See Road Camera Views around the Klamath Basin:

Lake of the Woods
Doak Mtn.
Hiway 97 at Chemult
Hiway 140 at  Bly
Hiway 97 at GreenSprings Dr.
Hiway 97 at LaPine

Around the State of Oregon

A renewed debate is taking shape in Salem over whether Oregon should expand cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including allowing agents into state prisons.

At the center of the issue is what happens when an undocumented immigrant completes a prison sentence. Should ICE be allowed to take that individual into custody before they are released, or should enforcement actions only occur after they return to the community?

Several states, including Minnesota and California, already allow ICE access inside prisons. Oregon Republicans say adopting a similar approach would improve public safety and accountability. However, Democratic leaders argue now is not the time to expand cooperation, citing concerns about trust with federal immigration authorities.

The topic was featured this week on “Your Voice, Your Vote,” with perspectives from both sides. Republican Alek Skarlatos said he plans to continue pushing related legislation in future sessions, while Democrats emphasized the need to rebuild trust with federal agencies before considering any changes.

Meanwhile, at the national level, a partial government shutdown is creating widespread disruptions. Airports across the country are experiencing long lines as travelers—many heading out for spring break—navigate security checkpoints staffed by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers.

The shutdown stems from a funding lapse affecting the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies, tied to ongoing disagreements in Washington over border policy and law enforcement reforms. Without a long-term spending agreement, key agencies remain underfunded following the expiration of a temporary measure in mid-February.

The impact is significant: more than 700,000 federal workers are either furloughed or working without pay, including air traffic controllers and law enforcement personnel. The Department of Homeland Security—along with the Coast Guard, Secret Service, FEMA, and parts of the Department of Defense and agricultural research programs—are all affected.  Developments are ongoing.

Republican gubernatorial candidate, Christine Drazan, brought her 2026 campaign to Southern Oregon this week, hosting a meet-and-greet in Medford aimed at connecting directly with voters and addressing the region’s economic concerns.

Speaking to attendees, Drazan emphasized the urgent need for stronger job opportunities across Southern Oregon, framing economic stability as a top priority. “We need people to be able to afford their homes,” she said, pointing to rising costs and limited wage growth as ongoing challenges for local families.

Drazan also sought to position her campaign beyond partisan lines, telling voters the race for governor should focus on “outcomes, leadership, and listening,” rather than political affiliation. Events like the Medford gathering, she said, are central to that approach.

The appearance comes as Oregon’s 2026 gubernatorial race continues to take shape, with 24 candidates already filing for the primary—10 Democrats and 14 Republicans—setting up what could be one of the most crowded contests in recent state history.

Incumbent Governor Tina Kotek, first elected in 2022, has announced her bid for reelection. Her tenure is expected to be a focal point in the campaign, particularly around key issues such as education outcomes, homelessness, public safety, drug addiction, and statewide infrastructure projects.

Drazan, who previously challenged Kotek in 2022, formally entered the race last October and is considered one of the leading Republican contenders. Other notable GOP candidates include state Rep. Ed Diehl, former NBA player Chris Dudley, and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell.

With early campaigning already underway, candidates are increasingly focusing on voter outreach and regional concerns as they work to define their platforms ahead of the 2026 primary.

The Oregon Department of Forestry is adding a new Multi-Mission Aircraft to boost its wildfire detection and emergency response across the state.

The $13.23 million investment includes $12 million in legislatively approved bonds from 2023 and $1.23 million from other funding sources. The new Twin Otter airframe replaces the agency’s Partenavia P.68 Observer aircraft, which served for more than 30 years.

The $7.8 million aircraft brings better endurance, range and payload capacity, letting it stay in the air longer and cover more ground. But the biggest upgrade is $5.4 million in advanced sensing technology and mission systems that turn the aircraft into an aerial intelligence platform. The aircraft is equipped with AI-enabled wide-area mapping, high-definition thermal imaging, augmented reality mapping software and night operations capability.

These tools help ODF spot and communicate emerging incidents faster, track fire behavior more precisely and maintain awareness during day and night operations.

 

Prescribed fire season has commenced in south-central Oregon, with fire managers from the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Wildland Fire Service, and Oregon Department of Forestry set to implement controlled burns across the region.

This practice is essential for enhancing forest health, improving wildlife habitats, and reducing hazardous fuel loads, thereby mitigating the risk of wildfires. As part of our ongoing dedication to safeguarding communities and natural resources, residents and visitors may observe smoke or flames in various public land areas over the coming weeks. The appearance of prescribed fires can vary based on forest type, vegetation density, specific objectives, and the duration since the last fire event.

All active prescribed fire sites will be clearly marked, and individuals may encounter increased fire personnel, equipment, and traffic in these zones. For the safety of both the public and firefighters, it is advised to avoid these areas when possible.

A schedule of potential burning locations for the spring season is available, with operations planned from March to June, contingent on weather and conditions.

OHCS lending products helped almost 1,000 Oregon households buy a home in 2025

 

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announced its Flex Lending program helped 954 households buy a home in 2025 by offering down payment assistance (DPA) and lower interest rates through partnerships with approved lenders.

This first-of-its-kind mortgage loan program, called Flex Lending, consists of two loan products — FirstHome and NextStep. FirstHome is intended for first-time homebuyers with low to moderate incomes, while NextStep is open to any income-eligible buyers, even if they previously owned a home.

Borrowers can receive 4% or 5% of the first mortgage loan amount as down payment assistance that can be used for up to 100% of the borrower’s cash requirement to close, including down payment, closing costs, pre-paid items, upfront borrower-paid mortgage insurance, and other related loan fees and expenses.

The Flex Lending program worked with 33 lending partners to provide almost $300 million, including $7.5 million in down payment assistance, to 1,378 individuals in 2025. Additionally, 31% of the homebuyers identified as people of color, 32 were veteran households, and 43% lived in rural areas throughout the state.

Phoenix Paintin was renting and navigating the uncertainty that comes with rising housing costs and limited long-term stability. She was connected to the Flex Lending program through the Portland Housing Center, which helped her understand her options and connected her with an approved Flex Lender, Guild Mortgage. Now, she’s a proud homeowner who can invest in her own future in a way that once felt unimaginable

“Phoenix’s story is a reminder of what is possible,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Oregonians in all zip codes know firsthand how expensive it is to afford a home. It affects families, workers, and local economies. Addressing housing affordability requires removing barriers in ways that concretely translate into more housing opportunities, stronger communities, and real paths to homeownership.”

“The Flex Lending program made homeownership feel attainable and supportive rather than overwhelming,” Paintin said. “I appreciated the flexibility, the clear guidance, and the way the program works to remove barriers that often make buying a home feel out of reach.”

To learn more about Flex Lending and other OHCS down payment assistance programs, visit the OHCS website.

 

Britt Festival Getting Ready for Summer

The Britt Music & Arts Festival is gearing up for their 2026 concert season with new additions to its lineup.

Among the newly announced acts are alternative rock band Modest Mouse, Southern rock group Whiskey Myers, and bluegrass favorites Greensky Bluegrass.

Fans can look forward to performances from Country artists Elle King and Brantley Gilbert, along with the legendary rock band Chicago, who will grace the Britt stage once again.

Comedy enthusiasts won’t be left out either, as fan-favorite comedians Jeff Dunham and Gabriel Iglesias are set for performances during the summer events. Tickets for these shows are currently available to high-level Britt members, while general public sales will kick off on March 27. Additionally, the festival has announced the second annual Britt Under the Stars Gala, a fundraising event to benefit its arts and education programming.

Oregon Stewardship, a non-profit organization based in Medford, has been recognized as the Organization of the Year by Oregon Community Trees (OCT) for its exceptional efforts in engaging Oregonians in the stewardship of urban forests and natural areas.

This year, the organization has focused on collaborating with school districts and educators on watershed projects that involve students from Jackson, Josephine, Curry, and Coos counties.

Through hands-on initiatives, students participate in activities such as planting trees, establishing gardens, and constructing nature trails. They take an active role in designing and building these trails, creating informational brochures, and installing signage. The projects are sustained by future students at the same schools, fostering a sense of continuity and responsibility.

Additionally, high school students serve as mentors to younger peers during nature hikes and field trips, assisting them with related art and writing assignments. Those high school students who engage with Oregon Stewardship also have the opportunity to qualify for scholarships for further education, whether in college or vocational training.

 

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and the National Weather Service, is advancing the Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow, a vital public education initiative aimed at equipping coastal residents and visitors with knowledge about tsunami hazards and safety measures.

Initiated in 2012, this program brings experts into coastal areas to deliver essential information on earthquake and tsunami preparedness. Community members are encouraged to participate in these complimentary sessions, which include expert-led presentations and practical advice on actions to take before, during, and after a tsunami or significant earthquake.

Additionally, residents are urged to download the free NVS Tsunami Evacuation App, accessible on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, which offers evacuation maps and preparedness resources.

 

ODFW staff discovered quagga mussels on a motorboat arriving from Lake Havasu, Arizona, during an inspection at the Ashland Boat Inspection Station on March 21.

This incident marked the first detection of invasive freshwater mussels on a vessel entering Oregon in 2026. The team promptly decontaminated the boat and disposed of all quagga mussels found.

Under Oregon law, all vehicles transporting watercraft must stop at open inspection stations for checks on aquatic invasive species.

Boat owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the locations of these stations, which are operational when orange “Boat Inspection Ahead” signs are displayed, followed by notices indicating “Inspection Required for All Watercraft.”

Additional details regarding the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program and Waterway Access permits can be found on the ODFW website.

 

It’s Spring Break across Oregon and it’s busy at Portland International Airport now through April 14th.

An estimated 1.4 million passengers are expected to travel, many by air.  The peak day is expected to be Friday, March 27th, with around 55,000 travelers.

To ensure a smooth experience, travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their flight, and TSA wait times can be checked at Fly PDX dot com.

 

University of Oregon Raises Tuition for New Students

EUGENE, Ore. – The University of Oregon will increase tuition for incoming students for the third straight year after a unanimous vote by its Board of Trustees.

In-state tuition will rise 4.5%, while out-of-state tuition will increase by 3%. New full-time students will pay more than $14,500 a year for in-state tuition and over $44,500 for out-of-state.

Current students will not be affected due to a fixed-rate tuition guarantee introduced in 2020.

University leaders say the increase is necessary because of limited state funding, noting Oregon ranks near the bottom nationally in public higher education support. Some board members warned higher costs could discourage enrollment, especially among out-of-state students.

Officials also acknowledged the university relies heavily on non-resident tuition to help cover costs.

 

The Bureau of Land Management is enhancing access to the Lower Table Rocks trail by completing paving work on the Lower Loop Trail, which will necessitate the temporary closure of the trailhead, parking lot, and trail until mid-April.

This project represents the final phase of paving improvements that commenced last fall. The BLM anticipates that the paving will take approximately three weeks, with the trail set to reopen promptly upon completion. With over 50,000 visitors each year, the Table Rocks are among the most frequented hiking destinations in southern Oregon.

Meanwhile, the Upper Table Rocks Trailhead, located five miles from Lower Table Rock, remains accessible, and several alternative trails in the vicinity, such as the Jacksonville Woodlands Trail, Mountain of the Rogue, East Applegate Ridge Trail, and Jack-Ash Trail, are available for hikers.

Oregon has been identified as one of the least favorable states for practicing medicine, according to a recent report by WalletHub, a personal finance website.

The analysis evaluated all 50 states and Washington D.C. based on various criteria, including the number of hospitals per capita, the percentage of insured residents, and the anticipated number of physicians by 2032.

In this ranking, Oregon placed 44th overall. In contrast, Montana emerged as the top state for doctors, followed closely by Indiana. Notably, New York and New Jersey were found to be the least accommodating states for medical professionals.

 

A comprehensive proposal from the Bureau of Land Management to increase timber production across 2.5 million acres in Western Oregon is eliciting mixed responses in the Rogue Valley as the March 23 public comment deadline approaches.

The administration’s initiative seeks to amend current resource management plans to restore logging on O&C lands to historical levels, emphasizing the need for economic revitalization in rural areas and improved wildfire mitigation through domestic timber production. As the deadline nears, advocates from both sides are encouraging residents to submit their comments to the BLM National NEPA Register.

Documenting environmental and multiple-use concerns is a vital legal step for the public, ensuring that federal managers consider the balance between timber extraction, recreation, water quality, and habitat preservation.

 

WIC boosts shopping budgets for Oregon families, increases access to healthy foods statewide

March is National Nutrition Month. One of Oregon’s largest nutrition programs, Oregon Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), is marking the occasion by sharing its 2025 annual report. It highlights the program’s role in building healthy families and strong communities.

Key information in the report includes:

• In 2025, nearly $68 million in WIC benefits were spent at 483 authorized grocery stores and pharmacies across the state, an increase of almost 5% from 2024, when close to $65 million in WIC funds were distributed in Oregon. WIC-authorized stores must stock a minimum amount of specific healthy foods, improving access to nutritious options for the entire community. Oregon WIC also sets nutrition standards for food items sold statewide.
• The new WIC food package reflects the latest nutrition science and aligns with dietary patterns recognized globally. The changes bring increased variety, flexibility and choice, allowing families to honor cultural traditions and access healthy food options, including gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-free foods.
• WIC increases health access in rural communities. Nearly 37% of pregnant women in Oregon’s rural and remote areas participate in the program, and WIC has improved access by opening clinics in Gilliam County, Wallowa County and Grand Ronde, bringing services closer to home for more families.

The report comes at a time when some Oregon families are struggling to make ends meet with rising food costs. The 2026 Oregon Financial Score Card shows that three quarters of Oregon households have cut down on spending due to higher housing and food costs.

WIC plays a vital role in providing nutritious foods that support healthy pregnancies and the growth and development of babies and young children. The program helps families maintain their buying power because the WIC food packages supply a set amount of healthy foods each month, offering stability when grocery prices are high.

“WIC dollars go directly into Oregon communities. Families use their WIC benefits at grocery stores, pharmacies, farmers markets and farm stands, supporting local jobs, retailers, and farmers while providing nutritious foods,” said Oregon WIC Director Tiare Sanna, M.S., RDN.

The Farm Direct Nutrition Program is just one of the innovative programs highlighted in this year’s report, published March 1. The state-administered federal nutrition program allows participants to purchase fresh, locally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs directly from farmers at farmers markets and farm stands. In 2025, 40,600 WIC participants and 53,000 low-income seniors used benefits to buy produce through the WIC and Senior Farm Direct programs.

“It brightens my day when WIC participants shop at my farmers market booth with their Farm Direct dollars,” said Nicki Passarella of Storybrook Farm in Sandy. “Seeing a child’s eyes light up when they get to choose a vegetable is so heartwarming and encouraging. The impact of WIC Farm Direct is invaluable to me, to my farm business, and to Oregon’s farming community.”

WIC’s modern approaches to nutrition education and breastfeeding support are making a difference for families. Marion County resident Diane Smith shared how WIC supported her breastfeeding journey and her children’s nutrition.

“The information I have gotten from WIC has tremendously helped me. It’s amazing, and I recommend it to anybody—young moms and families that need assistance with nutrition or anything,” Smith said. “I’m so proud of myself for being able to breastfeed through my last two pregnancies because of the WIC program and nutrition program. It’s made me a stronger mom and my kids stronger, and I’m all around a better person because of it.”

 

Haven’t filed your taxes yet? Here’s what you should know

Salem, OR— Whether it’s where to find free tax help, how to track the status of your refund, or what refundable tax credits you’re eligible to claim, the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to make sure you have the information you need to file tax year 2025 tax returns before the April 15 deadline.

Through March 15, DOR has processed 937,000 electronically filed returns with more than half of the expected 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns yet to be filed. The department urges taxpayers not to wait until the last minute to file. If you have questions about filing you can find the information you need on the department’swebsitewith guidance addressing the most common issues included below.

File electronically

“The best advice we can give taxpayers is to be certain their return is complete and accurate, and to file their return electronically,” said Megan Denison, administrator of DOR’s Personal Tax and Compliance Division. “If they need help, free assistance is available at sites across the state, along with a variety of options to e-file for free.”

On average, taxpayers who file electronicallyand request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Distribution of refunds for e-filed returns began in mid-February. Due to the late receipt of tax form information from the IRS in late 2025, processing of paper-filed returns has been delayed until late March and refunds for paper filed returns will not start being issued until early April.

Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund for e-filed returns can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

Mailing your return? Mail it early

Taxpayers who choose to file a paper return, should mail it early. The federal and state tax deadline is April 15, but due to changes at the U.S. Postal Service, returns mailed in after April 9 may not receive a postmark on time. Taxpayers who still want to mail their paper returns can take them to a local USPS office and request a postmark no later than April 15, 2026.

Paper returns can also be physically deposited in drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box at DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

Claim your “kicker”

The Oregon surplus revenuekicker is a refundable creditthat will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.

Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a“What’s My Kicker? calculatoravailable on Revenue Online.

Free electronic filing options are available

Direct File Oregon: Taxpayers can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and then use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state.

Now in its third year, Direct File Oregon is a free interview-based program and allows taxpayers the convenience and security of filing their Oregon Personal Income Tax return directly with the state of Oregon through Revenue Online. Nearly 4,700 taxpayers have already used Direct File Oregon this year.

Other free electronic filing options: Free guided tax preparation is available for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’swebsiteensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free. These free services work much like the popular pay to file programs.

Find free tax filing assistance

From IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance have over 107 different places across the state where they can get free in-person help filing their taxes.

Free tax help is also available online through the United Way’sMyFreeTaxes program.

Make an appointment at a free tax help site by using the links for each organization on theDepartment of Revenue’s webpage, or consult the department’sinteractive map.

Check your eligibility and claim your refundable tax credits

Taxpayers should check their eligibility for a series of refundable tax credits for low-income workers and families. A refundable credit not only reduces the amount of tax a taxpayer owes, any leftover credit results in a cash refund that can be deposited directly into their bank account.

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC):The EITC is a fully refundable federal tax credit for people making up to $68,675 in 2025. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $8,046 on their federal tax return.
• Oregon Earned Income Credit: This refundable state tax credit is a percentage of an eligible taxpayer’s federal EITC. The maximum benefit for tax year 2025 is $966. The Oregon EIC is also available to taxpayers who have Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN) rather than Social Security numbers.
• Oregon Kids Credit: This is a refundable state credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $26,550 or less, the full credit is $1,050 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $31,550.
• Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC): Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the refundable WFHDC, which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they’re working, looking for work, or attending school.

 

Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Accused of Laundering Millions of Dollars in Narcotics Trafficking Proceeds

MEDFORD, Ore.— The owner and operator of Tienda Santa Maria II LLC has been charged with money laundering after using his money service businesses to launder narcotics trafficking proceeds and structure financial transactions to avoid suspicion of law enforcement.

Jose Alonso Paramo Arguello, 45, a citizen of Mexico and unlawfully residing in the United States, has been charged by criminal complaint with money laundering.

According to court documents, Arguello is the owner and operator of Tienda Santa Maria II in Phoenix, Oregon, along with two other businesses, Tienda Santa Maria in Medford, Oregon, and Paramos Barber Shop in Central Point, Oregon. Arguello uses his three businesses to transfer narcotics trafficking proceeds to Mexico by breaking down transactions into smaller amounts and using fake names and addresses for the money senders to conceal the true nature and source of the funds.

From January 2, 2024, through December 3, 2025, Arguello’s three money service businesses transferred more than $13 million in wire transfers of $500 or more to Mexico, an amount often indicative of narcotics trafficking. Of that, over $7 million was sent to locations in Mexico associated with narcotics trafficking.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) provided an informant with cash to attempt to wire money to Mexico. The informant told Arguello he was a drug dealer to which Arguello responded, “You sell whatever you want, you’re a merchant, period.” From November 2025 through January 2026, Arguello laundered over $45,000 in what the informant represented as drug trafficking proceeds through 22 wire transfers. While doing so, Arguello received a 10% commission to launder the funds. Arguello referred to this commission as a bribe.

Arguello made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate judge. He was ordered detained pending a further court proceeding scheduled for March 23, 2026, in Medford.

IRS-CI is investigating the case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET), and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Cardani and Julia Jarrett are prosecuting the case.

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air and Army National Guard Counterdrug program, Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

💰 Nike Co-Founder Donates $1 Million to Republican Governor Candidate

Billionaire businessman Phil Knight has donated $1 million to the gubernatorial campaign of former NBA player Chris Dudley, according to state campaign finance records.

The contribution — reported Tuesday on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website — is the largest single donation to a Republican candidate for governor this year.

Dudley, a Republican candidate, played 16 seasons in the NBA, including six with the Portland Trail Blazers. He later became a businessman and philanthropist.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 16, Dudley was the first NBA player known to compete while managing the condition. For three decades, he has hosted a basketball camp in Oregon for children living with diabetes.

Knight’s donation is expected to significantly boost Dudley’s campaign as the race for governor intensifies with many candidates hoping to remove liberal incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek, who Oregonians have increasingly become unhappy with bad policies and the current economic and job climate in the state.

More than 350 Oregonians — including incumbents and first-time candidates — filed to run for statewide, congressional and legislative offices by Tuesday’s 5 p.m. deadline.

Voters will elect a governor, labor commissioner, U.S. senator, six members of Congress, 60 state representatives and 15 state senators this year, along with dozens of city, county and local officials.

Although Tuesday marked the filing deadline for the May primary, races could still change before Friday’s withdrawal deadline. Below is a look at some of the more competitive contests. A full list of candidates is available on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website.

U.S. Senate and Congress

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat seeking a fourth term, filed for reelection along with all six members of Oregon’s congressional delegation.

Democratic U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Maxine Dexter represent reliably Democratic Portland-area districts, while Republican U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz represents a strongly Republican district covering most of eastern and southern Oregon.

U.S. Reps. Janelle Bynum, Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas represent more competitive districts across the Willamette Valley and Cascades, though none face notable primary challengers.

Republicans competing for their party’s U.S. Senate nomination include state Sen. David Brock Smith of Port Orford, perennial candidate Jo Rae Perkins and several others. Monique DeSpain, who lost to Hoyle in 2024, is again running in the 4th Congressional District. In the 5th District, Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair and former legislative aide Jonathan Lockwood are seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Bynum.

Governor

The Republican primary for governor is shaping up as the party’s highest-profile race.

Among the leading candidates are former Portland Trail Blazer Chris Dudley, who came closer to winning the governor’s office than any Republican in decades; 2022 GOP nominee and current state Sen. Christine Drazan of Canby; state Rep. Ed Diehl of Scio; Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell; and social media influencer David Medina, who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

More than a dozen Republicans have filed in total.

On the Democratic side, eight candidates — none with major statewide recognition — have filed to challenge incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek in the primary.

Bureau of Labor and Industries

One surprise on filing day was who did not run. Sen. Dick Anderson, R–Lincoln City, did not file for the position of labor commissioner as expected.

The nonpartisan race will instead feature incumbent Christina Stephenson, a Democrat closely aligned with labor unions, and former BOLI employee Chris Lynch, who argues the agency has become overly politicized.

State Senate

Half of Oregon’s 30 Senate seats are on the ballot this year. Democrats currently hold an 18–12 majority.

Five of the seats have no incumbent running. Three Republican senators — Cedric Hayden of Fall Creek, Kim Thatcher of Keizer and Suzanne Weber of Tillamook — cannot seek reelection after voters approved a constitutional amendment barring lawmakers who miss 10 or more floor sessions. The three participated in a six-week legislative walkout in 2023.

Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, is also retiring, and Christine Drazan is running for governor.

Golden’s 3rd Senate District has a crowded Democratic primary with five candidates, including Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, attorney Tonia Moro and health care consultant Denise Krause.

In the Republican-leaning 6th District, Rep. Jami Cate of Lebanon faces small business owners Nicole de Graff and Jack Tibbetts in the GOP primary.

The 11th District race features former state Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon and former Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton competing for the Democratic nomination, while former Republican state Rep. Tracy Cramer is unopposed in the GOP primary.

Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, faces two Democratic challengers in the 15th District.

Meanwhile, the coastal 16th District has crowded primaries in both parties, with three Democrats and three Republicans seeking the seat currently held by Weber.

State House

All 60 seats in the Oregon House are up for election. Democrats hold a 37–23 majority after Rep. Cyrus Javadi of Tillamook switched from Republican to Democrat.

Several lawmakers are retiring, including Reps. Ken Helm, Rick Lewis, John Lively and Boomer Wright. Other seats opened after candidates launched bids for higher office.

Competitive primaries are emerging across the state. In Springfield’s 7th District, three Democrats are vying to replace Lively. In the coastal 9th District, two Republicans are competing for Wright’s seat.

The 18th District, currently represented by Lewis, features a five-candidate Republican primary, while the Beaverton-area 27th District has a two-way Democratic contest between school board member Tammy Carpenter and city councilor Ashley Hartmeier-Prigg.

One of the most competitive races may be in the 52nd District, where three Republicans and four Democrats are running to replace Rep. Jeff Helfrich.

Two veteran lawmakers also face primary challenges: Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, and Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner, both from opponents who argue they are out of touch with their districts.

 

Oregon Health Authority is urging riders to take safety precautions when using e-scooters and e-bicycles, as new data show a sharp increase in serious injuries associated with these “micromobility” or motorized devices.  

An analysis by OHA’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program (IVPP), using Oregon hospital and emergency department discharge data, shows that e-scooter-related injuries more than doubled in the past 4 years.

Last year alone saw e-scooter and e-bike tally 509 injuries sending riders to hospitals and emergency rooms.

 

Oregon lawmakers are considering a new bill aimed at regulating flavored nicotine pouches. The legislation seeks to close a loophole that currently allows these products to be sold without the same restrictions applied to other tobacco products.

Health experts warn that despite their different appearance, nicotine pouches carry similar risks of addiction as cigarettes and vaping products. Lisa Fischer, a Tobacco Prevention Outreach Coordinator, emphasized that nicotine is highly addictive and can alter brain chemistry by triggering dopamine release, reinforcing repeated use.

Under current Oregon law, individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase tobacco products, but that restriction does not currently apply to nicotine pouches.

These smokeless products, which are placed between the gum and lip, have grown increasingly popular in recent years, raising concerns among public health officials.

 

Oregon State Parks to hire seasonal Park Rangers, Park Ranger Assistants

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.

Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basison the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.

Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.

Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.

Several of Oregon State Parks’ top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.

“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.

Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information about current openings, visithttps://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department RecruitingOPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

Sky Hunters Takes Flight at the High Desert Museum During Spring Break

BEND, OR — Spring break kicks off this Saturday, March 21 at the High Desert Museum with special programs, new exhibitions and summer hours, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  

The popular indoor flight demonstration, Sky Hunters returns to the E. L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. Visitors experience powerful predators close up as raptors fly just overhead, showcasing the birds’ agility and grace while learning about their lives in the wild. The program is daily from Saturday, March 21 – Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm and is first come, first served. Tickets are $7 and available at Admissions on the day of. Museum members receive a 20% discount. Sky Hunters is made possible by Fly Redmond with support from the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon. 

Visitors will also be able to enjoy daily talks about High Desert flora and fauna, free with admission. These include the Nature Walk at 10:30 am, Otter Encounter at 12:30 pm and Mammal Encounter at 3:00 pm. 

Spring break visitors will also be able to experience the Museum’s temporary exhibitions. The new, original exhibition Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration in the Spirit of the West Gallery invites visitors to discover the science, spectacle, and significance behind the giants that live among us. For many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980.  

Blending history and geology with interactive storytelling and hands-on exploration, visitors will encounter lava rocks, a volcanic hazard map, and hear the rumble of a volcano. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/under-pressure. 

Another exhibition on view in the Brooks Gallery is Soil Alive!, a subterranean journey into the world beneath our feet. Presented in English and Spanish, the exhibition beckons visitors underground to discover how soil is not just a bed of crunched up rocks and other materials.

Visitors who enter the exhibition hear the muffled subterranean sounds of animals and microorganisms in the soil. The family-friendly exhibition includes interactive experiences and hands-on activities that share how a complex network of organisms turns ordinary dirt into living soil. From a giant magnifying glass that points at a wall-sized digital illustration and illuminates hidden animals to helping a ponderosa sapling grow in a motion-activated digital experience, Soil Alive! digs into a busy and active universe. The exhibition closes on Sunday, March 29. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/soil-alive.  

Other temporary exhibitions include Prophets – Paintings by Hilary Baker. The exhibit, located in the Desertarium Gallery, features 18 of Baker’s artworks depicting moths. Baker, who grew up in Los Angeles, lost her longtime home to the Palisades Fire in January 2025. It was then that she began painting moths, examining them as spiritual messengers, prompting visitors to pay more attention to moths large and small through bright, lavish renderings. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/prophets. 

Drawn West: A History of Promoting Place, an original exhibition, explores a century of salesmanship, when artists and cartographers alike crafted an image of the West that depicted both fact and fiction. Featuring 50-plus maps, artworks and advertisement from the Museum’s extensive collections, visitors can take a walk through time and learn about the decades of western expansion, from the growth of cities and towns along railways in the High Desert to the first Pendleton Round-Up in 1910. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/drawn-west. 

And Forest at Night reveals the sights and sounds of the forest when the moon is high and the stars are out. An immersive and interactive exhibition, Forest at Night takes visitors on a virtual tour, featuring insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Visitors may gaze up at twinkling stars and learn about the constellations that guide migrating birds on their way through the High Desert. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/forest-at-night. 

Throughout the week, the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill will be open from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm beginning Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 29 (excluding Monday, March 23). Experience history and jump in to lend a hand or ask about the many buildings and objects. 

More information on visiting the High Desert Museum is available at highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon.

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2025 recipient of the Autry Public History Prize from the Western History Association and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.  

 

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