Good morning, Eugene.

Students returned to classes as Oregon test scores ranked among the lowest due to low attendance and many families opting out of tests.

The 2025 Education Accountability Act added three assessments to track progress and help districts get funds.

The Oregon State Board of Education met to discuss a proposal based on Senate Bill 141 (passed last year) to create a clear system for measuring school performance amid concerns about low test scores.

Uncertainty over a new Forest Service restructuring announced in March is raising concerns at the Andrews Experimental Forest near Eugene, where researchers study wildfire impacts and local water sources.

Officials say forthcoming details on facility changes could affect long-term ecological research.

Firefighters are responding to a wildfire burning 10-15 acres along Forest Service Road 1835 in Fall Creek today & officials ask residents to avoid the area for safety as smoke drifts over nearby communities.

Smoke from the Austin Fire in Clackamas County moved over the Cascades into Lane County Monday, causing poor air quality, officials said.

Residents are advised to check PurpleAir sensors + close windows and run air purifiers to reduce exposure.

Residents across the Pacific Northwest reported seeing a bright fireball (8:50 p.m.) on Sunday evening, and dozens of reports were submitted to the American Meteor Society as experts review the sightings.

Firefighters are containing a wildfire, estimated at 10 to 15 acres along Forest Service Road 1835 in the Fall Creek area of the Willamette National Forest; smoke may be visible to nearby communities today.

Officials advise the public to avoid the area for safety (Incident No. 349).

Back-to-school photos fill social feeds as students return to class, and LCSO officials urge parents to remove personal details — like names and school information — before posting.

They recommend using neutral settings and limiting posts to trusted contacts.

Lane Transit District will increase Saturday bus service and add extra weekday trips starting September 6 to boost access to the VA clinic on Chad Drive and offer 15-minute service to Lane Community College — the new schedule will run until late January.

UO Women’s Soccer freshman forward Giselle White will join 21 players representing Argentina at the 2026 Women’s FIFA World Cup in Poland.

The team will open the tournament on Sept. 5.