WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2025 – Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The raw ground beef item was produced on Dec. 16, 2025. The following product is subject to recall [view labels]:
16-oz. (1-lb.) vacuum-sealed packages containing “FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF” with “USE OF FREEZE BY 01/13/26 EST 2083” printed on the side of the packaging.
The product subject to recall bears establishment number “EST 2083” printed on the side of the packaging. The product was shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington for further distribution for retail sales.
The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing and the sampling results showed the presence of E. coli O26.
There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.
E. coli O26, like the more common E. coli O157:H7, is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). People can become ill from STECs 28 days (average of 34 days) after exposure to the organism.
Most people infected with STEC O26 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended. Most people recover within a week, but, rarely, some develop a more severe infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is uncommon with STEC O26 infection. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify theircustomers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart.
Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Jeremy Anderson, CEO of Mountain West Food Group, LLC, at 208-679-3765 or info@mountainwestfoodgroup.com.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
The eggnog’s kicked, the tree is dropping its needles and distant family members have vacated your guest bedroom. Time to recycle your gift wrap, compost your tree and donate to a cause you care about.
Then reward yourself by buying what you really wanted for Christmas.
While Black Friday remains the uncontested king of shopping holidays, those who held off on some purchases will find their patience rewarded. Retailers are motivated to slash prices: seasonal items including Christmas decor are no longer in demand, winter apparel has a dwindling shelf life, and this year’s electronics are about to become last year’s electronics when new models arrive at the world’s biggest tech expo in January.
But it’s still good stuff, and it’s all on sale for a limited time. So our expert staff rounded up the best after-Christmas sales for the eight most popular categories. Nick Mokey, Filter editor
How we selected these best after-Christmas sales
Our recommendations are based on items tested and loved by our contributors and staff, and you’ll find many of them in our other buying guides. These are products we believe are worth purchasing year-round – the discount is just a bonus.
The very best after-Christmas sales at a glance
Now $6 monthly, originally $10 monthlyNow $99, originally $150 at CanopyNow $19, originally $39.99 at AmazonNow $29.99, originally $39.99 at AmazonNow $32, originally $40 at AnydayNow $64.98 for four, originally $99 at AmazonNow $48.99 annually, originally $69.99Now $175, originally $250 at Aritzia
More of the best after-Christmas streaming sales
Deals curated by Nick Mokey, the Filter US editor
MasterClass
Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty ImagesNow $6 monthly, originally $10 monthly
If you’ve been gorging on reality TV all holiday season and need some leafy greens for the mind, that’s MasterClass. Learn writing from Malcolm Gladwell, film-making from James Cameron or conservation from the late Dr Jane Goodall through video classes and workshops. But be quick – the sale ends tonight.
Photograph: Courtesy of DirecTV
DirecTV Entertainment bundle
$49.99 for one month of DirecTV, originally $79.99
This price is only good for one month, but that is also all you need to catch college football playoffs on the included ESPN package, plus AMC, Bravo, CNN and more than 85 other channels.
Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited bundle
Photograph: Sopa Images/LightRocket/Getty Images$29.99 monthly for one year, originally $35.99 monthly
Here’s an even cheaper way to get ESPN: bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99 monthly. Unlike the DirecTV promo, this one is good for 12 months. Just keep in mind all three services have ads at this level – but you can dispense with them for another $9 a month.
More of the best after-Christmas home sales
Deals curated by Lauren Gould, the Filter US editorial coordinator
Brooklinen super-plush bath towel
Photograph: Courtesy of BrooklinenNow $84.15, originally $99 at Brooklinen
Recently, seasoned consumer journalist Jon Chan tested 10 different bath towels to find the very best on the market, and he found this one was the best value. “It’s the kind of towel I’d drape over my towel rack and proudly point to when guests come over – if I had a towel rack,” Chan wrote.
Canopy showerhead filter
Photograph: Courtesy of CanopyNow $99, originally $150 at Canopy
A shower filter can help remove chemicals and minerals that can dry out your skin and hair. This filter, crowned as the winner in our quest to find the best, is on sale for over 30% off. Author Stephen Treffinger favored the Canopy for “delivering the best showering experience”, noting it was one of the only models he tested where he noticed a difference in his skin.
Papier favorite pet planner
Photograph: Courtesy of PapierNow $28.80, originally $36 at Papier
This adorable planner from Papier was a reader favorite in 2025, and after receiving the Damson Madder edition for Christmas, I’m with them. Originally recommended as part of our holiday mega gift guide, this planner is a stylish way to kickstart your 2026 planning. If you aren’t a dog person, it also comes in a ton of other beautiful patterns and designs.
More of the best after-Christmas kitchen sales
Deals curated by Karen Yuan, the Filter US commissioning editor
Le Creuset Signature Petite Cocotte
Photograph: Courtesy of Sur La TableNow $21.96, originally $31.95 at Sur La Table
This cocotte – an 8oz, petite bowl-sized pot – from the heritage French cookware brand was one of this year’s most-bought items by Filter readers, and thankfully, it’s still on sale. Home and kitchen writer Megan Wahn called it perfect for “roasting garlic, serving dips and small batches of soup, or even making baked eggs”.
Anyday Two-Cup Glass Round Dish Multipack
Photograph: Courtesy of AnydayNow $32, originally $40 at Anyday
Food writer Emily Farris called these glass food storage containers from Anyday “a game changer” for keeping and reheating leftovers. The microwave-safe and oven-safe container can release steam through its silicone vent. “After using them for just a few months, I noticed my family was wasting less food – and I was doing fewer dishes,” she wrote.
Vitamix 5200 Blender
Photograph: Courtesy of VitamixNow $449.95, originally $499.95 at Vitamix
Look, we know it’s not the biggest discount at $50 off, but any sale is a golden opportunity to snag one of these iconic blenders. A Vitamix 5200 is “a legend for a reason”, as food writer Marian Bull put it in her review of this buy-it-for-life blender beloved by chefs and smoothie shops.
More of the best after-Christmas travel sales
Deals curated by Karen Yuan, the Filter US commissioning editor
Anker Nano Travel Power Adapter
Photograph: Courtesy of AmazonNow $19.99, originally $25.99 at Amazon
Tiny and lightweight but mighty, this travel adapter can charge four USB devices at once and works with 11 different wall outlets, covering 200 countries. It has been recommended by multiple Guardian contributors traveling all over the world.
Spanx Scuba Micro Flare Legging
Photograph: Courtesy of SpanxNow $59, originally $118 at Spanx
Comfy enough for a long flight and more stylish than athletic leggings, thanks to an elevated scuba fabric. (No polyester here!) Plus, the shaping waistband gives “just the right amount of support without being constrictive”, travel writer Lydia Mansel reports.
Apple AirTags
Photograph: Courtesy of AmazonNow $64.98 for four, originally $99 at Amazon
These nifty AirTags were some of this year’s bestsellers among Filter readers. Imagine putting one of these on your keys, one in your wallet, one in your purse or backpack and one in your luggage. Feel that immense peace of mind just wash over you? It could be reality with this pack of four, which is still full price on Apple’s website but 34% off on Amazon and Walmart.
Away Softside Bigger Carry-On Suitcase
Photograph: Courtesy of AwayNow $171, originally $245 at Away
After trying at least 10 other suitcases, travel writer Lydia Mansel firmly believes that Away’s Bigger Carry-On holds more than any other carry-on out there. She has used this carry-on bag for years, and you can too, after snagging it for 30% off during Away’s end-of-year sale.
More of the best after-Christmas tech sales
Deals curated by Nick Mokey, the Filter US editor
Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Photograph: Courtesy of AmazonNow $19, was $39.99 at Amazon
One of the most intuitive streaming platforms is now also one of the cheapest. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus packs Netflix, Hulu and every other service you could imagine into a stick no bigger than your finger, so you can hide it behind your TV for zero clutter. The HD version is on sale for $15.99, but for an extra $3 you definitely want this Plus model, which supports 4K resolution. You will notice the difference.
Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A
Photograph: Courtesy of RoborockNow $599.99, was $999.99 at Roborock
Pet owners, thank me later. I used to review robot vacuums, and Roborock makes the best, many of which are now up to 50% off. The maddening naming scheme can make it tough to identify the model you want, but the Qrevo Edge S5A has all the main features you want: mopping and a self-emptying, self-cleaning dock so you don’t need to maintain your robot every day. If you really want to take advantage of the sale, the flagship Saros Z70 has a mechanical arm that picks up stray socks, and it’s discounted $1,300. Yes, really.
Amazon Echo Spot
Photograph: Courtesy of AmazonNow $44.99, was $79.99 at Amazon
This is my favorite of about half a dozen Echo smart speakers I own, and it’s now at its lowest price ever. The vivid screen dims to a level that won’t keep you awake at night if you use it as an alarm clock, and the audio quality is shockingly robust for a device this tiny. Buy two and connect them for stereo sound, or pair it with some smart lightbulbs (like these TP-Link models also on sale – for under $5 apiece) and you’ll never need to climb out of bed to flick off the lights again.
More of the best after-Christmas wellness sales
Deals curated by Lauren Gould, the Filter US editorial coordinator
Headspace subscription
Photograph: Sopa Images/LightRocket/Getty ImagesNow $48.99 annually, originally $69.99
If you’re looking to bring mindfulness into 2026, meditation is a great place to start. After testing dozens of meditation apps, Filter US contributor Jason R Rich ruled Headspace as the best for beginners. With minutes-long tutorials and myriad guided meditation sessions, “Headspace offers the smoothest path to get started”, he wrote.
Nike Metcon sneakers
Photograph: Courtesy of NikeNow $116.25, originally $155 at Nike (discount in cart)
In our 2025 fitness gift guide, Filter US contributor Juno DeMelo recommended Nike’s Metcon workout shoes. She loves them so much, she is now on her fifth pair. “The versatile 10s are my favorite Metcons yet: they’re grippy and stable enough for heavy squats,” she wrote.
Lululemon swiftly tech long sleeve
Photograph: Courtesy of LululemonNow $54, originally $78 at Lululemon
Lululemon’s swiftly tech long-sleeved shirt has been a staple in my winter running wardrobe for years. It acts as a perfect base layer for my morning runs, and I adore its comfy fit and sweat-wicking material.
More of the best after-Christmas sleep sales
Deals curated by Karen Yuan, the Filter US commissioning editor
Mzoo Luxury Sleep Mask
Photograph: Juno DeMelo/The GuardianNow $29.99, originally $39.99 at Amazon
Our Filter US readers sure are a sleepy bunch because this sleep mask was our bestselling item all year. Lifestyle writer Juno DeMelo tested 24 sleep masks and declared the Mzoo “the Goldilocks of masks”, turning to it night after night. It blocks light, doesn’t budge and feels comfortable even for side sleepers – and it’s 25% off.
Coop Original Pillow
Photograph: Courtesy of CoopNow $71.20, originally $89 at Coop Sleep Goods (discount in cart)
It’s a pillow! Possibly the perfect pillow? Guardian contributor Kori Perten can confirm it after testing multiple styles. She has used this sleep coach-approved pillow for five years, during which time her partner kept stealing it, too. (She has since bought a second one for him.) You can add or remove its memory-foam filling to perfectly align your head and neck with your spine for proper support.
Manta Sound Sleep Mask
Photograph: Courtesy of Manta SleepNow $127.20, originally $159 at Manta (discount in cart)
This is the final boss of sleep masks. It ensures total darkness (DeMelo says she couldn’t tell whether lights were on or off with a Manta sleep mask on) and zero noise disturbances, thanks to its built-in Bluetooth speakers. If it doesn’t work for you, Manta offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
More of the best after-Christmas fashion sales
Deals curated by Lauren Gould, the Filter US editorial coordinator
Aritzia Super Puff coat
Photograph: Courtesy of AritziaNow $175, originally $250 at Aritzia
Hate on puffer coats all you want, but I credit my Aritzia Super Puff jacket with getting me through the last three winters. It’s designed with 800+ fill-power premium down that keeps me warm, and is both wind- and water-resistant. If you’re on the hunt for a coat that can withstand frigid temperatures (as cold as -22F), the durable Super Puff is a solid option.
Damson Madder hooded scarf
Photograph: Courtesy of Damson MadderNow $70, originally $98 at Damson Madder
If you’re as chronically online as I am, you have probably seen someone sporting the semi-viral, reversible trench coat from Damson Madder. If you’re looking for a more affordable introduction to the brand, this stylish hooded scarf, recommended in our fashion gift guide by content creator Reni Balogun, is on sale for 15% off.
Birkenstock shearling clogs
Photograph: Courtesy of BirkenstockNow $149.96, originally $199.95 at Birkenstock
I don’t think I will ever be over the Birkenstock’s trendy Boston Clogs. If you’re looking for a wintry version, I adore this comfy pair, made with cozy teddy shearling. I also love the gold buckle, which adds a chic finishing touch. And if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere warm year-round, Birkenstock’s suede Boston Clog is currently on sale at Revolve for more than 30% off.
Hundreds of flights were delayed and dozens canceled at Logan Airport in Boston on Saturday after Massachusetts was left with a blanket of snow overnight.
There were 405 delays and over 60 cancellations as of Saturday evening, according to FlightAware. The interference with the holiday travel season left people frustrated.
“I woke up, it was delayed four hours, kept getting pushed back. Then it was canceled, now it says it’s not canceled. So I don’t really know,” said Angela Alibrandi, who was trying to get to Tampa, Florida. “I’m just trying to get down to see my friend and her family, spend some of the holidays with them.”
Arlington resident Heather Hill and her family were also attempting to get to Florida to get on a cruise.
“Delta has cancelled both flights to Miami and can’t do anything for us,” Hill explained.
So now the family of five is stuck with a flight to Atlanta, Georgia, and then an overnight 9-hour drive to Miami in the hopes of making it to the cruise ship by 2 p.m. on Sunday.
“Hopefully, we will catch the cruise,” Hill said.
Another traveler, looking to head home to San Diego, called her entire travel experience “stressful” after trying to board a flight for the third day in a row, only for each plane to run into issues.
Hill said that the best advice she can give other travelers is to plan ahead.
“Try to get on the first flight of the day because it is not good out there right now,” she explained.
The overnight storm in Massachusetts brought approximately 4 inches of snow to places like Cambridge and just under 5 inches to Fitchburg, on top of temperatures just scraping the mid-20s. The snow came during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year as people looked to head home after Christmas or venture to a New Year’s Eve destination.
A portion of SEPTA’s Broad Street Line was suspended Saturday afternoon after a fire near the tracks, officials say.
SEPTA said passengers were evacuated from a subway train at the Fairmount station after a fire broke out after 4:30 p.m. near the tracks near Ridge Avenue and Mount Vernon Street.
The incident shut down the B3 spur, which services riders between Fairmount and Chinatown.
by Eric E. Garcia, Fort Worth Report December 27, 2025
Editor’s note: Made in Tarrant is an occasional Q&A series on small businesses started in Tarrant County. Submit your business here.
Gina Propp’s holiday granola treats rolled into a flavorful small business.
Her Crunchy Girl Granola brand — now a favorite of locals who visit Fort Worth-area markets — started more than six years ago after Propp lost her job but the freedom fueled her entrepreneurial desire to expand her burgeoning business.
She took the original groovy granola blend she made for holiday gifts for friends and family — a mix of oats, pecans, walnuts, brown sugar, honey, butter, salt and vanilla extract — and branded and packaged it for sale. She started at the Clearfork Farmers Market to build her customer base for the small-batch product.
“It just took off,” she said. “Six years later, I have a following. I have lots of regular customers.”
Propp added six different blends, including seasonal options, over the years as she also sells at local markets and through crunchygirlgranola.com. Products can be customizable and include those that are gluten free, nut free and sugar free.
Some granola products are named with a nod to Fort Worth, such as the Trinity Trail Mix, a standard blend made with certified gluten-free oats, almonds, pepita seeds, chia seeds, hemp hearts and dried cranberries.
Through a partnership with Volt Cowtown, a Near Southside electric skateboard and apparel shop, Crunchy Girl Granola is selling a special blend at the store that includes macadamia nuts, white chocolate, freeze-dried pineapple and toasted coconut.
Contact information
Website: crunchygirlgranola.com
Phone: 817-718-3480
Email: gina@crunchygirlgranola.com
Facebook: facebook.com/crunchygirlgranola
Instagram: instagram.com/crunchygirlgranola
Propp spoke with senior business reporter Eric Garcia.
The interview has been edited for clarity and space.
Eric Garcia: How did you start your business?
Gina Propp: In 2019, just before COVID hit, I started pretty small, kind of like a side hustle. I then lost my job. The business was sold out from under the employees and so I was kind of left with looking for a new job. I thought, I had just started this granola business and I’m going to give it a go as a full-time hustle.
Garcia: Which markets do you sell your products at?
Propp: Clearfork Farmers Market is a regular one and I’ve got other monthly markets I hit as well — Benbrook, Keller, Fort Worth Community Market on South Main Street. Anything to do with Fort Worth, I’m usually at. I’m still enjoying it. Being a market vendor is physically labor intensive all around but lots of fun.
Garcia: Do Fort Worth-area stores carry your products?
Propp: I do sell at some small, local kind of mom and pop shops. I sell at Roy Pope Grocery. In Benbrook, I sell at Stone’s Throw Farm Co. And in Decatur, I sell at Wise Roots Farm to Market.
Garcia: How did you decide to do a granola business?
Propp: I had been making the original blend, which is pecan and walnut, for a couple of decades. I started making it before my kids were born, and I’ve got a 24-year-old now. I gave it away as a holiday gift. I called it groovy granola and I gave it away to all my neighbors, friends and family, especially my husband’s co-workers. They really always looked forward to it. I knew that it was more than my family loved it. A lot of people loved it. That particular blend I had been making that for 20 years, and that’s what I stuck with when I first started the business.
Birthday Cake is one of the granola blends sold by Fort Worth-based Crunchy Girl Granola. (Courtesy photo | Crunchy Girl Granola)
Garcia: What different granola blends do you have?
Propp: I have six regular blends and I have six seasonal blends that I rotate through the year. As I’ve grown over the years, a lot of people don’t like walnuts or pecans or they’re allergic. There were different reasons for me to create new blends based on customer requests.
Garcia: What is your most popular product?
Propp: It depends on the weekend — either the original or the almond. Seasonally, it would probably be the gingersnap, which is happening right now. They all have a little bit of a run. There’s always a draw. Some people come as a family and they bring five jars to fill up, which is shocking to me that that much granola is eaten. I love it.
Garcia: How has your business changed over the years?
Propp: I started on my own and ran it on my own for a long time. As I’ve grown, I have a small team who now bakes granola blends, packages it and sells it for me. I am still out there. I am usually at one market each weekend, if not two. I’m still very hands on.
Eric E. Garcia is senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org.
News decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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What if you could buy a house in Colorado for just $5? A new company is working to make that a reality, starting with a home in Denver.
Earlier this year, Jason Graf and Sam Cogan launched their new startup, FulHouse Inc. The company operates a sweepstakes model in which, instead of one buyer paying the full cost of a home, the price is split among thousands of entrants, each paying a few dollars to enter. At the end of the sweepstakes period, they hope the home will be paid in full, and one lucky winner will receive it at a fraction of the cost.
This fall, Graf put his own two-bedroom Denver townhome up for sale for the company’s first sweepstakes.
“We believe so much in the idea that we really wanted to put our money where our mouth is,” Graf said.
Denver home for sale through FullHouse Inc.
CBS
His hope for this company is to make purchasing a home more accessible, he explained. The company’s launch also comes at a time when a new study from personal finance website Bankrate found that more than 75% of homes across the U.S. are unaffordable for the average household.
“A lot of those, those like dream giveaways, those are very fancy mansions, right? And it’s a marketing play for those reality TV shows. This is something different. This is truly trying to work with our community to give another option,” Graf said.
Since their first listing opened last month, Fulhouse has received more than $15,000 in entries. Graf says he is hoping to list more properties soon.
Denver home for sale through FullHouse Inc.
CBS
“I’ve also had real estate agents already reach out and say, ‘Hey, I got 20 homes I need to sell. Can I put my home on your platform?’” Graf said.
But some realtors are cautious about a new model like this, given the many details to consider. Andrew Abrams is on the market trends committee for the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, and he said he believes that sometimes selling a house the more traditional way can help sellers better plan around moving dates and other costs.
“As far as my sellers go, I don’t think [they’d use this]. I think they have their expectations for the way to sell a house. It’s a little more traditional, and they would stick to that. You know, for $5, would one of my buyers say, ‘Sure, I’ll take a chance?’ But to me, it’s kind of the same thing as doing the lottery,” Abrams said.
As with any home purchase, Abrams explained, it comes with risks and a lot of fine print.
“There’s never a reason to say, ‘It’s different, therefore it has to be bad.’ But having said that, doing the full due diligence, doing all the fine reading, all those details are so important, and most people don’t want to do that, which is why we have a traditional model, which is basically supply and demand,” Abrams said.
The sweepstakes for Fulhouse’s first property is set to close at the end of March, and if the entries reach the selling point, Graf says it will be raffled off. Graf also said that if the listed home doesn’t receive enough entries to reach the sale price, potential entrants can request a refund, donate their money, or double their entries in the future at no additional cost. Those who want to participate can also write Fulhouse a postcard for a free entry.
“Saying that your house is, you can win a house for $5 sounds scammy, right? But that’s why we’re really trying to get the word out that we’re just regular people, and we’re here to make a difference,” Graf said.
FILE – Moving company workers unload boxes for a clinic in Fargo, N.D., on Aug. 5, 2022.
Dave Kolpack / AP
State officials expect an increase in violations of Oregon’s mover certification rules in 2026, as a new law that expands what constitutes a violation goes into effect.
Current rules state that proof that a move was in process was required before a penalty can be assessed.
But a new law that goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, will allow companies that advertise, offer or complete a move within Oregon without an ODOT certification to be cited.
And those violations will come with a $3,000 fine, which is triple what current violations cost.
An official who oversees compliance said the ability to penalize companies that advertise moving services without a certification will be the biggest change.
“We expect to have an uptick of cases early in the year, and hopefully that will reduce as these entities come into compliance,” said ODOT Investigations and Compliance Unit Manager Leah Cisneros.
The changes come after a two-year resurgence in violations. The state handed out one violation a year in 2022 and 2023. Since then, it has handed out eight in 2024 and nine so far in 2025.
The numbers are still well shy of 2020, when 25 violations were cited.
Cisneros said fines commonly come after attempts to educate uncertified movers, and the rules do not apply to interstate moves.
An ODOT media release said movers in the state are regulated “to protect Oregonians’ personal safety and belongings,” and it encourages people to consult its list of certified movers before hiring a company.
Zac Ziegler is a reporter with KLCC. This story comes to you from the Northwest News Network, a collaboration between public media organizations in Oregon and Washington.
It is part of OPB’s broader effort to ensure that everyone in our region has access to quality journalism that informs, entertains and enriches their lives. To learn more, visit our journalism partnerships page.
As aging coal-fired power stations along Australia’s east coast reach the end of their lives, the country is looking to transition to renewable energy to secure our energy sources into the future in the face of climate change.
But what happens when these developments have the potential to hurt sensitive ecosystems or biodiversity?
Is some environmental damage an unfortunate — but unavoidable — casualty in the battle against climate change?
Energy revolution
The Victorian Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) says that in the next 10 years at least an additional 9.5 gigawatts of energy is needed from on-shore renewable energy sources to meet its target of 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035.
The Kentbruck Green Power Hub near Nelson, about 330 kilometres west of Melbourne, is among the projects that could help the state hit these targets.
If approved, HMC Capital’s project could see up to 105 turbines, standing at 270 metres tall, constructed across a pine plantation.
Project documents for the Kentbruck Green Power Hub near Nelson show what the wind farm would look like above a pine forest. (Supplied: Neoen)
Project documents say it will generate an estimated 600 megawatts of power — or enough to power about 400,000 homes — and is in an area with consistent high winds and a strong grid connection.
In December 2024, the Commonwealth government gave the project capacity investment funding as part of an underwriting scheme that aims to help Australia meet its renewable energy targets.
The future of the wind farm lies with Victorian planning minister Sonya Kilkenny, who will decide whether to grant it a permit.
Environmental concerns
The proposed wind farm is adjacent to an internationally significant Ramsar-listed wetland and a number of national parks, sparking concerns it could pose a risk to a number of endangered birds, including the Australasian bittern, orange-bellied parrot and south-eastern red-tailed black cockatoo.
More than 200 submissions were made on the project during the public consultation period.
Among the concerns raised by environmental groups was lack of data on how birds used habitat in the area and inadequate plans to monitor and respond to any bird deaths caused by the wind farm.
The Kentbruck wind farm is proposed to be adjacent to Long Swamp, which is part of an internationally significant and Ramsar-listed wetland. (Supplied)
The Victorian National Parks Association is among the organisations that wants the wind farm moved to a different location that is less ecologically sensitive.
Association campaigner Jordan Crook said on paper it looked good to put wind turbines in a pine plantation, which was already a degraded habitat.
“But when you zoom out and see that pine plantation is within an [ecologically] important area in the south-west, where there’s already limited amounts of habitat because of past clearing, it really doesn’t stack up,” Mr Crook said.
Victorian National Parks Association campaigner Jordan Crook says there is little untouched habitat in Victoria, due to land clearing. (Supplied: Jordan Crook)
Victoria is the most cleared state in Australia, Mr Crook said, with about 70 per cent of native vegetation removed.
“How we put in new infrastructure should take that into account,” he said.
He said the wind farm would fragment the landscape and prevent the free movement of wildlife in the wider area, potentially posing a collision risk to endangered birds and bats.
The wind farm’s project documents said while there was a risk some birds could hit the turbines, birds were unlikely to fly high enough to pose a serious collision risk.
Climate change a bigger threat
Australian National University professor of environmental and climate change economics Frank Jotzo said renewable energy projects have a “minimal” impact on the environment, and while that’s unfortunate, they are for the greater good.
“Whatever we do, there will be some undesirable effects,” Professor Jotzo said.
“In the big picture, there’s no omelette you can make without breaking any eggs.
“Climate change is the far bigger threat to biodiversity, to our environment, agricultural systems and economy.”
Frank Jotzo says climate change is the biggest threat to biodiversity. (Supplied: Frank Jotzo)
But if renewable energy such as wind and solar is not expanded, then what alternatives are there?
“We would need to build new gas and coal-fired power stations, which would come at a higher cost than wind and solar,” Professor Jotzo said.
Chris O’Keefe says renewable energy developers have the environment front of mind. (ABC News: Adam Wyatt)
Chris O’Keefe is the national spokesperson for the Clean Energy Council, an industry-advocacy group.
He said renewable energy existed to protect the environment.
“It was invented because of the major issues that are confronting the world on climate change,” Mr O’Keefe said.
But can we perfect the balance between protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, and rolling out these projects?
“I don’t think that’s possible to say,” Mr O’Keefe said.
“But … there is no renewable energy company in Australia that does not have the environment front of mind.”
