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’s Overdose Crisis Eases but Remains Far Above the U.S. Average

Lucille McNamara May 17, 2026

Despite the ongoing statewide opioid abuse crisis, with most drug overdoses involving fentanyl and methamphetamine, the death rate in Oregon has decreased each year since 2023. Preliminary data released by the Oregon Health Authority…

Education

Southern Oregon University Faces $20 Million Budget Cut as It Tries to Secure Emergency Funding

Lucille McNamara May 16, 2026

ASHLAND, Ore. — After trimming one-fifth of its budget under recommendations from consulting firm Deloitte, Southern Oregon University must now serve as a model for other higher education institutions confronting similar financial strain.…

Crime & Courts

85-Year-Old Oregon Man Helps Stop Alleged Kidnapping Attempt at Medford Mobile Home Park

Lucille McNamara May 15, 2026

MEDFORD, Ore. — A caregiver, who was attacked with a taser by a man posing as a utility worker at a rural Medford mobile park home, was saved by an 85-year-old resident who intervened, giving the woman time to escape to her vehicle. A…

News

Oregon Drivers Could See Cheaper Gas This Summer as Officials Try to Avoid Fuel Supply Problems

Lucille McNamara May 15, 2026

Oregon motorists will be allowed to use cheaper fuel versions with higher ethanol content in their vehicles during the summer of 2026 to avoid possible supply problems. The temporary change will permit the sale of E15 gasoline during the…

Crime & Courts

Oregon Man Sentenced to Nearly 7 Years for Trafficking Fentanyl and Meth in Montana

Lucille McNamara May 14, 2026

An Oregon man will spend nearly seven years in prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine in Billings. Derry Jerel Howard (55) was sentenced yesterday to 82 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Tidings…

Oregon Prepares for Major Aging Shift as Seniors Now Outnumber Children

Lucille McNamara May 14, 2026

As one of 11 states where senior citizens outnumber children, Oregon is now preparing for a permanent shift in its age demographics. The State Has Released a Plan on Aging Yesterday, the Oregon Department of Human Services…

Crime & Courts

Russian National Extradited to Oregon in Global $340 Million Crypto Ponzi Case

Lucille McNamara May 13, 2026

One of four Russian nationals appeared in the Portland federal court on Monday for her role in a global Ponzi investment scheme that siphoned $340 million from victim-investors. Olena Oblamska (42), who was extradited from Thailand to…

News

Oregon Families Struggle With Childcare Costs That Can Reach Nearly $3,000 a Month

Lucille McNamara May 13, 2026

Oregon has a waiting list of over 15,000 multiple-child families for subsidized childcare, as the annual cost of infant care is the price of a second mortgage. Childcare in Portland costs an average of $2,890 monthly, $2,732 in Gresham,…

News

Oregon Consumers Sue Nike and Other Major Brands Over Tariff-Driven Price Hikes

Lucille McNamara May 12, 2026

Nike is among several major companies, including FedEx, Costco, Ray-Ban, and Nintendo, that have been named in a class action lawsuit filed in Oregon last Thursday on behalf of consumers. The lawsuit claims that the sportswear giant…

Oregon Abortion Pill Access Remains in Place as Supreme Court Weighs New Restrictions

Lucille McNamara May 12, 2026

Oregon women will have access to the abortion pill, Mifepristone, until at least Thursday, while the Supreme Court considers whether to enforce restrictions. The abortion pill remains available nationwide without in-person visits to a…

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