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.
KCEDA Announces 2026 Economic Summit
The Klamath County Economic Development Association will host its 5th Annual Economic Summit on January 28, 2026, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and regional experts to discuss economic trends, workforce development, and strategies for long-term growth in Klamath County.
Marshals Arrest Central Point Man Following Child Exploitation Investigation
A Central Point man wanted on multiple felony charges related to child sexual abuse material was arrested in Northern California last month following a multi-agency investigation involving the U.S. Marshals Service and Southern Oregon law enforcement task forces.
Bend Man Arrested After Road Rage BB Gun Threat
An 18-year-old Bend man was arrested after a road rage incident escalated into a weapons threat at a southeast Bend gas station, according to the Bend Police Department. The weapon involved was later determined to be a BB gun.
Salmon Poached in Klamath Basin
Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife troopers have issued a criminal citation for the unlawful taking of Chinook salmon in the Klamath Basin, marking the first such case since the removal of dams on the Klamath River and the historic return of salmon to local waterways.
19-Year-Old Charged with Attempted Murder for Dec. 5 Shooting
Medford Police detectives have arrested a 19-year-old Medford man in connection with a December 5 shooting, with additional charges tied to a separate October incident.
Oregon State Parks to Host Winter Whale Watch Week Along the Coast
Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week from Dec. 27 through Dec. 31, offering visitors a chance to observe gray whales migrating south along the Oregon Coast with help from trained volunteers.
ODVA Awards $800,000 to Expand Campus Veteran Resource Centers
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has awarded $800,000 in grants to strengthen campus veteran resource centers and expand services for student veterans statewide.
Cooking Without Power Workshop Brings Preparedness to the Table
A fall workshop in Talent showed how families can prepare for emergencies by learning to cook nutritious meals without electricity, with support from state agencies and local partners.
Nurses Union Raises Concerns Over ICE Activity at Portland Hospital
The Oregon Nurses Association has released a statement addressing the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland.
Powerball Jackpot Nears $1 Billion
Powerball players across Oregon and the nation will have another chance at a near–$1 billion jackpot as the current prize climbs to an estimated $930 million.
BLM Approves Lithium Exploration in Southeast Oregon
The Bureau of Land Management has approved expanded lithium exploration activities in southeast Oregon, authorizing a multi-year project on public lands near the Oregon-Nevada border.
ODHS Outlines New SNAP Work Rules Now in Effect Statewide
Oregon is now applying SNAP work rules statewide after federal changes ended longstanding waivers for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents. ODHS says about 37,000 people are affected and encourages anyone with questions to contact the agency.
KCFD1 Honors Crew for Life-Saving Fire Response
Klamath County Fire District 1 recognized firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs for their rapid response during a November 14 structure fire, where crews rescued a trapped resident within minutes under hazardous conditions.
In-Custody Death Reported at Josephine County Jail
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office reported an in-custody death after a 50-year-old adult in custody was found unresponsive during routine cell checks late Wednesday night. Oregon State Police is investigating, and no foul play is suspected.
Cal Fire Sues Shasta County Landowner Over Alleged Illegal Water Diversion
The Record Searchlight reported on Wednesday that Cal Fire has sued a Shasta County landowner, alleging he illegally diverted water from the Pit River to a pond on his Montgomery Creek property. The landowner disputes the claims, saying he has historic water rights.
Medford Contractor Fined $128,345 for Exposing Workers to Fall and Ladder Hazards
Oregon OSHA has fined Medford-based Shrader Homes Inc. more than $128,000 after an inspection found workers exposed to multiple hazards on a White City jobsite, including fall risks and unsafe ladder use.
Veterans Can Soon Display Recognition Plates on Motorcycles and Mopeds
Oregon veterans will soon have a new way to display their service, as DMV rolls out a motorcycle and moped version of the state’s veteran recognition plate beginning Jan. 1.
Manslaughter Charge in Rogue River DUII Hit-and-Run
Oregon State Police are investigating a fatal crash on Highway 99 near Rogue River after a pedestrian was killed while pushing a go-kart. The driver initially fled the scene but later contacted law enforcement and now faces DUII, hit-and-run, and Manslaughter charges.
Roseburg Man Arrested Following Suspected Overdose Death in Green District
A Roseburg man was arrested after investigators determined a suspected overdose victim in the Green District had purchased fentanyl from him shortly before his death, according to DINT.
Klamath Falls Woman Killed in Highway 58 Crash; Two Others Critically Injured
A Klamath Falls woman died and two passengers were critically injured Friday in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 58 near Oakridge, according to Oregon State Police.