See Road Camera Views around the Klamath Basin:

Lake of the Woods
Doak Mtn.
Hiway 97 at Chemult
Hiway 140 at  Bly
Hiway 97 at GreenSprings Dr.
Hiway 97 at LaPine

Around the State of Oregon

Flood Watch and Landslide Risk Across Western Oregon 

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for multiple counties, including Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill.

Saturated soils and steep terrain, especially in areas recently affected by wildfires, may lead to landslides and debris flows. This will be accompanied by high wind gusts along the coast, in the coastal mountains and some inland areas.

Stay alert and take precautions: Turn Around, Don’t Drown 

• Be aware of limbs that may have come loose in the windstorm and be cautious of falling branches. Make sure outdoor furniture and decor is secured.
• Listen for unusual sounds such as cracking trees or rumbling rocks.
• Watch for sudden changes in water flow or color.
• Travel cautiously, especially at night. Assume roads may be compromised.
• Do NOT drive or walk through flood waters.There are unseen hazards like open storm drains and metal debris, and cars can be swept away in even a few inches of water.
• Understand the additional burn scar risks.
• The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office urges you to be careful using alternative power sourcesduring power outages.

OEM also reminds Oregonians to prepare for future flooding and landslide risks:

• Sign up for emergency alerts at gov and ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on mobile devices.
• Stay alert to changing conditions. Monitor weather updates via radio, TV, or gov/pqr.
• See flooding inundation maps for your area on the NOAA website.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from OEM and explore preparedness tips, including how to Be 2 Weeks Ready for any disaster, at Oregon.gov/OEM.

 

Keizer Home-Invasion Robbery Suspects Arrested in Eugene

KEIZER, Ore. — On the evening of October 24, 2025, Keizer Police officers responded to a report of a man with a gunshot wound to the chest. The unidentified suspects took the victim’s firearms and other personal belongings and fled the scene before police arrival.

The victim was 20-year-old Landon Ostrom who, while bleeding, ran to neighbors for help and reported he was shot and robbed inside his apartment by one woman and two men, all armed with guns.

Neighbors and responding officers rendered aid to Ostrom who was then transported to the hospital and, despite having sustained life-threatening injuries, survived the attack. In their initial response, Keizer PD officers were assisted by the Salem Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Keizer Police detectives responded the same night and continued to work the case for weeks, looking for evidence and applying for, obtaining, and serving multiple subpoenas and search warrants. Detectives were assisted by analysts from the FBI and Oregon Department of Justice.

As the suspects were identified in the course of the investigation it was determined the home-invasion robbery was a targeted attack, with prior knowledge of the victim and his possessions.  The investigation involved evidence gathering and surveillance operations in multiple counties, and led detectives to Eugene, Ore.

On Friday, an apprehension and search warrant execution operation was conducted by Keizer PD detectives, Salem PD, as well as detectives, patrol officers, and SWAT from the Eugene Police Department.

The three suspects—two men and one woman—were taken into custody and search warrants were executed at multiple locations. One firearm was seized during the operation.

The men – Daniel Tijerina and Romeo Luna, both 20, both of Eugene – were lodged on charges of Attempted Murder, Robbery in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Menacing.

The woman, 19-year-old Eugene resident Franki Salyers-Livingston, was charged with Attempted Murder, Robbery in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, and Assault in the First Degree.

The three suspects were transported to the Keizer Police Department and later to the Marion County Correctional Facility.

 

Oregon Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bank Fraud and Tax Evasion

MEDFORD, Ore.—An Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison last week for embezzling more than $250,000 from her employer and evading over $50,000 in federal taxes.  

Notja Michelle Brower, 53, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $310,106 in restitution to her victims.

According to court documents, in July 2018, Victim Business 1 (VB1) hired Brower as a bookkeeper and office manager. Within one month of her hire, Ms. Brower began defrauding VB1 by issuing herself unauthorized company checks and pocketing thousands of dollars in cash payments. She then altered VB1’s business records to conceal her thefts as business expenses and payroll draws. Brower also fraudulently opened a credit card in the personal name of a VB1 owner and used that card to purchase over $20,000 in travel, casino, restaurant, and exotic car rental expenses. Brower then made payments to that credit card using VB1’s business checking account.

Also, for tax years 2018 and 2019, Brower willfully failed to report the embezzled funds as income, resulting in over $250,000 in unreported income and a total tax due and owing of $57,705.

On April 4, 2024, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a twelve-count indictment charging Brower with bank fraud, wire fraud, unauthorized use of an access device, aggravated identity theft, and tax evasion.

On March 10, 2025, Brower pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of tax evasion.

Oregon State Fire Marshal reminds Oregonians of carbon monoxide danger during power outages

 

Salem – Don’t let fraudsters play the Grinch with your finances this holiday season. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, along with the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), is warning investors that bad actors are preparing to unwrap a new generation of sophisticated schemes.

According to NASAA’s 2025 Enforcement Report, state securities regulators conducted over 8,800 active investigations in 2024, leading to more than $259 million in monetary fines and restitution. The data reveals that while scammers are using new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to dress up their schemes, the goal remains the same: separating victims from their hard-earned money.

“The rapid growth of technology and the rise of artificial intelligence gives scam artists new tools to steal your money,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “Fraudsters are pitching new investments that often have nothing to do with latest tech developments and instead play on fear of missing out.”

DFR urges investors to review the following list of threats and check it twice to make sure they do not wind up with a stocking full of coal. Here are 12 scams to watch out for:

1. Affinity or “pig butchering” scheme: A major focus of 2025 enforcement, this long-con combines romance and finance. Scammers befriend victims online, build trust over time, and convince them to invest heavily in fake platforms before disappearing with the funds.
2. Deepfake impersonations: Regulators warn that 22.2 percent of bad actors are now using AI to generate deepfake videos and cloned voices of celebrities or trusted friends to solicit money or endorse fake products.
3. Phantom AI trading bots: Criminals sell AI-powered “trading bots” that promise guaranteed returns. These are often black-box scams in which the algorithm and the profits do not exist.
4. Digital asset and crypto fraud: Consistently a top threat, digital asset scams accounted for hundreds of investigations in 2024. These often involve unregistered securities and vague promises of high returns in the crypto space.
5. Fake AI equity pitches: Scammers are selling stock in companies that purportedly develop breakthrough AI models. These are often “pump and dump” schemes or sales of equity in companies that are entirely fictitious.
6. Social media lures: Regulators report that nearly 32 percent of investigations opened in 2024 involved scams originating on platforms such as Facebook and X. If an investment opportunity appears in your newsfeed, approach with extreme caution.
7. Short-form video hype: Scammers are increasingly using TikTok and Instagram Reels to post slick, professional-looking videos that tout “get rich quick” schemes to younger demographics.
8. Text and WhatsApp traps: Unsolicited messages on Telegram and WhatsApp are a growing threat. These often start as a “wrong number” text that pivots into a conversation about an exclusive investment opportunity.
9. Targeting older investors: In 2024, regulators investigated more than 1,600 cases involving senior victims. Older investors are specifically targeted with traditional scams involving promissory notes and equities, as well as newer digital frauds.
10. Account takeovers: Using AI and phishing, fraudsters are seizing control of existing financial or social media accounts to steal funds or solicit money from the victim’s contact list under the guise of an emergency.
11. Website and app spoofing: Using AI to generate professional graphics, scammers create clone websites that look identical to legitimate financial institutions to trick users into handing over login credentials and funds.
12. Unregistered solicitors: Despite professional-looking websites and pitches, many sellers are not licensed. In 2024, regulators nationwide opened 944 investigations involving unregistered individuals.

DFR has created an Investor Guide to help you navigate investing your money and how to avoid scams. If you think you may have been the victim of a financial scam, contact one of our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

Guided First Day Hikes set for New Year’s Day in 25 Oregon State Parks

SALEM, Oregon— Whether you prefer a moderate hike through a desert landscape or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, Oregon State Parks has a First Day Hike for you on New Year’s Day, Thursday Jan. 1.

Rangers and volunteers will lead guided First Day Hikes at 25 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, but a day-use parking permit is required at some parks. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon Residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold online or at park offices.

America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.

“Across Oregon, First Day Hikes have grown into a beloved New Year’s tradition for visitors and staff alike. On January 1^st, park rangers and volunteers share stories of park history, geology, wildlife, and plants, as families and friends kick off the year together with an engaging outdoor adventure,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration including Deschutes River, Elijah Bristow, Emigrant Springs, LaPine, Lukiamute, Oswald West, Sitka Sedge, and Smith Rock.

For any questions about accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations needed to participate in a hike, please see the contact information on each hike’s webpage.

Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.

Share photos of First Day Hikes via X and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.

 

Holiday-Themed Oregon Lottery Scratch-its Make Easy, Last-Minute Gifts

This year, Oregon Lottery’s holiday Scratch-it tickets are available in five festive designs, ranging from “Make It Merry” to “Sleigh Ride Riches.” The tickets, priced from $2 to $30, make popular stocking stuffers and can be found at Oregon Lottery retailers across the state.  

Scratch-its are a fun, last-minute gift idea since there’s no concern about choosing the right size or color. But there is one important consideration – make sure lottery tickets are only given to those 18 years old and up.

“Oregon Lottery Scratch-its are an ideal adults-only gift: simple to give, packed with possibility, and guaranteed to add a touch of excitement to every celebration,” said Stacy Shaw, who leads Oregon Lottery’s Safer Play program.

Throughout the year, the Oregon Lottery and lotteries worldwide partner with the National Council on Problem Gambling to promote gifting lottery tickets responsibly. The Oregon Lottery has been part of this annual campaign for over a decade. In addition, Oregon Lottery helps fund free, confidential, and effective counseling and treatment programs statewide. Visit OPGR.org for more information.

For those over 18 picking up Scratch-its, winning tickets range from a few dollars to the “Holiday Wishes” top prize of $200,000. Use the Oregon Lottery mobile app to see if you won and enter non-winning tickets into the free Second Chance drawings. Regardless of the outcome, lottery games help fund programs that Oregonians care about.

 

The Oregon Department of Revenue will open the application period in January 2026 for the Agricultural Employer Overtime Tax Credit.

Paying overtime to agricultural workers became a requirement of employers in Oregon as of January 1, 2023. In 2025, agricultural workers are paid overtime after they work 48 hours in one work week. If an employer paid overtime, they may qualify for a refundable personal or corporate income tax credit, regardless of the size of the business.

The tax credit for employers is a percentage of overtime premium pay paid as wages.

All applications must be submitted no later than February 2, 2026.

The 2025 filing period marks the third year since eligible employers have been able to apply for the tax credit.

Applications can only be made through the department’s Revenue Online website. Qualifying agricultural employers who have not applied for the tax credit previously need a Revenue Online account to apply during the application period. No paper applications will be accepted. We have published a new video to help customers with their Revenue Online applications.

DOR encourages employers to prepare in advance to ensure an easier and faster filing experience. DOR’s webpage provides guidance for how to apply, documentation you may need, program information, and frequently asked questions to help employers apply for the tax credit.

For general questions about the Agricultural Employer Overtime Tax Credit, email: Ag.Overtime@dor.oregon.gov.

Tax practitioners with other tax or customer account questions are encouraged to contact a dedicated practitioner specialist by email at prac.revenue@dor.oregon.gov, or by phone at 503-947-3541.

 

Oregon reduces barriers to birth control for Medicaid members

Oregon Health Plan members will be able to obtain birth control and emergency contraception without a prescription and at no cost, available now

SALEM, Ore. – Starting today, Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid) members will be able to get over-the-counter birth control pills, including Opill, and emergency contraception at no cost at pharmacies in the state. Oregon Health Authority (OHA), in collaboration with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy, made this possible through a standing order, which allows pharmacists to provide these medications to OHP members and bill OHP.

“Access to reproductive health care should not depend on how much money you make or what kind of insurance you have,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “This step ensures that Oregon Health Plan families can get timely, affordable birth control. I will keep working to make sure every Oregonian can access the care they need to make the decisions that are right for them.”

In Oregon, these medications are already covered without a prescription for people with private insurance. Federal law, however, requires that all medications for Medicaid enrollees be prescribed by a licensed practitioner who is enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program. Oregon’s new standing order means that OHP members will no longer have to get a prescription to access these contraceptives at no cost.

“This change removes a real and unnecessary barrier to care,” said OHA Director, Dr. Sejal Hathi. “By allowing Oregon Health Plan members to get safe, effective contraception directly from pharmacies – without a prescription and at no cost to themselves – we are closing a longstanding gap between private insurance and Medicaid and ensuring all people in Oregon have greater control over their own reproductive health.”

Over-the-counter emergency contraception has been widely available for several years, and the FDA approved Opill as the first birth control pill for over-the-counter use in 2023. Previously, however, OHP members were required to pay out of pocket or else seek out a doctor’s appointment for a prescription to get these medicines covered.

Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) requires that many health plans offered in Oregon, including all plans offered through the Marketplace, cover over-the-counter contraceptives at no cost. Some private insurance plans that are not subject to Oregon insurance laws may not include this coverage, so people with private insurance should contact their insurance company for more information about their coverage. Additional information can be found on the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS)web page.  

How OHP members can get access:

• OHP members can go to their approved pharmacy and request emergency contraception or Opill, and for it to be covered by OHP.
• Most OHP members get their benefits through a local Coordinated Care Organization (CCO); OHP members can call their CCO and ask which pharmacy to go to.
• OHP members not in a CCO (known as OHP Open Card), or who do not know which CCO they’re in, can call OHP Client Services for help at 800-273-0557. 
• OHP members will need to provide their OHP ID number, which is on their OHP ID card or CCO ID card, or by providing personal information that enables the pharmacy staff to search for and confirm enrollment in OHP. 

Additional information is available on the OHP member webpage.

HAYDEN HOMES AND SIMPLICITY MOBILIZE TO FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY IN THE NORTHWEST

Year-end initiative contributes $66,000 to local food banks, more than 2,500 pounds of donated food, and dozens of volunteer hours

Redmond, Ore., Dec. 17, 2025—This December,Hayden Homes, Simplicity by Hayden Homes, and First Story undertook a major philanthropic campaign across the Northwest in support of organizations fighting food insecurity. 

The campaign included gifts totaling $66,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Western Montana. In addition, a company-wide food drive totaled more than 2,500 pounds of non-perishable foods, which team members delivered to local food banks where they also contributed more than 60 hours of volunteer time. 

Community members facing food insecurity are experiencing a lack of consistent access to enough food for a healthy, active life, according to Feeding America, a leading data provider on the issue. Feeding America estimates that in 2023, about 14.2 percent of Oregonians, or 599,460 people, were food insecure. 

“While federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been restored, we know our region continues to face critical food insecurity,” said Brett Swanson, regional director at Hayden Homes. “It takes all of us to build a strong community, and at Hayden Homes, we are motivated by our Give As You Go™ philosophy to do what we can, when we can. Whether someone can give nonperishable items, a financial contribution, or an hour of their time to their local food kitchen, we hope our community members will join us to help feed our neighbors.”

Regional homebuilders Hayden Homes and Simplicity invest in the communities where they build, and the companies’ three philanthropic areas of focus include Food Security, Housing Solutions, and Youth and Education. The flagship of Hayden Homes’ giving initiatives is First Story, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded by the company in 1998 to provide affordable homeownership opportunities to under-resourced families across the Northwest. Each year, First Story donates hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to nonprofit organizations whose work strengthens local communities.        

In Oregon, Hayden Homes, Simplicity, and First Story gave $18,500 to local organizations including Albany General Hospital, ACCESS, Agape House, Food for Lane County, St. Vincent De Paul of Bend, NeighborImpact, and Thrive Central Oregon. The funds will support a variety of initiatives to ensure community members can feed their families not just at the holidays but throughout the year. 

“Our food network serves more than 80,000 individuals every month including children, families, and older adults,” said Scott Cooper, executive director of NeighborImpact. “When local private companies like Hayden Homes and Simplicity invest in the nonprofits and agencies that partner with NeighborImpact to alleviate hunger in Central Oregon, the entire system can do more to provide fresh, local food to pantries, meal sites, and shelters across our region.”

At the St. Vincent De Paul food bank in Bend, team members delivered 450 pounds of donated nonperishable items. And in Albany, fifteen Hayden Homes and Simplicity regional team members joined the Samaritan Albany General Hospital Foundation for a Backpack Assembly Event in support of the Hayden Homes/First Story Backpack Fund. This program provides healthy food backpacks for local patients and families struggling with food insecurity. In addition to filling 100 backpacks, the volunteer team also presented a $5,000 donation to further support the program. 

To learn more about Hayden Homes’ Give As You Go™ philosophy, visit www.hayden-homes.com. 

 

Approximately 37,000 residents of Oregon are affected by modifications to SNAP access in December following the USDA’s termination of Oregon’s SNAP work-rule waivers.

Consequently, the state is now required to implement federal regulations across the board, which took effect on December 1, 2025.

The newly enacted federal legislation, which was approved on July 4, 2025, in conjunction with USDA directives, mandates work requirements for adults classified as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD). These stipulations now pertain to adults aged 18 to 64 who do not have children under the age of 14 in their SNAP household, marking a shift from the former age threshold of 54 and the previous requirement of households without children under 18.

Veterans, individuals who have been in foster care, and those facing homelessness, who were once exempt from these rules, are now required to comply with work requirements. Nevertheless, individuals enrolled in federally recognized Tribes, or those with a parent or grandparent who is, continue to be exempt. Exemptions are also applicable to residents living on specific Tribal lands.

A recent federal law also changed who must follow ABAWD work rules. These rules now apply to:

• Adults ages 18–64
• Adults who do not have children under age 14 in their SNAP household

This is a change from the previous rules, which applied only to adults up to age 54 and households without children under age 18.

Some groups who were previously exempt now must meet work rules. This includes:

• Veterans
• People who were in foster care
• People experiencing homelessness

New exemption added:

People who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Tribe, or who have a parent or grandparent who is, are exempt from ABAWD work rules.

People who live on the following waived Tribal Lands are also exempt from work rules, even if they are not an enrolled tribal member or descendant:

• Burns Paiute Tribe Reservation and off-Reservation Trust Land  
• Coquille Indian Tribe Reservation and off-Reservation Trust Land 
• Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians Reservation  
• Klamath Tribes Reservation
• Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Reservation and off-Reservation Trust Land 

A full list of exemptions is on the ODHS SNAP Work Ruleswebsite.

What people with ABAWD status must do

People with ABAWD status who do not qualify for an exemption must:

• Work or take part in approved work or training activities for at least 80 hours each month. The work can be paid or unpaid, including trading work for shelter.

If they do not meet the 80-hour requirement:

• They may only get SNAP benefits for three months in a three-year period (36 months).

For example: If someone does not meet SNAP work requirements in January, February and March, they will lose food benefits beginning in April. In Oregon, the current three-year period ends December 31, 2027. If their situation changes before then, like moving to a waived area or qualifying for an exemption, they may be able to get SNAP again.

People who think they may be affected should contact the ODHS ABAWD Unit as soon as possible:

• Phone: 1-833-947-1694
• Email:ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

The ABAWD unit can help people learn:

• If they qualify for an exemption
• If they are already meeting the work rules
• If they should connect with the Oregon Employment Department (OED) to create a work or training plan to meet the work rules

ODHS and OED are working together to help SNAP recipients meet ABAWD work rules through job search, training and education services. A referral from ODHS is required to participate in OED ABAWD services.

 

Opponents of Oregon’s newly established transportation funding package submitted nearly 200,000 signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office on Friday, an action that immediately halts the forthcoming tax and fee increases pending verification of the signatures.

The initiative, spearheaded by the “No Tax Oregon” campaign, seeks to place a repeal referendum on the ballot for November 2026 after watching Gov. Tina Kotek keep piling on new taxes to Oregonians. Petitioners require just over 78,000 valid signatures to qualify.

The organization claims it exceeded that requirement within days and has continued to gather signatures statewide. The transportation package, which was approved by lawmakers earlier this year, encompasses a six-cent increase in the gas tax, elevated DMV fees even more, and a doubling of the state’s transit payroll tax.

Proponents assert that the revenue is essential for maintaining roads and sustaining transit services. Opponents argue that the additional costs—estimated to be around $600 annually for some families—would exacerbate affordability challenges throughout the state, and they assert that the pause prevents ODOT from generating new revenue until voters have the opportunity to express their opinions.

 

WINTER WHALE WATCH WEEK RETURNS TO THE OREGON COAST DEC. 27-31 

OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, Dec. 27 through Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 14 sites along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales on their southward migration to the calving lagoons in Mexico.

The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at the official event webpage:https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

This is a great time to see one of the world’s longest migrations, as the gray whales are traveling by our coastline,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales in 2023 when it looked like the population was rebounding. But since then, the population has declined to its lowest level since the 1970s. NOAA now estimates about 13,000 gray whales along the West Coast.

Winter Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and park rangers.

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Park rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and always keeping an eye on the surf. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visithttps://stateparks.oregon.gov/

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #ORWhaleWatch.

 

BLM APPROVES LITHIUM EXPLORATION IN SOUTHEAST OREGON

VALE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management recently approved the expansion of lithium exploration activities in southern Malheur County, about 20 miles west of McDermitt, Nevada. 

With this approval, HiTech Minerals, Inc. is authorized to conduct lithium mineral exploration activities over the course of five years. Lithium has been on the Department of the Interior’s list of critical minerals since the list was established in 2017. 

“The HiTech lithium exploration project represents a significant step toward achieving the nation’s energy goals and reducing dependence on foreign critical minerals—key priorities under the President’s agenda,” said BLM Acting Malheur Field Manager Tara McLain. 

The project includes disturbance of up to 73 total acres created by 168 exploration drill sites across 7,200 acres of public lands, the construction of 22 miles of new access routes, and other temporary disturbances to store necessary equipment. 

Exploration drilling would occur annually between July 1 and November 30 for up to five years, and concurrent reclamation of the disturbances would occur after each drill season. Subsurface hydrological, geophysical, and geochemical data may be collected during the proposed drilling activities as well. 

Additional information, including the signed decision record, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, please contact BLM Public Affairs Specialist Larisa Bogardus at 541-523-1407 or lbogardus@blm.gov.

 

Health officials urge pertussis vaccination, safety measures to protect babies; case count surpasses 75-year record OHA releases new data showing Oregon’s maternal pertussis vaccination rate too low, especially in rural counties.

• What you need to know:
  • Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that spreads easily through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.
  • Pertussis can cause severe disease in people of all ages, but babies are most at risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from infection.
  • Vaccination is important for people of all ages, and it’s the best way to prevent severe disease and hospitalization.

 

The private foundation established by Nike cofounder Phil Knight and his spouse Penny Knight donated $226 million last year, marking its most generous year to date, as indicated by a recent tax filing.

Over the past five years, the foundation’s assets have more than doubled, reaching $5.4 billion, a development that has significant implications for Oregon, considering the Knight family’s contributions to the state’s universities, schools, and civic organizations. Last year represented the fourth consecutive year in which the foundation contributed at least $150 million.

Almost all of the foundation’s donations last year were allocated within Oregon, including $182 million designated for the University of Oregon’s new science campus, which appears to be a partial fulfillment of the previously announced $1 billion in pledges. The campus bears the Knights’ name.

 

Americans are becoming increasingly doubtful regarding the worth of a college degree; however, federal statistics indicate that Oregonians holding a college diploma earn 70% more each year compared to those who have only completed high school.

This is encouraging news in a state where the proportion of individuals with college degrees has reached a record high. Nevertheless, graduates’ earnings are influenced by factors beyond merely possessing a degree. The field of study plays a significant role.

According to data from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission concerning the Class of 2018, graduates from Oregon’s state universities earned a median annual salary of $57,000 five years post-graduation. In contrast, individuals with only a high school diploma earn a median of less than $40,000 per year.

The financial advantage of holding a college degree is most pronounced for those who have obtained degrees in scientific or technical fields, as they can earn over $100,000 five years after completing their studies.

 

Families in rural Oregon who are raising children frequently encounter limited opportunities for after-school activities that enhance social skills, academic achievement, and safety.

According to a survey conducted by the Afterschool Alliance, a national nonprofit organization, five out of six children in Oregon could gain from after-school programs but are unable to access them due to high costs or distance. For families residing outside urban centers, the closest program is often situated more than an hour away.

The survey revealed significant support for after-school programs from both Republican and Democratic parents. Some parents indicated that after-school activities enable them to work longer hours, increase their productivity, and alleviate concerns regarding their children’s wellbeing, as reported in the survey.

 

Beginning in February, air travelers in the United States who do not possess a REAL ID will incur a fee of $45, as announced by the Transportation Security Administration on Monday.

Although the updated ID has been mandatory since May, passengers lacking it have previously been permitted to pass through security with additional screening and a cautionary notice.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, 94% of travelers are already compliant, and the new fee aims to motivate travelers to acquire the ID. REAL ID refers to a state-issued license or identification card that complies with federal standards and fulfills enhanced requirements established following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

 

The Department of the Interior has announced a significant update regarding access to national parks, introducing new digital “America the Beautiful” passes that will be available starting January 1, 2026.

As stated by the Department, these modifications are intended to enhance the accessibility and affordability of national parks for American families.

The new digital passes can be obtained through Recreation.gov, enabling visitors to purchase and utilize them immediately on their mobile devices. This update encompasses Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, and Access passes.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum highlighted the significance of these changes in a statement on the department’s website, asserting, “President Trump’s leadership always prioritizes American families.”

Annual passes will be priced at $80 for U.S. residents, whereas nonresidents will incur a fee of $250.

 

 

Ready to Advertise? Let us get the word out for your business!  We offer more local advertising opportunities than any one in the Klamath Basin. 

Call BasinLife.com at 541-363-7503. Or email us today at INFO@BasinLife.com with your name, business, and what you’re looking for.  We’ll customize a plan fit for your budget.

You can receive Daily Radio Mentions across our 6 stations, Articles, direct link Banner Ads, floating Banner Ads on hundreds of article pages daily, Social Media Posts and also available are Email Blasts to thousands of local residents.

We can also keep you updated with the latest smart digital marketing strategies for 2025 for your business. BasinLife.com is still the best value in the Klamath Basin for advertising, now in our 9th year promoting businesses in Southern Oregon.

For information or prices on plans, simply call us today at 541-363-7503 or email us at Info@BasinLife.com. Let us keep your business top-of -mind!