Southern Oregon & Northern California News
Latest local news from Southern Oregon and Northern California, covering Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Jackson County, Josephine County, Klamath County, Siskiyou County, Del Norte County, and communities throughout the region.
Oregon Honors Jason Ensign as Memorial Service Set for Saturday
Oregon flags are flying at half-staff today in honor of Jason Ensign, the Klamath Falls dozer operator killed while working on the Wrights Spring Fire. A public line-of-duty memorial service is scheduled Saturday at 11 a.m. at Henley High School, with a procession planned beforehand.
One Spark Can Start a Wildfire
BLM officials are urging visitors to check fire restrictions before heading onto public lands this summer, warning that local rules can vary by district and conditions. The reminder comes with a simple message for fire season: one spark can threaten firefighters, homes, and entire communities.
Oregon Begins Issuing Summer EBT Food Benefits to Eligible Families
Oregon Summer EBT benefits begin June 5 for automatically eligible families, providing $120 per eligible child to help buy food during the summer months when school meals are less available.
White House Nominates Mark Cruz (Klamath) to Lead Indian Health Service
Mark Cruz, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes, has been nominated to serve as director of the Indian Health Service. Cruz currently serves as senior advisor to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before taking the role.
Kotek Comes Out Against IP28 (VIDEO)
The Oregon governor’s opposition adds a major twist to a proposed animal cruelty measure that has divided hunters, farmers, ranchers, animal-rights advocates and political leaders across the state.
$26.4 Million in Shelter Funding Coming to Southern and Central Oregon
More than $26.4 million in new state shelter funding has been awarded to regional coordinators serving Southern Oregon, the South Coast, and Central Oregon. The awards are part of more than $102 million announced statewide through Oregon’s Statewide Shelter Program.
Straus Ice Cream Recalled in Oregon, California
Straus Family Creamery has voluntarily recalled select production runs of its organic ice cream due to the potential presence of metal foreign material. The recalled products were distributed to retailers in 17 states, including Oregon, California, and Washington.
SNAP Interviews Required for All Oregon Households Starting June 1
Starting June 1, 2026, all Oregon households applying for or renewing SNAP food benefits must complete an interview before benefits can be approved or renewed. ODHS says the change returns the program to standard federal rules after temporary COVID-era interview flexibility ends May 31.
BLM Fire Restrictions Begin May 14
Fire restrictions will begin May 14 on all BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington. The restrictions prohibit fireworks, exploding targets, certain ammunition, tracer and incendiary devices, and sky lanterns as officials warn of increasing heat and dryness across the Pacific Northwest.
Salad Recall Issued Over Sesame Allergen
Market of Choice has recalled its 9.5-ounce Vegan Kale Caesar Salad because sesame was included in the product but not listed on the label. The affected salads were sold at Oregon stores, including Ashland and Medford, between April 16 and May 4, 2026, with expiration dates ranging from April 20 through May 8.
Oregon Awards $6M for Wildfire Staffing
The Oregon State Fire Marshal has awarded nearly $6 million to 180 local fire agencies through the 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant. The funding will help agencies add seasonal firefighters or additional shift coverage through October as Oregon prepares for the upcoming wildfire season.
Federal Funding Headed to Southern Oregon Airports
Several Southern Oregon airports, including Medford, Grants Pass, Ashland, and Klamath Falls, are set to receive federal funding as part of a more than $27 million statewide investment aimed at improving aviation infrastructure. Projects include runway and taxiway resurfacing, lighting upgrades, pavement rehabilitation, and safety enhancements designed to support emergency response, business travel, and regional connectivity across Southern Oregon and nearby coastal communities.
Ride the Rim Cancelled for 2026 at Crater Lake
Ride the Rim at Crater Lake National Park has been cancelled for 2026 due to major construction projects affecting roads, trails, and visitor areas. Officials say the work includes improvements to East Rim Drive, Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina, and other park facilities. While the event will not take place this year, the park will remain open to visitors, and planning is already underway to bring Ride the Rim back in 2027.
HWD Introduces Regional Weather Camera Hub
HWD has introduced a new regional Weather Camera Hub that brings together more than 140 live cameras across Southern Oregon and Northern California into one convenient page. The collection includes feeds from transportation agencies, media outlets, and other providers, allowing readers to quickly check real-time road and weather conditions across major highways, mountain passes, and coastal routes.
KCC Names New VP of External Programs
Klamath Community College has named Lucas Ritter as its new Vice President of External Programs. Ritter is a Klamath Falls native and longtime Air Force officer who will begin the role May 4. College officials say he will oversee outreach, grants, and workforce initiatives.
Tillamook Forest Center Celebrates 20 Years
The Tillamook Forest Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary with events and a new exhibit highlighting forest history and restoration. The Oregon Department of Forestry says the center has served as a hands-on learning facility focused on forest ecology and stewardship. A public Birthday Bash is scheduled for April 4 to mark the milestone.
Garlic Cheddar Recalled for Possible Listeria Contamination
Face Rock Creamery has issued a voluntary recall of 6oz. Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar after FDA environmental sampling found Listeria in the cheese packaging area. The affected product was sold only at the company’s flagship store in Bandon, Oregon.
$11.5 Million Awarded for Clean Truck Grants
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has awarded nearly $11.5 million in Clean Truck and Infrastructure grants for 2025, funding 43 projects statewide aimed at reducing diesel emissions and expanding zero-emission vehicle infrastructure.
Upgrades Planned for klamath county ski resort
Willamette Pass Ski Resort is investing nearly $500,000 in upgrades to improve snowmaking, rentals, and lodge facilities, part of a multi-year effort to strengthen the mountain experience and support local communities.
Bear Camp Road Reopens Following Moon Complex Fire
Bear Camp Road has reopened following the Moon Complex Fire, restoring access between the Rogue Valley and the Southern Oregon Coast. Officials warn that hazards remain, and some trails and campsites along the Rogue River remain closed.