Intro: This year Seattle officials are putting a stronger emphasis on SERVICES for people arrested for public drug use. That’s after drug possession arrests and charges climbed last year. Supporters of the new approach call it a hopeful moment. Skeptics worry that the city’s hotspots for drug use and disorder will continue to suffer.

Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden says rural hospitals are struggling thanks to recent health insurance funding changes. He made his comments during a roundtable of local health care leaders in Eugene today [Wednesday]. KLCC’s Zac Ziegler reports:

Oregon’s incoming W-N-B-A team released its schedule today/yesterday [[WED]] with tip off planned for May 9th. But as Kyra [[KYE ruh]] Buckley reports, the Portland Fire still needs a roster of players.

Manufactured Housing Communities of Washington says that the state’s new rent control law, which passed last year, is already forcing their parks to shut down.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has sued the federal government 53 times over his first year in office. That’s more than a lawsuit per week.

New federal dietary guidelines call for Americans to eat more unprocessed foods. A state nutrition expert says that’s good but people may need to learn more about how to do that. N-W-P-B’s Renee Diaz has more.

The federal government has released new dietary guidelines. These recommendations shape programs like school lunches. Some nutrition experts say this year’s update raises concerns.

The dust is still settling from REI’s Board of Directors election last May, when members voted to reject the co-op’s entire slate of candidates… but the next election for the board of the Issaquah-based outdoor retailer is fast approaching.

KNKX Murrow News Fellow Nate Sanford has the story.

A new report shows that the Oregon Shakespeare Festival made significant financial gains last year, during their 90th anniversary season. Jefferson Public Radio's Roman Battaglia (buh-TALLY-uh) has the details.

The frigid temperatures gripping the region can be especially hard on those who are homeless. To offer a warm place to sleep, the Egan Warming Centers have been activated in Eugene and Springfield for a full week and it’s likely they’ll continue through Saturday.