KWSO NEWS – August 27, 2026

Smoke remains a concern across the region, with air quality fluctuating as wildfire smoke moves in and out. The Mt. Hood National Forest has also expanded an emergency closure for the Austin and Narrows fires, closing portions of Forest Roads 46, 57, 63 and 70, Highway 224 east of Fish Creek, and recreation areas including Lake Harriet, Timothy Lake and Bagby Hot Springs. Forest officials say the closure is needed for public safety and to allow firefighters and heavy equipment to operate safely.

Oregon WIC is celebrating National Breastfeeding Month with more than 97 percent of participants choosing to start breastfeeding. The Oregon Health Authority says WIC served nearly 120,000 women, infants and children in 2025, up from about 114,000 the previous year. WIC provides breastfeeding support through lactation coaches, peer counselors and expanded remote services, including text messaging and online education.

Patients at St. Charles Cancer Institute are among the first in the region to receive daraxonrasib, a newly approved treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer. Seven patients received the drug through an expanded-access program before the FDA approved it Wednesday. Early research shows the treatment can more than double median survival for some patients with late-stage pancreatic cancer. Central Oregon is also under an air-quality advisory through Friday as wildfire smoke could push pollution into the unhealthy range. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity when smoke thickens and follow medical guidance if they have heart or lung conditions. Tonight, a partial lunar eclipse begins at 7:33, peaks at 9:12 and ends at 10:51, with a chance of northern lights later in the evening.

Oregon is joining nearly two dozen states in a lawsuit challenging new federal rules affecting mail-in voting. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield says the administration is attacking voting methods that Oregonians have used for decades. The lawsuit follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed the administration’s mail-voting order to move forward while leaving questions about its legality unresolved.

Washington and Oregon are among the states receiving money from a major settlement with Meta over allegations that its social media platforms harmed children. Oregon is expected to receive at least $125 million, while Washington will receive hundreds of millions. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown says the settlement is significant not only because of the money, but because Meta had argued that online protections for children were not possible. The newly rebuilt Pac-12 is also using a flexible schedule during the final week of its football season to create stronger matchups and improve its chances of reaching the College Football Playoff.

NFL owners have unanimously approved the $9.612 billion sale of the Seattle Seahawks to the Khosla family. The record-setting sale transfers ownership from the estate of former Seahawks owner Paul Allen and is the highest-priced franchise sale in NFL history.

Weather today will be sunny and warm, with a high near 86 and northwest winds increasing during the afternoon; smoke may be patchy. Friday will be another sunny day with a high near 86.