Oregon’s hidden fossil beds: From colorful Painted Hills to Clarno’s ancient palm forests and Sheep Rock’s dramatic strata, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument spans three remote units packed with 45 million years of paleontological treasure — find out why.
Desert twisters mimic Mars: A Boise State team set up wind sensors in the Alvord Desert in June 2024 to capture elusive dust devils, revealing how these whirlwinds shape Martian climate and help clear rover solar panels — find out how.
Hidden gems on the Oregon Coast: A 2025 Frugal Flyer survey slots Secret Beach, Gold Beach, Bandon State Natural Area and a tucked-away Agate Beach among America’s top hidden shores, from moss-lined sea caves to secluded tide pools — find out where to escape the crowds.
Bell-to-bell ban ordered: Gov. Kotek’s executive order requires Oregon’s 197 public school districts to bar cellphones from first to last bell, with policies due October 31 and the ban in place by Jan. 1, 2026 — find out what this means for students.
Crowe and Hawke’s Depression drama: Set in 1933 Oregon, Ethan Hawke plays a war veteran imprisoned by Russell Crowe’s ruthless warden, then forced to smuggle gold across the wilderness to reunite with his daughter. Principal photography begins this summer in Bavaria — find out how this gold-fueled journey unfolds.
Turning ash into aroma: Oregon winemakers are transforming smoke-begrimed grapes into sought-after “wildfire wines,” using everything from skinless fermentations to smoke-forward storytelling to adapt to climate-driven fire seasons — find out.
OSU boosts Oregon economy: A report released today shows the university’s research and operations deliver over $3.5 billion in value and support 22,000 jobs statewide, returning $13.18 for every $1 invested — find out how research powers local growth.
ODOT braces for layoffs: The agency will issue layoff notices to more than 600 workers next week after lawmakers failed to pass a transportation funding package, risking delays in essential road and bridge maintenance — find out what’s at stake.
Statewide recycling fees kick in: Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act has gone live, requiring large paper and packaging producers to pay into a unified system that will bring curbside recycling to over 150,000 new households — find out how it works.
Teens explore outdoor careers: OSU’s inaugural Youth Outdoor Career and Leadership Summit brings 50 Oregon high schoolers to Corvallis Aug. 13–16 for hands-on workshops, speakers and a career fair in environment, forestry, agriculture and more — find out how to register by July 13.
Other Oregon headlines this week
- Oregon construction jobs slip as homebuilding slides
- Pelican Brewing opens Rockaway Beach taproom August
- Oregon athletes shine at 50th Prefontaine Classic
- Artistic Oregon City home hits the market
- Oregon parks now welcome Class 1-3 e-bikes
- NE Oregon sawmill closes, displacing 62 workers
- New data shows psilocybin clients skew wealthy
- Southern Oregon’s Boomfest 2025 dazzles July 4
