The Oregon Tech Foundation has awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships for the 2025–26 academic year, marking the fourth straight year of million-dollar support for students. The awards recognize academic achievement, financial need, and donor commitment to Oregon Tech’s mission.

The U.S. Mint has officially ended production of the penny after more than two centuries, citing rising costs and shifting consumer habits. The coin will remain legal tender, but some Oregon retailers — including a well-known Medford store — are already adjusting with new rounding policies for cash purchases.

A Central Point man was arrested late Tuesday night after deputies say he sexually abused a 13-year-old girl he had met on Snapchat. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says the suspect attempted to flee but was stopped and taken into custody.

Ashland will host its first-ever Sarcasm Festival Dec. 5–7, featuring national touring comedians at OSF’s Angus Bowmer Theatre and dozens of comedy events across downtown venues. The three-day celebration includes stand-up, improv, drag brunches, workshops, and more — all aimed at boosting local culture and tourism.

Oregon State Parks will end its acceptance of Jackson County parking permits at two local state parks starting January 1, 2026, citing budget shortfalls and the need for long-term financial sustainability.

Columbia Sportswear has named two new co-presidents as part of a long-term succession plan, positioning the Oregon-based outdoor apparel company for its next phase of global growth.

Willamette Pass Ski Resort is investing nearly $500,000 in upgrades to improve snowmaking, rentals, and lodge facilities, part of a multi-year effort to strengthen the mountain experience and support local communities.

Bear Camp Road has reopened following the Moon Complex Fire, restoring access between the Rogue Valley and the Southern Oregon Coast. Officials warn that hazards remain, and some trails and campsites along the Rogue River remain closed.

A Texas defense contractor’s inquiry about leasing land at Newport Municipal Airport has raised concerns that a new ICE facility could be planned for Oregon’s coast. Local and state leaders say they’ve received little information from federal agencies and are demanding clarity.

Medford Police arrested three suspects after an armed menacing incident and vehicle chase near Hawthorne Park. Officers recovered two stolen firearms linked to a recent robbery, and a police K9 helped apprehend one suspect hiding in Bear Creek.

A federal spending bill could redefine legal hemp and ban many CBD and hemp-derived products, threatening Oregon’s hemp industry. Southern Oregon farmers say the proposed policy misunderstands the plant’s chemistry and could devastate rural economies.

Southern Oregon University’s Small Business Development Center in Medford will close after 41 years of service, following a state decision to reject a joint proposal with Rogue Community College to maintain funding. The closure ends decades of support for local entrepreneurs and marks the last university-run SBDC in Oregon.

This Veterans Day, we pause as a nation to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of freedom and democracy have shaped the story of America — one defined by resilience, unity, and service beyond self.

After decades of waiting, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has laid to rest eight unclaimed veterans and one family member with full military honors at Willamette National Cemetery. The ceremony ensured long-forgotten heroes finally received the recognition and dignity they earned through service.

Oregon taxpayers will receive a 9.863% “kicker” credit on their 2025 state tax returns after the state confirmed a $1.41 billion revenue surplus for the 2023–2025 biennium. The credit will be applied when taxpayers file in 2026.

Ranchers in southern Oregon report increasing livestock losses linked to the growing Grouse Ridge wolf pack. State wildlife officials confirm a rising wolf population while balancing conservation goals and rural livelihoods.

Bonnie Raitt, Matt Rife, and Train have been added to the Hayden Homes Amphitheater 2026 concert lineup in Bend, with presales opening this week.

Governor Tina Kotek has signed House Bill 3991, securing $300 million to maintain Oregon’s roads, bridges, and transit systems while preventing layoffs and updating how the state funds transportation.

After seven days of intensive search efforts in the Mount Hood National Forest, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has suspended the active search for missing hunter Devon Dobek. More than a dozen agencies and 4,000 volunteer hours were dedicated to the effort, which will resume if new evidence or leads emerge.

Outdoor recreation on America’s public lands generates $351 million per day in economic activity, according to a new report from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Experts say it’s a sustainable economic powerhouse that outpaces drilling and mining.