Oregon

The Latest

A person holds a foil while smoking following the decriminalization of all drugs, including fentanyl and meth, in downtown Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 25, 2024. Since hard drugs were decriminalized in Oregon three years ago, there are no arrests, just a fine and a card with a telephone number where the user can get help.

Oregon re-criminalizes hard drugs after ‘overdose rates skyrocketed’

Apr 5, 2024

By Daniel Payne

The law ordered that individuals arrested for possession of drugs could have their citation dismissed if they called a state-created... Read more

The Oregon State Capitol in Salem.

Oregon reports significant uptick in assisted suicides

Mar 28, 2024

By Peter Pinedo

Since the state’s passage of the “Death with Dignity Act” in 1997, assisted suicide numbers have been consistently rising there. Read more

Members of the Houston-based Catholic Organization of Life carry their flag, alongside the state flag, at the 2024 Texas March for Life.

Pro-life leaders are ‘laser-focused’ on state marches this election year: Here’s what you need to know

Jan 31, 2024

By Peter Pinedo

With abortion set to be on the ballot this year in many states across the country, pro-life groups in several... Read more

Oregon resident Jessica Bates appealed a court’s ruling against her in a case alleging that the government is religiously discriminating against her by refusing to allow her to adopt children from the state system.

Oregon mother appeals court ruling in religious discrimination adoption case

Dec 28, 2023

By Daniel Payne

Jessica Bates filed a federal lawsuit against the state’s Department of Human Services earlier this year after she was denied... Read more

CNA

When an Oregon town told a church to limit its meals to the homeless the DOJ stepped in

Nov 28, 2023

By Daniel Payne

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Brookings, Oregon, has for years regularly provided meals for homeless people in the area up... Read more

The fire that devastated St. Joseph's sanctuary was primarily concentrated in the roof.

Fire devastates historic Oregon Catholic church: Sanctuary is lost

Aug 31, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

St. Joseph’s is one of the oldest parish communities in Oregon. It serves about 3,500 faithful and is a part... Read more

Oregon resident Jessica Bates filed a federal lawsuit after state officials denied her adoption application because of her opposition to gender ideology.

Oregon denies adoption after woman refuses to back gender ideology, homosexuality

Apr 6, 2023

By Tyler Arnold

An Oregon woman filed a federal lawsuit against the state’s Department of Human Services after she was denied the opportunity... Read more

In Oregon, educators propose alternative to gender identity policy—and face calls to be fired

Jul 1, 2021

By Kevin J. Jones

A public school teacher and an assistant principal are facing disciplinary action and possible firing, because of their alternative policy... Read more

CNA

Catholic Charities opens cooling centers amid Pacific Northwest heat wave  

Jun 30, 2021

By Jonah McKeown

Amid an unprecedented heat wave in the Pacific Northwest, local Catholic Charities agencies are opening cooling centers for the elderly,... Read more

A demonstrator tries to put out a fire that other demonstrators started outside a U.S. courthouse during a protest on July 31, 2020 in Portland, Oregon.

Protestors burn Bible during Portland protests 

Aug 3, 2020

By Jonah McKeown

Protestors in Portland, Oregon burned a Bible in the street during a protest outside a federal courthouse in the early... Read more

With a lifelong Catholic at the helm, Oregon eyes prison reform

Apr 10, 2019

By Perry West

The head of the Oregon prison system is looking to make significant changes to the way the state views punishment,... Read more

In Oregon, fewer refugees means changes for Catholic Charities

Sep 8, 2018

By Perry West

For some 70 years, Catholic Charities in Oregon has helped refugees settle into their new life – assisting with everything... Read more

Oregon Catholic school leader charged with embezzling $50K

Jul 18, 2018

A former advancement director at a Catholic school in Oregon has been charged with embezzling more than $50,000 from the... Read more

Pregnant.

New bill expands already-liberal abortion laws in Oregon

Jul 7, 2017

A new bill in Oregon would expand the state’s already-liberal laws, requiring insurance companies to pay for abortions and other... Read more

Drivers license.

Oregon offers 'third-gender' option on driver's licenses

Jun 19, 2017

Starting next month, Oregon will be the first state to offer a non-binary option on forms of DMV identification for... Read more