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Val Hoyle and Monique DeSpain Present Divergent Visions in Oregon's 4th District Race

Val Hoyle and Monique DeSpain Present Divergent Visions in Oregon's 4th District Race

In Oregon's 4th Congressional District, Democratic U.S. Representative Val Hoyle is seeking a third term against Republican challenger Monique DeSpain. The upcoming election is a rematch of the 2024 contest, where Hoyle secured nearly 52% of the vote. The district encompasses Lane, Benton, Coos, Curry, and Lincoln counties, along with northern Douglas County. Hoyle emphasizes climate change as an immediate emergency, advocating for a 100% clean-electricity standard and opposing new fossil-fuel leasing on federal lands. She also supports reducing prescription-drug prices, expanding workforce training, and developing the Port of Coos Bay to create jobs. DeSpain, on the other hand, supports an 'all of the above' energy policy, focusing on reliability and affordability without restrictive mandates. She advocates for lower taxes, reduced regulation, and private-sector growth as drivers of prosperity.
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AI-Induced Hiring Slowdown Affects West Coast Tech Job Market

AI-Induced Hiring Slowdown Affects West Coast Tech Job Market

AI-Induced Hiring Slowdown Affects West Coast Tech Job Market
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Merkley and Bentz Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Biomass Markets for Wildfire Reduction

Merkley and Bentz Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Biomass Markets for Wildfire Reduction

Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley have introduced the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation aims to expand markets for woody biomass, which is removed through forest management and wildfire prevention projects. The bill seeks to broaden the federal definition of renewable biomass under the Renewable Fuel Standard and the Clean Air Act. This expansion would include low-value woody materials generated through hazardous fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and forest products manufacturing. The legislation is also supported by Rep. Bennie Thompson and Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. It aims to create new economic uses for materials often left behind during forest thinning projects, thereby offsetting the costs of reducing wildfire fuel loads and increasing renewable fuel production.
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Wildfire Smoke Blankets U.S., Affecting Air Quality Across Multiple States

Wildfire Smoke Blankets U.S., Affecting Air Quality Across Multiple States

As of Monday morning, 46 large uncontained wildfires in Oregon and Washington have burned over 1.6 million acres of wildland, with additional fires in British Columbia contributing to a massive plume of smoke. This smoke has created hazy skies and unhealthy air conditions across the U.S., reaching as far as Florida. The worst air quality was reported near Boise, Idaho, with 'very unhealthy' particulate levels. Air quality advisories have been issued in several states, urging residents to limit outdoor activities. The fires are fueled by prolonged heat waves and dry conditions, exacerbated by climate change, according to experts.
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U.S. Wave Power Site in Oregon Remains Inactive as Spanish Project Celebrates Milestone

U.S. Wave Power Site in Oregon Remains Inactive as Spanish Project Celebrates Milestone

U.S. Wave Power Site in Oregon Remains Inactive as Spanish Project Celebrates Milestone
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James Beard Award-Winning Chef Opens Sustainable Sushi Omakase in Beaverton

James Beard Award-Winning Chef Opens Sustainable Sushi Omakase in Beaverton

James Beard Award-Winning Chef Opens Sustainable Sushi Omakase in Beaverton
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Evacuation Levels Reduced as Akawa Butte Fire Progresses

Evacuation Levels Reduced as Akawa Butte Fire Progresses

Fire crews have made significant progress in battling the Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters, Oregon, leading to a reduction in evacuation levels. The Deschutes County Sheriff has downgraded many Level 3 evacuations to Level 2 or Level 1, allowing some residents to return home. However, lingering smoke and power outages remain concerns for those returning. The fire, which started on July 16 due to lightning, has burned over 27,000 acres. Firefighters continue to work on containment, with favorable weather conditions aiding their efforts.
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Alaska Airlines Announces New Seasonal Route Between Portland and Steamboat Springs for 2027

Alaska Airlines Announces New Seasonal Route Between Portland and Steamboat Springs for 2027

Alaska Airlines Announces New Seasonal Route Between Portland and Steamboat Springs for 2027
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Wildfire Contained Near Bayhorse Silver Mine in Oregon

Wildfire Contained Near Bayhorse Silver Mine in Oregon

Bayhorse Silver has resumed underground drilling operations at its Bayhorse Silver Mine in Oregon, USA, following the containment of the Fox Creek wildfire. The fire, which began approximately seven miles north of the mine on Thursday, quickly grew to 7,000 acres. By Saturday evening, shifting winds caused the fire to move southward, reaching the mine by Sunday evening and advancing further to threaten the nearby town of Huntington. Despite the fire burning vegetation near the ore-sorter shelter, the mine's infrastructure and equipment remained undamaged. The company had previously taken precautions by extending the cleared area around the mine portal and using non-flammable covers to protect critical equipment. Drilling operations, which were suspended on Friday, have now resumed as of late Monday after access restrictions were lifted (Mining.com.au, 2026-07-29).
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Maple Leaf Foods Recalls Over 12,000 Pounds of Bacon Due to Inspection Issue

Maple Leaf Foods Recalls Over 12,000 Pounds of Bacon Due to Inspection Issue

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. has issued a recall for 12,036 pounds of refrigerated, not-ready-to-eat bacon imported from Canada. The recall was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) due to the bacon not receiving the required re-inspection upon import into the United States. The affected products were distributed to retailers in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Although there have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury, the FSIS advises consumers to avoid consuming the recalled bacon and to either dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase.
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Oregon Gas Prices Remain High Amid Eased Middle East Tensions

Oregon Gas Prices Remain High Amid Eased Middle East Tensions

Oregon continues to experience high gas prices, with the average cost of regular gasoline reaching $4.64 per gallon, making it the sixth-highest in the nation. This comes despite a recent decrease in crude oil prices following a pause in hostilities between the U.S. and Iran. The national average for regular gasoline has increased to $4.10 per gallon. Diesel prices have also risen, with Oregon's average climbing to $5.48 per gallon. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the reduced shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, continues to impact global oil supplies and prices. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passageway for about 20% of the world's oil, and any disruption can significantly affect oil prices.
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Oregon Wildfires Burn 1.3M Acres, Prompt Evacuations and Highway Closures

Oregon Wildfires Burn 1.3M Acres, Prompt Evacuations and Highway Closures

Oregon is grappling with 34 major wildfires that have burned over 1.3 million acres statewide. The Bench and Beachcomb fires near Warm Springs and Madras have merged into a 40,000-acre blaze, destroying six homes and prompting Level 3 evacuation orders. Other significant fires include the Big Grass Fire at nearly 200,000 acres and the Coleman Creek Fire at 131,000 acres. Highway closures span central and eastern Oregon, including portions of Interstate 84 and U.S. Highways 20 and 26. An air quality advisory has been issued for multiple counties due to heavy smoke.