Central Oregon unemployment rates rise; here’s the sectors where jobs were gained or lost

KTVZ on January 13, 2026

KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates are up year-over-year in all three Central Oregon counties, the Oregon Employment Department reported Tuesday.

Here’s the complete report they issued:

Bend MSA (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties): MSA seasonally adjusted unemployment rates are not available at the moment, but more data should be available by the end of the month. For county data, see below.  

The Bend MSA lost 560 jobs (-0.5%) from October to November, with the largest losses occurring in professional and business services (-310 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-170 jobs); the public sector (-130 jobs); and leisure and hospitality (-100 jobs). Private-sector job gains were less widespread and concentrated within trade, transportation, and utilities (+150 jobs) and private education and health services (+80 jobs). Smaller but notable losses took place in manufacturing (-60 jobs), information (-10 jobs), and other services (-10 jobs).  

Total nonfarm employment increased by 1.8% (+2,030 jobs) from November 2024 to November 2025. Over the year, private job gains were seen in leisure and hospitality (+1,110 jobs), private education and health services (+700 jobs), and other services (+260 jobs). Smaller gains were also seen in mining, logging, and construction (+40 jobs) and trade, transportation, and utilities (+20 jobs). 

Private-sector losses were not as widespread and concentrated in information (-390 jobs), professional and business services (-170 jobs), financial activities (-110 jobs), and manufacturing (-60 jobs). The public sector gained 630 jobs over the year with all gains occurring at the local government level (+840 jobs) –federal government employment decreased by 140 jobs over the year while state government employment was down 70 jobs. 

Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.9% in November 2025, up 0.8 percentage point from the previous year. Outside of the pandemic recession, the last time the unemployment rate was 5.9% was in 2016.  

Crook County lost 140 jobs (-1.9%) over the month. Losses were concentrated within leisure and hospitality (-40 jobs); professional and business services (-20 jobs); and trade, transportation, and utilities (-20 jobs). 

Public-sector employment shed 60 jobs with federal government losing 40 jobs and local government losing 20 jobs. Private-sector gains were minimal and occurred in the information industry (+10 jobs). All other major industries saw little to no change over the month.  

Over the past year, the county lost 300 jobs (-3.9%). Losses were concentrated within the information industry (-270 jobs) and mostly occurred due to a change in the way the data was reported. Otherwise, losses occurred in government (-50 jobs); professional and business services (-30 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-30 jobs); manufacturing (-10 jobs); and private education and health services (-10 jobs). 

Over the year, job gains were not as widespread and were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+60 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+30 jobs); and other services (+10 jobs). 

Deschutes County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.9% in November 2025, up from 4.1% in November 2024. Outside of the pandemic recession, the last time it was this high was in 2016, and it is 1.6 percentage points above its record low of 3.3% before the onset of the pandemic. 

Deschutes County lost 400 jobs (-0.4%) from October to November, with the largest losses occurring in professional and business services (-300 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-140 jobs); the public sector (-90 jobs); and manufacturing (-80 jobs).

Within the public sector, losses were concentrated in federal government (-70 jobs) and local government (-30 jobs). Smaller but notable private-sector losses also occurred in leisure and hospitality (-30 jobs), information (-20 jobs), and other services (-10 jobs).

Private-sector job gains were less widespread and concentrated within trade, transportation, and utilities (+170 jobs) with the majority of gains taking place in retail trade (+150 jobs); private education and health services (+80 jobs); and financial activities (+20 jobs).  

Total nonfarm employment increased by 2.5% (+2,410 jobs) from November 2024 to November 2025. Over the year, private job gains were seen in leisure and hospitality (+970 jobs) with more than half (+590 jobs) of gains taking place in accommodation and food services; private education and health services (+750 jobs); and other services (+130 jobs). Smaller gains were also seen in manufacturing (+90 jobs) and trade, transportation, and utilities (+20 jobs).

Over the year, private-sector losses were concentrated in information (-120 jobs); financial activities (-100 jobs); professional and business services (-40 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (-40 jobs). The public sector gained 750 jobs over the year, with all gains occurring at the local government level (+910 jobs) – federal government employment decreased by 120 jobs over the year while state government employment was down 40 jobs. 

Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.9% in November 2025, up 1.3 percentage points from November 2024. Like the other two counties, the last time the unemployment rate was this high, outside of the pandemic recession, was 2016. Shortly before the first impacts from COVID-19 were felt, the rate was 4.3%. 

Total nonfarm employment decreased by 10 jobs (-0.2%) over the month of November. Losses were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (-30 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-20 jobs); and other services (-10 jobs). Gains were marginal and concentrated in government (+30 jobs), specifically in local government (+20 jobs) and state government (+10 jobs), with minor gains also seen in manufacturing (+20 jobs). Very little movement was seen otherwise with little to no change in all other industries.  

Jefferson County’s total nonfarm employment decreased by 90 jobs over the past year (-1.3%). Gains were minimal and concentrated within the private sector with other services gaining 40 jobs over the year. Private-sector losses were more widespread and were recorded in manufacturing (-80 jobs); professional and business services (-30 jobs); and private education and health services (-10 jobs); and government (-10 jobs). 

Next Press Releases 

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for December on Thursday, Jan. 22 and county and metropolitan area unemployment rates and employment survey data on Tuesday, Jan. 27.  

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Palm Springs PD continues recruiting new officers to combat shortage

KESQ on January 13, 2026

Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Police Department and Fire Department are continuing to recruit new officers. After the State of Palm Springs, PSPD shared they’ve had a shortage of officers this year making their response tactics more reactive rather than proactive.

Since then, the department has shared on social media two officers graduated from the Basic Peace Officer Training Academy Class #223. While this is step toward more first responders, Captain Gustavo Araiza told News Channel 3 in December it is a longer process than people realize to gain an officer during and after training academy.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear how both departments are doing when it comes to recruiting.

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Reading volunteers, books sought by United Way for local programs

News-Press NOW on January 13, 2026

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A leading nonprofit is encouraging the community to help connect local students with a reading experience through a variety of upcoming programs.

United Way of Greater St. Joseph announced its longstanding “Reading Adventure” program with local elementary schools this winter, including Carden Park, Coleman, Hosea, Lindbergh, Parkway, Pershing and Pickett.

As part of the program, United Way is calling for volunteers to read with students during the second semester as well as for books to be given to support students through a variety of programs.

Each program is held at a different time, and volunteers are needed in January and February to read with students. Volunteers can choose to read once, several times or take part in a regular schedule.

Books will also be provided to students in the program to encourage reading at home.

More than 700 people have volunteered for United Way’s Reading Adventure since it was launched in 2011, helping students maintain reading skills over the summer months and during the school year.

The program follows a model that has been successfully used by HOPE Outreach Ministries, Inc. for many years.

Individuals and organizations interested in volunteering to read or donating books can contact Jodi Flurry at 816-364-2381 or jodi.flurry@stjosephunitedway.org, or register online at stjosephunitedway.org/pie.

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WATCH: Mizzou basketball prepares for Auburn

KMIZ on January 13, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Mizzou Tigers will host Auburn at Mizzou Arena on Wednesday as conference play continues.

The Tigers are coming off an SEC loss to Ole Miss.

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Idaho Judicial Branch issues urgent alert over jury duty scam targeting Idahoans

KIFI on January 13, 2026

News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Judicial Branch is warning Gem State residents of a dangerous court scam targeting people statewide with fraudulent claims regarding missed jury duty. Officials emphasized that state courts will never request payments, social security numbers, or sensitive personal data through electronic messages or phone calls.

“If you receive an email, text message, or phone call from someone purporting to be a court employee or officer of the law who asks you to provide your identifying information, transfer money… or open a link, do not engage,” said Nate Poppino of the Idaho Judicial Branch in a news release.

Poppino urged the public to follow three strict rules if they receive a message from someone claiming to be a court employee or office:

Do not send any form of payment or provide personal information.

Do not open any links or attachments.

Do not reply to the sender or call the number provided in the message.

The Judicial Branch reminds all Idahoans that government officials will never ask for cryptocurrency or retail gift cards for official court costs.

If you receive a message and are unsure of its legitimacy, do not use the contact information provided in the message. Instead, court officials say you can verify the claim by contacting your local court directly through the official Idaho state courthouse directory.

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New parking restrictions approved for Olive and Pacific Streets

News-Press NOW on January 13, 2026

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph City Council passed an ordinance to prohibit parking along both Olive and Pacific Streets at its last meeting.

Parking will be prohibited on the north side of Olive Street from Sixth to Eighth streets and on the south side of Pacific Street from 33rd Street to the Belt Highway.

Public Works received a request from a business on Olive Street regarding traffic concerns caused by parking.

Abe Forney, the city’s director of Public Works and Transportation, said the parking restriction was put into place due to safety.

“One of the property owners, they said there was a lot of foot traffic in the area, which was causing a hazard for pedestrians in that area,” said Forney.

Forney said with the new parking restrictions, pedestrians will no longer be crossing the street to get to parked cars.

“It will no longer cause that hazard for the traffic driving through on Olive to have that hazard of people walking across the street as frequently as they were,” he said.

Although some areas for parking are no longer acceptable, Forney said there’s still plenty of parking in the area.

“Not specifically on Olive, but in the surrounding area, parking lots and so on,” he said.

Forney said letters were sent out to residents and businesses in the area, advising them of the proposed ordinance.

“They (had) the opportunity to put their comment in,” Forney said. “Then we run that through the traffic commission, and we give them the opportunity to voice their concerns. Then we ran it through the city council.”

The parking restrictions are now in effect on both Olive and Pacific Streets.

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Search for missing Banning teen expanded to San Gorgonio Pass

KESQ on January 13, 2026

City News Service

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – Concerns mounted today regarding the welfare of a 16-year-old girl who disappeared after leaving her home in Banning.   

Juliet Ruiz was last seen at about 9:40 p.m. Saturday leaving the Peppertree Apartments at 456 E. Nicolet St., according to the Banning Police Department.

“Family members advised Juliet (left) … her communication devices,” Capt. Brandon Smith said. “She was captured on a local business’ security camera … walking alone, southbound on San Gorgonio Avenue, toward the railroad tracks.”

After the girl didn’t return home within a couple of hours, her loved ones called 911 to report her missing.

Her whereabouts were unknown.

Smith said patrol officers scoured the area but couldn’t locate her. Detectives took over the investigation and began canvassing the San Gorgonio Pass, trying to ascertain whether the youth might have been seen since the weekend.

A possible sighting originated from a Ross store in Beaumont, but that turned out to be false, according to Smith.   

Ruiz stands around 5-feet-2 inches tall, weighs 100 pounds and has brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black puffer jacket and black pants.   

Anyone with information on her whereabouts was asked to contact the department at 951-922-3170.

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Royals announce new dimensions for outfield wall at Kauffman Stadium

News-Press NOW on January 13, 2026

Leah Rainwater

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KQTV) — The Kansas City Royals will move their outfield fence in by 8 to 10 feet, ESPN and MLB reported.

Work on the project has already begun and will be completed ahead of the Royals’ home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, March 30.

The project, launched in early May 2025, would affect the offensive environment, allowing more home runs to be scored and extra-base hits, while bringing fans closer to the experience.

“We’ve discussed this possibility for years, and after much work by our Research and Development department, believe this will be a positive change for our baseball team,” Royals Executive Vice President and General Manager J.J. Picollo told MLB. “We wanted more consistency throughout the season, while making sure the specifics put us in the best position to succeed.”

Kauffman Stadium has the second-largest playing area in the MLB, compared to Coors Field in Denver, Colorado.

The new wall will come in about 8 to 10 feet, starting near each foul pole. The gaps will go from 387 feet to 379 and taper back toward centerfield, which will remain 410 feet.

The height of the wall will change from 10 feet tall to 8 1/2 feet.

The change also brings the addition of 150 seats in left field and about 80 new drinkrail seats in right field.

According to the team’s research, the changes will take the run value of fly balls at Kauffman from the bottom third of MLB ballparks to the middle, through the extra-base hits.

Fences at The K have been modified in the past. Between 1995 and 2003, they moved in by 10 feet, where the park was ranked “slightly above-average” for a home run park, according to ESPN.

The Royals returned to their former fence dimensions in 2004.

As the Royals explore building a new ballpark following the 2030 season, when their lease at the Truman Sports Complex expires, the effort signals anticipated growth within the organization over the next five years.

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Monday fire displaces three families

News-Press NOW on January 13, 2026

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph Fire Department responded to a fire Monday night on Edmond Street.

Firefighters responded at 10:47 p.m. to a fire that began in one unit and spread to the other units in a quadplex located at the 1500 block of Edmond Street.

No injuries were reported, but three families were displaced.

SJFD said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

KQ2 will provide updates as they become available.

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Neighbors shocked by Jefferson City homicide Monday

KMIZ on January 13, 2026

Matthew Sanders

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been corrected to specify the death was a stabbing.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife.

Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Locke Thompson wrote in a news release that Malang J. Akbari, 46, is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and child endangerment for the stabbing of his wife. He was in the Cole County Jail without bond on Tuesday.

Police found the victim bleeding and unresponsive at the family’s McCarty Street address Monday. Akbari, who left the scene before police arrived, was found in Pettis County, the release says. His 18-month-old boy was found safe with relatives.

A probable cause statement says Akbari believed his wife was cheating on him and tampering with his food.

The statement says Akbari called another one of his sons, and admitted to killing his wife and said he had left the house. The son found his mother bleeding on the kitchen floor and she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the statement.

“It started because the older son came out and he was on the phone and he was screaming, ‘my mom, my mom,’ And she [my daughter] started asking, ‘What’s that? What’s happening? What’s going on?’ So that’s how we were kind of first alerted to the situation,” Neighbor Christy Boos said.

ABC 17 News spoke with four neighbors in the area who said Monday’s attack was unusual for the area, and safety isn’t typically a concern. Two of the neighbors also considered Akbari and his family to be quiet.

Ryan Boos told ABC 17 News that the news was shocking, adding that Akbari was “a stand-up guy.” They added that Akbari’s family had lived in the area for around four years and they have helped the community several times.

Ryan said that Akbari and his sons have previously helped their family dig out their car when it was stuck in the snow and move a fallen tree off the car after a storm.

Ryan adds that a child was hit by a car in the area, and Akbari gave the child medical attention before emergency services arrived. The child later fully recovered at the hospital.

“We’re kind of half down the street and him and his sons came out and helped shovel us free, so real good family,” Ryan Akbari said. “They present themselves like pretty stand-up people and always helping out the community, even though maybe the community misunderstood them.”

Akbari admitted to stabbing his wife during an argument in the kitchen about cheating, the statement says. He then dropped the baby off at his brother’s house, telling him, “I loved her. I sacrificed everything for her … I made a mistake. I do regret this. There was no other option for me.”

An Amber Alert was sent out after the stabbing, but was later canceled after the child was found safe at the brother’s house.

A neighbor told ABC 17 News that the family had lived there for a few years.

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