Erik Neumann
Erik Neumann is a radio producer and writer. A native of the Pacific Northwest, his work has appeared on public radio stations and in magazines along the West Coast. He received his Bachelor's Degree in geography from the University of Washington and a Master's in Journalism from UC Berkeley. Besides working at KUER, he enjoys being outside in just about every way possible.
-
Lawmakers in Oregon are trying to regulate a lesser-known compound derived from cannabis. It’s an artificially derived product from hemp that produces a high but which is sold with few restrictions.
-
Homeless service providers and law enforcement have noticed an alarming increase in the number of homeless people who have died in Coos County so far this year. Eight individuals have died since the beginning of 2021 – more than is typical for an entire year.
-
Victims of last fall’s wildfires in Oregon could get more help navigating FEMA denials, financial recovery or rebuilding their homes. A new state-based program from the Oregon Department of Human Services is aimed at providing one-on-one assistance.
-
Several wolves recently crossed state lines from established packs in Oregon into California. Experts say dispersing wolves could expand territory and strengthen the species’ genetic diversity.
-
A group in the Rogue Valley is working to expand mobile mental health crisis units in Jackson County and around the state. They’re advocating for legislation modeled on a successful program in Eugene called CAHOOTS.
-
The COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for nearly a year now. For the first time in mid-January, Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls hit its capacity for taking care of coronavirus patients. It’s one example of the marathon fight rural hospitals find themselves in.
-
A coalition of environmental groups sent a letter to Oregon’s congressional delegation this week urging them to stop proposed post-fire logging on federal lands that burned during the 2020 wildfire season.
-
In spite of added workload during the coronavirus pandemic, many rural hospitals around the country are struggling financially. A newly updated report is attempting to show how many rural hospitals are at risk of closing, including those in Oregon and California.
-
Hemp farming has increased dramatically in Southwest Oregon, since it was federally legalized in 2018. That’s created concerns about illegal water use in rural communities.
-
In September, the Almeda Drive fire left unprecedented destruction in the Southern Oregon towns of Phoenix and Talent. While wildfires are nothing new here, the level of urban destruction was striking. And the Almeda Fire offers lessons about future fire risks to other communities in Oregon.