Fireworks Safety
With fireworks sales now underway in Oregon, the State Fire Marshal is urging residents to celebrate safely and legally this Fourth of July. Fireworks may be sold through July 6, but officials remind consumers that fireworks which fly, explode, or travel more than 12 feet are illegal without a permit. Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston says people should check local restrictions before using fireworks, especially in areas at risk for wildfire. Legal fireworks are also prohibited on public lands, state parks, beaches, and national forests. Violations can result in fines of up to $2,500, and those responsible for fire damage may be held financially liable.
Gas Prices Decline
Gas prices continue to decline as Oregonians prepare for Independence Day travel. According to AAA, the national average for regular gasoline fell 12 cents this week to $3.93 a gallon, while Oregon’s average dropped 15 cents to $4.83. AAA projects a record 72.2 million Americans, including 877,000 Oregonians, will travel during the July 4 holiday period. Despite the recent decreases, fuel prices remain higher than they were before the conflict involving Iran began earlier this year. AAA says uncertainty in the Middle East could still affect oil markets, but for now drivers are seeing some relief at the pump. In Florence, regular gasoline is averaging about $4.79 per gallon.
HUD Shelter Access Rule Targeted for Rollback
The Trump administration is proposing to roll back a federal rule that guarantees access to HUD-funded homeless shelters regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. The Equal Access Rule has been in place since 2016. Advocates for Trans Equality say the change could allow some housing providers to deny services to transgender individuals and others. The group points to a national survey showing transgender people experience homelessness at significantly higher rates than the general population. HUD Secretary Scot Turner says the proposal restores what he calls “biological truth” in federal policy. Public comments on the proposed change are being accepted through June 29.
