Oregon Tech has received a $500,000 gift from the Beavers Charitable Trust to support workforce development within the university’s new Construction Management program. The funding will provide scholarships and expand the program’s Heavy Construction Management option.

Medford’s Winter Lights Festival returns to Pear Blossom Park on Dec. 6 with a full evening of holiday activities, including a candy cane hunt, illuminated parade, tree lighting, live performances, Santa photos, and Polar Express-themed fun.

ODOT has announced two major updates for December: a public meeting on proposed speed limit reductions in Eugene and on U.S. 101, and overnight closures on I-205 for Abernethy Bridge construction. Additional daytime lane restrictions will also affect the Oregon City–West Linn Arch Bridge.

A prohibited Chinese mitten crab was found in the Willamette River near Portland, marking the second confirmed sighting of the invasive species in Oregon this year. ODFW is urging residents to report any suspected mitten crab sightings to help prevent potential environmental damage.

Oregon State Parks is seeking public input on proposed changes to reservations, fee ranges, and Special Access Pass rules as the agency works to address a projected $8 million operational shortfall. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15, with comments accepted through Jan. 15, 2026.

A lithium battery ignited inside a custodians’ workshop at Miller Elementary School in Bend on Sunday night, triggering the fire sprinkler system and limiting damage to the small room. Crews cleared smoke and water from the gym as the district works toward reopening the school safely.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 10 civil penalties totaling $462,425 in October for violations involving air quality, water protection, stormwater management, and underground fuel tanks across the state.

Medford Police arrested a woman Wednesday morning who investigators believe set multiple arson fires across North Medford, including vehicle fires and a blaze at a local restaurant.

Two Klamath Falls residents were killed Wednesday in a rollover crash on Highway 140E after a passing attempt triggered a collision, according to Oregon State Police.

Medford Police recovered more than $141,000 in stolen radio equipment and arrested a suspect following two burglaries at Medford Fire Department storage facilities. Detectives say the investigation also cleared several additional theft cases throughout Jackson County.

The National Park Service is rolling out major changes for 2026, including digital America the Beautiful passes, updated annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle benefits, and a revised pricing structure for U.S. residents and international visitors.

The man injured in a Nov. 23 officer-involved shooting with Medford Police has been released from the hospital and lodged in the Jackson County Jail. Shane Wesley Smith, 30, of Medford, is facing multiple charges as the case heads to a Jackson County Grand Jury for review.

ODOT is urging travelers to prepare for heavy holiday traffic, winter weather, and potential delays as Oregonians hit the roads for Thanksgiving week. Crews will be working throughout the holiday to keep highways clear, but drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, check conditions, and travel with caution.

A wrong-way crash on I-5 near Grants Pass early Saturday left one person dead and two injured, according to Oregon State Police. Northbound traffic was impacted for about four hours during the investigation.

Governor Tina Kotek has declared a statewide state of emergency following the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon’s transportation fuel. While officials say current fuel supplies remain adequate, the order activates emergency plans and gives the state flexibility to keep fuel moving if conditions change.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued several updates ahead of the holiday weekend, including two statewide free fishing days, expanded public access on the restored Klamath River, and a coastwide delay to the commercial Dungeness crab season. Recreational crabbing and clamming remain open in many areas, while winter weather may affect river site access.

Governor Tina Kotek has announced that philanthropic partners in the Oregon Disaster Funders Network have matched the state’s $6 million investment in hunger relief, identifying more than $6.4 million to support food banks, pantries, and community organizations statewide. The partnership expands resources identified through the Governor’s emergency food order.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has released a detailed FAQ explaining the temporary emergency rules aimed at reducing the risk of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) at equine events. The guidance clarifies registration requirements, isolation expectations, veterinarian availability, recordkeeping, and misinformation circulating within the equine community.

Oregon Tech is celebrating enrollment gains for the second year in a row, including its largest freshman class in more than 40 years. Total enrollment reached 5,444 students this fall, driven by growth in online programs, the Klamath Falls campus, and expanded dual credit opportunities for high school students.

The Ross Ragland Theater has opened registration for its winter classes, offering seven arts and enrichment programs beginning January 12 for students, teens, and adults. Prices vary, and scholarships are available.