The Jefferson Exchange

Animal welfare leaders say access to water, shade and cooling supplies can make a critical difference for pets and community cats during Oregon's hottest days.

SOU's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute has expanded to a record 160 fall courses, giving older adults new opportunities to learn, socialize and stay engaged.

After 25 years transforming his Eugene property, Jan Spencer says lasting environmental change begins with individuals and their neighborhoods

Find the best roadside restaurants in Southern Oregon and Northern California, from classic burger stands to Beckie's Cafe and other local favorites.

Known as the Bigfoot Capital of the World, Willow Creek is highlighting its museums, Native partnerships and outdoor recreation alongside its famous legend.

High school juniors and seniors in Humboldt and Del Norte counties can earn up to six Cal Poly Humboldt credits for $25 per semester while taking university classes.

A new Cal Poly Humboldt study found river otters at the Arcata Marsh hunt ducks and other waterbirds during winter, revealing surprising predator behavior in the North Coast wetland.

The changes aren't limited to hotter summers. Scientists say warmer winters and shifting seasons are transforming ecosystems in unexpected ways.

From restoring Southern Oregon's disappearing oak savannas to rebuilding Pacific lamprey populations and keeping Arcimoto vehicles on the road, this week's regional roundup highlights conservation and innovation efforts across Oregon.

Arthur Monarque became the first incarcerated student at Pelican Bay State Prison to earn a bachelor's degree through Cal Poly Humboldt. Now he's headed to Wake Forest University on a full scholarship.

Major Connections, a nonprofit founded by a Klamath Falls family, is creating an inclusive play center and community hub for people with disabilities and their families.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has launched a formal review to determine whether the Cascade red fox and three native Goose Lake fish should receive federal protections under the Endangered Species Act.

Coos County has updated its Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the first time in more than a decade, with new guidance on defensible space, home hardening, insurance inspections and recruiting volunteer firefighters.

Health officials have confirmed Jackson County's first West Nile virus-positive mosquito pool of the year and are urging residents to eliminate standing water as crews also monitor an invasive day-biting mosquito.

A federal program that has invested millions in repairs to Oregon public lands has expired. Advocates are urging Congress to renew the fund.

A documentary explores how a partnership between Hiroshima survivor Hideko Tamura Snider and Southern Oregon arborist Mike Oxendine helped grow and plant "survivor trees in more across Oregon.

From a mountaintop music festival to poetry, theater and free concerts, JPR shares arts events happening across Southern Oregon this summer.

As Rogue River plans for future growth, Mayor Pam VanArsdale discusses infrastructure, public safety, regional advocacy and the collaborative approach she says keeps the city moving forward.

A proposed Southern Oregon nickel mine, the enduring legacy of Tule Lake and Lakeview's drinking water challenges highlight three of the biggest stories from around the region.

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.