for a temporary restraining order that orders "the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security acting by and through Secretary Kristi Noem to immediately restore and maintain the status quo ante that has prevailed since 1987 by returning the rescue helicopter to the Coast Guard's Newport Air Facility, together with full operational […]

By Brian Bahouth   On Sunday November 23, at the Newport Municipal Airport, maybe a dozen local pilots huddled near the entrance to the press conference with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. Dave Koester was among them and handed me a brief statement on a piece of paper describing their opposition to a possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility at the airport. Koester is a pilot and commercial fisherman.   […]