Energy & Industry Planning: Northwest Power and Conservation Council heard concerns that data centers could drive electricity demand that may double the region’s generation needs, while residents also raised worries about electricity bills and salmon impacts. Housing & Community Development: Oregon lawmakers are weighing changes that could make it easier for farmers to build second homes on farmland, aiming to replace a “convoluted” process with clearer rules. Advanced Manufacturing: Gov. Tina Kotek broke ground on Lonza’s new advanced manufacturing facility in Bend, targeting 80+ permanent jobs and hundreds of construction jobs. Local Infrastructure: OR 207 in Hermiston faces delays starting Sept. 21 as crews drill soil test holes for a future pedestrian safety project, with construction expected later. Tribal Housing: Two Oregon tribes—Warm Springs and Cow Creek—won nearly $10M in federal funds for new affordable homes. Consumer Pressure: A new Oregon Consumer Justice survey finds 61% of Oregonians cite food costs as their top financial stress, and 36% can’t cover a $400 emergency expense. Portland Permitting: Portland’s latest commercial building and land-use review lists include multiple permit intakes and Type 2 reviews, signaling ongoing development activity. Public Health Accountability: Oregon AG Rayfield announced Abbott will pay Oregon about $978K to settle claims tied to unsafe powder infant formula and nutritional therapy products. Workforce & Learning: A new report says facility problems forced 1 in 5 U.S. districts to cancel classes in 2024-25, costing about 3.5 million learning days.