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 closes record-breaking 2026 fire season after 2.5 million acres burn statewide
Oregon’s record-breaking 2026 fire season has officially ended after more than 2.5 million acres burned across the state. From the East Evans Creek and Fielder Mountain fires west of the Cascades to the Wrights Spring and Picture Rock fires on the east side, Southern Oregon experienced its share of a historic and demanding wildfire season.
Oregon Expands Education Bridge Grants for Veterans
Oregon has expanded its Veterans Educational Bridge Grant Program, doubling the lifetime award to $10,000 and opening eligibility to veterans whose financial hardships could threaten their ability to complete college, apprenticeship or vocational training.
Driver Arrested After Josephine County Pursuit
A man was arrested Wednesday morning after Josephine County deputies say he fled a traffic stop in a pickup truck towing a trailer near Rogue River Highway. Deputies ended the pursuit for safety after the vehicle entered oncoming lanes, then later found the vehicle stopped on Savage Creek Road.
Smoke in Rogue Valley Linked to Prescribed Burn Near Jacksonville
Smoke visible in parts of the Rogue and Applegate valleys today is coming from a prescribed fire operation on BLM-administered land near Jacksonville. Fire officials say burn operations were expected between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with patrol and mop-up continuing after hours and through the weekend.
Fire Pit Ember Sparks House Fire Near Colonial Valley
A floating ember from an outdoor fire pit is believed to have caused a small house fire near Colonial Valley on Monday afternoon. Firefighters said the resident had mostly extinguished the flames before crews arrived.
Oregon Orders ClearShare to Halt Health Plan Operations
Oregon regulators have ordered ClearShare Health to halt operations in the state, alleging the company ran an insurance-like health plan without proper authorization. Officials are also warning consumers to carefully review non-ACA coverage options.
Pedestrian Killed in Douglas County Crash on Highway 42
A Eugene woman was killed late Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Highway 42 in Douglas County, according to Oregon State Police. The crash temporarily impacted traffic for about four hours as investigators worked the scene.
Two Hikers Rescued on South Sister
Two hikers were rescued on South Sister after one suffered a medical issue and mild hypothermia during a descent, prompting an overnight response from Deschutes County Search and Rescue crews.
Thousands Lose SNAP Benefits in Oregon; How to Reapply
Thousands of Oregonians have already lost SNAP benefits under expanded federal work rules, with thousands more at risk this month. Oregon officials say some residents may still be able to keep or regain food assistance by meeting requirements or qualifying for exemptions.
Lake County DA Resigns, Citing Severe Funding Crisis
Lake County District Attorney Paul Charas is resigning just over a year into his term, saying chronic underfunding has made it increasingly difficult to prosecute cases. According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Charas cited staffing shortages, minimal trial resources, and the strain of serving as the county’s only prosecutor.
Portland Man Killed in Highway 97 Crash Near Chemult
A 48-year-old Portland man was killed in a crash on Highway 97 near Chemult after his vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic at the scene of an earlier collision. The highway was impacted for several hours during the investigation.
Klamath Falls Police K9 Bullitt Retires Following Cancer Diagnosis
K9 Bullitt of the Klamath Falls Police Department has been retired following a diagnosis of aggressive cancer. The longtime police dog will spend his remaining time with his handler after nearly nine years of service to the community.
Bicyclist Killed in Collision with Delivery Truck on McAndrews Road
A 65-year-old Medford bicyclist has died after being struck by a delivery truck on East McAndrews Road. The crash occurred on a sidewalk as the truck exited a parking lot, and police say no citations have been issued as the investigation continues.
Merkley Town Halls Postponed
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley will host a series of town halls across Central and Southern Oregon on March 20–21, including stops in Klamath, Lake, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. The events are part of his ongoing effort to hold annual conversations in all 36 counties statewide.
Roseburg Man Charged With Murder of Infant Son
A Roseburg man has been arrested and charged with murder after authorities say he killed his 11-month-old son and disposed of the child’s body in the South Umpqua River. Divers located the child’s body Sunday evening as investigators with the Douglas County Major Crimes Team continue the homicide investigation.
Skier Dies After Crash at Mt. Bachelor
A 65-year-old Portland man died Monday afternoon after a skiing accident on the Wanoga Way trail at Mt. Bachelor, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
K9 Helps Capture Burglary Suspect
A burglary suspect was arrested early Tuesday after Grants Pass Police used a K9 team to secure the scene at New Song Church.
Pedestrian Killed at Central Point I-5 Onramp
A pedestrian was killed Wednesday evening after being struck by a passenger truck in a marked crosswalk at the northbound I-5 Exit 33 onramp in Central Point. The Jackson County STAR Team is investigating the crash.
Fatal US97 Crash in Klamath County Among Three Dead Statewide
Oregon State Police reported three separate fatal crashes across the state over the weekend, including a deadly commercial vehicle collision in Klamath County that serves as a stark reminder of ongoing roadway safety concerns.
Deputy, Resident Rescue Injured Passenger From Burning Vehicle After Crow Road Crash
A Lane County deputy and a nearby resident rescued an injured passenger from a burning vehicle after a rollover crash on Crow Road. The driver was later arrested, according to the sheriff’s office.