Rogue Valley News, Friday 9/4 – Tips for a Safe and Happy Labor Day Weekend

• The Forecast: The National Weather Service in Medford has noted a 20% to 35% risk for thunderstorms and dangerous lightning today, particularly east of the Cascades. Temperatures are remaining well below normal, staying in the upper 60s to lower 70s in the interior western valleys and dropping into the lower 60s east of the Cascades. 

• Fire Relief: While the damp weather has successfully taken the edge off the region’s active summer fire danger, local meteorologists caution that a return to late-summer heat is still possible later this month.

• The Dispute: Local nurses emphasize that they remain focused on bargaining in good faith and have not yet held a vote for a work stoppage. However, the union is publicly criticizing Asante management for what they call a “patient care crisis,” pointing to recent layoffs, clinic closures, and reports that the hospital network is attempting to source high-salaried temporary out-of-state workers. 

• What’s Happening: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) reported that a lack of natural mountain forage—specifically a scarcity of wild berries—has driven hungry bears straight into southern Ashland and areas near Interstate 5. High-profile incidents include a bear destroying Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham’s chicken coop, and sightings of another bear dragging a deer carcass near the Southern Oregon University campus. Residents are urged to secure trash cans and protect domestic animals. 

Today’s top headlines in Oregon highlight higher education move-ins, college football kickoffs, and state budget and wildfire funding discussions. Higher Education & College Football

• Students Return to Campus: Universities and colleges across Oregon are welcoming students back for the new term, with move-in events underway at institutions like the University of Portland amid broader budget and public perception discussions.
• Ducks Open Season: College football returns this weekend as the No. 2 Oregon Ducks prepare to host Boise State in a high-profile matchup kicking off their national championship pursuit.

• Financial Aid Proposal for Small Cities: Lawmakers are discussing new revenue strategies, including a proposal by state representative Evans for a “Burns-Horton Protection Fund” to support small communities facing financial limbo.
• Wildfire Cost Requests: The Oregon Department of Forestry requested roughly $327 million from the state during its September meetings to cover ongoing wildfire response and management costs.
• Weather & Flash Flood Warnings: Southeast Oregon remains under a flash flood watch with unsettled weather and potential heavy mountain rain affecting recent burn scars.

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.

Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans and is commonly celebrated with parties, street parades, and athletic events.

Today many Americans see Labor Day as time off from work, an opportunity to enjoy a barbecue with friends and family, and a final moment of summertime relaxation before the busy fall season begins.

Don’t Forget Why We Celebrate Labor Day

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States.

Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters.

But the history behind the Labor Day holiday is far more complex and dramatic than most might realize, starting with a heated campaign by workers in the late 19th century to win support and recognition for their contributions. In July 1894, President Grover Cleveland finally signed into law legislation creating a national Labor Day holiday in early September.

In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.

People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.

As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.

In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.

Labor Day is still celebrated in cities and towns across the United States with parades, picnics, barbecues, and other public gatherings. For many Americans, particularly children and young adults, it represents the end of the summer and the start of the back-to-school season.

AAA Expects a Busy and Expensive Labor Day Weekend

Drivers in Oregon and Nationwide to Pay Highest Gas Prices Ever for Labor Day

AAA confirms that Labor Day weekend travel in Oregon will be busy, with millions expected to travel for this final summer getaway.

– As summer winds down, many travelers will take advantage of the final long weekend of the season with a Labor Day getaway. AAA booking data shows that Alaska cruises, national parks, Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast, Disneyland and Las Vegas are the most popular destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Alaska cruises, Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast, and National Parks are Top Destinations for Oregonians

Memorial Day always kicks off the summer travel season, while Labor Day marks its close. Labor Day weekend is usually busier than other weekends in August and September, but travel volumes are lower than Memorial Day and Independence Day. With many schools already back in session or starting soon, families often choose shorter trips closer to home. Travelers without school-age children, however, often use Labor Day to launch the fall travel season, taking advantage of cooler temperatures, smaller crowds and off-peak pricing. This is also an excellent time to book holiday travel, and plan ahead for trips next spring and summer.

“Many travelers are eager to enjoy one last summer getaway over the Labor Day weekend before fall routines resume,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Alaska cruises are especially popular this time of year. Ships are typically less crowded than earlier in the summer, and while the weather is a bit cooler than in July and August, it remains pleasant and offers opportunities to see wildlife and early fall color.”

Most expenses for Labor Day travel are more expensive this year. Domestic flights, hotels, cruises, tours, and gas prices cost more than in 2025. But rental cars and international flights cost less. Find details below.

Top Labor Day destinations

Here are the top destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho based on searches and bookings:

Alaska cruises are very popular, with Anchorage and the cruise port cities of Seattle and Vancouver B.C. making the lists of the most popular regional and international destinations.

Disneyland and Las Vegas are also perennial favorites.

The top regional destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho are Central Oregon, Portland, the Oregon Coast, Portland, Medford/Ashland, Boise, Billings and Redding. Central Oregon, Boise, Billings, Redding, and Seattle are all within driving distance of popular national parks. Many will visit national parks over the holiday weekend. Some of the favorites for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho include Bryce Canyon National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Glacier National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Olympic National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Zion National Park.

Drivers to pay highest prices ever for gas over Labor Day

When drivers head out on Labor Day getaways this week, they’ll be paying the highest prices ever for gas for the holiday. Crude oil prices remain above $80 per barrel as the conflict with Iran continues. For the week, the national average for regular gasoline holds steady at $4.14 a gallon. The Oregon average jumps to $4.99 a gallon just since Thursday.

Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.

Labor Day travel promises to be busy and more expensive this year. AAA booking data shows that Alaska cruises, national parks, Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast, Disneyland and Las Vegas are the most popular destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho. Domestic flights, hotels, cruises departing from international cities, U.S. tours, and gas prices cost more than in 2025. Find all the details, graphics, and advice for travelers in the AAA Labor Day travel news release.

The average prices for regular gas in Oregon and Washington (up 10 cents to $5.37 a gallon) are showing larger week-over-week increases than most other states due to dwindling supplies of summer-blend gas, as the switch to winter-blend fuel is underway. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency waiver, moving up the transition date to September 1. The usual transition date is September 15.

In addition, there are reports of possible operational issues at the Olympic Pipeline. The 400-mile Olympic Pipeline carries refined petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, from the refineries in Washington State to distribution terminals in the Pacific Northwest, including Portland. When the pipeline is down, fuel has to travel into Oregon by barge, truck or train, which are less efficient and more expensive than the pipeline. BP, which operates the pipeline, has not commented.

The previous high prices for Labor Day were in 2023, when the national average was $3.81 and the Oregon average was $4.74. Those prices were up slightly from Labor Day 2022.

Those taking a road trip for the Labor Day holiday will find gas prices are significantly more expensive than last year. Drivers are paying roughly $1 per gallon more than in 2025 for the holiday weekend.

The national average is currently $4.14 and the Oregon average is $4.99 (as of September 3, 2026). Last year on Labor Day, the national average was $3.19 and the Oregon average was $3.98.

“Drivers nationally and here in Oregon will pay the highest prices ever for gas over the Labor Day holiday weekend, beating the previous record highs for the holiday set in 2012, 2022, and 2023,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “This year is the first time ever that the national average has been at or above $4 a gallon over the Labor Day holiday weekend.”

Find current gas prices here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/

Find Oregon gas price news here: https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/

Gas and diesel prices remain elevated, due to higher crude oil prices from the Iran conflict, closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refining infrastructure.

Best and worst times to drive

INRIX, a global provider of transportation data and insights, says unlike longer holiday periods, travel over Labor Day weekend tends to be concentrated within a short window. Many travelers will hit the road after work on Thursday or during the day on Friday. That will bring holiday traffic onto roads that are already carrying normal commuter volumes. Saturday is expected to be extra busy with many heading out of town on day trips.

“Leave early in the day and avoiding the middle of the afternoon whenever possible. Even leaving an hour or two earlier can make a big difference,” says Dodds. “Monitor traffic and navigation apps, listen to traffic reports on the radio, and check road and weather conditions at TripCheck or your local transportation department. These tools can help you avoid the worst congestion,” says Dodds.

Here are projected travel times out of Portland from INRIX and AAA:

Airfare, hotel, rental car, cruise and tour costs 

Flights: AAA finds that travelers are paying more for domestic flights and less for international flights for Labor Day travel compared to 2025

• Domestic flights are 2% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year
• Average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $750.
• The price is even higher for people who are traveling to the top domestic destinations. AAA booking data shows those flights are 20% higher than last year, averaging nearly $790 per ticket.
• International flights are 4% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
• Average price for an international roundtrip ticket is $1,240.

Hotels: AAA finds hotel prices are more expensive than in 2025.

• Domestic hotels are 9% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
• Average booking cost for a domestic hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $570. That’s the average price of domestic hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.
• International hotels are 12% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
• Average booking cost for an international hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $690. That’s the average price of international hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.

Rental Cars: Car rental rates in the U.S. and abroad are less expensive than in 2025.

• Domestic car rentals are 8% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
• Average booking cost for a rental car (which is typically several days) is $450 total – not the daily rate.
• International car rentals are 15% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
• Average booking cost for a rental (which is typically several days) is $730 – not the daily rate.
• AAA car rental partner Hertz says Friday, September 4 will be the busiest pick-up day.

Cruises: AAA finds that cruises departing from the U.S. are cheaper, while cruises from international cities are more expensive this year.

• Cruises departing from domestic cities are 4% cheaper this Labor Day weekend.
• Average cost for cruises departing from domestic cities is $2,700.
• Cruises departing from international cities are 16% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.
• Average cost for cruises departing from international cities is $4,690.

Tours: AAA finds U.S. tours cost more while tours in cities abroad cost less this year.

• Tour prices in domestic cities are 12% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to 2025.
• Average cost for a domestic tour is $2,490.
• Tours in international cities are 9% cheaper this Labor Day weekend.
• Average cost for an international tour is $3,415.

For help in planning your trip, AAA.com/travel or call (800) 529-3222 to reach a AAA travel agent.

Tips for those flying this Labor Day

Air travel volumes reached record levels this summer, and that trend is expected to continue over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Friday, September 4 is expected to be the busiest departure day of the holiday weekend, and Thursday, September 3 will be the second-busiest. Most travelers will fly home on Monday, September 7, which is Labor Day.

Days that will be less crowded at airports are Tuesday, September 1, Wednesday, September 2 and Saturday, September 5.

AAA has tips for air travelers:

• Download your airline’s app to keep up to date on your flight status, including checking one last time right before you leave for the airport. Allow push notifications so the airline can alert you of any changes.
• Check-in online for flights 24 hours ahead.
• Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Expect long security lines due to the spike in travelers.
• Airport parking lots will likely be at or near capacity. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking.  Some parking facilities let you book in advance.
• Consider taking transit, using a ride sharing service or taxi, or getting a ride with a friend or family member to the airport so you don’t have to park onsite.
• Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items with you on the flight. That way you’ll have provisions if your checked bags get lost or delayed. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using a luggage tracker.
• Bring a refillable water bottle and plan ahead for meals and snacks. Airport restaurants can be very busy with long lines at times, making it challenging to order food if you have a short connection time. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
• Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times. In general, early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day.
• Sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR before your trip to expedite the security screening process. However, even these check-in lanes will be busier than usual. And confirm that the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.

AAA to the rescue this Labor Day weekend —
AAA is ready to help drivers throughout the Labor Day holiday travel period. The most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, emergency towing, and lockouts.

Last year, AAA responded to more than 404,000 requests for roadside assistance nationwide, including more than 4,300 here in Oregon.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), or with the AAA Mobile app—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Before heading out on a road trip, make sure your vehicle is ready. Have it inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.

Be prepared for emergencies with a well-stocked emergency kit including jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, jackets and blankets, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. Bring power cords and power banks so you can charge your phones and devices. Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.

“Don’t leave home without an emergency kit. Bring water, non-perishable snacks, blankets and extra clothing to help keep everyone comfortable during long delays. Crashes can tie up traffic for hours, and if you break down or get stuck in a remote area, you may not have cell service,” says Dodds. “Also, stay informed about weather, such as flash flood warnings, and wildfires as they can significantly disrupt travel with road closures and reduced visibility. Be sure to steer clear of impacted areas.”

Labor Day Weekend Methodology AA looked at booking data for Thursday, September 3 through Monday, September 7, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day holiday period in 2025. ***Find more info on getting road-trip ready at AAA.com/summerprep

For Labor Day weekend 2026 (Monday, Sept. 7), the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has paused most major construction projects over the holiday weekend to keep lanes open, though heavy evening traffic is expected on Friday and Tuesday.

Important Advisories & Restrictions

• Oversize/Over-Dimension Restrictions: Oversize vehicle movements are restricted statewide starting at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, until sunrise on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
• Upcoming Major Disruptions (Post-Labor Day): Drivers should note that a major 5-week continuous closure of southbound Interstate 5 through the Rose Quarter in Portland begins the following week on Friday, Sept. 11.
• Check Real-Time Conditions: Visit TripCheck or dial 511 for live traffic cameras and current road restrictions across Oregon. [1]

 

Labor Day is also an especially deadly time because of drunk or impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies have announced extra patrols for DUIIs.

For more information on Oregon roads, check tripcheck.com

—–

Oregon Department of Transportation –  As the 2026-27 college football season nears, expect heavy traffic on the weekends of home games for University of Oregon and Oregon State University.

OREGON DUCKS SET FOR NEW COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON! Oregon Ducks open the season at home against Boise State on Saturday 9/5 at 12:30 pm.

Not only is it opening week for the Oregon Ducks, but the Oregon State Beavers are also gearing up for the first game of season out of town with the Houston Cougars on Saturday!

Expect all-day traffic congestion in the #WillametteValley on these dates as thousands of fans travel to and from the games. Remember, there are many ways to get around in Oregon! You can walk or roll, take a bus or train, or share a ride. Learn more, plan a trip, or find a ride at GetThereOregon.org.

THE OREGON STATE FAIR runs through Monday, September 7, 2026

INFO: https://oregonexpo.org

• Water Adventures: Go whitewater rafting or fly-fishing on the wild and scenic Rogue River between Shady Cove and Grants Pass.

• Hiking: Climb the volcanic plateaus of Upper and Lower Table Rock near Medford for panoramic valley views, or tackle the challenging trail up Mount McLoughlin.

• Geological Sights: Stop at the Rogue River Gorge and Natural Bridge to watch the river vanish into a subterranean lava tube.