The eel-like fish known as Pacific lamprey get little love from the uninitiated; with their toothy-maw used to suck blood from fish, they have perhaps the most unflattering smile in the animal kingdom. But to many people, these ancient critters are important as both an indicator species and a food source for tribal people. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports on ongoing efforts to restore their numbers across Oregon waterways and beyond.

LEDE: And it’s official. Washington voters will decide whether to keep or kill the state’s first income tax, also known as the millionaires tax. State Government reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan [MYE-zehz tan] has more.

[New evacuation shelter opened at Eagle Point Middle School

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July 15, 2026, Peyton Gast, Maria Carter]

Families evacuated from the East Evans Creek fire are being pointed to a new shelter at Eagle Point Middle School.

[Jackson County Fairgrounds accepting livestock during East Creek Fire evacuations,

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July 15, 2026, Peyton Gast, Maria Carter]

With an evacuation notice still in place for the East Evans Creek fire, the Jackson County Fairgrounds may be a resource for livestock owners.

For the first time, the United States Forest Service authorized the use of N-95 respirators for federal wildland firefighters. N-W-P-B’s Rachel Sun reports.

Researchers have known for years that wildland firefighters have higher rates of mortality from lung cancer and cardiovascular disease linked to smoke exposure.

In Southwest Washington, the City of Longview has settled a case that accused elected officials of violating government transparency laws. Elena Neale-Sacks reports.

The Bureau of Land Management will open 130 positions around Oregon as it aims to increase timber sales in the state. KLCC’s Zac Ziegler reports those efforts will include a job fair on Friday at Job Source Lane County:

Ranked-choice voting

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KSMín/XX

Deschutes County organizers are trying to get ranked-choice voting on the ballot this November. Local non-partisan organizations are trying to teach residents what that could mean. Kathryn Styer Martínez reports.

An Idaho state attorney has taken issue with a letter from the Justice Department related to the state’s enforcement of elections law.