News This Week

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Council has approved a feasibility study for a potential relocation of the Mt. Hood Highway 26 Rest Area. The Oregon Travel Information Council, working with tribal, local, state and federal partners since 2021, is evaluating options to replace the aging rest area near Government Camp, which dates back to the 1950s and no longer meets traveler demand. Tribal Council unanimously supported studying a location on the Warm Springs Reservation, citing opportunities to improve highway safety, reduce roadside litter and public sanitation issues, and encourage future small business development. Resource specialists are expected to begin field studies along Highway 26 during the 2027 field season, with findings scheduled to return to Tribal Council in fall 2027 before a final site is selected.

Members of the N’chi Wana Pum Canoe Family are preparing for this year’s Paddle to Nisqually Youth Canoe Journey. Organizers say the annual journey provides Native youth with opportunities to strengthen cultural traditions, teamwork and leadership while traveling ancestral waterways with canoe families from throughout the region. Community members interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to contact the canoe family organizers.  The tentative launch is scheduled for July 20th at the Columbia River – in Celilo Village.

Voters in the Madras Aquatic Center and Recreation District will decide an Aug. 4 recall election involving four of the district’s five board members. According to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, the deadline to register or update voter registration is July 14, with ballots scheduled to be mailed beginning July 15. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, although ballots postmarked by Aug. 4 may be counted if received within seven days.

Oregon health officials are preparing significant reductions to the Oregon Health Plan after federal Medicaid funding cuts created an estimated $421 million budget shortfall. An advisory committee to Governor Tina Kotek is reviewing options that include reducing some covered services, such as adult dental or behavioral health benefits, and lowering Medicaid reimbursement rates to healthcare providers. State officials warn payment reductions could lead some providers to stop accepting Oregon Health Plan patients. Oregon serves about 1.4 million residents through Medicaid, including more than half of the state’s children.

A new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranks Oregon 23rd nationally for overall child well-being but 44th in education. Advocates say housing affordability and economic challenges continue to affect educational outcomes for many Oregon children. Washington ranked 17th overall.

Northwest fishery managers have closed Washington’s Upper Columbia sockeye fishery after far fewer salmon returned than expected. Officials originally forecast about 275,000 returning sockeye but now estimate the run will total closer to 80,000 fish. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists say additional research will be needed to determine why returns declined so dramatically.

Northwest pear growers continue to face financial hardship following poor harvest conditions and declining prices. Growers in Oregon and Washington say rising production costs and market pressures are forcing many family orchards into debt. Governor Tina Kotek has requested a federal disaster designation and market relief for Columbia Gorge pear growers while the U.S. Department of Agriculture considers additional assistance.

Oregon coastal lawmakers are urging the Bonneville Power Administration to restore funding for the Select Area Fisheries Enhancement Program, which supports hatcheries producing millions of salmon for commercial and recreational fisheries. BPA plans to eliminate more than $2 million in annual funding, saying the program has not met long-term fish recovery goals. Lawmakers argue the cuts could significantly impact hatchery production and coastal fishing communities.