2026 JoCo Fair Theme Announced: Home of the Brave: 250 Years of Heroes
The Josephine County Fair Board has unanimously selected the theme for the 2026 Josephine County Fair. In recognition of our Nation’s historic 250th birthday, the 2026 theme will be
“Home of the Brave: 250 Years of Heroes.” The decision was made during the Fair Board’s regular monthly business meeting Tuesday. As part of the celebration, the Fair Board is developing a Wall of Heroes, where community members will be invited to display photos of current and past family members who have served in any branch of the military. The wall will also include a dedicated section honoring first responders. The 2026 Josephine County Fair will take place Wednesday, July 29 through Sunday, August 2. Additional details about the Wall of Heroes, entertainment, and special activities will be announced at a later date.
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Employment Reports Delayed Again After Federal Government Shutdown
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has resumed production of the monthly employment reports for the nation on a delayed schedule after the lapse in federal government appropriations that began on Oct. 1, 2025. In a release from the Oregon Employment Department, the most recent update from the BLS today says they will not publish an October 2025 Employment Situation news release. Establishment survey data from the Current Employment Statistics survey for October 2025 will be published with the November 2025 data. Household survey data from the Current Population Survey could not be collected for the October 2025 reference period due to a lapse in appropriations. The household survey data is not able to be retroactively collected. The collection period for November 2025 data will be extended for both surveys, and extra processing time will be added. According to the release, as of August, preliminary estimates showed Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.0%, and employers added 6,900 jobs to non-farm payrolls.
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Medford Police Apprehended Two Suspects in Market Shooting
Medford Police officers responded to a reported disturbance and information that an individual had been shot at the OK Market Saturday. Around 5:19 p.m., at 1192 North Riverside Avenue, officers arrived at the scene, located the victim, and provided aid. Additional responding units secured the area. Preliminary information indicated the suspects and victim exchanged words prior to the shooting, after which the suspects left in a vehicle. They were located a short time later in the surrounding area by patrol units. The driver, Osbaldo Rodriguez, 25, was charged with DUII. The passenger, Juan Carlos Rodriguez, 47, was identified as the shooter and lodged in the Jackson County Jail on charges of Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. The victim was treated at a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.
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