Public Safety & Health: A CDC report says an Arizona man’s fatal pneumonic plague followed work-related contact with two sick indoor cats, a reminder for Southwest pet owners to seek vet care fast if cats show respiratory symptoms. Local Politics: Tigard voters will weigh City Council candidates on Oct. 14 mail ballots and a Nov. 3 election, with housing and city priorities front and center in candidate Q&As. Healthcare Labor: Oregon Nurses Association held a Medford town hall as Asante RRMC nurse contract talks continue, with layoffs and Ashland’s birthing center changes sparking community concern. Culture & Community: Oktoberfest Pendleton returns for its 10th year Oct. 10 with adult-only festivities, German food, music, and a new venue at Blue Mountain Equine Center. Lifestyle & Outdoors: Oregon State Extension’s Jackson County Master Gardeners offer hands-on help and a fall-to-spring training path for gardeners. Arts & Giving: Field Arts & Events Hall in Port Angeles announced a $14.4M bequest from Dorothy Field to retire debt and secure its future. Privacy & Tech: Sanders and Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley propose the Ban Flock Act to curb federal use of AI surveillance tied to license plate readers. Sports: USA Track & Field named nominees for its 2026 Hall of Fame class, with the ceremony set for Dec. 5 in Portland.