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

Grants Pass, Ore. (Feb. 7, 2026) – On Saturday, February 7, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., officers from the Grants Pass Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a female in the roadway at Grants Pass Parkway and M Street, firing handguns.

Officers arrived on scene and began giving verbal commands for the female to drop the gun, which were ignored. Officers fired their department-issued firearms and struck the female. She was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center, where she was identified as Alicia Shelton, 43, of Grants Pass. Shelton was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

There were no other reported injuries.  The Josephine County Major Crimes Team was activated, and the Oregon State Police were tasked with leading the investigation. The Oregon State Police Crime Lab responded and processed the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

As per standard protocol, the involved officers will be placed on paid leave during the investigation. Future updates will be provided by the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.

 

BPA Administrator Hairston announces retirement after three decades of service to Pacific Northwest

John Hairston, who has served as administrator and CEO of the Bonneville Power Administration since January 2021, is announcing his retirement from federal service. 

“From the beginning of my tenure as Administrator, I have thrived only because I could depend upon the professionalism, skill and resilience of the best federal workforce I have ever encountered,” said Hairston. “We are a workforce of serious people capable of solving serious challenges. As we navigated turbulence, that capability proved stronger than ever. I have complete confidence in the Bonneville workforce and in our current leadership to guide BPA to continued success on behalf of our customers and the region.”   

Hairston was named the BPA’s 16th administrator after serving in an acting capacity since September 2020. He dedicated 35 years of service to BPA in numerous positions, including as the agency’s first Chief Administrative Officer in which he significantly advanced the safety, security and resilience of BPA’s workforce. His incomparable agency experience and proven leadership acumen made him the ideal candidate for BPA’s top position, which he assumed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“John Hairston has been a steady, principled leader for BPA during a period of real complexity and change,” said Scott Simms, CEO and executive director of the Public Power Council. “On behalf of public power utilities across the Northwest, I want to thank John for his service and for his commitment to keeping BPA and its talented workforce focused on reliability, affordability, and its core public mission. John and the BPA team’s work to strengthen BPA’s financial footing, advance transmission investments, pursue day-ahead market participation, cement new long-term contracts and engage constructively with customers and regional stakeholders has positioned the agency to meet the challenges ahead. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him the very best in what comes next.”

As current wholesale power sales contracts neared expiration, Hairston recognized the importance of BPA’s financial strength as a foundation for establishing new contracts. He advanced policies and tools to give BPA greater flexibility for strategic asset investments and ensure long-term competitiveness. Despite inflationary pressures and rising costs, BPA avoided rate increases for most of his tenure while maintaining highly reliable service.

With a clear path to long-term competitiveness, Hairston oversaw a highly collaborative regional effort to forge new wholesale power sales agreements. Through the Provider of Choice initiative, BPA and 134 of its utility customers secured another two decades of certainty and stability for millions of energy consumers in the Northwest. Under these new contracts, utilities are assured a firm supply of wholesale power and BPA is assured of its ability to recover costs and to continue providing reliable, affordable electricity for years to come.

In another defining moment, Hairston clarified BPA’s path toward day-ahead market participation following an exhaustive regional process. At Hairston’s direction, BPA is pursuing participation in the Southwest Power Pool’s Markets+ day-ahead market. By enabling more efficient, cost-effective and reliable sharing of resources across a wider geographic area, BPA’s pursuit of day-ahead market participation aligns with the agency’s strategic objectives designed to meet a sharp rise in demand for power and transmission services.

“John Hairston has been a courageous, steady and principled leader for the Pacific Northwest as our industry has faced tremendous challenges,” said Lanny Nickell, SPP president and CEO. “I’m very grateful for John’s leadership in advancing Markets+ as a solution that promotes increased reliability and affordability for the West. I look forward to partnering with BPA and his successor as we work together to power progress for Western consumers.”

Recognizing a void in comprehensive transmission planning, Hairston worked with the Western Power Pool to spearhead the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition, a first of its kind inter-regional effort to develop actionable transmission plans encompassing the entire Western Interconnection.

“John’s leadership at BPA has been invaluable to the region during times of great change and challenges,” said Sarah Edmonds, president and CEO of Western Power Pool. “As an advocate for the Western Resource Adequacy Program and an originator of the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition, John has been a steadfast champion of regional reliability for the West.”

Within BPA, Hairston initiated reforms to modernize and advance the agency’s transmission planning and expansion capabilities. After identifying more than $6 billion in grid reinforcement and expansion projects to add significant transmission capacity and enable the addition of more energy sources, Hairston spearheaded the launch of a transformative project to serve transmission requests on an accelerated timeline. This effort builds on reforms he adopted in 2024 to more quickly and efficiently process requests for generator interconnections.

Working closely with his counterparts at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation, Hairston has been a strong proponent for investments in the reliability, capacity and efficiency of the federal power system. Jointly, the agencies are implementing a portfolio of projects with the potential to increase the capacity of the federal hydropower system by 800 MW over the next two decades. Hairston also committed to working with Energy Northwest to increase the capacity of the region’s only nuclear plant, the Columbia Generating Station, by 160 MW, which is enough electricity to power over 125,000 more homes.

“Throughout my thirty-plus years at Bonneville, I have witnessed firsthand John’s work to best position BPA to both deliver value to the region and meet our customers’ needs,” said Suzanne Cooper, deputy administrator and chief operating officer at BPA. “John is truly a long-term thinker — steady, focused, and always keeping the bigger picture in mind. His definition of success hasn’t ever been personal; it’s been about the organization and the people around him. He consistently invested in fellow leaders, cultivated a spirit of teamwork, and empowered his executive team to move BPA’s strategic priorities forward. Bonneville and the Pacific Northwest are all the better for his public service.”

A hallmark of Hairston’s leadership is his consistent emphasis on the importance of partnerships and strengthening coalitions, with an emphasis on considering diverse viewpoints. This was evident in his work with tribes resulting in a 20-year agreement to test the feasibility of reintroducing salmon above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams. The historic agreement supports important research while preserving the capacity and flexibility of the Federal Columbia River Power System.

The Department of Energy is actively in the process of selecting the next BPA Administrator to ensure a smooth transition.

 

February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health and learn more about heart disease. Small, everyday choices like staying active, eating well, managing stress, and getting regular checkups can help keep your heart healthy. Join us in learning more about ways to protect your heart and support heart-healthy communities across Oregon. 

Feb. 1-7 is Women’s Heart Week. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., but it is often preventable. The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) covers many services that can help you take care of your heart. 

Here are 5 ways to protect your heart:

1. Check your blood pressure: High blood pressure often has no symptoms. OHP covers routine checkups and screenings.  You may also be eligible for a blood pressure cuff to monitor your blood pressure at home.  

2. Know your cholesterol numbers: OHP covers lab tests to check cholesterol and other heart health risks.  

3. Quit tobacco for good: OHP offers free support, including counseling and medications.  

4. Take care of your mental health: Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect your heart. OHP covers mental and behavioral health services. 

5. Stay active and eat healthy foods: Talk to your provider about nutrition and physical activity. OHP may offer programs that support healthy habits in your region.  

Need help getting started? Call your Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) or visit OHP.Oregon.gov to learn more.  If you don’t know your CCO or do not have one, call OHP Client Services at 800-273-0557. 

 

Oregon Health Authority – Protecting Health During Cold Days

Winter’s chill: Protecting your health when temperatures drop

February can be one of the coldest and stormiest months in Oregon.

Because freezing temperatures, snow and ice, and winter storms and power outages increase the risk of injuries and health problems, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) encourages everyone to stay safe with a few simple tips.

Slipping on ice is one of the most common winter injuries. It can cause sprains, broken bones or head injuries. Very cold weather can also cause frostbite and hypothermia. These risks are higher for older adults, young children, people with ongoing health conditions and anyone without reliable heat.

• Prevent slips and falls: Wear shoes with good grip, walk carefully on icy surfaces and clear snow and ice from walkways.
• Protect against extreme cold: Wear layers, cover exposed skin and limit time outdoors during freezing temperatures. Frostbite can happen quickly in extreme cold.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia: Symptoms include strong shivering, confusion, slurred speech and extreme tiredness. Get medical help right away if you notice these signs.

 

Last week a federal judge issued a temporary injunction that prevents federal officers at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Portland from deploying tear gas, pepper balls, rubber bullets, or any other munitions against individuals unless they present a direct and immediate threat to the officers.

Liberal Judge Simon’s decision was made in response to a lawsuit filed last year by demonstrators who have alleged that federal officers employed excessive force against peaceful protesters outside the ICE facility located in the South Waterfront area of the city.

This site has been a central point for protests against President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies since last June. The judge emphasized that the public interest in safeguarding First Amendment rights is of utmost importance.

 

New legislation in the Oregon Legislature aims to eliminate certain tax breaks due to modifications resulting from the Big Beautiful Bill enacted by Congress that was signed into law by President Trump to save taxpayers money in many ways.

But the Big Beautiful Bill created a budget deficit in Oregon of 900 million dollars in the budget approved by the Oregon Legislature the previous year.

Liberal Democrats are advocating for the termination of a deduction for interest on personal vehicle loans, a tax exemption on profits from specific small-business stock sales, and the requirement for businesses to amortize tax write-offs for equipment acquisitions over multiple years.

 

Last week, Congressman Cliff Bentz from Oregon attended a hearing in Washington D.C. conducted by the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

During the session, the committee received testimony regarding the Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA). HR 471 aims to enhance forest management practices and mitigate wildfire risks. The committee was mindful of the catastrophic fires that occurred in Los Angeles a year prior, which resulted in the destruction of over 16,000 structures and the loss of several lives.

The FOFA Bill seeks to accelerate the evaluation of specific forest management initiatives in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. This could facilitate an increase in fuel reduction activities, such as logging.

Congressman Bentz is a proponent of this legislation, asserting that governmental delays in forest management pose a threat to thousands of lives. Opponents of the bill express concerns that it may compromise environmental safeguards.

Bentz contends that the bill would not only safeguard communities but also alleviate the financial strain on Americans who are facing rising utility and insurance expenses due to wildfire hazards. He is advocating for the Senate to approve the bill.

 

Earned Income Tax Credit could mean thousands more in cash refunds for eligible Oregonians

Salem, OR—A single parent of two young children earning $24,000 in Oregon could receive over $12,000 as a cash refund if they claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the federal Child Tax Credit, the Oregon Earned Income Credit (EIC), and the Oregon Kids Credit.

Low-income Oregon families overwhelmingly use cash refunds to cover the basics—housing, utilities, food, etc.

Yet, more than 20 percent of Oregonians eligible to claim the EITC, don’t. Low participation rates in these programs leave millions of dollars on the table for low-income Oregonians.

An IRS study of 2020 federal tax returns found that Oregon ranked last in EITC participation with only slightly more than two out of three eligible taxpayers claiming the credit. Oregon’s standing has since improved, rising to 44^th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, and participation rates were up to more than 78 percent for tax year 2022.

The Oregon Department of Revenue is working with other state agencies and community partners to encourage taxpayers to learn more about this credit and find out if they’re eligible.

The department is working to increase uptake of the EITC in Oregon by both raising awareness of how refundable federal and state credits can put cash directly in the pockets of low-income Oregonians, and by offering free tax filing assistance. The state partners with community based organizations to offer free tax filing assistance at sites across the state. The hands-on guidance encourages Oregonians to check if they are eligible for these refundable tax credits.The Earned Income Tax Credit is a fully refundable federal tax credit for people making up to $68,675 in 2025. A refundable credit not only reduces the amount of tax a taxpayer owes, any leftover credit results in a cash refund that can be deposited directly into their bank account. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $8,046 on their federal tax return, and a maximum Oregon Earned Income Credit of $966 on their state tax return. Certain taxpayers without children may also be eligible for these credits.

Individuals may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Oregon EIC, and other credits, even if they are not required to file a tax return. To receive the refundable credits, however, they must file a federal and state tax return.

Basic qualifications for EITC include:

• You, your spouse, or any qualifying child must have a Social Security number to claim the federal credit.
• Your earned income in 2025 must be below certain limits based on your number of qualifying dependents.
• You may be eligible even if you do not have a qualifying child.
• Taxpayers can use the IRS EITC Assistant to check their eligibility further. The assistant is available in English and Spanish.

State tax credits for families

In addition to federal refundable credits, Oregon has multiple state tax credits that low-income families can claim – the Oregon Earned Income Credit (EIC), and the Oregon Kids’ Credit. Both of these credits are also available to taxpayers who use an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) to file their taxes or have a qualifying child with an ITIN. Taxpayers with an ITIN, claim the Oregon EIC using schedule OR-EIC-ITIN. The EIC otherwise has the same basic qualifications as the federal EITC listed above.

The Oregon Kids Credit is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $26,550 or less, the full credit is $1,050 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $31,550.

The department recommends that Oregonians wishing to claim the Oregon Kids Credit use Direct File Oregon, the interview-based tax preparation software that allows taxpayers to file directly with the state for free. There was an earlier error in the forms for claiming the Oregon Kids Credit which has been updated and fixed in Direct File Oregon.

Taxpayers who plan to claim the Oregon Kids Credit, and file their taxes using another tax filing software can check the Department’s webpage to see if the software has been updated with the correct forms and instructions. The department has been in communication with its tax preparation software partners to ensure the fix is quickly applied to their forms.

For more information about the federal EITC, the Oregon EIC, the Oregon Kids Credit and other similar credits, go to the Tax benefits for families page.Taxpayers can visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website to find free tax preparation sites by using the interactive map. For more information on the EITC, visit https://www.eitc.irs.gov/. For questions about Oregon taxes, call the Department of Revenue at 503-378-4988, or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

 

The Oregon Heritage Commission is providing grants to museums for projects related to collections, heritage tourism, and education. The awards generally vary from $2,000 to $10,000.

Museums are eligible to apply for a range of initiatives, such as cataloging and conservation of collections, marketing efforts for heritage tourism, and educational exhibits. Additionally, they may collaborate with other organizations on projects that align with their mission. Museums serve as custodians of local, regional, and state history, and this program facilitates the collection, preservation, and promotion of that history throughout the state.

A complimentary online workshop on the grant application process will take place on February 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration is mandatory. The commission, which is appointed by the Governor, consists of nine members who represent the diverse heritage of Oregon. Its objective is to enhance Oregon’s heritage through coordination, advocacy, and educational initiatives.

 

Oregon and IRS begin processing e-filed returns; First state refunds expected February 17

Salem, OR—As Oregon and the IRS begin processing electronically-filed tax year 2025 returns today, the Department of Revenue expects the first Oregon taxpayers to receive their refunds—including their share of the state’s $1.41 billion kicker—as soon as February 17.

The department announced earlier this month that taxpayers who choose to file paper returns face a significantly longer wait. For paper filed returns, refunds will not start being issued until early April.

To help taxpayers avoid missteps that could further delay their refund, the department is opening 2026 tax season with a series of best practices suggestions.

File a return to claim your kicker

The kicker is a refundable creditthat will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.

Personal income taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using the “What’s My Kicker?calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2024 and 2025.

File electronically, request direct deposit

On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Those who file paper returns will experience a significantly longer wait in 2026 due to processing delays.

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax forms and information to the Oregon Department of Revenue. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns can’t begin until the end of March.

 Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to make a change to their return. They should choose to either file electronically or by paper. Doing both will delay processing of their return.

Gather all tax records before filing

In a kicker year, taxpayers can be in a hurry to file their return so they can get their refund as soon as possible. The department warns taxpayers not to get in too much of a hurry. They should make sure they have all necessary records—including Form W-2s from their employers and Form 1099s reporting other income—needed to file a complete and accurate tax return to avoid errors.

Getting in a hurry can cause taxpayers to file before they have all the information necessary to report all of their income. If income reported on a return doesn’t match the income reported by employers, the return, and any corresponding refund, will be delayed.

Revenue Online

Revenue Online is the state’s internet tax portal and is the best way to communicate with the department.

Taxpayers with a Revenue Online account should make sure their information is current before they file. They should check their username, password, and address; and verify any estimated tax payments they’ve made.

Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can create one. They can simply go to Revenue Online, click “Sign Up” in the box at the top right and follow the prompts.

Download Form 1099-G

The department reminds taxpayers that it no longer mails Form 1099-G to taxpayers. The form reports the amount of refunds, credits, or other offsets of personal income, statewide transit individual tax, TriMet transit self-employment tax, or Lane transit self-employment tax paid during the previous year.

Only those who itemized deductions on their tax year 2024 federal income tax return will need a Form 1099-G to file their tax year 2025 return. Those taxpayers can view and download their Form 1099-G through Revenue Online.

Taxpayers who received unemployment insurance or Paid Leave Oregon benefits in 2025 will receive a separate 1099-G by January 31 from the Oregon Employment Department.

 

TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, ORE.—Browns Camp Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Campground, managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), will transition from a first-come, first-served model to a reservation-only system when it reopens for the season on April 1, 2026.

“We are making the change to a reservation-only campground for two main reasons,” said Ben Burns, ODF’s State Forests Recreation Facilities Manager. “First, it benefits our campers. When you load up your toy hauler for a weekend trip, it’s reassuring to know you’ll have a campsite waiting when you arrive. This system eliminates the frustration of driving around the campground hoping to find an open site.”

ODF successfully implemented a reservation system at all equestrian campgrounds in 2025 for similar reasons.

“Horse campers often travel long distances with large trailers and have limited options if a campground is full,” Burns said. “The reservation system worked well to eliminate that problem, so based on that success, we’re expanding reservations to OHV campgrounds.”

The change will also improve operational efficiencies.

“Fee collection takes up a significant portion of staff time during the camping season,” Burns said. “The time saved can instead be used to better maintain and improve our campgrounds.”

Browns Camp has 28 campsites, and ODF encourages visitors to reserve early—especially for busy holiday weekends—when reservations open on March 2, 2026. The group camping area at Browns Camp is already reservation-based and will remain unchanged.

Campsites can be reserved at www.reserveamerica.com. Same-day reservations will be allowed although reserving sites prior will be recommended due to spotty cell phone service in the area. Camping fees will remain the same at Browns Camp: $20 per night.

In addition, ODF is working to improve overnight options for OHV users in Tillamook State Forest by converting the Diamond Mill OHV Area into a campground.

“We are actively working on that project, and it will be ready to roll out for the 2026 season,” said Burns.  Visit ODF’s  Recreation, Education and Interpretationwebsiteand social media sites for updates and opening announcements.”

 

Pacific Power Shares Winter Heating Tips to Help Customers Stay Warm and Save Money

As cold temperatures linger across the region, Pacific Power is reminding customers of a few simple adjustments they can make at home that can help them stay warm while also reducing their energy bill.

“With households using more electricity to stay comfortable during winter months, adopting energy-efficient heating practices benefits everyone,” said Ryan Flynn, president of Pacific Power. “Even small changes support the grid and can lead to significant savings on your monthly bill.”

To help customers get started, Pacific Power recommends taking these practical steps to help keep their energy costs in check this winter.

Tips for staying warm and energy-efficient:

• 68° degrees is great – Setting the thermostat at 68°F when you’re home and awake is recommended.

• Keep warm air in – Close window coverings at night to reduce drafts, and seal air leaks with caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows.

• Clean and tune – Clean or replace furnace filters monthly during the heating season. Routine maintenance helps improve airflow and ensures your system isn’t working harder than necessary.

• Use space heaters sparingly – and safely – Portable heaters require a lot of electricity and should be used only as needed. Running a typical 1,500-watt unit for eight hours a day over a month can add about $30 to a winter bill.

• Use appliances during off-peak hours– Using appliances like ovens, dishwashers and laundry machines during off-peak hours helps reduce strain on the grid and can help customers manage their bill – an approach Pacific Power also highlights during extreme weather.

Pacific Power offers a range of energy assistance programs, including income-qualified discounts, weatherization support and resources for customers managing high bills. For more information, visit PacificPower.net/Assistance or call 888-221-7070. 

For more tips on how to save energy year-round, visit our Savings & Energy Choices webpage atPacificPower.net/WinterTips. 

 

The Lake County Board of Commissioners convened a special session late last week to gain further insights into the Greater Idaho movement.

This initiative seeks to shift Oregon’s border westward, incorporating several Eastern Oregon counties into Idaho. During the meeting, Mike McCarter, an advocate and spokesperson for the movement, stated that they are striving to garner additional support from officials.

The group aims to elevate the conversation regarding the divide between urban and rural lifestyles within the state to the Oregon legislature. Supporters express a stronger alignment with Idaho’s values, rural lifestyles, political stance, and legislative measures, according to McCarter.

Lake County commissioners indicated that the purpose of the special session was to comply with county measure 19-35. This measure mandates the board to convene on the fourth Wednesday of each January, May, and September to deliberate on the potential relocation of the Idaho state border.

 

The College of the Siskiyous, located in Weed, has officially announced the introduction of a new Associate of Arts degree in Communication Studies: Social Media, which is set to commence in the upcoming spring semester.

This 18-unit program is specifically designed to prepare students for careers in the digital workforce by emphasizing skills such as podcasting, live streaming, social media strategy, and ethical digital storytelling.

Jayne Turk, the faculty lead for the program, indicated that the curriculum is intended to equip students for a job market where both businesses and government agencies increasingly require employees to be proficient in new technologies and social media platforms. The program places a strong emphasis on accessibility for rural and diverse student populations by providing essential courses entirely online through Zoom, including “Podcasting & Live Streaming.”

Turk mentioned that students are able to create high-quality content using readily available tools such as smartphones and laptops, thereby eliminating the financial burden associated with costly hardware. The degree is accessible to students without any prior experience and is attractive to a broad demographic. Turk even highlighted that her current class includes a student who is 81 years old.

 

 

(BEND, Ore.) — For millions of years, volcanoes have been the most powerful force in nature. And for many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the May 18, 1980, eruption of Washington’s Mount Saint Helens. The science, spectacle, and significance behind these massive peaks will soon be at the center of an immersive new exhibition, “Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration,” which will run from Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, at the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipient High Desert Museum in Bend, Ore.

On the heels of the Museum’s recent “Sensing Sasquatch” exhibition – which won the Western History Association’s prestigious 2025 Autry Public History Prize and earned national praise for exploring the Indigenous perspectives of what many call Bigfoot – comes the latest groundbreaking exhibition from the High Desert Museum. Under Pressure will take visitors on an educational, insightful, and thought-provoking journey into the forces that make volcanoes among the most majestic and often misunderstood natural wonders of the world, while exploring their individual stories and temperaments.

“From cultural and historical significance to the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, the Pacific Northwest and High Desert have a particularly long, complex, and symbiotic relationship with volcanoes,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., High Desert Museum executive director. “We live in their shadows, recreate on their slopes, and admire their beauty, but it’s the volcanoes’ ability to simultaneously cause destruction and creation that evokes feelings of awe. Under Pressure will provide an immersive and deep exploration.”

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration, a groundbreaking new exhibition from Oregon’s High Desert Museum.

WHEN:            Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027

WHERE:          High Desert Museum (Spirit of the West Gallery)

                         59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702 (map HERE)

COST:              Free with Museum admission or membership

   Active U.S. military and their families, as well as Tribal members, are FREE with ID

Among the highlights that visitors to Under Pressure can expect to encounter include:

• Engage the senses through interactive displays and exhibits, including volcanic rocks and a volcanic hazard map, to learn about cutting-edge volcano research.
• Hear stories and learn the significance of volcanoes to the people of the High Desert region.
• Get to know 4-6 individual volcanoes through biographies that explain the similarities and differences between them.
• Learn about present-day volcano hazards and how lava flows.
• Understand the technologies that scientists use to detect volcanic activity, which allow us to live among volcanoes while also enjoying their many benefits.

“These geologic giants exist all around us, come in all shapes and sizes, and tell a story of our past, present, and future,” says Whitelaw. “With 350 million people living near an active volcano worldwide, the more we understand about volcanoes, the better we can exist alongside them.”

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration opens to the public on Feb. 7, 2026, and runs through Jan. 3, 2027, in the High Desert Museum’s Spirit of the West Gallery. For additional information on exhibitions or to start planning your experience, visit highdesertmuseum.org.

 

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.

 

Find the mental health support you need

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