Plasma affordability debate: A new report highlights how BioLife Plasma Services markets plasma donation as a way to “earn extra money,” with donors paid for time at 1,214 U.S. centers—an industry now drawing more middle-class customers amid affordability pressure. Oregon housing push: Oregon Housing and Community Services picked five factory-produced housing projects to build 117 homes statewide, including Phoenix Commons in Phoenix to replace Almeda Fire losses with faster, lower-cost modular construction. Wildfire funding in Salem: The Joint Legislative Emergency Board approved emergency wildfire preparedness money, including an evacuation planning system and repairs for drought- or fire-damaged wells, while also adding DOJ staff to pursue corporate merger and monopoly cases. Corporate competition enforcement: Oregon’s Emergency Board also approved 16 new Attorney General positions to investigate and fight mergers and monopolies as federal enforcement weakens. Bend library boom: Bend’s new Central Library drew 63,000 visitors in its first 30 days and spurred 1,800 new library cards, boosting local business like Thump Coffee. Local economy/jobs: Oregon’s unemployment held at 5.2% in early 2026 while payroll employment rose modestly, with manufacturing still shedding jobs. Tech/data privacy: A look at modern vehicles shows how cars continuously collect and transmit personal data via telematics, raising questions about who controls it.