After nearly a century of caring for animals in Southern Oregon, SoHumane has broken ground on a new Medford campus designed to expand shelter capacity, veterinary care, adoption services and community programs while giving animals a healthier environment as they wait for new homes.

F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing are scheduled to make Independence Day flyovers across Oregon and southwest Washington, including stops over Ashland, Central Point, Eagle Point, Brookings and Port Orford on July 4.

Fireworks over lakes, rivers and the coast will cap a busy July 3-5 Independence Day weekend across the Jefferson region, with parades, food, music, rodeos, train rides, car shows and family celebrations from Crescent City to Klamath Falls, Central Point, Lakeview, Alturas and Mt. Shasta.

Jackson County deputies and partner agencies spent several hours cleaning up graffiti and clearing overgrown weeds around White City. The Sheriff’s Office said crews painted over and pressure washed graffiti at 10 locations while also improving sidewalk and bike path access.

The Medford Police Department has unveiled a new K-9 memorial outside the police station, honoring the dogs and handlers who have served the city and recognizing the loyalty, courage and sacrifice of past and present police canine teams.

Klamath Falls native and independent historian Karen Caverly-Molineaux discovered that Hollywood stars and a film crew spent weeks in the Basin producing the surviving 1926 silent feature “The Ice Flood.” Her research brings the nearly forgotten production—and the community that welcomed it—back into view.

After rebuilding the historic Butte Creek Mill from the 2015 fire, the nonprofit foundation behind the Eagle Point landmark is preparing for its next major project. A proposed certified community kitchen could support community dinners, cooking classes, educational programs and new opportunities centered on the mill’s stone-ground flour and agricultural heritage.

Families in the Rogue Valley will have several movie options this summer, including free outdoor screenings in Medford and Central Point parks and discounted indoor family films at Tinseltown. Movies in the park begin at dusk, with Central Point’s series opening June 5 and Medford’s series beginning June 20.

Seventy-three organizations will share more than $2.25 million in spring 2026 grants through the Reed and Carolee Walker Fund of Oregon Community Foundation. The award list includes organizations based in Jackson, Josephine and Douglas counties, with funding focused largely on services for children, families and low-income residents in Jackson County.

A fireworks show is tentatively planned for Lake of the Woods on July 4, 2026, after the Lake of the Woods Homeowners Association signed a contract with a vendor for the event. Organizers say the show remains dependent on fire conditions, weather and Forest Service guidance.

A new Oregon Capital Chronicle analysis found that Oregonians receiving SNAP benefits in 2025 most frequently listed major grocery, retail, fast food, school and university employers on income verification forms, including Safeway/Albertsons, Walmart, Amazon, Fred Meyer/Kroger and Oregon’s public universities.

Greater Klamath CityFest returns to Klamath Falls on Saturday, May 30, bringing free family activities, action sports demonstrations, live music, worship and a Ryan Stevenson concert to downtown Main Street and Veterans Park.

Benefit for the Basin returns Saturday, May 30, at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, bringing together a car show, vendors, family activities and dinner in support of youth, education, community programs and the fairgrounds.

Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Leadership Klamath program through the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce. The long-running program connects emerging and established leaders with monthly sessions focused on government, education, economic development, healthcare, natural resources, public safety and community engagement.

Memorial Day observances across Southern Oregon and Northern California include parades, cemetery services, flag displays, a river wreath ceremony, a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall dedication and a statewide livestream honoring Oregon’s fallen service members.