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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026

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A Quiet Reckoning for Oregon’s Colleges Carries Real Economic Stakes for Southern Oregon

By John Oliver The next major economic shift for Southern Oregon may not arrive with the opening of a new business or the closure of a major employer, but through a pen stroke in Salem. A bill now awaiting the signature of Governor Tina Kotek could set in motion a sweeping evaluation of Oregon’s higher education system, one that carries significant financial implications for communities far beyond campus boundaries. At the center of the legislation is the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, which would be tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of how the state’s colleges and universities operate, how they are funded, and whether the current structure is sustainable. While the measure itself does not immediately raise tuition or cut programs, it opens the door to decisions that could reshape the economic landscape of regions like Southern Oregon. For residents in Josephine and Jackson counties, the conversation is not abstract. Institutions such as Southern Oregon University are already navigating financial strain, with recent state intervention required to stabilize operations. That reality reflects a broader pattern across Oregon, where declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and fragmented institutional roles have

begun to erode financial stability. Higher education functions as more than a pathway for students; it is a regional economic engine. Universities and community colleges support jobs, attract outside dollars, and feed skilled workers into local industries. When those institutions struggle, the effects ripple outward. Landlords feel it through reduced student housing demand. Small businesses feel it through fewer customers. Local governments feel it through a narrower tax base tied to reduced economic activity. The proposed evaluation would examine whether Oregon’s current system duplicates programs across multiple campuses, whether resources are being used efficiently, and whether institutions are aligned with workforce demands. On paper, that may sound like administrative housekeeping. In practice, it raises the possibility of consolidation, program reductions, or shifts in

funding priorities. For Southern Oregon, those possibilities carry weight. Rural regions already operate with thinner economic margins than larger metropolitan areas. If the review results in program cuts or reduced investment at smaller institutions, the consequences could include fewer educational opportunities close to home, forcing students to relocate and take their spending power with them. That outward migration would further strain local economies that depend on keeping young residents in the region. At the same time, supporters of the bill argue that doing nothing presents a greater risk. Without intervention, ongoing deficits and inefficiencies could force sudden, unplanned cuts that would be even more disruptive. A structured evaluation, they contend, offers a chance to stabilize the system before it reaches a breaking point. From an economic standpoint, predictability carries value. Businesses and communities can adapt to gradual change far more effectively than to abrupt collapse. There is also the question of workforce alignment. Southern Oregon’s economy relies heavily on healthcare, trades, small business development, and tourism. If the review leads to stronger alignment between education programs and local industry needs, it could help address persistent labor shortages and improve long-term economic resilience. In that scenario, the region could benefit from a more targeted and efficient education pipeline.

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see EVALUATION, page 3

Operation Epic Fury Expands Across Region as U.S. Strategy Shifts and Global Risks Increase By Ellen Ward The operational footprint of what has been identified as Operation Epic Fury expanded noticeably over the past 24 to 48 hours, with new developments signaling a broader regional impact and a more calibrated U.S. military strategy moving forward. Recent activity indicates that the United States has continued its campaign against Iranian military capabilities while deliberately avoiding strikes on key elements of Iran’s energy infrastructure. Military targets, including missile systems, naval assets, and defense-related facilities, remain the primary focus. The absence of attacks on oil production and power systems reflects a strategic decision rather than a reduction in force, as U.S. operations remain active and ongoing across multiple sectors. At the same time, Iran’s response has shifted toward expanded regional engagement. Missile strikes reported within Israel over the past two days have caused damage to civilian infrastructure and resulted in injuries, marking a continuation of direct retaliation efforts. These strikes demonstrate an increased reliance on longer-range capabilities capable of reaching population centers, rather than isolated or symbolic actions. Beyond direct engagement, activity tied

to Iranian-aligned groups has increased. Hezbollah forces have launched additional rocket fire into northern Israel, while heightened tensions and reported incidents have surfaced across several countries in the region, including Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. This pattern reflects a widening operational environment in which multiple areas are experiencing elevated security concerns tied to the broader conflict. One of the most closely watched developments is the growing focus on the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway remains one of the most critical global transit routes for oil shipments, and recent threats to maritime move-

ment have raised concerns among international partners. In response, allied nations are preparing for potential naval operations aimed at maintaining open shipping lanes and preventing disruption to global energy transport. Market reactions to these developments have already emerged. Oil prices have risen above the $100 per barrel level, reflecting increased uncertainty surrounding supply stability and transport security. Several countries dependent on imported energy have begun assessing contingency measures as the situ ation continues to evolve. From a military standpoint, U.S. officials

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see GLOBAL, page 5

Spring Break Travel Runs Into a Strained Security System Raising the Stakes for Southern Oregon Flyers

By John Oliver The line at the airport is no longer just a line. This week, it is the first signal of how tight the nation’s travel system has become as spring break traffic collides with a strained security workforce and a schedule that leaves little room for error. Across the country, flights are still taking off and landing, but the conditions surrounding those departures have shifted. The Transportation Security Administration is operating with fewer available officers than planned, the result of ongoing federal funding issues that have forced tens of thousands of screeners to work without pay. Some have continued to report for duty. Others have not. The result is uneven staffing at security checkpoints, where wait times can change quickly depending on the hour, the airport, and how many officers are on the floor. For travelers in Southern Oregon, that reality may not be immediately visible when stepping into Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport. On most days, Medford still moves at a manageable pace. The problem is not always at the point of departure. It is what happens after the first flight leaves the ground. Nearly every outbound trip from Medford depends on a connection through a larger airport. Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Denver all serve as gateways, and each of those airports is feeling the weight of heavier passenger traffic combined with thinner security staffing. When lines slow down at those hubs, the effects move outward. A traveler who clears security quickly in Medford can still find themselves racing a clock at their connection, where longer lines, tighter boarding windows, and delayed inbound aircraft begin to stack against them. Spring break is amplifying the pressure. Passenger volumes have climbed, especially during early morning and mid-day departure windows, when families and students are moving through

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see SPRING, page 9