Faith & Community: Oregon Humanities’ “Consider This” episode digs into how religious spaces are changing as fewer people attend church, with a conversation recorded in La Grande. Culture & Travel: A new guide maps out Oregon’s “ultimate” early summer road trip loop, built around Portland and the state’s coast-to-interior variety. Workplace Rights: Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries joined a multi-state push to stop the federal government from rolling back a long-running rule that tracks workplace demographics tied to discrimination patterns. Education & Politics: Portland Public Schools’ back-to-school video sparked backlash from both sides, as it leans into “radical joy” and intersects with ongoing disputes over trans policies. Civil Rights in Schools: A Portland mother is asking a federal court for emergency relief after being barred from campus over her opposition to trans-related policies. Health & Safety: DEQ issued an air quality advisory for eastern Marion, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and southern Wasco counties due to wildfire smoke. Housing & Child Care: Florence’s Elm Park opens in Oregon with affordable homes co-located with early learning care for 60 kids. Labor & Local Life: Central Oregon Community College faculty declared an impasse in contract talks after nine months. Community Spotlight: Tribes and partners are launching a $1.7M effort in Portland to help Native communities build markets for small-diameter wood and wildfire-fuel brush.