Oregon Transportation: Oregon Department of Transportation is warning lawmakers about a looming $200 million budget gap for 2027–29, driven by inflation and declining gas-tax revenue as more drivers switch to EVs—officials say layoffs and cuts could follow without new state revenue. Semiconductors in Oregon: Washington County and Tualatin are weighing a Strategic Investment Program deal with Lam Research that could support up to $1.7 billion in reinvestment through 2041, including major R&D expansion and thousands of jobs. Workplace Safety Tech: The National Safety Council highlighted new findings from its MSD Solutions Lab grants, including Oregon State University work showing how emerging tech like augmented reality can help reduce workplace injuries. Conservation & Biology: Oregon Zoo reports Mazama newt eggs have hatched in human care—an early win in efforts to prevent extinction tied to invasive crayfish. Climate & Heat: A new review on passive cooling argues non-mechanical building strategies can cut peak urban temperatures, while separate reporting flags July 2026 as potentially the warmest month on record across the contiguous U.S. Wildfire Risk: BLM issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Red Flag Warning for severe fire weather in central and eastern Washington, urging strict fire restrictions. Marine Science: New research describes orcas hunting massive ocean sunfish using coordinated, high-impact tactics.