Oregon Capital Chronicle
@oregoncapitalchronicle.com
We're a nonprofit Oregon newsroom focused on state government, agencies and policies. We keep our eye on your tax dollars. Find us at OregonCapitalChronicle.com [email protected].
Subscribe: oregoncapitalchronicle.com/subscribe
Subscribe: oregoncapitalchronicle.com/subscribe
The U.S. Department of Justice is again warning election officials, including Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, of potential criminal prosecution days before the midterm elections. buff.ly/Js90J7D
DOJ again warns election officials of potential criminal prosecution, days before midterm elections • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read was among the officials who received warning letters.
buff.ly
October 30, 2026 at 10:16 PM
The U.S. Department of Justice is again warning election officials, including Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, of potential criminal prosecution days before the midterm elections. buff.ly/Js90J7D
Just in time for Halloween, hundreds of thousands of Oregonians will pay more for natural gas. buff.ly/32O1mxA via @opb.org
Oregon’s natural gas rates to climb starting Oct. 31 • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Hundreds of thousands of natural gas customers across the state will see rates climb across three utility companies.
buff.ly
October 30, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Just in time for Halloween, hundreds of thousands of Oregonians will pay more for natural gas. buff.ly/32O1mxA via @opb.org
There is no statewide funding available for youth behavioral health respite, and Oregon is one of only two U.S. states that does not mandate Medicaid coverage. buff.ly/suZvali
Oregon needs more youth ‘respite’ homes, but funding problems stand in the way • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The closure of one Southern Oregon facility highlights barriers to expanding care for kids with complex behavioral health needs
buff.ly
October 30, 2026 at 4:45 PM
There is no statewide funding available for youth behavioral health respite, and Oregon is one of only two U.S. states that does not mandate Medicaid coverage. buff.ly/suZvali
Columnist Randy Stapilus has a message for the #orleg: The increasingly raucous battle over plans for public schools — mainly elementaries — in the Portland School District is a good reason for never making school district elections partisan. buff.ly/hz2HgK8
Commentary: The prosaic reasons behind school closures • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Memo to the Oregon Legislature: The increasingly raucous battle over plans for public schools — mainly elementaries — in the Portland School District makes for a good reason for never making school…
buff.ly
October 29, 2026 at 11:44 PM
Columnist Randy Stapilus has a message for the #orleg: The increasingly raucous battle over plans for public schools — mainly elementaries — in the Portland School District is a good reason for never making school district elections partisan. buff.ly/hz2HgK8
Children are breathing in unhealthy air for longer periods of time as wildfires worsen across the country, according to a new study by researchers at Oregon State University’s College of Health. buff.ly/w1rNhrQ
Schools need more air filtration to protect youth from wildfire smoke, OSU study finds • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Children are breathing in unhealthy air for longer periods of time as wildfires worsen across the country, according to a new study.
buff.ly
October 29, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Children are breathing in unhealthy air for longer periods of time as wildfires worsen across the country, according to a new study by researchers at Oregon State University’s College of Health. buff.ly/w1rNhrQ
More than a decade after a botched rollout earned Oregon a reputation for having one of the worst state-run health insurance marketplaces in the nation, the state is poised to launch its own system once again. buff.ly/iLvQZbW
Oregon makes second try at own health insurance marketplace. How is this time different? • Oregon Capital Chronicle
More than a decade after a botched rollout, the state is poised to launch its own system for a marketplace once again.
buff.ly
October 29, 2026 at 9:22 PM
More than a decade after a botched rollout earned Oregon a reputation for having one of the worst state-run health insurance marketplaces in the nation, the state is poised to launch its own system once again. buff.ly/iLvQZbW
Disability advocates announced Thursday they’ve opened their phone hotline and a new website for people with disability-related voting problems to get assistance and report issues in the run-up to the Nov. 3 midterm election. buff.ly/So4j59F
Hotline reopens for voters with disabilities seeking help filling and returning ballots • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Disability Rights Oregon has reopened its hotline and launched online site for voters struggling to receive, fill out and return ballots.
buff.ly
October 29, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Disability advocates announced Thursday they’ve opened their phone hotline and a new website for people with disability-related voting problems to get assistance and report issues in the run-up to the Nov. 3 midterm election. buff.ly/So4j59F
Haven't voted yet? Use our free, human-made voter guide to research candidates and get your ballot in a dropbox by 8 p.m. Nov. 3!
buff.ly/g4Yp36v
buff.ly/g4Yp36v
Voter Guide: 2026 General Election • Oregon
From Oregon Capital Chronicle | Probing Oregon Politics and Power
buff.ly
October 29, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Haven't voted yet? Use our free, human-made voter guide to research candidates and get your ballot in a dropbox by 8 p.m. Nov. 3!
buff.ly/g4Yp36v
buff.ly/g4Yp36v
In a change from recent elections, none of the country's closest congressional races are in Oregon. buff.ly/nwFZH9v
Where are the tightest races for US House control right now? Here's the rundown. • Oregon Capital Chronicle
There are just 16 U.S. House races rated as toss-ups as of Oct. 29 by at least two of the three prominent election analysts. Here's a list.
buff.ly
October 29, 2026 at 4:45 PM
In a change from recent elections, none of the country's closest congressional races are in Oregon. buff.ly/nwFZH9v
Oregon should open up a “phantom supply” of land in the state for economic development, according to a new report from business leaders. buff.ly/hXAmQFZ
Business group pushes to open Oregon land for industry ahead of 2027 session • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon should open up a “phantom supply” of land in the state for economic development, a new report from business groups argues.
buff.ly
October 29, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Oregon should open up a “phantom supply” of land in the state for economic development, according to a new report from business leaders. buff.ly/hXAmQFZ
Here’s what happens to an Oregon ballot once it hits the dropbox buff.ly/5UCXbVx
Here’s what happens to an Oregon ballot once it hits the dropbox • Oregon Capital Chronicle
All of Oregon’s 36 counties follow the same process under the Oregon Secretary of State’s vote-by-mail manual.
buff.ly
October 28, 2026 at 11:44 PM
Here’s what happens to an Oregon ballot once it hits the dropbox buff.ly/5UCXbVx
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is unlawfully scrutinizing naturalized U.S. citizens and placing them at risk of disenfranchisement, civil rights groups alleged in a lawsuit Wednesday, less than a week before Election Day. buff.ly/7TsKHSX
DHS targeting naturalized Americans in voter investigations, civil rights groups say • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is unlawfully scrutinizing naturalized U.S. citizens and placing them at risk of disenfranchisement, civil rights groups alleged in a lawsuit Wednesday, less…
buff.ly
October 28, 2026 at 10:33 PM
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is unlawfully scrutinizing naturalized U.S. citizens and placing them at risk of disenfranchisement, civil rights groups alleged in a lawsuit Wednesday, less than a week before Election Day. buff.ly/7TsKHSX
As days grow shorter and darkness arrives earlier across much of the country, a new study suggests that brighter streetlights may help reduce nighttime violence — at least temporarily. buff.ly/iQZuDst
Brighter streetlights cut nighttime violence, but only for a while, study finds • Oregon Capital Chronicle
As days grow shorter and darkness arrives earlier across much of the country, a new study suggests that brighter streetlights may help reduce nighttime violence — at least temporarily.
buff.ly
October 28, 2026 at 5:45 PM
As days grow shorter and darkness arrives earlier across much of the country, a new study suggests that brighter streetlights may help reduce nighttime violence — at least temporarily. buff.ly/iQZuDst
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s recent executive order barring data centers on state lands is creating roadblocks for telecommunications companies building out fiber-optic cable networks that transmit internet data and that are typically buried along state highways. buff.ly/ZTZAJQZ
Fiber, broadband projects by Oregon highways on hold after Kotek data center order • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The Oregon Department of Transportation is evaluating state right-of-way permit applications from fiber-optic companies, records show.
buff.ly
October 27, 2026 at 10:42 PM
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s recent executive order barring data centers on state lands is creating roadblocks for telecommunications companies building out fiber-optic cable networks that transmit internet data and that are typically buried along state highways. buff.ly/ZTZAJQZ
A ProPublica data analysis shows that delays resulting from the U.S. Postal Service’s cost-cutting measures have endangered the validity of ballots cast in rural areas across the country. Oregon officials recommend using a drop box if your ballot isn't in the mail today.
buff.ly/InjwBL1
buff.ly/InjwBL1
Ballot rejections soared in rural counties after USPS reduced mail service • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Many areas that saw a spike in late ballots were in Western states, which were the earliest adopters of expanded mail-in voting.
buff.ly
October 27, 2026 at 8:53 PM
A ProPublica data analysis shows that delays resulting from the U.S. Postal Service’s cost-cutting measures have endangered the validity of ballots cast in rural areas across the country. Oregon officials recommend using a drop box if your ballot isn't in the mail today.
buff.ly/InjwBL1
buff.ly/InjwBL1
The U.S. Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to every state ahead of Election Day, expanding a longstanding practice that’s spurred concern this year among Democrats and voting rights advocates because of President Donald Trump’s push to influence elections. buff.ly/XL6AWTq
Trump's DOJ sends 1,000 election monitors to 50 states, locations not yet disclosed • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The U.S. Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to every state ahead of Election Day, expanding a longstanding practice that’s spurred concern this year among Democrats and voting…
buff.ly
October 27, 2026 at 6:51 PM
The U.S. Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to every state ahead of Election Day, expanding a longstanding practice that’s spurred concern this year among Democrats and voting rights advocates because of President Donald Trump’s push to influence elections. buff.ly/XL6AWTq
More than 730,000 Oregon voters had returned their ballots as of Tuesday morning. buff.ly/NVzjdOZ
Half a million Oregonians have turned in their ballots week ahead of Nov. 3 election • Oregon Capital Chronicle
More than half a million Oregon voters have returned their ballots as of Monday morning, according to the Oregon Secretary of State's office.
buff.ly
October 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM
More than 730,000 Oregon voters had returned their ballots as of Tuesday morning. buff.ly/NVzjdOZ
The 2026 midterms will mark the last election in Oregon in which political donors can cut major checks without limits thanks to a 2024 state law @shaanthx.bsky.social reports: oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/26/d...
Drazan, Kotek draw millions from allies in last Oregon governor’s race with no donation limits • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon was for a long time one of the last few states without any limits on political campaign contributions.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
October 26, 2026 at 11:53 PM
The 2026 midterms will mark the last election in Oregon in which political donors can cut major checks without limits thanks to a 2024 state law @shaanthx.bsky.social reports: oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/26/d...
State agencies are fanning out to offer assistance in the wake of a tragic attack at a Bend elementary school this month, Gov. Tina Kotek said Monday.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/26/g...
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/26/g...
Gov. Tina Kotek declares emergency, details state help in wake of Bend shooting • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Gov. Tina Kotek said she will request state funding to help Silver Rail Elementary recover from the attack.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
October 26, 2026 at 9:18 PM
State agencies are fanning out to offer assistance in the wake of a tragic attack at a Bend elementary school this month, Gov. Tina Kotek said Monday.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/26/g...
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/26/g...
A Republican mental health clinician and an incumbent Dem. House rep. both hope their identities as the daughters of Mexican immigrants will appeal to voters in the Oregon district w/ highest share of Hispanic residents @miamaldonado.bsky.social reports: oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/26/t...
Two Latina women vie for House seat in district targeted by immigration raids • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Rep. incumbent Rep. Lesly Muñoz, a Democrat from Woodburn, is running against Republican challenger Noemi Legaspi.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
October 26, 2026 at 8:34 PM
A Republican mental health clinician and an incumbent Dem. House rep. both hope their identities as the daughters of Mexican immigrants will appeal to voters in the Oregon district w/ highest share of Hispanic residents @miamaldonado.bsky.social reports: oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/26/t...
The percentage of working-age adults without health insurance has increased in the past two years, largely because many people can no longer afford Obamacare coverage after Congress allowed federal subsidies to expire at the end of last year. oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/26/r...
The percentage of people without health insurance is growing • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The percentage of working-age adults without health insurance has increased in the past two years, largely because many people can no longer afford Obamacare coverage after Congress allowed federal su...
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
October 26, 2026 at 4:20 PM
The percentage of working-age adults without health insurance has increased in the past two years, largely because many people can no longer afford Obamacare coverage after Congress allowed federal subsidies to expire at the end of last year. oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/26/r...
No new ICE detention centers are slated for construction in Newport, Oregon, anytime soon, and the federal government will provide at least a month’s notice to city officials before any environmental permitting would get underway: oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/23/i...
ICE affirms in court documents there are no plans to build detention center in Newport • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The Department of Homeland Security agreed in a settlement with the state to alert city officials at least 30 days before environmental permitting would get underway.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
October 23, 2026 at 11:17 PM
No new ICE detention centers are slated for construction in Newport, Oregon, anytime soon, and the federal government will provide at least a month’s notice to city officials before any environmental permitting would get underway: oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/23/i...
At a press conference at the Harmony Montessori School in Portland, Gov. Kotek said she's propose a bill to streamline a slate of state and local early childhood learning programs and focus on expanding ones working best to boost access and affordability. oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/23/o...
Oregon Gov. Kotek, advocates push for more childcare access ahead of 2027 session • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The governor described her plans to push for access to childcare in the next legislative session. How to pay for it remains an open question.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
October 23, 2026 at 11:01 PM
At a press conference at the Harmony Montessori School in Portland, Gov. Kotek said she's propose a bill to streamline a slate of state and local early childhood learning programs and focus on expanding ones working best to boost access and affordability. oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/23/o...
Oregon is, so far, one of at least nine states that have received notices from US DOJ notifying election officials that observers will be deployed. oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/23/t...
Trump DOJ to send federal monitors to Oregon’s Multnomah County on Election Day • Oregon Capital Chronicle
It's not the first time election monitors have been sent to Oregon, but follows unusual monitor behavior in other states, Oregon election officials said.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
October 23, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Oregon is, so far, one of at least nine states that have received notices from US DOJ notifying election officials that observers will be deployed. oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/23/t...
DOJ sued Alaska election officials Thursday in preemptive attempt to stop the state from certifying results of its Senate election if, under ranked-choice voting, the Republican loses by a smaller margin than votes earned by another candidate w/ same name oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/23/r...
Trump’s DOJ sues over Alaska Senate race, expanding preelection legal fights • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The U.S. Department of Justice is stepping up its legal campaign over the midterm elections, appealing a lawsuit against suspected noncitizen voters in California and suing Alaska over its U.S. Senate...
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
October 23, 2026 at 6:55 PM
DOJ sued Alaska election officials Thursday in preemptive attempt to stop the state from certifying results of its Senate election if, under ranked-choice voting, the Republican loses by a smaller margin than votes earned by another candidate w/ same name oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/10/23/r...