Khushboo Rathore Oregon Journalism Project

Six Oregon metro areas have some of the highest rates of alcohol-induced death in the nation for people 65 and older, according to a recent industry study. Roseburg (second), Eugene-Springfield (fourth) and Medford (fifth) are among the top five nationally. Salem (ninth), Bend (11th) and the Portland metro area (15th) fill out the ranks with […]

Over the past few days, temperatures have hit 100 degrees across Oregon—and experts predict a hotter than average summer. For most of the past century, Oregon has reached 100 degrees about one day a year on average, says state climatologist and Oregon State University professor Larry O’Neill. But over the past five years, Oregonians have […]

As the Governor’s Prosperity Council finalizes recommendations this month for how to create well-paying jobs and help Oregon businesses grow, it faces a double-edged challenge: Oregon now has the nation’s 11th-oldest population, and more Oregonians in their prime earning years move out of state than comparable newcomers move in. Oregon’s median age has now climbed […]

Trigger warning: This story deals with topics that concern mental health and suicide. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national effort to educate people about depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions — including suicide. That effort is crucial for Oregon, where workers in agriculture, forestry and fishing have a suicide rate that is […]

Oregon’s housing supply increased modestly between 2020 and 2025, with the biggest growth in Central Oregon, but progress lags far behind the state’s lofty goals. U.S. Census Bureau data released May 14 shows the number of Oregon housing units climbed to 1.9 million, up from 1.8 million, over the five years, an increase of 5%. […]

In February, when Oregon lawmakers were reworking the state’s budget in the face of massive looming federal cutbacks, a little-known state agency announced it had received a colossal federal grant—$689 million—to finally bring high-speed internet access to rural parts of the state. In an age of remote work, online shopping, and 24/7 connectivity, nearly 84,000 […]

After years in the lowest ranks of school attendance in the nation, Oregon schools have shown a bit of progress. An Oregon Journalism Project analysis of recent data shows regular statewide attendance in the first half of the school year rose to 70.6%, an increase of 3 percentage points over the previous year. Click here […]

Gas prices across the country have soared since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, with Oregon’s statewide cost per gallon shooting to an average of $5.00 a gallon on April 7, up from $3.92. The national average was $4.14. Oregon’s highest prices are found in Curry County, according to AAA, with […]

Oregon’s flu season is closing in on its brutal end, which left many family members dodging each other at holiday gatherings to stay safe. Nationally, less of the population is getting flu vaccinations, and Oregon followed that trend. This season, only 30.7% of Oregonians got the flu vaccine, 10,000 fewer than last year—a rate about […]

Before adjourning last week, Oregon lawmakers passed a controversial bill aimed at finding solutions for the state’s financially challenged public universities, which chief sponsor Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland) says face “fierce headwinds.” The universities have experienced declining enrollment and consistent budget deficits over the past decade. Members of the state’s Legislature hope they can improve […]