Author

Lucille McNamara

Lucille McNamara is a Daily Tidings reporter with 27 years of journalism experience, covering Oregon public safety, crime and courts, plus statewide policy and community impact stories including housing, education, health, and immigration. She previously worked at The Star.
Contact: [email protected]

News

Oregon Bans Sale of Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Lucille McNamara Jan 3, 2025

The sale of fluorescent light bulbs became illegal on January 1, 2025, to encourage Oregonians to switch to energy-efficient LED lighting. The Ban Will Reduce Environmental Toxins and Protect Health The legislation attempts to…

News

Oregon Introduces Legislation Enforcing School Districts to Post Meetings Online Within One Week

Lucille McNamara Jan 3, 2025

A new law requiring Oregon school districts to post visual and audio recordings of school board meetings within seven days will present challenges to smaller and more affluent districts. Subcommittee meetings attended by a quorum of…

News

Oregon Providence Patients are Affected by Aetna Insurance Decision to Drop Health Care Provider

Lucille McNamara Jan 2, 2025

Insurance giant Aetna has dropped Providence Health and Services in Oregon from its health insurance network, impacting 9,000 patients statewide. The Two Organizations Failed to Reach an Agreement on a New Contract The decision…

News

Oregon Bans the Use of Styrofoam Containers for Prepared Food and Drink

Lucille McNamara Jan 2, 2025

Oregon businesses can no longer use Styrofoam containers for food or drinks. Transgressions are punishable with fines of up to $500 a day. Polystyrene is Petroleum-Based Plastic Harmful to Health and the Environment The…

News

Rural Oregon Unsheltered Homelessness is Increasing

Lucille McNamara Jan 2, 2025

The number of homeless people living out in the open is increasing rapidly in rural areas of Oregon, more so than in cities. The finding arises from an annual people count of homelessness in the state, known as the Point In Time (PIT)…

News

Oregon Withdraws from Hillsboro Farmland Incorporation as Hope Fades for its Selection as a…

Lucille McNamara Dec 29, 2024

Oregon has all but admitted defeat in its apparent failure to attract a CHIPS Act semiconductor research hub. With five days to go until legislation expired on December 31, Governor Tina Kotek announced the decision to drop plans to…

Crime & Courts

Medford Man Stabbed with a Wall Display Sword

Lucille McNamara Dec 28, 2024

MEDFORD, Ore. — A Medford man was stabbed with a wall display sword in what the police have described as an attempted murder. The stabbing took place in the late afternoon on Thursday at the 1000 block of Beatty Street. On arrival,…

Education

Glaring Disparities Between Rich and Poor School Districts in Oregon

Lucille McNamara Dec 28, 2024

Glaring disparities exist between the rich and the poor school districts nationwide, and Oregon school districts are no different. 56% of Students in the Oakridge District Live in Poverty The latest Census Bureau reveals that while Lake…

News

Southwest Oregon Facing Flash Floods Until Late on Sunday Afternoon

Lucille McNamara Dec 28, 2024

Excessive rainfall and flash floods have been predicted for southwest Oregon and northern California from this morning (Saturday) until late Sunday afternoon. Weather Warnings Issued for Low-Lying Areas West of the Cascades The…

News

2020 Wildfires: Oregon State Begins Legal Action Against Suppliers of Defective Modular Homes

Lucille McNamara Dec 27, 2024

The two companies appointed by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OH&CS) to build 140 homes destroyed in the 2020 wildfires are facing legal action by the state for nearly $11.8 million. In legal documents filed in Marion County…

Load More Posts