Ocean Monitoring Fight: The Trump administration backed off plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, keeping hundreds of instruments operating off Alaska, Oregon, Washington and beyond after bipartisan backlash in Congress. Wildfire Readiness: Oregon fire officials warn the West could face an earlier, longer fire season and a scramble for crews and aircraft as drought tightens resources across neighboring states. Packaging Pollution Lawsuit: Seventeen states led by Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers sued to block California’s single-use plastic “producer responsibility” law, arguing it will raise costs and dodge public scrutiny. Blue Mountains Logging Proposal: A draft plan would triple logging in the Blue Mountains’ national forests, boosting timber targets while rolling back protections for large trees and sensitive habitat. Climate Outlook: NOAA’s long-range forecast points to above-normal summer heat chances for Oregon and Washington, raising stakes for drought and fire risk. Wildlife & Health: Oregon health officials say tick-borne illness risk hasn’t risen despite a national surge in tick bites, but they urge repellent use and thorough tick checks. Animal Welfare Ballot Push: Oregon’s anti-animal cruelty initiative (IP28) is drawing heavy criticism from opponents who warn it could disrupt hunting, fishing and animal husbandry. Fast Fashion Recycling: St. Vincent de Paul in Eugene is expanding clothing diversion efforts to curb fast-fashion waste and pollution.