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 Declares Fuel Emergency After Olympic Pipeline Shutdown
Governor Tina Kotek has declared a statewide state of emergency following the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon’s transportation fuel. While officials say current fuel supplies remain adequate, the order activates emergency plans and gives the state flexibility to keep fuel moving if conditions change.
Free Fishing Returns; Crab Season Pushed Back
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued several updates ahead of the holiday weekend, including two statewide free fishing days, expanded public access on the restored Klamath River, and a coastwide delay to the commercial Dungeness crab season. Recreational crabbing and clamming remain open in many areas, while winter weather may affect river site access.
Officer-Involved Shooting Reported in Medford
Medford Police say an early morning crisis call involving an armed suicidal subject led to an officer-involved shooting on Mallard Lane. The individual is in stable condition, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is now overseeing the investigation.
AAA Forecasts Record 82 Million Thanksgiving Travelers
AAA projects a record 81.8 million people will travel for Thanksgiving this year, with the majority hitting the road. Concerns over recent flight cancellations may drive even more travelers to switch from air to car trips. AAA and transportation experts are urging early departures and caution on the roads.
EHV Outbreak: Oregon Issues Emergency Equine Rules; Klamath Fairgrounds Issues Full Suspension
Oregon has enacted emergency rules to prevent the spread of Equine Herpes Virus following outbreaks linked to events in Texas and Oklahoma. In response, the Klamath County Fairgrounds has issued a full suspension of all equine use while awaiting further guidance from state officials.
14 Arrested in Shasta County During Multi-Agency Parole Compliance Operation
A multi-agency law enforcement sweep in Shasta County led to 14 arrests as officers conducted parole compliance checks at 22 locations. The Nov. 14 operation, known as Operation Shasta Shield, focused on high-risk supervised individuals, including registered sex offenders.
TriMet Announces Layoffs, Works to Close $300 Million shortfall
TriMet has eliminated 68 administrative positions and reduced internal spending by $17.7 million as part of a long-term plan to close a projected $300 million budget shortfall. The agency says more service cuts and additional revenue measures will be needed through 2028.
Chiloquin hosts traditional salmon bake, powwow
Students and staff at Chiloquin Junior/Senior High School gathered for a traditional salmon bake and round dance as part of a day dedicated to celebrating Native American Heritage Month. Hosted in partnership with the Klamath Tribes and community organizations, the event highlighted cultural traditions, salmon’s ecological and spiritual importance, and the value of connecting students with their Indigenous heritage.
Preparations Underway for Winter Travel
Transportation agencies across the region are preparing for winter weather and urging the public to plan ahead. Crews are gearing up for snow and ice while reminding travelers to check conditions, carry chains, and use caution on the roads.
Millions Awarded for Wildfire Mitigation Projects Across Oregon
More than $28 million in federal funding will support new wildfire-mitigation projects across Oregon. The USDA-funded grants, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help communities reduce hazardous fuels, strengthen evacuation routes, and expand prescribed fire and defensible space work.
ODOT to Host Open House on New Hawthorne Crossing in Bend
ODOT is hosting a Dec. 2 open house in Bend to share updated designs for the Hawthorne Crossing bicycle and pedestrian bridge. Community members can view the new truss-style concept, meet the project team, and submit feedback in person or online.
Oregon Tech & Google Collab Using AI to Accelerate Research
Oregon Tech has partnered with Google Public Sector to bring advanced AI and high-performance computing directly into campus research and operations. The collaboration expands computing capacity, accelerates innovative projects, and equips faculty with new tools to streamline work and unlock future research opportunities.
Public Input Sought on Main Street Plan
The City of Medford is inviting residents to weigh in on four proposed alternatives for the future configuration of Main Street. Feedback can be submitted through a Nov. 20 open house or an online survey available through Nov. 30.
NorCal Firefighters Extinguish House Fire in Castella
Fire crews from Castella, Dunsmuir, Mount Shasta, Weed, and CAL FIRE Siskiyou worked together to extinguish a house fire on Castella Loop Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.
Washington Man Pleads Guilty in 2022 Attack on Oregon Power Grid
A Centralia, Washington man has pleaded guilty to damaging a Portland-area power substation in 2022, causing $26,000 in equipment damage. He faces up to five years in prison and will be sentenced in early 2026.
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.
Nationwide Recall Issued for ByHeart Formula
ByHeart has expanded its voluntary recall to include every batch of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, both canisters and single-serve packets, as the FDA and CDC investigate a nationwide increase in infant botulism cases. No unopened product has tested positive, but federal officials recommend all parents stop using ByHeart formula immediately.
Medford: Market Shooting Leads to Two Arrests; Reckless Driving Crash Injures Two
Medford Police responded to two major incidents over the weekend — a shooting at OK Market that led to two arrests, and a serious single-vehicle crash Friday night where investigators say reckless driving, not a reported menacing, caused the collision.
Search Teams Recover Likely Remains of Missing Hunter Devon Dobek
Clackamas County Search and Rescue teams have recovered what they believe to be the remains of missing hunter Devon Dobek after a challenging two-day effort in the Mount Hood National Forest.