Wildfire & Elections: Canada smoke pushed air quality into the diplomatic spotlight, with Toledo hitting AQI above 800 and Oregon officials watching the broader fallout as wildfire season strains public health and trust. Election Security Fight: Gov. Kotek and SOS Tobias Read pushed back hard on Trump’s election claims, arguing Oregon’s vote-by-mail system remains secure and warning federal pressure is aimed at undermining confidence. Endangered Species Act Rollback: Interior finalized a rule narrowing what counts as “harm” under the ESA, prompting lawsuits from conservation groups and environmental advocates. Oregon Ballot Measure: Oregon’s PEACE Act (IP 28) failed the first signature verification round, moving to a second check but still facing a steep validity hurdle. Portland Arena Talks: Portland sent a first-draft term sheet to the Trail Blazers as a local coalition presses for a Moda Center modernization deal. Fire Response: Jackson County and Shady Cove declared a local state of emergency over the East Evans Creek Fire, activating emergency operations and urging residents to sign up for alerts. Marijuana Reform: Democratic senators reintroduced a federal bill to end the marijuana ban, with Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden among the leaders. Timekeeping: The House advanced a push to make daylight saving time permanent, with Oregon and local experts warning about dark winter mornings and health risks. Energy & Industry: Oregon AG actions and broader wind-energy fights continue as federal rules and lawsuits reshape renewable development. Local Government: Pendleton is weighing options after its building plan review work stalled, including possible outsourcing to nearby jurisdictions or vendors.