Claire Withycombe
KOIN News
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Past articles by Claire:
Fun facts to know and yell about Labor Day
How did Labor Day become Labor Day? Glad you asked. Here’s info from History.com → Read More
Oregon DHS overwhelmed by applications for child welfare jobs
Despite a flood of applications for new state jobs working with foster children, the Department of Human Services still hasn't officially hired anyone for its understaffed Child Welfare division. → Read More
Oregon university workers could start school year on strike
About 5,000 union employees and higher education leaders at Oregon’s 7 public universities are at an impasse in negotiating pay increases, benefits and time off. → Read More
With dams at risk, Lincoln County pushes back planned veto
Newport Mayor Dean Sawyer was driving back from a conference of mayors in Medford when he got the call. → Read More
First employee lays groundwork for Student Success Act
Oregon's ambitious and costly plan to transform its public schools begins with one person. → Read More
Telemedicine reproductive care connects options in Oregon
Telemedicine has provided a new avenue for abortion access for Oregonians, utilized by about 50 patients in its first year. → Read More
Who’s paying for Republican’s walkout protest?
In the shadow of Senate Republicans' infamous walkout, questions remain on how the protest was financed and whether Democrats will make good on their threat to fine the opposition. → Read More
Trump invites Timber Unity to take DC victory lap
Two members of a quickly rising political activist community of Oregon loggers have been invited to the White House by President Donald Trump to attend a speech on "America's environmental leadership" on Monday, July 8. → Read More
Senate Republicans threaten walkout to block HB2020 vote
Senate Republicans are considering staging a second walkout — potentially delaying the end of the legislative session — to block a vote on sweeping climate legislation. → Read More
Oregon may stop suspending licenses for unpaid tickets
Oregon lawmakers are considering putting a stop to license suspensions for drivers who don't pay fines for certain traffic tickets. → Read More
PERS reform passes after Speaker whips last-minute votes
In a dramatic afternoon, the Oregon House of Representatives voted 31-29 on a bill to cut retirement benefits for the state's public employees. → Read More
Unions search for path around dues deduction restrictions
Up to 30,000 Oregon workers may no longer automatically support their union as concerted national efforts to trim the political power of unions gain steam. → Read More
Foster care solutions beset with foiled expectations
Now, as public scrutiny and criticism of foster care in Oregon intensifies, the state is facing lawsuits, legislative grilling — and yet another board appointed by the governor. → Read More
Brown tries to wrangle $2B to ease PERS costs
The rapidly growing cost of retirement benefits is putting the squeeze on school districts across the state. Larger school districts are bracing for eye-popping increases until 2035. → Read More
Feminine hygiene products bill gets committee support
Oregon students could access free feminine hygiene products at school under a proposal from their peers. → Read More
Courtney's apology: 'I must do better'
Senate president returns from medical leave as lawmakers approve resolution of support for harassment victims. → Read More
Taxpayers foot Legislature's harassment bill
In the next month, the Legislature will write a check for $1.1 million to finish its settlement of sexual harassment claims at the Capitol. But it won't be legislators or employees accused of the misconduct who have to pay. The money comes from taxpayers. → Read More
Legislative leaders hope to settle harassment complaint
The Oregon Legislature wants to settle a complaint accusing legislative leadership and administrators of creating a hostile work environment at the Capitol. → Read More
State law shields some doctors from scrutiny
State officials know of 160 doctors with suspicious prescribing patterns, but Oregon law shields those doctors from further scrutiny. → Read More
Brown's budget focus: Schools, schools, schools
Gov. Kate Brown on Wednesday announced a record expansion of school funding, a revamping of the state approach to energy issues and readying for legal battle against the Trump administration. → Read More