Klamath Network News – Weekly Headline Highlights
By Michael Wood
Klamath Falls Spring Burn Window Open Through April 13
Klamath Falls residents are reminded that the spring open burn window remains in effect through April 13. Those living within the Air Quality Zone may conduct open burning between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Burn piles must be no larger than four feet by four feet and must be set at least five feet away from any combustible materials. Only natural yard waste may be burned; prohibited items include plastics, painted or treated wood, and other hazardous materials.
Oregon Lawmakers Debate Squatter Evictions, Truancy Penalties, and Transportation Funding
In Salem, Oregon legislators are reviewing a number of bills with significant statewide impact. House Bill 3522 seeks to simplify the process of removing squatters, allowing property owners to issue 24-hour eviction notices. Another measure, House Bill 2052, would reinstate fines of up to $500 for parents or guardians whose children accumulate eight or more unexcused absences within four weeks.
Meanwhile, a new transportation funding package has been introduced to address a budget gap at the Oregon Department of Transportation. The proposal includes a 20-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase over six years, a 1% tax on vehicle purchases, and higher registration fees.
Pacific Northwest Challenges Federal Election Order
The states of Oregon and Washington have filed a joint lawsuit against President Trump’s latest executive order on elections. The order mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration and requires all mail-in ballots to be received by Election Day. Officials from both states argue the changes could disenfranchise large numbers of voters, particularly in Oregon, which conducts elections entirely by mail.
Markets Tumble as Trump Announces Sweeping Import Tariffs
President Trump has enacted a 10% universal tariff on all imported goods, along with steeper tariffs targeting select countries. The announcement has sent shockwaves through financial markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunging 1,600 points. Major automakers, including General Motors and Nissan, are shifting more production to domestic plants in an effort to offset rising costs.
Global Trade Tensions Rise as China Responds with Retaliatory Tariffs
China has retaliated against U.S. tariffs with a 34% tariff on American goods. Other global economic powers, including the European Union, are weighing similar measures. Economists warn that the escalating trade conflict could push up consumer prices and potentially trigger a global recession.
Stay with Klamath Network News for continued updates on these developing stories.
Reporting from the Klamath Network Newsroom, I’m Michael Wood.
