Federal approval moves I-5 Columbia River bridge toward construction
A July 1 federal decision clears the Portland-Vancouver bridge project for procurement and permits, but construction is still expected to begin in 2028.
Oregon
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Federal trucking relief remains as Oregon wildfires disrupt routes
A temporary federal hours-of-service waiver remains available for wildfire-response trucking as closures and smoke complicate travel on Oregon’s I-84.
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Ninth Circuit Draws Line Between Private Prayer and School Work
The Ninth Circuit upheld limits on student-facing book displays by an Oregon school specialist while preserving stronger protection for private religious expression outside official duties.
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Tillamook school bond work moves into summer construction at two schools
Construction is underway at Liberty Elementary and Tillamook High School as Tillamook School District 9 begins projects approved through the May 2025 Measure 29-182 bond.
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World Athletics U20 championships bring an international event to Eugene this week
Eugene’s Hayward Field will host the World Athletics U20 Championships from Aug. 5-9, bringing more than 1,700 young athletes from nearly 200 countries to Oregon.
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New York says federal freeze puts $445 million in wind projects at risk
New York is asking to join a federal lawsuit over an alleged Pentagon review freeze affecting two proposed projects, an estimated $445 million in investment and 806 jobs.
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Portland utility bills rise after new water, sewer and stormwater rates take effect
Portland’s July 1 utility-rate increases are beginning to appear on bills. The city estimates a typical single-family customer will pay about $10.20 more per month from the rate changes, plus a separate flood-safety fee of about $1.20.
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Eugene Waste Haulers Face Lane County Fee and Schedule Changes Aug. 10
Lane County’s Aug. 10 changes raise transfer-site fees, end the $1 recycling discount and revise Glenwood hours, while any Eugene customer-bill effect will depend on individual haulers.
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Oregon is weighing a $421 million Medicaid gap. Here are the possible changes
Oregon has not cut OHP benefits, but officials are weighing options that could affect dental care, therapy, behavioral-health treatment, prescriptions and provider payments.
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Albany seeks input on 2026 CDBG Action Plan priorities
Albany residents and local service providers can weigh priorities for the next Community Development Block Grant Action Plan before the Community Development Commission’s August 17 meeting.
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ODOT programs 2027-2029 rockfall-catchment project near The Dalles
The Oregon Department of Transportation has programmed a project with an estimated cost range of $0-$10 million to install a rockfall-catchment system at Kaser Ridge east of The Dalles. Construction is anticipated between 2027 and 2029, but the project remains tied to federal approval of Oregon’s 2027-2030 transportation plan.
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Gresham Gas and Diesel Check: Both Prices Rise at Local Station
Regular gas is listed at $4.559 and diesel at $5.449 at a Gresham 7-Eleven, with both prices higher than the previous July 29 check.
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Portland opens final days of comment on federal housing and homelessness funding plan
Portland residents have until Aug. 5 to weigh in on draft federal funding plans proposing millions for affordable housing, homelessness services and community programs.
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Corvallis City Council to consider forest stewardship plan Monday
Corvallis City Council is scheduled to consider a proposed 2026 forest stewardship plan Monday, with the plan tied to Rock Creek watershed protection and the city’s drinking-water system.
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Eugene and Springfield Move Toward Separate Fire and EMS Departments
Eugene issued formal notice June 30 to preserve its options under the cities’ 2010 agreement. Officials say the transition could take up to two years while 911 response and mutual aid continue.
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Medford Fire Station 15 rebuild enters final phase after crews move in
Fire crews are operating from the rebuilt Fire Station 15 on Roberts Road while paving, landscaping and a planned logistics-center conversion continue.
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Salem’s Data-Center Debate Reaches Oregon’s Utility-Rate System
Oregon’s new PGE data-center tariff would apply if Salem’s pending Oakline at Mill Creek project qualifies, but its electricity costs and local infrastructure impacts remain unknown.
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UO-led quantum-networking initiative names Eugene campus as initial site
A University of Oregon-led quantum-networking initiative tied to NSF Project Triad will initially be based on the Eugene campus. The announcement identifies a research milestone, not a commercially operating network.
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Portland State joins Oregon semiconductor innovation engine backed by up to $160 million from NSF
Portland State University is a core partner in a statewide semiconductor initiative led by Oregon State University that could receive up to $160 million from the National Science Foundation over 10 years.
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Salem weighs proposed 75-acre Oakline data center as city review advances
Verrus’ proposed Oakline at Mill Creek data center remains unapproved as Salem reviews site, utility, transportation and environmental issues ahead of an Aug. 3 discussion of a possible data-center moratorium.
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Lincoln City Council scheduled to hear proposed 2026-28 budget Aug. 3
The Lincoln City Council is scheduled to hold a public meeting and budget hearing Aug. 3 on Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird’s proposed two-year city budget.
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Oregon tariff challenge remains on appeal after federal court stay
A federal appeals court has allowed the challenged Section 122 tariff regime to remain in force while the government appeals a May ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade that struck it down.