Portland Arena Deal: Portland City Council sent Blazers a first-draft terms sheet for Moda Center renovations, with a push for a long-term lease and limits on public funding—while a “We Are Rip City” coalition argues the city should commit $200M+ in taxpayer dollars. Recycling Overhaul in Court: A federal judge will decide by end of August whether Oregon’s 2021 packaging recycling modernization law can stand after a trade-group challenge, putting DEQ’s Extended Producer Responsibility program under a national spotlight. Wildfire Smoke Impacts: DEQ issued an air quality advisory for multiple counties around Klamath Falls as smoke and critical fire conditions persist, with monitoring continuing into the weekend. Housing Development: RootedHomes celebrated its second affordable housing community in Redmond, with homes priced for middle-income buyers and first-time buyers under set income caps. State Tech Modernization: Oregon highlighted digital upgrades at OLCC and DEQ, including CAMP and the Your DEQ Online platform, recognized with a 2026 State CIO award. Climate Lawsuit Update: Young plaintiffs asked the 9th Circuit to rehear a challenge to Trump fossil-fuel executive orders, seeking to revive their constitutional climate case. Local Government Leadership: College Place reopened its search for a city administrator after ending the tenure of recently hired administrator Troy Rayburn, citing “not the right fit.” Business & Finance: Trump Media discussed charging Wall Street firms up to $100,000 a month for faster Truth Social access via a new “Truth API,” drawing criticism from Sen. Ron Wyden.