Workplace Safety & Environment: Oregon DEQ fined Albany’s Pacific Cast Technologies nearly $51,000 for hazardous waste violations tied to fire risk, including improper storage/labeling of acids and mercury lamps, venting butane cylinders outdoors, and outdated contingency planning. Manufacturing & Research: Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC R&D) installed a Shimadzu ultrasonic very high-cycle fatigue system, funded via an Air Force Research Laboratory subcontract, to speed up materials testing for aerospace, automotive, and advanced tooling. State Economy: Oregon’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% through early 2026, with job growth largely concentrated in private healthcare and social assistance. New Oregon Laws: A package of new laws takes effect June 5, targeting what lawmakers call federal overreach and adding protections for workers, data privacy, and minors’ workplace safeguards. Outdoor & Recreation: Oregon’s free fishing weekend runs June 6-7, with no licenses needed and trout stocking planned, plus free state park parking. Local Industry & Community: Eugene Beer Week returns as a 10-day Lane County celebration starting May 29, featuring 26 breweries and events from tastings to a bike crawl. Public Safety: A Portland-area ballot initiative effort is facing allegations that signature canvassers misled voters about a proposal to divert clean-energy funds to police.