Spokane prosecutors are suddenly declining to charge more felony domestic violence cases, citing staffing issues
As Washington reduces public defender caseloads, prosecutors say that's forced difficult charging decisions
Public Health
Oregon is doling out $37 million to preserve rural maternity care. Hospitals still worry about closures
The state announced the new assistance as federal Medicaid cuts are expected to reduce Oregon’s program by $11 billion over five years
Oregon Health & Science University shelved plans to expand its overcrowded newborn intensive care unit. Nurses fear babies won’t get needed care
Nurses say more babies are being squeezed into rooms in the 30-year-old unit
‘I lost it all’: Residents of Oregon homeless camp say Forest Service blew off calls, appointments to reclaim lost property
Former residents of one of Oregon’s largest homeless encampments say they lost cars, work tools, irreplaceable family photos and other items
Birth workers lay out opportunities to narrow Oregon maternal health care gaps
Advocates say boosting insurance pay would help expand programs for vulnerable pregnant people
Despite laws against it, some cosmetic surgeons are still banning negative reviews
If patients can’t say anything nice, some doctor paperwork mandates, they can’t say anything at all
Allegations against Washington gender-affirming surgeon stir fears of backlash for trans patients
Former employees and patients describe ethical lapses, shoddy records and worse at cosmetic surgery clinic — raising concerns about oversight in the booming industry
Oregon promised better access to doulas and lactation care. Birth workers say they still can’t get paid
A new law is aimed at supporting doula and lactation workers, but many say the success of those reforms depends on whether the state can fix persistent payment problems
Pregnant Oregonians need more addiction and mental health support — but the state’s network is fragile
Substance use and mental health disorders are driving more maternal deaths in Oregon than any other cause
Oregon abandons Medicaid expansion for people leaving prison, months after delaying launch
State officials cited onerous work to implement federal Medicaid eligibility changes and other shifting policies