⭐ The best of Portland this September

Hospitals Losing Money

Oregon’s larger urban hospitals are increasingly losing money, according to recently released data from the first quarter of 2025. Providence St. Vincent lost nearly $100 million, Providence Portland more than $86 million, and Legacy Emanuel $20.5 million. [Oregonian]

The Hunt To Save the Sunflower Sea Star

Scientists have found the bacteria causing the wasting disease among sunflower sea stars of the Pacific Northwest. Now the hunt is on to identify ways to save the species — from new treatments to sea stars that are immune to the disease. [KATU]

• Related: Oregon officials have added porcupines, California condors, and sea otters (along with two dozen other animals and plants) to the state’s list of more than 300 species in need of greater protection. [Oregon Capital Chronicle]

2M Acres of Forest Under Threat

The Trump administration is planning to remove a key protection for national forest land, impacting 2 million acres of Oregon trees. The change would rescind a prohibition on developing new roads, logging, and mining that applies to roughly 30% of Forest Service managed lands. [Oregon Capital Chronicle]