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

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’s website with 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 electronically and 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 revenue kicker is a refundable credit that 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? calculator available 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’s website ensures 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’s MyFreeTaxes program.

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

 

Portland Man Indicted for Posting Violent Threats Online

PORTLAND, Ore.— A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment last Tuesday charging a Portland man with threatening an elected official and a minor victim online.

Travis William Juhr, 41, has been charged with transmitting interstate threats.

According to court documents, Juhr threatened an elected official in Nevada when he left a threatening voicemail and posted on his X account, “I hope you have your doors and windows locked. Because I love a challenge when hunting my PREY…” along with a photograph of the victim.

Additionally, Juhr threatened a minor victim because the victim attended a counter-protest to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The minor victim received several threatening messages from Juhr from different X accounts after the victim’s personal identifying information was posted online.

Juhr made his first appearance in federal court Friday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned and pleaded not guilty.

If convicted, Juhr faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The FBI is investigating the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan G. Bodell is prosecuting the case. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has published its fourth-quarter report, which highlights advancements in the child welfare system.

The report outlines enhancements in child safety assessments and foster care placements. ODHS emphasizes a notable rise in the prompt completion of child safety assessments. The percentage of assessments finalized within 60 days increased from 38.2% in January to 50.5% in December 2025. This enhancement is part of the ODHS Safety Action Plan.

Additionally, ODHS reported a decrease in the utilization of temporary lodging for children awaiting residential care. The average number of children in temporary lodging per night fell to 8.33 in 2025, down from 10.86 in 2024. This reduction is attributed to the expanded capacity in specialized care programs. The trend of placing children with relatives has also improved.

The percentage of children placed with relatives upon entering foster care rose from 24.6% in January to 44.4% in December 2025. This progress followed the introduction of the Relative Pathway certification process.

PacifiCorp to sell distribution assets to Oregon electric cooperatives

PacifiCorp announced today that it has executed nonbinding term sheets outlining transactions with three separate Oregon electric cooperatives to sell its distribution assets in Wallowa County, Monroe and Lakeview, Oregon.

Under the agreements, PacifiCorp plans to transfer its distribution assets serving 5,514 residential, commercial and irrigation customers in Wallowa County to Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative; assets serving 1,162 residential, commercial and irrigation customers in the Monroe area to Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative; and assets serving 2,228 customers in the Lakeview area to Surprise Valley Electrification Corporation.

“These agreements represent the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial position and simplify operations to ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable electricity to our customers,” said Ryan Flynn, president, Pacific Power. “Each of the utilities involved in these transactions are experienced operators committed to the communities they serve, and we are confident this transition will be seamless for our customers in these areas.”

Once definitive agreements are negotiated and executed, these transactions are subject to regulatory approval and could take up to 12 months to complete. During this period, PacifiCorp will continue to provide quality service and customer care to these communities.

For more information, visit PacificPower.net/OregonNews.

 

Salem – Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen will take part in an AARP-sponsored Tele Town Hall on Thursday, March 19, at 11 a.m.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has partnered with AARP the past several years on Scam Jam events throughout the state to inform consumers on the most common scams taking place in Oregon and nationwide.

This year, the focus is on Fraud Fighter events and several such events are planned throughout Oregon. The Tele Town Hall is a different format, however, as people can attend from anywhere by calling 855-408-1333 (toll-free).

This comes on the heels of National Consumer Protection Week earlier this month, as well as numerous educational outreach events and press releases DFR has done on everything from romance scams to health insurance-related scams

“We hear about people every day who are hit by scammers and have hard-earned money taken from them,” said Keen, who is also DFR’s administrator. “We want to continue to get the word out, to get in front of as many people as possible about all the ways scammers are trying to reach people.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Oregonians lost more than $133 million to fraud in 2025. Along with this Tele Town Hall, DFR and AARP are coordinating several in-person Fraud Fighter events in April on the following dates:

• April 11in Springfield at the Riverbend Hospital
• April 17in Medford at Rogue Community College
• April 28in Portland at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Each of those events will begin at 8:30 a.m. with check-in, followed by a 9 a.m. to noon town hall with presentations, question and answer time, and panel discussions.

If you ever believe you are or have been a victim of fraud, you can call one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

OREGON STATE POLICE INVESTIGATING USE OF DEADLY FORCE INCIDENT – MARION COUNTY

On the morning of March 17, 2026, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to two separate 911 calls received from a location on State Street SE, in Salem.

Several deputies responded and entered the residence to conduct a welfare check. Shortly after entering, they contacted Juan Carlos Gomez-Valles (39) who was in possession of two knives. An altercation ensued, and at least one deputy fired, and Gomez-Valles was struck by a bullet.

Deputies rendered immediate aid and Gomez-Valles was transported to Salem Hospital. He received medical care and is expected to recover from his injuries.
The involved deputies are both recruit deputies and have been on the job for less than one year. Neither was injured in this incident.
Pursuant to Marion County protocol for deadly force incidents (Senate Bill 111 protocol) the Oregon State Police are investigating the incident with the assistance of the Salem and Keizer Police Departments.

A judicial search warrant was obtained to search the residence and process the scene. At the time of the incident Juan Carlos Gomez-Valles was on parole. He is currently in custody on a parole violation detainer.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released to preserve a grand jury’s objective review of the incident pursuant to standard procedure.

 

BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH

In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, Oregon Department of Human Services wants everyone to know about the brain injury hotline that helps people navigate resources.

This month shines a spotlight on the growing impact of brain injuries in Oregon and the increased demand for the hotline. Since launching in January 2025, the Brain Injury Program’s tollfree phone line has supported more than 1,900 callers seeking help navigating the complex network of brain injury services and resources.
Incoming call volume has climbed steadily over time—from about 15 calls in the earliest months to approximately 250 calls each month today—demonstrating the significant and increasing demand for guidance, information and support.
“The steady increase in calls shows how vital this support is for Oregonians,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, PhD, who is director of the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities within the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). “By improving access to services and reducing the burden on families, this program is helping build a stronger, more connected system of care across our state.”
The phone line is available to anyone in Oregon affected by a brain injury as well as family members, caregivers and others needing information.

ODHS resource navigators are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provide:

• One-on-one, free and confidential support.
• Personalized referrals to resources specific to brain injury recovery and management.
• Comprehensive resource information to help navigate available services and options.
• Advocating on behalf of people with brain injuries and supporting them in self-advocacy.

To date, program navigators spent a total of 3,900 hours on calls, and one to two hours per caller. Many people call back more than once.
“The hours we spend with callers reflects the complexity and uniqueness of navigating brain injury resources,” Knight-Coyle said. “We spend as much time as each person needs to get connected to critical resources.”

Brain injuries are occurring at more frequent rates in Oregon, according to data published on the Oregon Traumatic Brain Injury Safety Dashboard. In 2023 alone, there were 38,718 brain injuries that required hospital or emergency department intervention and 1,177 fatal brain injuries in Oregon.
Oregon’s Brain Injury Program is one of many along a continuum to meet the needs of people with disabilities and older adults. It was developed as a result of Senate Bill 420 (2023). Oregon’s Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) at the University of Oregon was among many organizations and advocates behind the development and adoption of Senate Bill 420.
“Consistent with our expectations, the ODHS Brain Injury Program is now an indispensable program for Oregon’s brain injury survivors,” said David Kracke, Oregon’s Brain Injury Advocate Coordinator at CBIRT.  “The first 14 months of operation has demonstrated not only the incredible planning and implementation of the program by the ODHS team, but more importantly, the future promise that it holds for Oregon’s brain injury survivors, their loved ones, and caregivers struggling to access necessary supports and services.  We are excited for the program’s continued development as it serves many more Oregonians in the coming years.”

More information: 

• Brain Injury Program phone number: 1-833-685-0848 (toll-free). Interpreting services are available at no cost for people who need help in a language other than English. The Brain Injury Program accepts TTY calls by dialing 711.
• Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Learn more on the Brain Injury Program webpage.

 

BLM seeks seasonal volunteer camp hosts across Oregon

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking seasonal volunteer hosts for several recreation sites in Oregon and Washington. Hosts will help connect visitors to public lands during a milestone year as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, and the BLM celebrates its 80th anniversary.  

Campground hosts play an important role in the visitor experience. They offer information about recreation opportunities, answer questions about the area, and help ensure campgrounds remain clean and safe. Light maintenance tasks—such as tidying restrooms, collecting trash, and keeping signs and information boards up to date—are part of the daily routine.

This is a live-in volunteer position, and hosts must provide their own self-contained RV. Volunteers may be eligible to receive a daily per diem reimbursement while serving on site.

Season lengths and schedules vary by location, with most positions running from late spring through early fall. Some locations can accommodate couples who want to host together and share responsibilities. All volunteer campground hosts must complete a federal background check.

Those interested in learning more or applying can visit Volunteer.gov and search for “BLM Oregon” or “BLM Washington” to view current openings.

 

Last week Grants Pass 911 Communications received an emergency call from an elderly female. The caller reported that a man had fired a gun in her home, striking his own leg.

Police officers responded to the residence in the 2400 block of Leonard Road.

Officers learned there was another elderly person in the home being held hostage by the man who shot himself in the leg.

Knowing a person was being threatened with potential deadly force, officers notified the Grants Pass Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) to put them on standby.

The officers helped the elderly female exit the home through the back door. They continued to gather more intelligence about the dynamic scene inside the residence. The officers wanted to see a safe outcome for both the hostage and the suspect, which required additional resources and information, along with a contingency plan.

During this planning stage, patrol officers then heard shots from within the residence and immediately feared for the safety of the hostage. Without consideration for their own safety, the officers courageously and immediately forced entry into the home to rescue the hostage. This is one of the most dangerous moments for all involved, and our officers, without specialized tools or additional protection, put someone else’s safety above their own.

Once inside the home, they discovered the suspect had shot himself in the chest. The police officers transitioned immediately to lifesaving mode and began to provide emergency medical care to the suspect. Other officers helped the elderly male hostage get out of the home safely.

AMR and Grants Pass Fire provided further advanced care and transported the suspect to Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. He had been in the hospital’s care until today, when he was released. With the assistance of the Medford Police, Lee Christopher Davis, a 51-year-old, was taken into custody by the Grants Pass Police Major Crimes Unit.

Davis was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of Kidnapping in the First Degree (x2), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (x2), Menacing, Felon in Possession of a Weapon, and Interfering with Making a Report (x2).

We are grateful to the skilled patrol sergeant and the eleven brave officers who performed at the highest level. It is due to their incredible work that both the elderly residents were not injured, and the suspect’s life was saved.

 

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission is hosting its “March Chance to Purchase” event.

They provide an opportunity to acquire hard-to-find spirits through a lottery system. Prices vary from the Weller C.Y.P.B. Straight Bourbon priced at 65 dollars per bottle to a 900 dollar bottle of Cutty Sark Centenary Scotch.

Registration is available on the OLCC’s website.

 

🏠 Oregon Senate Advances Housing Bill to Expand City Growth Boundaries

A major housing proposal backed by Governor Tina Kotek is moving quickly through the Legislature, aiming to increase housing options across Oregon — especially for seniors.

The state Senate approved House Bill 4082 on Wednesday with little opposition. The measure would allow cities to temporarily expand their urban growth boundaries to build manufactured home communities and senior housing.

State Senator Dick Anderson, a Republican from Lincoln City, supported the bill despite its Democratic sponsorship. He said it promotes local control, reduces regulations, and expands affordable housing choices.

Anderson noted that several coastal communities — including Philomath, Newport, Florence, and Coos Bay — currently lack available land for new manufactured home parks.

Under the proposal:

• Cities with populations over 25,000 could add up to 100 acres

• Smaller cities could expand by up to 50 acres

• New development must primarily serve residents age 55 and older

The expansion authority would be temporary and expire in 2033.

The bill previously passed the Oregon House in February and now heads toward final approval.

💰 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.

🔌 Utilities Take Steps to Prevent Wildfires — Even If It Means More Outages

Electric utilities are stepping up efforts to prevent power lines from sparking wildfires, a move that could lead to more precautionary power shutoffs.

According to Pacific Power spokesperson Brandon Capps, the company is installing more sensitive equipment in high-risk areas. The upgraded technology can detect potential problems and automatically shut off electricity faster to reduce the chance of a fire.

However, the added sensitivity also increases the likelihood of outages occurring even when no danger is present.

Utilities may also implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs during extreme weather conditions such as high winds or dry heat.

Officials urge customers who rely on life-sustaining medical equipment to contact their utility provider in advance. Some customers may qualify for assistance or discounts on backup power supplies.

Power companies say the measures are necessary to reduce wildfire risk as climate conditions become more volatile.

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.

 

The Oregon Employment Department is rolling out several changes designed to improve customer service for Oregonians who rely on its programs.

Agency leaders recently completed a review of how customers interact with services across multiple programs, including unemployment benefits, paid leave, tax contributions, and job assistance.

The review looked at services provided through WorkSource Oregon centers as well as the agency’s online platform, Frances Online. Officials say the goal is to make it easier for people to access help and get answers to their questions.

Among the improvements planned are new artificial intelligence tools that will assist with customer support, clearer communication with claimants, and additional equipment at WorkSource Oregon locations to help people file unemployment insurance claims. Some of these upgrades have already started, and the department says more improvements will roll out over time as part of an ongoing effort to improve the customer experience.

Oregon currently limits interest rates on most consumer loans to 36 percent. However, a loophole in the law has allowed some lenders to charge much higher rates by structuring loans in a way that avoids the cap.

Lawmakers in the Oregon Legislature have now passed a bill designed to close that loophole. Supporters say the measure will protect consumers from extremely high interest rates and help prevent borrowers from falling into long-term debt.

Republican lawmakers raised concerns about the change, arguing that these types of loans can provide an important option for people who are unable to qualify for traditional bank loans. Similar laws aimed at limiting high-interest lending have already been adopted in states such as Colorado and Iowa, as well as in Puerto Rico. The bill now awaits the signature of the governor before it can become law.

Gov. Tina Kotek has signed a new law aimed at reducing some of the challenges faced by behavioral health care professionals in the state.

Supporters of the legislation say many counselors and therapists struggle with complicated licensing requirements and administrative work that can slow their ability to begin practicing. The new law is designed to simplify the credentialing process, reduce unnecessary paperwork, and expand access to clinical supervision for people who hold a master’s degree and are working toward full licensure.

State officials hope the changes will help address workforce shortages by making it easier for behavioral health professionals to enter and remain in the field while continuing their training and certification.

As the 2026 election approaches, the Oregon Republican Party is set to conduct a gubernatorial debate next month.

The primary candidates vying for the party’s nomination for governor are slated to convene on April 16 in Hillsboro. They are in competition to challenge Democratic Governor Tina Kotek in the upcoming November election.

Among those who have declared their candidacy this year are House Minority Leader and 2022 nominee Christine Drazan, retired professional basketball player and 2010 Republican nominee Chris Dudley, Salem State Representative Ed Diehl, and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, along with several others.

The Oregon GOP has stated that candidates must fulfill certain criteria to prove their viability and qualify for the debate. These requirements include raising a minimum of $100,000 from at least 250 individual donors, publishing their platform or priorities on an official campaign website, and committing to support the party’s eventual nominee.

 

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.

 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

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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