Northwest gas pipeline could expand

By Julia Shumway | Editor

“Grief does not check immigration status. Every family in Bend deserves to mourn, heal, and seek help without fear. I urge you to let them.” — U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, the Democrat who represents Bend, asking the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to pause non-emergency immigration enforcement in Bend and Deschutes County. ICE agents were in town the same day as the Silver Rail elementary shooting to return to state custody a semitruck driver facing charges for causing a crash that killed two newlyweds last November, and local activists reported that the federal agency is maintaining a visible presence in Central Oregon.

Also in today's edition:

Owners of the Northwest’s largest gas pipeline network look to expand
Oregon law offers no clear path to prosecute in Bend shooting case
Insurance agency corrects doula coverage information

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Largest gas pipeline network in Northwest could grow as Oklahoma-based owners pursue expansion

By Alex Baumhardt

Natural gas pipeline and infrastructure in the Northwest. One of the largest pipeline systems in the state could soon carry even more gas to the region under a proposal by Oklahoma-based pipeline company Wilson. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

The Oklahoma-based company that owns one of the largest gas pipeline networks in the Northwest is beginning to pursue permits to expand that network, and to pump more gas to the region to meet rising electricity demand.

Bynum calls for ICE to pause enforcement in Bend, Deschutes County in wake of school shooting

By Julia Shumway

U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum responds to questions from reporters at the opening of her new office in Oregon City on Jan. 28, 2025. (Photo by Rian Dundon/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

The Oregon congresswoman who represents Bend is calling on federal officials to stop non-emergency immigration enforcement in the Central Oregon city in the wake of last week’s elementary school shooting.

Oregon gun laws offer no clear path for Bend shooting prosecution

By Joni Auden Land | OPB

Bend residents set up a memorial for three children and one teacher killed by a shooter at Silver Rail Elementary School. (Photo by Sean Scully/States Newsroom)

Less than a week since a teenager shot and killed four people at a Bend elementary school, questions still linger about the details behind the attack.

Insurers could revisit denied doula coverage claims after Oregon agency admits error

By Shaanth Nanguneri

Oregonians who were denied coverage for doula services since the beginning of this year could see their claims readjusted after state regulators informed health insurance providers that they misinterpreted Oregon laws mandating they take care of the cost of those services.