You may be one of the 40% of Americans who don’t vote (NBC news). Many constituents express that voting feels like a futile effort because their voice appears to be nothing more than a single drop in the ocean. On the contrary, that notion couldn’t be further from the truth. In Wilsonville, Oregon, the City Council introduced two resolutions to modify the charter that established term limits in 2020; thanks to the power of your vote, the charter remained favorable to the people of Wilsonville.
The first measure determined whether or not a two-term city councilor could serve two additional consecutive terms as mayor (ci.wilsonville.or.us). While the suggested addendum may not appear to be drastic, it would still inhibit the circulation of new people and ideas. In comparison to the three branches of government, the city council is tied to the functions of the legislative branch, while the mayor is associated with the executive branch. Therefore, this measure would allow a lateral move from the council to mayor and vice versa. Fortunately, 56.83% of voters were against the addendum, so it will not go into effect (results.oregonvotes.gov).
The second measure suggested an amendment to exempt the days of a councilor’s term if it were less than 365.25 days (ci.wilsonville.or.us). Constituents might make the mistake of assuming that one year is an insignificant amount of time, so taking an opposing stance is fatuous; however, if it were truly insignificant, why would it be introduced on the ballot? The explanation is simple: in one year, this individual can build a plethora of connections, an abundance of wealth, and begin to sow the seeds of their influence during this “year in the air.” Thankfully, this measure didn’t pass either- 52.89% of constituents voted against it (results.oregonvotes.gov).
Coincidentally, if either one of these measures had passed, Mayor Julie Fitzgerald would have been permitted to seek reelection for another four year term. While this fact was never denied, few realize that the former titles of those measures violated Oregon’s statutory standards for ballot titles. This is hardly surprising, considering that the proposed measures claimed to “refine mayoral term limits”, despite already being clearly defined in the charter. It is imperative that these parameters are clearly defined, because the manner in which things are presented greatly impact our perceptions, and alter subsequent decisions. For instance, if someone were to assert the notion that dihydrogen monoxide is a dangerous chemical compound, many would swiftly agree in a panic- not realizing that the colloquial name of the substance is water. Similarly, if one were to proclaim that we needed to “refine” term limits, it implies that it’s a broad concept that needs more regulation instead of what it really is: the Mayor’s attempt to make exceptions a rule.
It’s easy to believe that your vote is inconsequential to the final outcome of a ballot, but that doesn’t mean that’s the reality. 3,002 voters didn’t want councilors to serve an additional two terms as mayor, so they won’t. 3,319 constituents wanted a term that spanned 365.25 days or less to not be exempted when calculated, and now it will continue to (results.oregonvotes.gov). Voting is power, so it’s critical that we exercise this right- politicians will never reinforce this fact because inaction makes their acquisition of power infinitely easier.
Thousands of residents in parts of Florida and Oregon have been warned to stay inside as the amount of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) in the atmosphere reached an “unhealthy” level on Tuesday as of 3 a.m. Eastern time, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AirNow Map shows.
The EPA uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to measure and communicate air quality across the United States. The AQI is a standardized scale from 0 to 500 that classifies pollution levels into six categories, ranging from “good” to “hazardous.” Higher AQI values indicate higher levels of pollution and greater health risks for people in the affected areas.
In this case, the AQI has classified the air pollution in parts of Florida and Oregon—including Orlando and La Pine, respectively—as “unhealthy” because of elevated levels of PM2.5. This means the levels of pollution could pose a health risk to all members of the public in the affected areas.
The EPA said, “Even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particles.”
The agency considers PM2.5 to be one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution. This is because the particles are so fine—less than 2.5 micrometers in size—they can be easily inhaled, penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially worsening any lung or heart conditions. PM2.5 can also trigger mild to severe symptoms such as coughing; eye, throat, and nose irritation; chest tightness; and shortness of breath, making breathing difficult.
The EPA advises people in sensitive groups—which include children, older adults and individuals with medical conditions such as asthma—to avoid long or intense outdoor activities when air quality reaches “unhealthy” levels.
Everyone else should reduce the duration or intensity of outdoor activities until conditions improve. For example, choose to go for a walk rather than a run.
During long or intense outdoor activity, people breathe more deeply and more frequently, which increases the amount of PM2.5 they inhale. This can irritate the lungs and may trigger or worsen existing health conditions.
But it isn’t only outdoor air that’s affected by elevated PM2.5 levels.
Indoor air can also become polluted if these fine particles seep inside through open windows, doors or ventilation systems.
The EPA suggests that those in affected areas should try to keep indoor air as clean as possible by using air purifiers or high-efficiency filters, keeping windows closed and avoiding activities that generate indoor pollution—such as burning candles, using wood‑burning stoves or lighting indoor fires—while the air quality is in the “unhealthy” range.
While the EPA hasn’t established the cause of the “unhealthy” air quality across parts of Florida and Oregon, PM2.5 can come from a variety of sources.
These include dust from construction sites or unpaved roads, emissions from vehicles or industrial plants, or smoke from wildfires or smokestacks.
Residents should monitor the AirNow Map and look out for updates from the EPA as air quality, like the weather, “can change from day to day or even hour to hour.”
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement at 1:39 p.m. on Monday until 5 p.m. for North Central Oregon.
“Areas of freezing fog of one quarter mile or less linger along US-97 between Cow Canyon and Shaniko. Road cameras confirm obscure visibility in those areas. If you encounter dense fog, slow down, use low beam headlights and allow for extra space between your vehicle and those around you,” states the weather service.
Oregon football is adding size and experience along the defensive line late in the 2026 transfer portal cycle.
Former North Carolina defensive lineman D’Antre Robinson announced his commitment to the Ducks on Sunday night.
Robinson, currently a sophomore, is listed at 6-4, 315 pounds. He appeared in 12 games for Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels in 2025, amassing 38 total tackles including 2.5 for loss and half a sack. He also forced a fumble.
Robinson spent his freshman season at Florida before transferring to North Carolina. Originally a four-star recruit out of Orlando, Florida, he was the No. 36 defensive lineman in the 2024 class and No. 34 player from the state of Florida according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Oregon lost defensive linemen Terrance Green (Alabama), Jericho Johnson (California), Ashton Porter (Houston), Tionne Gray (Notre Dame), and Xadavien Sims (Arkansas) in the portal. Dan Lanning and company seek to build out the team’s depth at the position following those losses.
In addition to Robinson, the Ducks added Louisiana-Monroe defensive lineman Jerome Simmons via transfer.
Oregon’s incoming transfer class stands at 12 total players according to 247Sports, highlighted by Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, UAB wide receiver Iverson Hooks, Minnesota safety Koi Perich, and Ohio State cornerback Aaron Scott Jr., among others.
Service door of Crans-Montana bar where 40 died in fire was locked from inside, owner says
Virginia Tech gains commitment from ACC transfer QB
ICE arrests in Minnesota surge include numerous convicted child rapists, killers
School Closings: List of closures across metro Detroit
Julio Iglesias accused of sexual assault as Spanish prosecutors study the allegations
Missing 12-year-old Oklahoma boy found safe
Video: Violence at a Minneapolis School Hours After ICE Shooting
Dan Lanning Gives Oregon Ducks Fans Reason to Believe
