Tess Novotny

Pacific Islanders in Oregon have experienced disproportionate rates of COVID-19 infection. In the Salem-Keizer School District, Pacific Islander students have also been more likely to fall behind during distance learning.

After months of congressional disagreement and a last-minute veto threat from President Donald Trump, the federal government passed a new COVID-19 relief bill in late December. We talk with David Gerstenfeld, interim director of the Oregon Employment Department, about when the new relief money will reach Oregonians.

For 20 years, Lessie Williams worked for Portland nonprofit Highland Haven. Now she’s retired, but in August, Williams was given a national award for her work advancing health equity in Oregon.

In 2014, Orion Falvey co-founded Orchid Health, a network of clinics in Oakridge, Estacada and Blue River. Falvey says the clinics address major shortages in primary preventative medical care for rural Oregonians

Community Transitional School in Northeast Portland has been teaching kindergarten through eighth grade students who are homeless for 31 years. Since the coronavirus hit Oregon in March, the school has been delivering worksheets and food to students every week.

As COVID-19 cases skyrocketed in Klamath County over the last month, county commissioners criticized some of Oregon Gov. Kate Brown's restrictions on businesses. In response, a large group of medical workers in Klamath Falls urged them to take the virus seriously.

Last month, the city of Portland cleared away the makeshift homes of many of the people camping at Laurelhurst Park. Tyler Hardy is still living there.

The majority of bowling alleys across Oregon had to shut down again when Gov. Brown imposed stronger coronavirus restrictions in November.

Courthouses across Oregon have a backlog of civil and family trials. The coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult for judges to plan trials and hear case motions as courthouse hours and in-person appearances are limited.

As coronavirus cases and deaths skyrocket across Oregon, pandemic fatigue is setting in. In some rural areas, skepticism about the governor’s new restrictions on businesses and social gatherings is common.