Listeners, Oregon is making headlines this week as Governor Tina Kotek stands firm on the decision not to claw back November’s full SNAP benefits, despite demands from the Trump administration. SNAP payments—critical food assistance for about 757,000 residents—were distributed promptly after a federal judge ordered their release. Kotek called any attempt to revoke those funds “ridiculous and immoral,” highlighting the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable Oregonians, especially amid federal shutdown negotiations. The debate over federal food support continues to dominate local and national discourse, with Oregon’s stance widely covered by Oregon Capital Insider and OPB.

In state politics, the Oregon Legislature crosses the midpoint of its 2025 session, with just under half of the original bills remaining in play. Lawmakers are deep into debates on labor rules and public spending priorities. Most notably, a multi-billion-dollar transportation tax package is being finalized. The plan, outlined by Joint Committee Co-Chairs Chris Gorsek and Susan McLain, would phase in a 20-cent per-gallon gas tax increase, new sales taxes on vehicles and tires, and higher registration fees. According to NFIB, these changes could raise nearly $2 billion per biennium, funding roads, public transit, and infrastructure improvements while drawing criticism from business advocates concerned about rising costs.

Business and economic indicators reveal a mixed outlook. The Oregon Business & Industry Association reports the state’s rate of new business creation fell from 12th to 28th nationwide in just a year, citing ongoing challenges from inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain issues. Meanwhile, discussions continue to raise the Corporate Activity Tax exemption to benefit small businesses struggling under the current tax burden. Portland city leaders are under pressure to ease regulations and raise the business tax income threshold, with entrepreneurs lobbying for relief amid high costs and complex rules.

Within the community, education and infrastructure are seeing active investment. School modernization is underway across the region, from the Cleveland High School campus in Portland—which will gain new classrooms, labs, and sports facilities—to a greenhouse project in Sisters aiming to enrich STEM curricula. In Coos Bay, the city council has accepted a Safe Routes to School plan, paving the way for future ODOT construction grants and safer pathways for students. The Gervais School District’s bond projects are also in full swing, with summer construction enhancing elementary facilities. Bend’s city council has cleared the way for new affordable housing specifically for school employees, reflecting ongoing efforts to retain educators in expensive housing markets.

Public safety stories include a recent shooting involving a Clackamas County deputy near Sandy, where authorities responded after a trailer fire incident, as reported by KGW News. On another front, federal immigration enforcement activity intensified in Salem, with at least 24 detentions in a single day, raising concerns within the community about the impact on families and the local workforce.

Weather has taken center stage this week. Significant rainfall returned to Western Oregon, with the heaviest expected November 13-14. Snow is forecast for the Cascade Mountain passes between November 16-17, creating challenging travel conditions according to The Statesman Journal. On the heels of these events, solar storms brought the northern lights to Oregon’s night skies, offering rare views due to strong geomagnetic activity. While beautiful, forecasters from NOAA and OPB cautioned that GPS and power grids could experience minor disruptions during the peak of this solar cycle.

Looking ahead, listeners can expect further debate over the transportation tax package and ongoing legislative sessions that will shape future...