🦫 Test your knowledge of Oregon trivia

The Race for County Chair

Two current Multnomah County commissioners are vying to replace County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, who opted not to seek reelection in the face of rising homelessness and stumbles in the county’s rollout of its universal preschool program. [Willamette Week]

• Commissioner Shannon Singleton, 49, is a former executive of a social services nonprofit and a former interim director of the county’s homeless services office; she enters the race with left-of-center endorsements such as members of City Council’s progressive caucus, who call themselves Peacock for short.
• Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards, 64, a former Nike executive and Portland school board member, has been a vocal critic of the current chair; she enters the race with endorsements from the centrist members of City Council. [Willamette Week]

Half the Staff Laid Off From Leach Botanical Garden

Leach Botanical Garden in East Portland is laying off 11 people — half its staff — as it faces a budget crunch. The 17-acre garden, owned by the city and managed by a nonprofit, is ending many of its educational tours and programs. For the last two decades, the city has subsidized the garden’s operations, but its contract with Leach Garden Friends ran out last June with no renewal. City parks officials had planned for the nonprofit assuming more financial responsibilities, but the nonprofit says they’re now working with the city to get $450,000 from next year’s budget. [OPB]

• Related: Leach Garden Friends posted an online plea for support. They say they need help to stay open — $50,000 a month — so that they can last till July, when the city’s next fiscal year begins. [Leach Botanical Garden]

Oregon’s Longest-Serving Senator Ever

As of Feb. 1, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden is officially the longest-running U.S. senator in Oregon history. He’s served 30 years and still plans to run for reelection in 2028. Both the Senate and Wyden himself have sometimes faced criticism for not making way for younger leaders. But the U.S. Senate rewards seniority, as senators move up the ranks to leading committees and assuming more power within their party’s caucus. [Oregonian]

Saturday is Valentine’s Day, but it’s also Oregon’s birthday. In honor of the 167th anniversary of statehood, test your knowledge of some Oregon trivia:

The first question links to a longer quiz. And answers appear after each question, so you can learn as you go.