⛽ Gas prices rose faster in Oregon than anywhere else

Rising Gas Prices in Oregon

Oregon drivers saw the biggest increase in gas prices of anywhere in the country this week. The average price of a gallon climbed 22 cents, to $3.91. There are local reasons for price increases, like a brief shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline. Also, California refineries began producing their more expensive, summer-blend of fuel. Internationally, U.S. tension with Iran may cause prices to remain higher. [KGW]

An Immediate $10M Budget Gap for Portland Public Schools

On top of a $50 million budget gap for the fall, Portland Public Schools has identified a budget hole that’s an immediate issue. The district already was preparing to cut staff before next fall, but the new financial crunch may move up that timeline.

• There have been unexpected costs this school year related to federal lawsuits, as well as higher transportation and maintenance costs. They've also spent $2.5 million for emergency facility work: Sabin Elementary had a broken pipe, Rigler Elementary had sewer problems, and the newly remodeled Benson Polytechnic High School had issues with a cooling system and guard rails. [OPB]

Oregon Sues Over Vaccine Changes

Oregon along with 14 other states has gone to court to overturn the Trump administration’s decision to remove seven vaccines from the standard recommendation for children. The lawsuit alleges that the panel making the decision lacked the legally required scientific expertise. It comes at a moment when Oregon currently has a measles outbreak of five identified cases, with more suspected based on wastewater monitoring. [Oregonian]

Greenlight for Ballot Fight on Police Funding

A judge has given approval for a proposed initiative petition that could divert 25%, or about $50 million, from Portland’s clean energy fund for police hiring each year. Progressive groups had challenged the proposal on technical grounds. Multnomah County Circuit Judge Eric Dahlin sided with the backers of the initiative petition — who include real estate interests and the police labor union — though he directed them to correct a typo before proceeding with gathering signatures as they work to qualify for the November ballot. [Oregonian]