Oregon Heart Center and Salem Health privately settled a $15 million antitrust and defamation suit, canceling an April trial. The closed‑door deal leaves questions about consolidation and patient access in Salem.

Oregon warns postal changes could keep paper tax returns from receiving an April 15 postmark. The state is urging e-filing and offering date-stamping and drop-box options.

Rene Gonzalez filed a federal suit against the City of Portland and Auditor Simone Rede, seeking damages tied to 2024 campaign‑finance rulings and a judge’s due‑process finding.

Measure 3‑633 would set a 53.4¢ per $1,000 levy to preserve deputies, jail beds and the sheriff’s programs, and appears on the May 19 ballot.

A 20-year-old was cited after allegedly smashing a glass vase on Mayor Keith Wilson’s porch during an anti‑ICE protest that marched from Wilshire Park.

A new recall petition seeks to remove Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan after his 2025 DUI arrest; organizers say they’ll file by June 29 and are gathering thousands of signatures.

A Statewide Single Audit found eligibility coding errors in OHP Bridge and evidence gaps at ODOT that left auditors unable to verify millions in federal spending. Agencies say fixes are underway.

A new consultant review urges Multnomah County to play a larger role in Portland’s economic recovery by investing in apprenticeships, workforce pipelines and coordinated tax policy. The proposals aim to stem traded‑sector job losses and better link social programs to jobs.

A stream of departures and new hires at the Oregon Department of Education collides with a major accountability overhaul, leaving districts to wonder who will deliver guidance and grants.

Commissioners will hold an in‑person town hall in Welches tonight to gather input on a short‑term rental pilot extended through June 30.

Gov. Tina Kotek signed SB 1516 on March 31, 2026, tightening how license‑plate reader data can be stored, audited and shared. The law forces short retention, vendor audits and bans vendor access in most cases.

The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved new residential electricity rate increases for PGE and Pacific Power that take effect April 1, 2026, prompting pushback from consumer advocates.

The Supreme Court declined to review the Chinook Indian Nation's recognition case, keeping in place lower‑court rulings and uncertainty over federal benefits. Tribal leaders say they’ll press Congress and administrative channels.