Data Centers Pause: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek ordered a statewide pause on new data center development on state land, halting unapproved easements, leases and permits through July 1, 2027 while the state evaluates impacts on water, energy, infrastructure, jobs and communities. Legal/Service Funding: AG Nick Brown and a coalition of states reached a settlement blocking further Trump administration attempts to dismantle AmeriCorps, protecting FY2026 funding and participants after earlier reinstatements and releases of hundreds of millions. Healthcare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Oregon, will get one-time $500 Obamacare exchange “user fee” refunds starting in October. Outdoor Retail Leadership: Columbia Sportswear named Peter Rauch president of Mountain Hardwear, with Troy Sicotte moving to global vice president, sales. Energy/Power Policy: Oregon’s Energy Facility Siting Council will meet Sept. 18 online, including decisions tied to large solar projects and battery storage transfers. Tech/HPC Talent: ACM and IEEE CS awarded Oregon State’s Xuan Wu a 2026 George Michael Memorial HPC Fellowship. Local Economy/Infrastructure: ODOT scheduled intermittent paving work on OR 126E from Sept. 14 to Oct. 1 with flaggers and pilot car. Agriculture/Animal Health: A reminder for sheep and goat producers: official tagging helps records and supports scrapie eradication efforts, with Oregon recently confirming a scrapie case.