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 National Guard Welcomes Home Soldiers from Task Force Defender
The Oregon National Guard welcomed home more than 200 Soldiers from the 2-218th Field Artillery Regiment on Sunday, marking their return from a year-long deployment supporting air defense missions in the Middle East.
UPDATE: Body of Missing Child Recovered at Garrapata State Beach
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the body of the missing 7-year-old girl swept into the ocean at Garrapata State Beach has been recovered, bringing a tragic end to a multi-day search effort.
Fish Screens in High Demand — But State Officials Warn Fixes Will Take Years
Oregon officials say they recognize the urgent push for fish screens as salmon return to the Upper Klamath Basin — but warn the engineering, cost, and statewide backlog mean fast solutions are unlikely.
join investigation Drug Bust Yields 14lbs of Narcotics and Two Firearms
A joint investigation by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI has led to the seizure of roughly 14 pounds of illegal drugs, two firearms, and thousands of dollars in cash. Authorities served three simultaneous search warrants in Oregon and Washington as part of an ongoing effort to disrupt a suspected drug trafficking network.
New Gun Owners Are Changing America’s Demographic Picture — And Fear Is Driving the Shift
A growing number of liberals, people of color, and LGBTQ Americans are turning to firearm ownership — not out of political alignment, but out of fear. In interviews across the country, many describe rising concerns about civil unrest, political rhetoric, and personal safety as reasons behind the shift.
Oregon Tech Foundation Awards $1.1 Million in Student Scholarships
The Oregon Tech Foundation has awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships for the 2025–26 academic year, marking the fourth straight year of million-dollar support for students. The awards recognize academic achievement, financial need, and donor commitment to Oregon Tech’s mission.
Change Is Coming to the Penny; Oregon Retailers Adjust
The U.S. Mint has officially ended production of the penny after more than two centuries, citing rising costs and shifting consumer habits. The coin will remain legal tender, but some Oregon retailers — including a well-known Medford store — are already adjusting with new rounding policies for cash purchases.
Central Point Man Arrested in Child Sex Abuse Case
A Central Point man was arrested late Tuesday night after deputies say he sexually abused a 13-year-old girl he had met on Snapchat. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says the suspect attempted to flee but was stopped and taken into custody.
Oregon Sportswear Giant Announces New Leadership
Columbia Sportswear has named two new co-presidents as part of a long-term succession plan, positioning the Oregon-based outdoor apparel company for its next phase of global growth.
Federal Inquiry Sparks Concern Over Potential ICE Facility in Newport
A Texas defense contractor’s inquiry about leasing land at Newport Municipal Airport has raised concerns that a new ICE facility could be planned for Oregon’s coast. Local and state leaders say they’ve received little information from federal agencies and are demanding clarity.
Three Arrested After Armed Menacing and Pursuit in Medford
Medford Police arrested three suspects after an armed menacing incident and vehicle chase near Hawthorne Park. Officers recovered two stolen firearms linked to a recent robbery, and a police K9 helped apprehend one suspect hiding in Bear Creek.
Proposed Federal Bill Could Upend Oregon’s Hemp Industry
A federal spending bill could redefine legal hemp and ban many CBD and hemp-derived products, threatening Oregon’s hemp industry. Southern Oregon farmers say the proposed policy misunderstands the plant’s chemistry and could devastate rural economies.
SOU’s Small Business Development Center to Close After 41 Years
Southern Oregon University’s Small Business Development Center in Medford will close after 41 years of service, following a state decision to reject a joint proposal with Rogue Community College to maintain funding. The closure ends decades of support for local entrepreneurs and marks the last university-run SBDC in Oregon.
Honoring Our Heroes
This Veterans Day, we pause as a nation to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of freedom and democracy have shaped the story of America — one defined by resilience, unity, and service beyond self.
Oregon Honors Forgotten Veterans Laid to Rest After Decades
After decades of waiting, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has laid to rest eight unclaimed veterans and one family member with full military honors at Willamette National Cemetery. The ceremony ensured long-forgotten heroes finally received the recognition and dignity they earned through service.
Oregon Confirms $1.41 Billion Revenue Surplus
Oregon taxpayers will receive a 9.863% “kicker” credit on their 2025 state tax returns after the state confirmed a $1.41 billion revenue surplus for the 2023–2025 biennium. The credit will be applied when taxpayers file in 2026.
Ranchers Report Rising Livestock Losses from Expanding Wolf Pack
Ranchers in southern Oregon report increasing livestock losses linked to the growing Grouse Ridge wolf pack. State wildlife officials confirm a rising wolf population while balancing conservation goals and rural livelihoods.
Kotek Signs Emergency Transportation Bill
Governor Tina Kotek has signed House Bill 3991, securing $300 million to maintain Oregon’s roads, bridges, and transit systems while preventing layoffs and updating how the state funds transportation.
Search for Missing Hunter Devon Dobek Suspended After Seven Days
After seven days of intensive search efforts in the Mount Hood National Forest, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has suspended the active search for missing hunter Devon Dobek. More than a dozen agencies and 4,000 volunteer hours were dedicated to the effort, which will resume if new evidence or leads emerge.
Oregon Restores Full SNAP Benefits After Federal Court Order
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announced that full November SNAP benefits have been restored after a court order required the federal government to continue funding food assistance during the shutdown.