Around the State of Oregon

ELIGIBLE FAMILIES RECEIVE SUMMER EBT FOOD BENEFITS STARTING JUNE 5

Salem, OR) – Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) will be issued to families who are automatically eligible beginning today, June 5, 2026.

Summer EBT is a food benefits program that helps address hunger in Oregon when children are on summer break and don’t have easy access to healthy meals at school.

Families should check their EBT card balance at www.ebtedge.com to confirm receipt. Summer EBT provides $120 for each eligible child to buy food.

This is the third year of Oregon’s Summer EBT program, which is administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Department of Education (ODE). The program expects to serve about 360,000 children this year.

Families who didn’t automatically get Summer EBT on June 5, 2026, should check program requirements before applying. Families can check requirements at sebt.oregon.gov or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. The Call Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., PDT. Apply online in English and Spanish or with a paper application in multiple languages at sebt.oregon.gov.

“Access to nutritious food is essential to children’s health, well-being, and learning,” Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “Summer EBT provides important support to families during the summer months, and we encourage eligible families to take advantage of this resource.”

Summer EBT is an evidence-based program proven to reduce child hunger and support healthier diets. With this help, families will be able to spend more than $43 million in their local grocery stores, farmers markets and other places.

“We know summer can be especially hard for families who are already struggling to keep food on the table,” said ODHS Director Liesl Wendt. “When school is out, many children lose access to regular school meals, and no child should have to worry about being hungry. Summer EBT helps families buy healthy food and gives kids the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and enjoy their summer. Our goal is to make sure every eligible child in Oregon can access this support.”

Who is eligible for Summer EBT food benefits?

Families can find details about Summer EBT at sebt.oregon.gov. 

Families will get benefits automatically on their Oregon EBT card if they have children between the ages of 6-18 and have received one of the following at any time during the 2025-26 school year:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance
• Medicaid, if household income is below 185 percent of the federal poverty level
• Foster care services

Families also may automatically receive benefits if they have children who:

• Were determined by their school to have a status as migrant, houseless or runaway.
• Took part in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
• Attended a Head Start program that was part of the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.

Families may need to apply if:

• Their household meets income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
• Their child attends a school that was part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Important Summer EBT dates:

• June 5, 2026 – The online application opens and applications begin processing.
• 1, 2026 – Application deadline.
• 25, 2026 – The Summer EBT call center closes.

The program invites families to apply if they have children living in Oregon during the 2025-26 school year. Summer EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test and are available to children regardless of immigration status.

Additional resources:  

• Families can double their money by up to $20 per day at participating Oregon Farmers Markers, Community Supported Agriculture farms(CSAs) and grocery stores using Double Up Food Bucks
• Information about Food resources in Oregon
• Find summer meal sites

 

Oregon Health Authority is reminding Oregon’s 3,700 tobacco retailers that a new state law expanding the definition of tobacco products takes effect today. People must be 21 to purchase tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems in Oregon and nationwide.

Senate Bill 1571, signed into law in March, expands the state’s definition of tobacco products to include oral nicotine pouches, lozenges, gum and other nicotine products, regardless of whether they are naturally or synthetically made. Nicotine pouches are the fastest-growing product on the U.S. tobacco market.

In 2024, oral nicotine pouches became the second most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. middle and high school students. A national study showed that 80% of youth who ever used a tobacco product started with a flavored product.

 

As wildfire season ramps up across the Pacific Northwest, the Bureau of Land Management is reminding visitors to use extra caution while enjoying public lands.

Statewide fire restrictions remain in place on all BLM-managed lands in Oregon and Washington. Fireworks, exploding targets, tracer ammunition, sky lanterns, and other fire-starting devices remain prohibited. Officials are also urging motorists to avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, as hot exhaust systems and catalytic converters can quickly ignite vegetation.

Drivers towing trailers should make sure safety chains are secured to prevent sparks from dragging on roadways. Anyone planning outdoor activities should check local restrictions before heading out, as rules can vary by location. More information is available at blm.gov.

Mother Convicted in Death of Infant Daughter

A Benton County jury has convicted a mother in connection with the death of her two-month-old daughter.

Thirty-year-old Deborah Albin was found guilty of First-Degree Manslaughter and two counts of First-Degree Criminal Mistreatment following a trial that concluded June 2.

Authorities say Albin’s daughter, Opal Oaks, died in February 2023 after emergency responders were unable to revive her. An autopsy revealed the infant had suffered multiple broken ribs in various stages of healing, pneumonia, methamphetamine exposure, and other injuries. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.

Prosecutors argued that Albin failed to seek medical care despite knowing the child was ill and experiencing breathing difficulties. Evidence presented during the trial showed Albin was aware of concerns involving the child’s father, Andrew Oaks, including allegations that he handled the infant roughly and used methamphetamine in the home.

Medical experts testified that earlier intervention and disclosure of the child’s injuries and drug exposure could have led to treatment that may have saved her life.

After approximately two hours of deliberation, jurors returned guilty verdicts on all charges. The jury also found aggravating factors, including that the victim was particularly vulnerable because of her age.

Sentencing is scheduled for a later date.

Junction City Man Sentenced in Child Exploitation Case
A 31-year-old Junction City man has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. Investigators say Trevor Slocum-Lammers admitted to possessing the material after a search of his home in 2024. He will also serve five years of supervised release.

Eugene Man Gets 12 Years for Enticing Minors Online
A Eugene man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor and soliciting sexually explicit images online. Federal investigators say 34-year-old Gino Hinojos-Castle used the social media platform Kik to request images from minors and was later found in possession of child sexual abuse material. He pleaded guilty earlier this year and will serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.

Roseburg Man Sentenced to Nearly 15 Years in Child Exploitation Case

A Roseburg man has been sentenced to more than 14 years in prison after pleading no contest to multiple child exploitation charges.

The Oregon Department of Justice says 56-year-old David Arthur Kelly received a sentence of 176 months, or nearly 15 years, after admitting to five counts of First-Degree Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse.

Investigators with the Oregon DOJ’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team uncovered what officials described as one of the largest collections of child sexual abuse material ever found in Oregon.

According to investigators, more than 740,000 files were stored on a one-terabyte hard drive and made available through a public file-sharing network.

Authorities say investigators connected to Kelly’s computer numerous times between 2023 and 2024 before search warrants were executed at his Roseburg home.

Attorney General Dan Rayfield praised investigators for their work, saying the case involved the widespread distribution of exploitative material involving children.

Kelly was originally indicted on ten counts by a Douglas County grand jury. Under a negotiated agreement, he pleaded no contest to five counts and will serve his sentence in state prison.

New Oregon Law Closes High-Interest Loan Loophole

A new Oregon law taking effect June 5 is designed to protect consumers from high-interest lending practices.

House Bill 4116 closes a loophole that allowed some online lenders to charge interest rates above Oregon’s 36 percent cap on consumer finance loans.

State regulators say some lenders partnered with out-of-state banks to take advantage of federal law, allowing them to apply higher interest rates that are legal in other states. In some cases, Oregon borrowers were charged annual percentage rates exceeding 100 percent.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation reports finding more than 31,000 loans totaling at least $61 million that exceeded the state’s interest-rate limit since 2020.

Governor Tina Kotek signed the legislation into law in April. The measure opts Oregon out of a federal provision that allowed lenders to import interest rates from other states.

State officials say consumers who believe they have been charged more than 36 percent interest on a qualifying consumer loan should contact the Division of Financial Regulation for assistance.

Hard to believe but a proposed Oregon ballot measure that would prohibit the intentional killing of animals for food has reached another milestone.

Supporters of Initiative Petition 28 say they have gathered enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would effectively ban hunting, fishing, and many animal breeding practices throughout the state. The Oregon Secretary of State’s Office must still verify the signatures before the proposal can officially appear on the ballot.

 

Nearly a year after Oregon schools adopted stricter cell phone policies, educators say they’re seeing positive results in the classroom. 

Governor Tina Kotek’s executive order required districts to limit student use of cell phones and other internet-connected devices during the school day. Teachers report students are more engaged in lessons, participating in more face-to-face conversations, and spending less time distracted by screens.

Many schools use a warning system, with devices confiscated after repeated violations. The restrictions also apply to smart watches, tablets, and similar devices.

 

The Prefontaine Classic has been named an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Heritage Commission as the world-renowned track and field event prepares for its 51st year.

The designation recognizes Oregon events that have been held for at least 50 years and have made a lasting impact on the state’s identity and culture.

The Prefontaine Classic began in 1975 and was renamed in honor of legendary Oregon runner Steve Prefontaine shortly after his death. Today, the event attracts top track and field athletes from around the world to compete at Hayward Field in Eugene.

Commission officials will present the Oregon Heritage Tradition designation to Track Town Events and the Oregon Track Club during this year’s Prefontaine Classic, scheduled for July 3rd and 4th at the University of Oregon.

The Prefontaine Classic is the 29th event in Oregon to be designed an Oregon Heritage Tradition. Other Oregon Heritage Traditions include the Great Oregon Steam-up in Brooks, Oregon State Fair, Medford’s Pear Blossom Festival, the Pendleton Round-Up, and the Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana.

 

Governor Orders DMV to Stop Providing Undercover Plates to ICE

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has directed the state’s DMV to stop issuing undercover license plates to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Kotek said the decision was made because of concerns that ICE agents have violated state and federal laws. She said Oregon’s sanctuary law limits cooperation with immigration enforcement unless there is a judicial warrant.

The DMV paused new undercover plate requests from federal agencies in April while reviewing its policies. After that review, officials decided ICE will no longer receive new undercover plates.

Federal agencies that are not primarily involved in immigration enforcement and follow Oregon law may still receive undercover plates. State and local law enforcement agencies will continue to have access to the program.

About 45 federal agencies currently participate in the undercover plate program, with around 1,260 plates in use.

 

University of Oregon Faces $65 Million Budget Shortfall

EUGENE, Ore. — University of Oregon leaders are working to address a $65 million budget shortfall.

School officials say the financial gap is being caused by declining student enrollment, rising operating costs, and a decrease in grant funding.

Members of the university’s Board of Trustees discussed the issue during a meeting Monday. Board members said they want to make sure any budget changes have as little impact on students as possible.

Trustees plan to closely monitor spending and review the budget every three months. The full budget proposal will be considered at this week’s board meeting.

 

Fire restrictions: Stay vigilant this summer to reduce human-caused wildfires

Statewide fire restrictions remain in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington, and many local regions have additional restrictions in place. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of all active restrictions and closures as warmer weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest.

“Every visitor to public lands can take additional precautions to lower the risk of starting a fire,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director. “Just one spark can start a wildfire.”

Visitors should research their destinations in advance, as restrictions vary by location and jurisdiction. The use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns remain prohibited.

“Preventing human caused fires is one of the best ways we can all work together to keep our firefighters and our communities safe,” added Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.

Many local restrictions address questions of when visitors can use power tools, what kinds of stoves or campfires are allowed, and what type of safety equipment to have on hand.

Vehicle Maintenance and Parking Safety
As roadside brush dries out, vehicles become a primary source of accidental ignitions. Drivers are urged to properly maintain their vehicles and avoid parking or idling on tall, dry grass. Even without a spark, the intense heat from a vehicle’s exhaust system or catalytic converter can ignite vegetation beneath the car in a matter of seconds. Motorists should stick to established roads, gravel turnouts, or cleared parking areas.

Safe Towing and Equipment Practices
Towing trailers or driving recreational vehicles requires extra vigilance during fire season. Motorists must ensure that tow chains are properly secured and not dragging on the pavement. Loose metal links striking the highway create a continuous stream of sparks that can easily ignite the roadside. Additionally, all off-highway vehicles, chainsaws, and portable generators operated on public lands should be equipped with a properly functioning spark arrestor to stop hot embers from escaping.

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please seewww.blm.gov/orwafire.

An effort to ban the killing of animals for food in Oregon has cleared a major hurdle on its path to the November ballot.

Supporters of Initiative Petition 28 have gathered enough signatures to qualify the measure for consideration. The proposal would make it illegal to intentionally injure or kill animals, effectively banning hunting, fishing, and many animal breeding practices in Oregon.

The petition drive began in 2024 and recently reached the required signature threshold. However, the measure is not officially on the ballot yet. The Oregon Secretary of State’s Office must first verify the submitted signatures before it can move forward.

Oregon’s classroom cell phone ban appears to be having a positive impact nearly a year after it was introduced.

Last year, Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order requiring schools to limit student cell phone use during the school day. Districts across the state were required to implement policies by the start of the current school year.

Many schools use a two-strike system, giving students a warning for a first offense and confiscating the device after a second violation.

Teachers say they’ve already noticed improvements in the classroom. With fewer distractions, students are spending more time engaged in lessons and interacting with classmates. Educators report seeing more face-to-face conversations and less time spent focused on screens.

The restrictions apply not only to cell phones, but also to smart watches, tablets, and other personal devices capable of connecting to the internet.

 

Forest Service debuts new recreation mobile app

National Forests and Grasslands app available for download on iOS and Android

 

FREE FISHING DAYS! Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon on Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, 2026.

 

BLM celebrates Freedom 250 with public events across Oregon

The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence through three public events across Oregon in 2026. The events foster a deeper appreciation of our nation’s past, the beauty and value of public lands, and the work it takes to sustain the health and productivity of these lands for the use and enjoyment of generations to come.

The events are part of the national Freedom 250 commemoration and also recognize the BLM’s 80th anniversary of public land stewardship.

Featured Freedom 250 Events:

1. Oregon Trail Days – Baker City, Ore.

When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT

Where: Geiser-Pollman Park, Baker City, Ore.

The signature Freedom 250 event for BLM Oregon/Washington, Oregon Trail Days transforms Geiser-Pollman Park into an immersive Oregon Trail experience featuring wagon rides, storytelling, live demonstrations, music, crafts, and games.
The free, family-friendly celebration highlights the role public lands play in preserving the landscapes and stories tied to America’s westward expansion. Additional programming will also take place at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center throughout the weekend.

2. Wood River Wetland Volunteer Day – Near Klamath Falls, Ore.

When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT

Where: Wood River Wetland, approximately 30 miles north of Klamath Falls, Ore.

This Freedom 250 volunteer event invites the community to assist with invasive weed removal and restoration work on public lands.

The event highlights the continued role Americans play in caring for public lands through volunteerism and stewardship.

3. Victorian Holiday Celebration – Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT

Where: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, near Newport, Ore.

This coastal Freedom 250 event connects visitors to Oregon’s maritime history through a Victorian-themed holiday celebration at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

Activities may include caroling, historical parlor games, ornament crafts, interpretive storytelling, and live music.

As a dedicated custodian of America’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington proudly celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence with the nation.

From iconic landmarks like Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area to the historic Oregon Trail, BLM-administered public lands represent the spirit of the nation’s foundational principles. These events honor stories of exploration, resilience, stewardship, and public service woven throughout America’s history.

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