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Good morning, Northwest.

Voters in La Grande will decide this November whether to levy a local gas tax of 5 cents per gallon to fix rutted and potholed streets.

The debate over how to pay for damaged roads in the small Eastern Oregon city mirrors one shaping the state’s gubernatorial race. OPB’s Monica Carrillo-Casas has more to start today’s newsletter.

Also this morning, take a trip to Tillamook to see the largest wasabi farm in the United States.

Here’s your First Look at Friday’s news.

— Bradley W. Parks

Top story

Tensions over La Grande gas tax tap into debate shaping tight Oregon governor race

La Grande has tried and failed to pass a gas tax before. So has incumbent Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek.

Her attempt to raise the Oregon statewide gas tax, largely to fund road and bridge maintenance, was soundly rejected by voters, including 90% in Union County.

As Kotek seeks reelection, her Republican opponent, state Sen. Christine Drazan, has seized upon the issue as a potential advantage in what appears to be a deadlocked race.

Raising taxes is highly unpopular, especially in a tough economy. But as road conditions deteriorate in La Grande, the idea of a local gas tax keeps coming back. (Monica Carrillo-Casas)

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3 things to know

• In Oregon’s tight gubernatorial race, Democratic incumbent Tina Kotek has tapped plenty of friendly influencers to spread her message, while Republican challenger Christine Drazan hasn’t pivoted to influencers as thoroughly as her rival. (Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake)
• Drazan reported $1 million from the Republican Governors Association yesterday, a gift that will help her candidacy stay financially competitive in what is considered a close race for governor. (Lauren Dake)
• Two polls released publicly yesterday show Kotek with modest leads over Drazan, after the Republican held slight advantages in earlier surveys. (Dirk VanderHart)

What’s defining this political moment in Central and Eastern Oregon?

Data centers, taxes, law enforcement and accountability. Those are some of the top issues for voters east of the Cascades. Regional reporters share what they’re hearing in their communities and explore what’s defining this political moment. (Monica Carrillo-Casas, Antonio Sierra, Jen Baires and Bryce Dole)

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Northwest headlines

• Company behind massive renewable fuels refinery on Columbia River seems to be in financial trouble (Alejandro Figueroa)
• Nippon Dynawave tries to dismiss lawsuit from widow of Longview employee (Erik Neumann)
• Eugene Clean Energy Fund supporters promise millions for climate projects, while critics warn of higher retail prices (Nathan Wilk, KLCC)
• Progressive groups, unions announce wealth tax initiative aimed at 2028 Oregon ballot (Shaanth Nanguneri, Oregon Capital Chronicle)
• Oregon Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama will not seek another term leading caucus (Shaanth Nanguneri, Oregon Capital Chronicle)
• QB Raiola to start with Moore ruled out of No. 13 Oregon’s game against No. 21 UCLA (Anne M. Peterson, AP)
• Trail Blazers owner says he intends to bring a championship to Portland (Anne M. Peterson, AP)

Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation

“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):

• How youth are making their voices heard in Clark County

One more look

Your wasabi is probably fake. Oregon growers hope to change that

Real wasabi is common in Japan but has long been a luxury in the U.S. It has to be served soon after preparation and doesn’t grow easily outside its native ecosystems. But a farm on the Oregon Coast may be changing that.

Markus Mead and his wife, Jennifer Bloeser, own and operate Oregon Coast Wasabi in Tillamook, Oregon — the largest wasabi farm in the United States. They’ve found the perfect environment to grow valuable, real wasabi.

“Most people don’t know that wasabi is actually a plant,” Mead said. ”One of our goals in this business is to introduce more people to the wonders of fresh wasabi.” (Jeff Kastner and Stephani Gordon)

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/10/09/la-grande-oregon-gas-tax-first-look/