Today’s KWSO News
Madras High School welcomes its incoming 9th graders tomorrow, granting freshmen exclusive access to the building for the day before all students return on Thursday. MHS is hosting its annual Buffs Are Back BBQ today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to help students get connected. “It’s a good time to check out our clubs and athletic teams,” says Principal Tony Summers. “Incoming freshmen can tour the school and figure out their classes, but it’s just a great time to see what’s available.”Forecasters warn that a “super El Niño” weather pattern could bring heavy rain to the Pacific Northwest this winter, increasing the risks of flooding and landslides. Although low snowpack is expected to deplete streams, rivers, and reservoirs, conditions are unlikely to be as severe as last year’s historic snow drought. However, warmer ocean waters and reduced runoff could still hinder migrating salmon and harm Oregon’s Dungeness crab fisheries.Portland State University will host the inaugural Indigenous Food Summit on September 9th and 10th at its Native American Student and Community Center. Organized by the Northwest Indigenous Food Sovereignty Alliance and local partners, the free, public event features hands-on cultural workshops and vendor markets. “The ultimate goal is building joy, community connection, and the inspiration to launch new local food projects,” says Cowlitz citizen and PSU cultural knowledge coordinator Emma Johnson.Oregon lawmakers are meeting in Salem for three days of interim committee hearings, facing demands for over $120 million to address historic wildfire suppression expenses. With 2.5 million acres burned statewide and total costs projected to hit $350 million, state agencies require immediate liquidity while awaiting federal reimbursements. The Department of Forestry is seeking $78 million in general funds and plans to borrow up to $150 million from the state treasury to remain solvent.
In D.C., U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta upheld the Department of the Interior’s decision allowing the Coquille Indian Tribe to run its Ko-Kwel Casino Resort in Medford. Neighboring tribes—the Cow Creek Band, Karuk Tribe, and Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation—sued over concerns that the venue would siphon regional gaming revenue. However, the court ruled that the federal government reasonably applied the “restored-lands” exception under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, though the plaintiff tribes retain the option to appeal.
With roughly 70,000 Oregonians losing SNAP benefits following historic federal cuts last year, state leaders and hunger relief advocates are strategizing ways to keep families fed during Hunger Action Month. Oregon Food Bank President Andrea Williams notes that food bank visits have surged over 50 percent in two years while federal cuts reduced food supplies by 20 percent. The Trump administration maintains the cuts are necessary to eliminate fraud, but state leaders—including Senator Lisa Reynolds—are working to preserve core programs like School Meals for All and summer EBT vouchers. Reynolds criticized the cuts to aid programs, emphasizing that state leaders must “protect every Oregonian” and prioritize essential needs for children and families.
Local forecasts call for sunny skies and a high of 78 today with light northeast winds, cooling to a low of 49 tonight. Highs will jump near 87 under full sun on Wednesday.