TOP STORIES
Oregon Senate Republican Leader Jackie Winters responds to fair housing lawsuit
Oregonian/OregonLive
“I want to assure my constituents that I have always done my utmost to look after vulnerable populations throughout my legislative and administrative careers, and for now I will have to allow my voting record and public service to speak for itself,” Winters continued. “I want to assure those of you who know me and whom I have proudly served that I take this issue very seriously and I will continue to work for a safe resolution.”
Josi endorses Republican candidate Lower in state representative race
Tillamook Headlight Herald
“From Astoria to Banks on down to Tillamook, the voters in House District 32 have always been willing to look beyond party labels to support candidates who will do the most good for our communities. Vineeta’s experience as a teacher, her background in the transportation sector and her commitment to putting the priorities of neighbors ahead of partisan politics makes her the most qualified candidate in this race,” said Josi, who sought the Democratic nomination for HD 32 in the May primary election. “I urge all my friends and neighbors to join me in supporting Vineeta Lower for State Representative.”
CAMPAIGNS
Kate Brown Campaign Is Largest Donor To Group Attacking Republican Rival
Oregon Public Broadcasting
Defend Oregon’s Values reported receiving $100,000 from Brown’s campaign, according to a disclosure record newly filed with the Oregon Elections Division. Besides Brown, the two main contributors to Defend Oregon’s Values revealed so far are mainstays of democratic campaigns. The Oregon Education Association is the state’s largest teacher’s union. Lemelson is a philanthropist and winemaker from Dayton who is the primary funder of the Oregon Climate PAC.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Bleak new estimates in drug epidemic: A record 72,000 overdose deaths in 2017
Portland Business Journal
Drug overdoses killed about 72,000 Americans last year, a record number that reflects a rise of around 10 percent, according to new preliminary estimates from the Centers for Disease Control. The death toll is higher than the peak yearly death totals from HIV, car crashes or gun deaths. Analysts pointed to two major reasons for the increase: A growing number of Americans are using opioids, and drugs are becoming more deadly. It is the second factor that most likely explains the bulk of the increased number of overdoses last year.
WILDFIRES
Oregon wildfire: More firefighters arrive to battle 59,000-acre Klondike Fire
Statesman Journal
More firefighters are arriving to battle the 59,000-acre Klondike Fire burning southwest of Grants Pass. The Klondike is now the largest of the wildfires burning in Southern Oregon and demands the most firefighting attention. As of Thursday morning, the fire was 15 percent contained. Fire spokesman Sam Harrel said they had a surge Wednesday of hot shot crews arriving to assist in firefighting efforts. “These guys are trained and fit to work in this rugged terrain out here,” he said. Crews are working to strengthen the containment line between the fire and the communities of Selma, Wonder and Wilderville. “Our ultimate goal is protecting the property and people out here,” Harrel said. “That’s what comes first.”
We’re Putting More Homes On Wild Lands And In The Path Of Wildfires
Oregon Public Broadcasting
Fire destroyed an average of 3,000 homes in the wildland-urban interface annually over the last decade, according the Federal Emergency Management Administration. And with hotter, drier summers and a longer fire season, experts predict that number to rise. Despite the risk, across much of the rural West, local governments and planning departments are hesitant to prevent or hamper development. “I’m not real big on over-regulating people,” said Andy Hover, an Okanogan County commissioner who lives near Pine Forest in the Methow Valley. “You would hope that people, when they buy a piece of property, that they understand what they’re doing when they buy that property.” Hover said it’s the responsibility of each individual homeowner, not the entire community, to protect his or her property from fire risk. And it’s not necessarily the job of the county to tell people where and how they develop their property, in light of that risk.
LOCAL
Mayor: Outside investigator may review Portland police crowd control tactics
Oregonian/OregonLive
The so-called “less-lethal” devices seriously injured several counter-demonstrators at a recent rally organized by right-wing demonstrators from Washington State. They and fellow protesters have charged that police used unnecessary force against them and fired flash bangs unprovoked.
Affordable housing measure debated at Chamber meeting
Portland Tribune
The supporters all said the funds are needed to fight the affordable housing crisis, which they characterized as the most critical issue facing the region today. Bernard even said the county was ready to begin work on several projects as soon as the money becomes available. “There is no neighborhood in the region where the average full time wage earner can afford a modest two-bedroom home,” Peterson said. But Duyck — who admitted his opposition was politically unpopular — repeatedly argued that raising taxes is the wrong way to fund affordable housing. Although it would only cost the average homeowner in the region $60 a year, Duyck said taxes add up and some homeowners and renters living on the edge could lose their homes if it passes.
Salem has almost twice as many sex crimes reported per capita as Portland
Statesman Journal
Salem has almost twice as many sex crimes reported per capita as the Portland metro area. And of Oregon’s five largest counties, Marion ranks second for sex offenses per 100,000 people, just below Lane, state data analyzed by the Statesman Journal show. “It does seem like we have a lot here,” said Scotty Nowning, a Salem Police detective. “It’s a super complicated issue. … There’s not a black and white answer.”
OPINION
Editorial: Rising above the toxic rhetoric
Oregonian Editorial Board
Hundreds of editorial boards from news outlets across the country are joining forces today to call out the importance of our free press amidst regular attacks on the media’s credibility. These attacks come from all political levels, all political stripes. Really, it comes from any rank or sector in which a journalist’s work shines a bright light on an issue that others would prefer stay in the dark. Always have. That’s a part of what we do. Most reporters and editors consider it a success when a published piece causes both sides to pause and reflect. Unlike newsrooms, editorial boards have the freedom – in fact, the mission — to call out politicians when necessary. Yet we must be careful about drawing lines that pit “us” versus “them.” We risk playing into the very narrative that we are “enemies of the people” working together against one political viewpoint.
Editorial: Housing is key to ending homelessness
The Bulletin Editorial Board
In the end, both candidates seek to address homelessness with lots of money and some services. Their plans, if they can actually find money for them, would improve the situation for the unsheltered homeless, though it wouldn’t do as much for those still struggling to keep a roof over their heads. It’s a start, but that’s all.