Ben Botkin
Oregon Capital ChronicleBen Botkin covers justice, health and social services issues for the Oregon Capital Chronicle. Ben Botkin has been a reporter since 2003, when he drove from his Midwest locale to Idaho for his first journalism job. He has written extensively about politics and state agencies in Idaho, Nevada and Oregon.
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In June, the nation鈥檚 highest court ruled in favor of the City of Grants Pass, deciding that cities could impose criminal penalties without running afoul of constitutional provisions against cruel and unusual punishment. -
The agency has an open investigation into its head doctor and assistant health services director. -
Incoming Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield says he can learn from the past experiences of Democratic attorneys general, including Ellen Rosenblum, who successfully fought Trump policies in court. -
An Oregon Health & Science University study found states cannot slow the opioid crisis solely with more flexibility to use Medicaid funding for addiction treatment. -
The three-judge appeals panel that heard the case Tuesday will decide whether to uphold or overrule a Harney County judge鈥檚 finding that found Measure 114 is unconstitutional. -
Though a large majority of public schools feed students free breakfast and lunch, 65 do not, something Democratic lawmakers hope to change. -
Oregon judges have released four people from prison, finding Gov. Tina Kotek鈥檚 orders that revoked their early release unlawfully violated their rights. -
Three Oregonians talked in a court hearing about the neglect and abuse they endured as children in the state鈥檚 foster care system. -
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum in Oregon is leading a push for Congress to require surgeon general warnings for youth on social media platforms. -
After investigating, federal inspectors found the state-run psychiatric hospital could have done more to prevent two patient deaths. -
The inmate, 35-year-old Jesse Banks, suffered from a mental health condition and died while in solitary confinement after hours without anyone checking on him, the lawsuit alleges. -
The union that represents registered nurses at Oregon State Hospital has filed more than 200 grievances in the past month.
