A state microbe? — The state Legislature is considering honoring brewer’s yeast as the state microbe. Resolution sponsor Rep. Mark Johnson says there’s a craft brewery in every legislative district. But an investigation by The Oregonian has found there are three districts that remain thirsty for a licensed brewery. House District 17, which covers Stayton, Lebanon and Scio; House District 47, which covers a large portion of East Portland; and House District 4, which covers Central Point, White City and Eagle Point, all lack a licensed brewery. The House has already approved the resolution and now the measure is before the Senate.

Vacant home squatters — Police in Albany say squatters are taking up residence in local unoccupied homes and it’s likely a sign of the economy. Linn County law enforcement officers tell the Albany Democrat-Herald that more homes are vacant lately and they’re getting more reports of squatting, vandalism and thefts.

Middle school graffiti — Salem police are investigating some lewd, racist graffiti that was found all over Judson Middle School this weekend. The Statesman-Journal reports the graffiti was painted over or scrubbed off by Sunday. Sgt. Alan Graham says police found swastikas, phallic symbols, racial slurs and other derogatory words painted on the school. Graham says he doesn’t think anybody is in danger. He adds, however, that the principal was mentioned.

Fire rescuer — A Portland man is struggling to survive after saving seven people from a duplex fire. KATU-TV reports John Zeller is in intensive care in a Portland hospital. The volunteer with Clackamas County Search and Rescue helped seven people escape a fire at a Southeast Portland duplex. His mom, aunt, uncle, sister, nephew and two neighbors all got away safely. Zeller can’t breathe without help and his body is badly burned.