AAA expects 877,000 Oregonians to travel for Independence Day, with Bend, Newport and Medford/Ashland among the top regional destinations. The forecast also highlights Oregon gas prices, airfare and major July 4 events in Bend, Medford and Ashland.

An unofficial gravel pullout along U.S. 101 north of Brookings will close to parking beginning June 22. ODOT and Oregon Parks officials say the area, often used to access Secret Beach and the Oregon Coast Trail, was never designed or maintained as a trailhead and has created safety and environmental concerns.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 13 civil penalties in April totaling more than $3.4 million. The enforcement actions included major wastewater penalties tied to Pacific Seafood facilities in Charleston and Brookings, along with a solid waste case in Wolf Creek.

ODFW announced new fishing regulations affecting Oregon anglers and commercial fishermen, including wild Chinook harvest restrictions in the Umpqua Basin and the opening of the north coast Dungeness crab season.

Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week from Dec. 27 through Dec. 31, offering visitors a chance to observe gray whales migrating south along the Oregon Coast with help from trained volunteers.

Oregon will open its commercial Dungeness crab season Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon to the California border, with additional areas to open later once quality testing benchmarks are met.

A Texas defense contractor’s inquiry about leasing land at Newport Municipal Airport has raised concerns that a new ICE facility could be planned for Oregon’s coast. Local and state leaders say they’ve received little information from federal agencies and are demanding clarity.

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for the South Central Oregon Coast as powerful King Tides roll in this week. Waves up to 25 feet and potential flooding are expected along beaches and low-lying areas, prompting safety warnings for residents and visitors alike.