Henley High School students captured six state championships and qualified multiple teams for nationals at the SkillsUSA Oregon State Conference, highlighting the continued strength of the school’s Career and Technical Education programs.

Nearly $48.7 million in federal Secure Rural Schools funding is headed to Oregon counties, with Southern Oregon communities receiving some of the largest allocations in the state. Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, and Josephine counties are among the top recipients.

A sprinkler system stopped a potentially dangerous apartment fire on Broad Street in Medford, according to fire officials. Investigators say the blaze was accidentally caused by an unattended candle.

A man armed with an axe was shot during an apparent apartment break-in attempt early Tuesday in Medford, according to police. Authorities say no other injuries were reported.

The Klamath Water Bank has opened its 2026 drought response program with up to $19.1 million available for irrigators as water shortages are expected to idle tens of thousands of acres this season.

CHP has recommended possible charges after a paraquat spill in Dorris shut down Highway 97 and triggered a shelter-in-place order. Investigators say the tank came loose from a truck headed to a spraying job in the Shasta Valley.

The Ross Ragland Theater has announced a full May lineup featuring Klamath Chorale, Blippi, the Klamath Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and a summer camp fundraiser supporting local youth programs.

United Way of the Klamath Basin Executive Director Christine Hess has announced her retirement after nearly four years of service. The nonprofit says it will begin an immediate search for new leadership as it continues programs supporting health, education, housing, and financial stability across the region.

Three people were rescued from a two-story house fire in Wilderville after a kitchen blaze trapped occupants upstairs. Firefighters used ladders to reach second-floor windows, while two people were taken to the hospital and several pets were also saved.

A semi truck carrying hazardous cargo caught fire on I-5 near Sunny Valley, triggering explosions and spreading into nearby vegetation. Fire crews from multiple agencies responded, and one firefighter was treated for smoke exposure as crews worked to contain the blaze and prevent environmental impact.

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.

Southern Oregon University will increase tuition and fees by nearly 5% next year for in-state undergraduate students, the maximum allowed without additional state approval. According to reporting by Jefferson Public Radio, university leaders say tuition hikes alone will not solve broader financial challenges tied to enrollment declines, rising costs, and limited public funding.

Investigators served a search warrant in Ashland after identifying child sexual abuse material linked to a residence. Digital evidence was seized, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a Prospect man on five child sex crime charges, including rape and sexual abuse. The investigation remains ongoing.

Klamath County Fire District #1 crews quickly contained a duplex fire in the Roosevelt area, preventing injuries and likely avoiding displacement of residents. The incident also marked a first working fire for two members of the department.

A new federal bill introduced by Congressman Cliff Bentz aims to give local water users a stronger voice in decisions that impact water access across the West. The legislation focuses on increasing transparency and participation during Endangered Species Act consultations that often influence agricultural and community water supplies.

A six-week drug investigation led to multiple arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, cocaine, firearms, and more than $227,000 in cash across Southern Oregon and Northern California.

A vehicle caught fire after crashing on Robertson Bridge Road near Merlin Tuesday night. Officials say the driver had attempted to leave the area with firewood from private property before the crash occurred.

Emergency crews responded to a rollover crash near Cave Junction but found no occupants at the scene after searching the vehicle and surrounding area. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon on Holland Loop Road.

Construction is underway on the new North Medford High School gym, with early work completed and major structural progress expected by the start of the next school year. The rebuild follows the collapse of the original facility and aims for full completion by late 2027.