Donald Orr
OPB
Portland, OR, United States
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Past articles by Donald:
Realist paintings, folk music and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: Oregon arts and culture events in January
As we settle into the new year, there are plenty of events this month that can enlighten your start to 2023. OPB producer Donald Orr sat down with All Things Considered co-host Crystal Ligori to chat about a few events to check out this January. → Read More
Forest Service officials to consider relaxing noise restrictions for ATVs, other vehicles at the Oregon Dunes
Siuslaw National Forest officials are seeking public input on a new proposal that would update noise limits for motorized vehicles at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. → Read More
Being Santa Claus during the COVID-19 pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted many holiday traditions this year, including children’s in-person visits with Santa Claus. But the people who play Santa have come up with creative solutions to adapt their visits online or at a distance. We spoke with professional Santas Jeff Reuter and Dr. Leroy Barber about how they’ve managed to spread some holiday cheer amid a trying year. → Read More
Oregon’s mental health system falls short for people of color. A state lawmaker is trying to change that
Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s become clear that Oregon doesn’t have enough therapists to meet everyone’s needs. For Oregonians of color, therapists that provide culturally competent care are scarce, partly due to the shortfalls of Oregon’s mental health care system. Here's what one Oregon lawmaker is doing to try and change it. → Read More
Oregon launches $500 emergency relief program
Oregon residents who are still waiting for their unemployment benefits can apply for a one-time payment of $500 in emergency relief starting Wednesday. → Read More
Evacuations ordered near Mosier as wildfire picks up in the gorge
A wildfire in the Columbia River Gorge prompted Level 3 evacuations for residents near Mosier, Oregon. → Read More
Steel Bridge closed for month-long TriMet project
The Steel Bridge is closed through nearly the rest of August for what TriMet is calling the largest MAX improvement project in the light rail system’s history. → Read More
Racist Threats, Illegal Fireworks Lead To Arrests On Oregon Coast
Lincoln City police arrested seven men on the Oregon Coast Saturday night after the men allegedly made racist threats toward a Black family during Fourth of July celebrations at the beach. → Read More
FAQ: What To Expect For Phase 2 Of Oregon’s Reopening Plan
About two-thirds of Oregon counties will further loosen COVID-19 restrictions over the next few days, as vast parts of the state move forward with Phase 2 of Gov. Kate Brown’s reopening plan. → Read More
Pendleton Round-Up Plans To Ride Out Pandemic For 2020 Rodeo
Organizers for the Pendleton Round-Up have said the event will take place this September and that they are taking steps to make sure the event remains safe amid the coronavirus outbreak. → Read More
How Are Oregon Hospitals Handling The Coronavirus Pandemic?
Last month, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ordered hospitals to stop elective procedures to save space, protective gear and staff for an expected surge of coronavirus patients. How are hospitals adapting? → Read More
Dozens Of Ways You Can Help NW Communities During The Coronavirus Pandemic
Many people are still finding safe ways to help those around them amid the coronavirus outbreak. Here’s how you can lend a hand to a neighbor in need. → Read More
Travel Portland Sees Massive Decline In Tourism Revenue, Reduces Staff By 40%
Travel Portland, the destination marketing and management organization for the city, announced Wednesday it’s cutting staff by 40% due to a massive dropoff in tourism and hotel revenue amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. → Read More
Live Updates: Oregonians, Washingtonians Ordered To Stay Home As Cases Climb
Governors in the Northwest have ordered people to stay home as much as possible as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. → Read More
Live Updates: Oregon's 1st Death, 36 Reported Cases
As of Sunday afternoon, Oregon has 36 reported cases of the novel coronavirus, with the state’s first death from COVID-19 in Multnomah County Saturday. → Read More
Oregon Health Officials Confirm Second Presumed Coronavirus Case
Officials with the Oregon Health Authority announced Sunday evening the second presumptive case of COVID-19 in Oregon. → Read More
Person Dies After Falling On Mount Hood
A person found at 9,400 feet on Mount Hood has died, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. → Read More
Umatilla County Residents Assess Damage After Flooding
As floodwaters continue to recede in northeastern Oregon, residents and Umatilla County officials are assessing the damage, ranging from washed-out roads, bridges and homes. → Read More
Major Closures Of I-84 From Hermiston To Idaho Border Due To Flooding
Major flooding across parts of northeast Oregon caused the Oregon Department of Transportation to close major stretches of I-84 early Friday morning. → Read More
Portland’s Regional Arts And Culture Council Announces Job Cuts As Part Of Restructuring
The Regional Arts and Culture Council announced plans this week to lay off 15 employees and eliminate five vacant positions as part of an initiative to reflect “a new vision and priorities.” → Read More