The Jefferson Exchange

The Talent Food Project uses a neighborhood donation system to help address food insecurity in Jackson County and support local families.

The Oregon Remembrance Project's Sunrise Project is helping communities confront the legacy of sundown towns through free trips that connect Black Portlanders with Southern Oregon.

A new staged reading explores the life of Southern Oregon pioneer John Beeson, who defended Native Americans during the Rogue Indian Wars and was forced to flee his home.

A new $1 million gift will help Oregon Humane and Oregon State University expand hands-on veterinary training as rural communities face a shortage of veterinarians.

A North Bend project aims to digitize more than 80 years of local newspapers before fragile paper copies and microfilm deteriorate. Fundraising has surpassed the halfway mark toward its goal.

A planned wildlife crossing on Interstate 5 south of Ashland has secured $33 million in federal funding. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.

Cal Poly Humboldt researchers are using unused strands in fiber-optic cables to track earthquake vibrations across Northern California.

A childhood keepsake inspired Ashland author Michelle St. Romain's debut novel, "Song of Belonging," a story of ancestral memory, Louisiana roots and magical realism.

As America marks its 250th anniversary, Oregon librarians and a bookseller recommend fiction and nonfiction that offer new perspectives on U.S. history.

Darryl Goodson is an engineer who didn't plan to become a fish farmer. But he now owns a sustainable fish sturgeon farm in Fort Klamath, Oregon.

The Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum uses hands-on exhibits and a historic hatchery building to bring Northern California's history and geology to life.

Discover family-friendly lakes, scenic rivers and beginner surf spots across Southern Oregon and Northern California.

Andrew Parmalee, known as the “Rogue Rockhound,” turns raw Pacific Northwest stones into polished spheres and shares his process with thousands on YouTube.

A lawsuit could force federal action on the western ridged mussel, a key species that helps keep rivers clean across Oregon and the West Coast.

Klamath Basin Behavioral Health is expanding free community events in Klamath County to help children build resilience and reduce the long-term impacts of childhood trauma.

Talent and Phoenix plan new biking routes linking the Bear Creek Greenway to farms, wineries and cultural sites to support economic recovery.

A rare blue whale skeleton found near Gold Beach in 2015 will soon go on display at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center after a decade-long preservation effort.

A new investigation examines water use on the Deschutes River, Lane County tackles textile waste, and a Eugene bagel shop earns a national television spotlight.

SOU professor Renee Owen offers insight on self-actualization within transformative leaders and the mindset of transforming education systems starting from within.

Curt Dimmick returns to Crater Lake National Park as superintendent, with major infrastructure projects underway and the Cleetwood Cove Trail closed through 2029.

Dry weather and wind are raising wildfire concerns as Medford officials warn about fireworks safety, injury risks and where fireworks are legal.

Visitors with limited mobility can explore Redwood National Park trails using all-terrain track chairs during a free event July 11 near Orick.

Heather Cristenbury, executive director of the Coos History Museum, discusses the many artifacts and images that help preserve and tell the history of the southern Oregon coast.

Oregon State researchers led a three-month project in northern California to study the Humboldt marten across a 150-square-mile area.

Ashland's 10-12 Little League All-Stars are headed to the Oregon state tournament and raising money to help cover travel and tournament expenses.

Montague Mayor Takeshi Murakami is working to preserve the city's small-town character through community events, recreation and volunteer leadership.

Learn how Oregon communities are restoring ecosystems, rebuilding infrastructure and making the outdoors more welcoming for everyone.

Jacksonville author Thomas Withenbury discusses his debut novel, The Color of Indigo, and how family history inspired its story.

Jean-Michel Jussiaume shares how his journey from France's Loire Valley to Southern Oregon influences his traditional-method sparkling wines.

The Charleston Marine Life Center offers touch tanks, whale skeletons and hands-on exhibits while connecting visitors with marine science on the Oregon coast.

Wildlife officials say invasive snapping turtles have been found in the Rogue River, where they threaten native turtles, salmon and other wildlife.

Henley High School students spent two years converting a school bus into a mobile command center that the Oregon Department of Forestry will use during wildfire season.

A five-day residency at a remote fire lookout inspires artwork, scientific observation and community conversations about one of the Pacific Northwest's most diverse landscapes.

A federal lawsuit seeks Endangered Species Act protections for the sunflower sea star after disease and warming oceans devastated its population.

Looking for ways to cool off? Local food lovers share their favorite ice cream shops, shaved ice, frozen treats and easy summer recipes across Southern Oregon and Northern California.

Gabriella Lena Frank is a partially deaf woman of color telling stories outside the traditional Western European canon.

Author Molly Best Tinsley discusses how growing up in a military family inspired her novel about the lasting emotional impact of military service.

Elaine Weiss joins the Exchange to talk about her book, "Spell Freedom."

Author Tamika Thompson discusses The Curse of Hester Gardens, a Gothic horror novel exploring poverty, generational trauma and gun violence.

A free Ashland screening explores proportional ranked choice voting, its use in Portland and Northern Ireland, and how it could reshape representation.

Canine Angels provides service dogs at no cost to children and young adults. The nonprofit is now seeking more volunteer puppy raisers.

Looking for things to do this June? JPR's Dave Jackson and Vanessa Finney recommend free concerts, public art, festivals and live music across Southern Oregon and Northern California.

Officials say limited land, high construction costs and a lack of incentives have slowed higher-income housing development in Arcata.

Officials say limited land, high construction costs and a lack of incentives have slowed higher-income housing development in Arcata.

After retiring from a 45-year career in education, Ashland author Barry Vitkov returned to writing and has published six books, with a seventh on the way.

Mayor Fred Fry of the City of Powers, Oregon shares his dream of Powers being the home of an environmental research facility and outdoor recreation tourist destination.

The Pacific Northwest is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with soccer tips for new fans, public art in Tacoma and free tickets for Seattle youth.

The SOU Student Film Festival features 14 short films from Southern Oregon University filmmakers, highlighting student talent, industry connections and award-winning work.

Medford has opened a new 19-court pickleball complex at Howard Memorial Sports Park. City officials say the $2 million facility is the largest municipal pickleball complex in Oregon.

Activist and forager Robin Greenfield is eight months into a challenge to forage 100% of his food and medicine while promoting sustainability, civil disobedience and community food systems.

Looking for your next summer read? Southern Oregon librarians and booksellers recommend books for Pride Month and summer, from queer history and historical fiction to romance, satire and nonfiction.