A recent study of satellite data mapped the damage to the tree canopy caused by the massive heat dome that hit the Northwest in 20-21. Researchers at Oregon State University confirmed that the scorching many people had observed was extensive. In Oregon and Washington, it added up to a total surface area the size of Rhode Island.

That didn’t surprise Washington state forest entomologist Glenn Kohler.

The heat dome of 20-21 scorched an area of tree canopy in Washington and Oregon the size of Rhode Island. That’s according to a recent study from the College of Forestry at Oregon State University. At least one scientist in Washington wasn’t surprised. More from KNKX environment reporter Bellamy Pailthorp.

INTRO: Six rural hospitals in Oregon and Washington have closed their obstetrics units since 2020.

Providence Hospital in Seaside, Oregon is the latest to do so.

For the Northwest News Network, Rachel Miller Howard reports on why it’s so hard to keep labor and delivery units open, and what happens after they’re gone.

Portland State University is moving forward with a plan to build a new student housing complex right in the heart of the campus.

But to make way for it, P-S-U will have to tear down two historic structures.

As OPB’s Tiffany Camhi reports, preservation advocates are calling on the university to reverse course.

INTRO: Six rural hospitals in Oregon and Washington have closed their obstetrics units since 2020.

Providence Hospital in Seaside, Oregon is the latest to do so.

For the Northwest News Network, Rachel Miller Howard reports on why it’s so hard to keep labor and delivery units open, and what happens after they’re gone.

The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners is mulling an ordinance that would open up some roads to all-terrain vehicles.

The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council just released its annual study.

As wildfires get bigger and more destructive, land managers say fighting them isn’t always possible; but teaching people how to utilize fire might be what’s needed. NWPB’s Rachel Sun reports. :13

Getting a required license is going to get more convenient for Washington hunters.

The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office is changing its approach for people arrested for possession of small amounts of illegal drugs. Joni Auden Land reports.