Volunteers needed to improve Oregon natural spaces on Sept. 27 .

— Get outside with your community while improving the natural beauty of Oregon and Washington’s public lands! On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Bureau of Land Management will be restoring hiking trails, pulling weeds at pollinator gardens, picking up trash on the beach, and enhancing natural habitats with the help of National Public Lands Day volunteers.

• Restore habitats and remove fences in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument near Ashland

Held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day has helped volunteers restore America’s public lands since 1994.

Last year, the Bureau of Land Management hosted 132 events across the country. Over 9,000 volunteers got outside, contributing over 54,000 hours of service worth over $1.6 million towards the improvement of their favorite natural places.

“National Public Lands Day is one of our most important events,” said Morgan Rubanow, BLM Oregon/Washington volunteer program specialist. “Each year, volunteers leave these natural spaces healthier and more beautiful, all while getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors.”

At NPLD events, the BLM provides volunteers with tools, safety gear, and materials needed for each project.

Ready to get involved? Find a few of the events held in Oregon and Washington this year below:

• Beautify the beaches at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport, Ore.
• Pick up trash and remove vegetation at the Steward Pond Disc Golf Course in Eugene
• Improve trails at the Fishtrap Recreation Area in Sprague, Wash.
• Remove weeds from the pollinator gardens in the Wood River Wetlands near Klamath Falls, Ore.
• And many more!

Learn more and find the full list of NPLD events at blm.gov/national-public-lands-day.

-BLM- The BLM manages roughly 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The Oregon legislature and passed hundreds of bills into law this year.  Although most of these new laws are going to take effect on January 1, 51 of them are scheduled to take effect Friday, Sept. 26 — 91 days after the close of the legislative session.

This list does not include laws filed with the Oregon Secretary of State. Here’s what you should know about how Oregon state law is going to change as the legislation kicks in:

HB 3940 — Wildfire funding package features new nicotine pouch tax

This bill addresses how to pay for the rising cost of fighting wildland fires by levying a tax on nicotine pouches.

The tax is 3.25 cents per individual unit with a flat charge of 60 cents on packages of fewer than 20 units.

2024 was the most expensive fire season in state history — costing over $350 million — and left lawmakers split on how to fully fund the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Democratic lawmakers heralded House Bill 3940 as a “significant update to Oregon’s wildfire finance and response system.” The bill passed in a bipartisan vote of 37-8, though 13 representatives had excused absences for the vote, primarily among Republicans.

The bill entered the State Senate as something of an all-purpose method of testing wildfire funding methods, with updates to how rural working lands are assessed, taxed and protected and a 5-cent surcharge on beverage containers. Ultimately, those methods were dropped in favor of the oral nicotine tax. It passed the Senate in a bipartisan vote of 20-8 with two absences for the vote.

SB 163 — Children of sperm and egg donors have a right to know their donor

This bill allows children conceived from donor sperm, eggs or embryos to gain access to the names of their respective donor or donors, as first reported by The Oregonian.

At a lengthy 105 pages, the law thoroughly lays out the legal standards for establishing parentage — similar to other laws giving adopted children the same rights and protections.

As part of the law, clinics are required to ask for the names, addresses, birth dates and contact information of gamete and embryo donors. That information will then be logged on a state registry that will be maintained even if the clinic goes out of business. Previously, these donors were allowed to stay anonymous and records were often lost with the closing of involved clinics.

Even though the law is taking effect this fall, it’s going to be some time before it sees serious use. Donor-conceived children won’t have access to the registry until they turn 18. Functionally, this means that the registry won’t be used until 2043 or 2044.

The bill passed 21-8 in the State Senate with one Democrat and seven Republicans voting against it. It saw a similar split in the House, passing 41-9 with only Republicans opposing the bill.

Similar bills have been popping up around the country. Clinics now face increased scrutiny after it was revealed a few years ago that a Dutch man fathered at least 550 children in multiple countries.

HB 2563 — Insurers are now required to explain premium hikes

This bill requires that insurers explain to policy holders why their premium will go up when their policy is renewed, and even specifies how they’re supposed to deliver the news.

The law applies to either homeowner or personal insurance policies. At the policy holder’s request, their insurance provider must “give a clear and reasonable written explanation for any increase” in the premium. Insurance providers aren’t allowed to use technical language that wouldn’t be easily understood by the average policy holder.

Insurers will be required to list up to four of the most significant reasons for the price increase. Also, it will now be up to the Department of Consumer and Business Services to define when a factor significantly contributes to a rate hike. This law will only apply to existing policies that are being renewed, and not to new applications.

Insurance providers will be required to respond within 20 days of the customer’s request.

The bill made it through the House almost entirely on party lines, passing 33-22 with no Republican support and one Democrat voting against it. It only fared slightly better in the Senate, passing 21-8 with three Republicans voting in favor.

SB 243 — Banning ‘bump stocks’

SB 243 bans “bump stocks” and other rapid-fire activators one can attach to guns. They were once banned on the federal level, but that ban was overturned by the Supreme Court last year.

The bill also allows local governments to decide for themselves if they want to bar people from bringing guns into public buildings, even if that person has a concealed carry permit.

While the bill was still on the floor, Republicans said they could have backed the ban on bump stocks, but this second part of the bill goes too far. Ultimately, the bill passed both the House and the Senate on a party-line vote.

HB 2573

This bill revises two laws from 2021 and 2024 by clarifying the legal meanings of long-term care facility, residential care facility and senior emergency medical services.

It also adds tighter requirements for the Senior Emergency Medical Services Innovation program and pushes back the end date for that program.

HB 2685

This bill makes it mandatory for Oregon hospitals and birthing centers to give each newborn a hearing screening test. Smaller facilities are required to at least give parents more information about the screening and where they can get it done.

In addition, hospitals and birthing centers will be responsible for screening for cytomegalovirus (CMV) — a disease related to mono that can cause birth defects.

HB 3294

This bill regulates staffing plans for health care providers. One of the most notable changes is that a direct care registered nurse can only be assigned to one trauma patient at a time, and no more than five general patients at a time.

HB 3409

This bill clarifies the previous laws and spells out when and how insurance providers can require a reimbursement claim for certain federally discounted prescription drugs.

HB 3824

Under this bill, physical therapists in Oregon will be allowed to perform dry needling for their patients, and won’t need to get a separate license to use sonographic equipment if it’s for physical therapy.

Physical therapists will also be able to certify a disabled person’s parking permit application.

SB 230

Oral healthcare providers will be required to complete an intake screening within 60 days when someone enrolled in the Veterans Dental Program contacts them.

This bill passed unanimously in both chambers of the state legislature.

HB 2065

This bill, along with HB 2066, establish a regulatory framework for small-scale power grids that can operate independently from the main grid known as “microgrids.”

HB 2065 in particular lays the groundwork for hiring consultants, getting engineering evaluations and submitting designs to connect a microgrid to a main power grid.

HB 2066

This bill directs the Public Utility Commission to create rules and frameworks for people to own and operate microgrids and community microgrids within the service area of electric companies. It also requires the Department of Consumer and Business Services to establish rules to support buildings with community microgrids.

Local governments will be able to set their own land use regulations for what areas are considered microgrid zones.

HB 2095

This bill makes technical corrections to the tax credit granted for research conducted by a semiconductor company. It’s more legal housekeeping than anything that will impact the average state resident.

HB 3336

Under this bill, power companies will be required to file strategic plans for improving the power grid where they can afford to do so. Companies are then given until Jan. 1, 2030 to carry out the plan.

HB 2072

This bill extends the Forest Products Harvest Tax — a tax on timber harvested from any land in Oregon — through 2027. You’re still required to file harvest returns even if the total volume is less than the minimum threshold for being taxed.

HB 2081

This bill directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to take action to mitigate the risks of climate change to the Public Employees Retirement Fund.

HB 2342

This bill increases certain wildlife license, tag and permit fees. The cost of an annual hunting license for a resident will increase from $34.50 to $39 under the new law. It will then increase again to $45 in 2030. The last time the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife raised license fees was 2020.

HB 3630

This bill eliminates the estate tax for farm, forestry and fishing interests owned by trusts and businesses that are entirely owned by family members of the deceased. It will apply to the estates of people that died on or after July 1, 2025.

HB 3794

This bill will create the Task Force on Municipal Solid Waste in the Willamette Valley. The committee will be expected to study and identify solutions for waste disposal in Willamette Valley, and will be dissolved at the end of 2026.

SB 485

This bill makes it easier for small forestlands to qualify for an exemption from the estate tax after the owner’s death.

HB 2316

This law will allow for the creation of home start lands on certain state and local properties within Oregon’s urban growth boundaries. It’s one approach for the Department of Administrative Services to address the state’s ongoing housing crisis and encourage new developments.

These home start lands will be exempt from some land use laws, as well as property taxes for up to five years after purchase and are meant to provide grounds for affordable housing — especially for first-time homebuyers.

HB 3054

This bill places a cap on the amount by which landlords can increase rent for tenants in mobile homes or floating homes. There are exceptions in place for if tenants collectively approve major upgrades.

HB 3145

This bill allows the the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund money for pre-built homes. The department will also be required to report on the outcomes of this spending.

HB 3963

The Department of Land Conservation and Development was required to provide a report on their assessment of offshore wind farm developments by the end of the year. This bill extends the deadline until Jan. 1, 2027.

SB 48

This bill changes the conditions under which cities can amend their urban growth boundaries. It also opens the door for cities to pay back loans from the state used for more affordable and middle housing with revenue sources other than developer fees.

SB 347

Under this bill, land owners won’t face a special tax assessment if it is found that marijuana was grown on their land without their knowledge by the person using said land.

SB 684

This bill will expand the definition of “residential housing” to include some types of mixed-income housing. The Housing and Community Services Department will also be required to adopt rules for long-term financing of residential housing by the end of 2026.

HB 2087

This bill expands multiple state tax credits and extends them through 2032.

HB 2321

This bill mandates that the Legislative Fiscal Office analyze and report on the current state property tax system and options to modernize it by the end of 2026.

HB 2337

This bill allows small businesses to apply for an Oregon Small Business Enterprise certification, which will let them compete for contracts with the state. It will also direct the Department of Administrative Services to make a list of targets and goals for small business contracts across the state.

HB 2339

This bill enacts broad revisions to Oregon’s tax statutes and timber revenue distribution, including modifying how timber severance tax funds are allocated.

HB 2351

This bill changes how businesses are required to report data from state benefit programs such as tax exemptions. Proponents of the bill hope it will improve transparency with regards to Oregon’s economy.

HB 2688

This bill increases wages for work done on off-site work for use in public works such as roads, highways, buildings, etc.

HB 3024

This bill removes the eight-week penalty that disqualified workers from applying for unemployment benefits if they quit or were fired, later requalify for those benefits. In short, eligible people can now receive the full 26 weeks of benefits.

SB 99

This bill extends the duration of property tax breaks for helping to clean and redevelop environmentally contaminated “brownfields” or structures on said brownfields through 2023.

SB 143

This bill changes Oregon’s unemployment insurance tax system by increasing the portion of employer tax rates that goes to the state’s fund. It won’t impact the annual unemployment tax rate, it will just change where that money goes.

HB 2089

This bill creates a program for the former owners of foreclosed property to get any surplus money after the property is sold by the county to pay off delinquent property taxes.

HB 2677

This bill makes it easier to expunge juvenile criminal records by requiring county juvenile departments to automatically start the process when the youth turns 18 or completes probation.

HB 3687

Under this bill, any election to adopt, amend, revise or repeal a county charter will be determined by a simple majority vote, and supermajority requirements are prohibited.

HB 3825

This bill clears prior court fines for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

SB 578

This bill sets the dates by which time a candidate for office needs to submit their photo and statement for inclusion in county voter guides. The measure passed unanimously in both chambers, not counting absences.

SB 580

This bill sets the timeframe that county elections officials have to make a candidate’s name and the office they’re running for public.

SB 1173

Under this bill, healthcare providers won’t face product liability claims for products that they provide so long as they weren’t involved in designing, manufacturing or selling/leasing that product.

HB 2558

This bill also roughly doubles the Oregon State Marine Board registration fee for all charter guides and outfitters. The fee increase won’t hit until November, but the bill will adjust the definition of charter guide for clarity when it takes effect Friday.

Annual registration fee for a charter guide will be $500, and the fee for outfitters and other guides will be $350.

HB 2725

This bill expands the state’s Strategic Investment Program so that certain ports will be included in the decision-making process for larger development projects, and potentially qualifies them for property tax exemptions.

HB 2728

This bill requires the Public Employee Retirement System to provide retiring members with overtime data and more information about how overtime hours were used to calculate their final average salary.

HB 2809

This bill raises the fee to register a newly formulated pesticide to a max of $550 depending on the chemical’s toxicity and potential environmental impact.

HB 3043

This bill defines “monitoring agreement” and “workplace monitor” for purposes of the impaired health professional program, and allows licensed mental health professionals to refer themselves to the program.

HB 3045

This bill allows the State Board of Pharmacy to drug test a licensee they’re investigating, or require that person to take a mental, physical or competency evaluation.

SB 789

This bill allows the Oregon Board of Psychology to fine a licensee for the cost of disciplinary action taken against them.

SB 838

This bill exempts the State Parks and Recreation Department from certain parts of the Public Contracting Code

Trump Justice Department sues Oregon, Maine for not turning over voter data

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, who vowed to fight the lawsuit, said sharing data the U.S. Department of Justice demanded would violate Oregonians’ privacy rights

The U.S. Justice Department sued Oregon and Maine on Tuesday for rejecting demands that the states turn over troves of personal voter information.

A 22-page complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene names Oregon and Secretary of State Tobias Read and alleges that the state broke federal laws by failing to provide electronic copies of statewide voter registration lists and information regarding voter list maintenance procedures. A separate lawsuit names Maine and its secretary of state, Shenna Bellows.

In a statement, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said states can’t pick and choose which federal laws they follow.

“American citizens have a right to feel confident in the integrity of our electoral process, and the refusal of certain states to protect their citizens against vote dilution will result in legal consequences,” Dhillon said.

Before joining the Justice Department, Dhillon was a legal adviser to President Donald Trump’s failed 2020 campaign. Her law firm worked unsuccessfully to overturn election results in the 2022 midterms in key states, including Arizona.

Read, a Democrat elected last year with promises to defend Oregon’s pioneering vote-by-mail system, said he looked forward to fighting the case in court. Oregon is already suing the federal government over Trump’s attempts to end mail voting, along with 36 other lawsuits.

“If the president wants to use the DOJ to go after his political opponents and undermine our elections, I look forward to seeing them in court,” Read said. “I stand by my oath to the people of Oregon, and I will protect their rights and privacy.”

The Justice Department said it’s alleging that Read violated federal law by refusing to share an unredacted electronic copy of the state’s voter registration list, provide information on the state’s voter list maintenance program or disclose registration information for any ineligible voters.

Last month, Read told Justice Department officials that turning over the data they requested — including the full name, date of birth, residential address and driver’s license number or partial Social Security number for all of Oregon’s more than 3 million registered voters — would violate Oregonians’ constitutional right to privacy.

Instead, he said, the federal government is free to file a records request and pay a $500 fee for a copy of the statewide voter list that includes names, addresses, political party and birth year, but not a voter’s birthday, Social Security number or driver’s license number.

He maintained that the Justice Department’s request sought more information than required by federal laws, including the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002. He said providing that data would certainly violate state laws.

The lawsuit alleges that Oregon provides all that data to a private group through its membership in the Electronic Registration Information Center, a nonprofit organization that helps its 25 member states and Washington, D.C., track whether voters have moved and identify duplicate registrations.

A bipartisan group of state election officials formed ERIC in 2012, but in recent years it’s been the subject of a disinformation campaign propagated by right-wing activists. Several Republican-led states have left the organization.

According to a frequently asked questions page on ERIC’s website, states provide data including birth dates, driver’s license numbers and Social Security numbers, but only after applying a “cryptographic one-way hash” to ensure that data can’t be read by humans. Because all states use the same hash, the organization’s algorithms can identify duplicates without any person actually seeing a person’s Social Security number or other sensitive data.

The Justice Department asked for all information in the form of a database, though it said Oregon could submit that database through an encrypted email.

The Justice Department sought information about anyone removed from voter rolls because they were determined not to be a citizen, deemed incompetent by a court or convicted of a felony. Oregon last year identified more than 1,500 people erroneously added to voter rolls through no fault of their own because of clerical errors at the Motor Vehicle Services Division, which since 2016 has automatically forwarded information of U.S. citizens who obtain or update driver’s licenses so they can be registered to vote.

Oregon’s 1987 sanctuary law, the first in the nation, bars state and local officials from providing information or resources for the federal government to enforce immigration laws without a court order signed by a judge. The Department of Justice is sharing voter roll data with the Department of Homeland Security, Stateline reported last week. (SOURCE)

Portland will issue a land use violation notice to the city’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, accusing the facility of detaining people beyond the limits of what its land use approval allows.

The building’s conditional land use approval, in place since 2011, does not allow people to be kept overnight or held for more than 12 hours. The city alleges that this provision was violated 25 times over the 10-month period from last October through most of this July.

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made clear detention limitation commitments to our community, and we believe they broke those policies more than two dozen times,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a news release. “I am proud of our team for conducting a thorough, thoughtful investigation, and referring the matter to the next steps in the land use violation process.”

The city said it will issue the notice, which also references a second violation regarding boarded-up windows, on Thursday. ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Recently, the building has been the site of nightly protests, which peaked in June, with smaller clashes also occurring since then. Immigration and legal advocates often gather there during the day to help those arriving at the building, while protesters, often dressed in black and wearing helmets or masks, show up at night.

While disruptive to nearby residents, the protests are a far cry from the racial justice protests that gripped the city in 2020. They nevertheless have drawn the attention of President Donald Trump, who recently said he was considering sending in federal troops, as he has also threatened to do to combat crime in other cities. He signed an order Monday to send the National Guard into Memphis, Tennessee, and deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles over the summer and as part of his law enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C.

Most violent crime around the country has actually declined in recent years, including in Portland, where a recent report from the Major Cities Chiefs Association found that homicides from January through June decreased by 51% this year compared to the same period in 2024.

Under Portland’s sanctuary policy, city employees, including police officers, do not enforce federal immigration law. Oregon also has a sanctuary law that prohibits state and local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement without a warrant.

Portland said its permitting bureau launched an investigation into the ICE building in late July in response to formal complaints. It reviewed data released by ICE to the nonprofit Deportation Data Project under public records requests, which indicated that the most recent of the 25 detention violations between Oct. 1, 2024, and July 27, 2025 occurred on May 20, the city said.

Landowners have 30 days after receiving a notice of violation to correct the issue. A fine can be issued if there is “substantial evidence of violation,” the city said.

The city’s permitting bureau can also initiate a “reconsideration” of a land use approval by scheduling a hearing at least 60 days after a notice is given, the city said. Decisions from the hearings officer can be appealed to the city council.

Oregonians who possess EBT cards must take measures to prevent the theft of their card number and PIN.

According to the Oregon Attorney General’s Office, there has been a 50 percent rise in the amount of money stolen from EBT accounts. They suspect that a traveling group is installing skimmers on card devices in retail locations.

These skimmers are frequently located in discount stores and small markets. EBT cardholders are advised to utilize the app to activate their card solely when making a purchase and to deactivate it afterward. It is also important to inspect card devices for any overlay skimmers.

Additionally, if the card device displays a yellow security sticker, ensure that it does not appear to be compromised. INFO: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/pages/protect.aspx

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

9/21 – 11 pm – #OregonFires 26 #evacuations#fires 4 FIRES in EVALUATION MODE:26 Oregon Wildfires – many are silent fires between 1 to 3 acres. These silent fires can quickly turn into dangerous fires. Please stay alert and ready.FOLEY RIDGE FIRE  – #lanecounty 7 Miles East of McKenzie Bridge 494 ACRES – 37% containment DOWNGRADED TO LEVEL 1 EVACUATION ( Be Ready) KELSEY PEAK FIRE #josephinecounty#currycounty 1039 ACRES – 97% containment. DOWNGRADED to Level 1 ( Be Ready) #currycounty – PINNACLE FIRE  2171 ACRES –#currycounty 10% containment LEVEL 2 (Be Set) and LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION- Rogue River Trail under emergency closure.BACKBONE FIRE – 2010 ACRES #currycounty 4% containment LEVEL 2 ( Be Set) LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION – Rogue River Trail under emergency closure Silent Fires and Evacuations can change very quickly, so please stay alert  and safe.

https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…—————————————————CLINK FOR FIRES 

https://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/ —————————————————-CLINK FOR FIRES  National Interagency Fire Center

Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.

 Support Wildfire Relief by Recycling

There are 2 ways to donate:

 Online with funds from your Green Bag account: https://bottledrop.com/…/obrc-emergency-fund-online…/

 In-person by bringing your redeemable beverage containers to any full-service BottleDrop Redemption Center

All funds raised (and matched) will be split between the following nonprofits providing wildfire relief in Oregon: Oregon Chapter of the WFF , Red Cross Cascades Region, and United Way of the Columbia Gorge.Learn more: BottleDrop.com/Wildfire

West Coast Health Alliance recommendations show vaccines ‘safe, effective’

Updated health guidance aligns Oregon with California, Washington, Hawaii in supporting COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who wants it

West Coast Health Alliance statement in response to ACIP meeting

At the September 18-19 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting, committee members did not employ standard scientific methods to evaluate information presented to them.

The ACIP recommendations on measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine and proposed tabled recommendations on Hepatitis B limit patient choice and access to vaccines with disproportionate impact on children receiving immunizations through Vaccines for Children (VFC). No new safety or efficacy data were presented to form the basis of these recommendations.

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) affirms the pre-existing and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation that parents have an option to choose whether their child receives separate (MMR + V) or combined (MMRV) vaccines for children less than 4 years of age. Restoring a process for systematically reviewing the evidence and a framework for translating the evidence into recommendations will restore scientific rigor and transparency and maintain vaccine choice for all families.

California Department of Public Health 

Hawaii State Department of Public Health 

Oregon Health Authority 

Washington State Department of Health 

Updated guidance released today by the new, four-state West Coast Health Alliance has cleared the way for federally approved 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines to be available, without a prescription, to anyone who wants them.

Alliance members—the states of Oregon, Washington, California and Hawaii—jointly announced Consensus 2025-26 Respiratory Virus Immunization Recommendations for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. The recommendations state that immunization is safe and effective, and it offers the best protection available against respiratory viruses. The recommendations also endorse broad access to the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who chooses protection.

“Following recent federal policy decisions on vaccines, it’s been difficult for all of us to make sense of the sudden shift from having ready, reliable access to COVID-19 vaccines to wondering whether these vaccines would be available at all,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority.

“My colleagues across all four states in the Alliance have been working across state governments and with partners to identify and implement strategies needed to put these recommendations into effect,” he added.

To view Gov. Tina Kotek’s announcement, visit https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/following-trumps-politicization-of-cdc-west-coast-states-issue-unified-vaccine-recommendations.

Sidelinger spoke during a Wednesday afternoon media briefing to answer questions about the West Coast Health Alliance announcement and share a forecast for the upcoming respiratory virus season (a recording of the media briefing is at https://youtube.com/live/2TydWPMLOVc).

Elizabeth Powers, M.D., family medicine physician and local public health officer at Winding Waters Clinic, a federally qualified health center in Wallowa County, also participated in the briefing. She shared that she treats hundreds of patients with respiratory viruses every year.

“For many, these viruses cause mild to moderate infection, but for some, they result in hospitalization and, tragically, death,” Powers explained.

The West Coast Health Alliance adopted current federal recommendations for influenza vaccines and RSV immunizations, which are similar to last season, with minor updates to RSV products. Sidelinger said the COVID-19 recommendations are based on data on those at highest risk for severe outcomes, including children younger than 2, adults 65 and older, people with underlying medical conditions, previously unvaccinated people, those living in congregate settings, and pregnant individuals. The Alliance also recommends COVID-19 vaccines be available to all who choose them, as they have been in previous respiratory virus seasons.

Traditionally, insurers have covered vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP. However, the ACIP has become “an unreliable source of vaccine recommendations,” Sidelinger said.

As a result, OHA has worked with the Oregon Governor’s Office, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, and Oregon Educators Benefit Board and Public Employees’ Benefit Board to maximize private insurer coverage for the COVID-19 vaccine. Medicaid and Medicare will continue to cover the cost of the updated COVID vaccine as they previously have.

And effective Wednesday, Sept. 17, pharmacists can continue administering COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription, after the Oregon Board of Pharmacy changed its rules and protocols in response to federal actions that restricted vaccine access across the country.

“Oregon and its partners in the West Coast Health Alliance are committed to safeguarding scientific expertise and vaccine access, and leading with clarity, science and care so that individuals and families know their options and can access the protection they deserve,” Sidelinger said.

The Alliance’s announcement today comes potentially just weeks before the start of fall respiratory virus season. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza and RSV during fall and winter in Oregon and the U.S. are forecasted to be similar in volume to last season, according to an Aug. 25 CDC report, and the state must stay vigilant.

“As we say in public health, every respiratory virus season is a bad respiratory virus season,” Sidelinger said. “Concurrent increases in influenza, RSV and COVID-19 activity can easily stretch hospital capacity thin.”

For Powers, the key to that vigilance is helping people in Oregon understand the importance of getting vaccinated, particularly those at highest risk.

“Vaccines are the most powerful tools we have in preventing severe respiratory infections. They are underutilized, and there is a lot of disinformation out there making it harder for people to understand whether vaccines are safe and which vaccines are recommended,” she said. “There are people in my community who should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine because they are more likely to get very sick with these viruses—these include young children, the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions.”

But she also agrees with the West Coast Health Alliance recommendations that “everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine should have access to one.”

People can get the COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines by checking with their health plan, health care provider, local public health clinic or federally qualified health center. They can also call 211 or visit

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) commends a substantial investment aimed at assisting more low-income households in managing their utility expenses. In June, legislators approved House Bill 3792, which increased funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) from $20 million to $40 million.

Governor Tina Kotek enacted the bill, along with additional energy affordability legislation, into law yesterday. ”  OEAP offers energy assistance to eligible customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, determined by household size and annual income.

Since its inception in 1999, OEAP has aided over 85,000 customers, with 92% of participants successfully avoiding energy shutoffs. In light of the federal administration’s announcement regarding possible reductions and the elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Oregon lawmakers took action to protect residents from this uncertainty by broadening the state-funded OEAP.

LIHEAP, which delivers grants and energy efficiency services to millions across the nation, has become a crucial support system for families.

A recall has been issued across Oregon and Washington for birdseed that may contain invasive quarantined weed seeds. The recall is for Signature Pet Care Songbird Blend Wild Bird Food the 7-pound bag. It was sold at Albertsons, Safeway and Haggen stores.

Here is the full announcement from the Oregon Department of Agriculture:

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) have issued a recall of Signature Pet Care Songbird Blend Wild Bird Food 7 LB, sold at Albertsons, Safeway and Haggen stores in in WA and OR, and manufactured by Global Harvest Foods. The recalled product carries UPC 021130037629 and sell by date code 01/10/2027 M3D S3501.

Palmer amaranth was first detected in WA in 2023, and it was added to the state’s plant quarantine list on Aug. 9, 2025.The invasive plant was also detected in fields in Marion and Malheur Counties in 2024, which triggered its addition to Oregon’s noxious weed quarantine last year. According to WSDA and ODA, this plant is highly invasive; can grow more than 10 feet tall; is resistant to many herbicides; and a single plant can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds. Left uncontrolled, it can choke out crops such as corn, soybeans, and small grains; reduce harvest yields; and drive up weed-control costs for farmers. It also threatens native plant habitats and can quickly spread beyond managed areas. If consumed in large quantities Palmer amaranth can be toxic to ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats).

This recall was initiated after a Spokane County Noxious Weed Board employee observed Palmer amaranth growing in a Safeway parking lot landscape area. The employee learned that birdseed from the store had been spread in the area and collected samples for testing. Genetic analysis confirmed the seed contained Palmer amaranth.

Albertsons, Safeway and Haggen in WA and OR have voluntarily recalled the affected birdseed and removed it from store shelves. Global Harvest Foods is cooperating fully with WSDA and ODA to ensure all affected product is removed from the market and to help prevent further spread of this invasive plant.

Customers who purchased the recalled birdseed are advised to:

• Remove any remaining seed from bird feeders.

• Return any unused seed to the store for a refund.

• Double bag and dispose of any loose seed in the trash — do not compost.

• Clean bird feeders thoroughly before reuse to remove remaining seeds.

• Inspect areas under and near bird feeders for sprouted weeds, carefully remove any plants, place them in black plastic bags and dispose of them in the trash to prevent seed spread.

Detailed information on identifying Palmer amaranth is available on WSDA’s Palmer Amaranth Pest Alert, which can be found online at the link below.

WSDA Palmer Amaranth Pest Alert Information — https://cms.agr.wa.gov/WSDAKentico/Documents/Pubs/769a-PestAlert-PalmerAmaranth-10-23-FINAL.pdf

Retailers contact – Customers should contact their local Safeway, Haggen or Albertsons store for assistance or refund information. Refunds are available for any unused recalled product returned to the store.

State contact – Washington State Department of Agriculture Plant Services Program: 360-902-1874

General WSDA Information: 360-902-1800

Consumer contact – Global Harvest Foods Customer Support: cs@ghfoods.com

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) commends a substantial investment aimed at assisting more low-income households in managing their utility expenses. In June, legislators approved House Bill 3792, which increased funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) from $20 million to $40 million.

Governor Tina Kotek enacted the bill, along with additional energy affordability legislation, into law yesterday. ”  OEAP offers energy assistance to eligible customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, determined by household size and annual income.

Since its inception in 1999, OEAP has aided over 85,000 customers, with 92% of participants successfully avoiding energy shutoffs. In light of the federal administration’s announcement regarding possible reductions and the elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Oregon lawmakers took action to protect residents from this uncertainty by broadening the state-funded OEAP.

LIHEAP, which delivers grants and energy efficiency services to millions across the nation, has become a crucial support system for families.

Register Now for 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference – Saturday, September 27, 2025

Registration is now open for the 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference, the state’s largest gathering dedicated to honoring and supporting women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The biennial event, hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will bring together women veterans from across Oregon for a weekend of connection, resources and recognition.

The event is free and open to all women veterans, but registration is required. The 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference is being held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, which was the planned location of the 2020 event that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together: Community and Connection,’ reflects the heart of what this conference is all about,” said Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Women veterans have long served with distinction, strength and resilience — often in the face of tremendous challenges and barriers.

“This conference is an opportunity to honor our service, share our stories, and ensure every woman who has worn the uniform feels seen, valued and supported. We are stronger when we stand together, and united, we will continue to drive the ODVA mission forward.”

The Oregon Women Veterans Conference began nearly 30 years ago as a grassroots effort by a small group of women veterans seeking connection, support, and resources. Since the first event in 1998, the conference has grown into a unique statewide gathering that brings together women veterans from across Oregon to access benefits, build meaningful connections, and amplify their voices.

The 2025 conference will continue that legacy with inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops, fantastic networking opportunities and assistance for women veterans connecting to the full range of benefits and resources they have earned. It is a supportive space where women who have served can connect, grow, and thrive beyond their military service.

This year’s keynote speaker is Erin McMahon, director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, attorney and combat veteran. During her 24-year career in the U.S. Army, McMahon served as the principal deputy general counsel for the National Guard Bureau, advising senior leaders through a wide variety of domestic disaster responses and serving as the first female Army National Guard general officer in the Office of the General Counsel.

Registration is free and may be completed online at www.eventbrite.com/e/odva-women-veterans-conference-tickets-1407725487829. Community sponsors and donors are the primary sources of funding for this event and help ensure all women veterans can attend the conference free of charge.

Registration for the Women Veterans Conference covers the event only; attendees are expected to make their own lodging and travel arrangements. More information about the Women Veterans Conference, including local lodging, donations and sponsorship opportunities, can be found online at wvc.oregondva.com.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

O

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.