The Baker City Council’s search for a new city manager likely is over, as councilors voted unanimously on Dec. 26 to offer the job to Barry Murphy, a recently retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. The council could ratify a contract with Murphy at its Jan. 9 meeting.

https://www.bakercityherald.com/news/local/city-council-offers-city-manager-job-to-barry-murphy/article_dc7c449a-a456-11ee-ae78-b7f65089c863.html

New Directions Northwest of Baker City is using a $5,000 federal grant to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, the powerful synthetic opioid. The campaign, which includes a video featuring Baker City Police Chief Ty Duby, also emphasizes the use of Narcan, which can counteract the effects of a fentanyl overdose.

https://www.bakercityherald.com/news/local/new-directions-northwest-launches-fentanyl-awareness-campaign/article_740320f6-a022-11ee-beb3-bb1fe22904cd.html

U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, the Republican whose district includes Baker County, is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review two cases that could curb the authority of future presidents to designate or expand national monuments, without congressional approval, through the 1906 Antiquities Act.

https://www.bakercityherald.com/news/local/bentz-contends-presidents-clinton-obama-exceeded-authority-in-creating-expanding-national-monuments/article_af7d69cc-9e86-11ee-91a6-27f5e2b4d8f5.html