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 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.
New Concerts Announced for Bend
Bonnie Raitt, Matt Rife, and Train have been added to the Hayden Homes Amphitheater 2026 concert lineup in Bend, with presales opening this week.
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.
Outdoor Recreation on Public Lands Generates $351 Million a Day
Outdoor recreation on America’s public lands generates $351 million per day in economic activity, according to a new report from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Experts say it’s a sustainable economic powerhouse that outpaces drilling and mining.
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.
Scooter Rider Killed After Collision with Amtrak Train in Portland
A person riding an electric scooter was struck and killed by an Amtrak train Friday morning near Southeast 11th Avenue and Clinton Street in Portland, police said. The Major Crash Team is investigating.
Search for Missing Hunter Continues in Mount Hood National Forest
The search for 51-year-old hunter Devon Dobek entered its seventh day Thursday, as crews from across Oregon continue to comb rugged terrain in the Mount Hood National Forest.
Change Rooted in the Land
Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union will become Sage Credit Union on January 1, 2026, reflecting its expanded charter and new chapter of growth across Oregon and Nevada.
I-5 Traffic Stop in Linn County Leads to Major Fentanyl Seizure
A traffic stop in Linn County led to a major fentanyl seizure when Oregon State Police K-9 Millie uncovered a hidden compartment containing drugs, a firearm, and cash. Three suspects were arrested and the case has been referred to the DEA.
Oregon State Parks Outlines Big Changes for 2026
Oregon State Parks has announced fee increases, policy changes, and new sustainability efforts for 2026, including higher parking costs and updated reservation rules. The changes aim to address a $14 million shortfall and ensure the long-term future of Oregon’s 250+ parks.
Redmond, Deschutes County to Co-Manage Homeless Camp Near Airport
The City of Redmond and Deschutes County have approved a joint plan to co-manage a 10-acre homeless camp near the Redmond Airport. The managed site will include 72 campsites with utilities and services, and is expected to open by January 2026.
Multiple Fatal Crashes Reported on Oregon Highways
Oregon State Police are investigating two fatal crashes and one serious injury collision that occurred over the weekend in Malheur and Sherman Counties. Troopers are asking the public for information in one of the incidents, which left two people seriously injured.
Oregon Directs $1 Million to Tribal Governments
Governor Tina Kotek has allocated $1 million in emergency funds to Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes to combat food insecurity during the federal shutdown, which has disrupted SNAP benefits for families statewide.
FAA to Cut Flights if Shutdown Continues
The FAA plans to cut 10% of flights at 40 major airports if the shutdown continues, citing worsening staff shortages among unpaid air traffic controllers. Airlines were caught off guard by the move, which could disrupt thousands of flights nationwide.
Search Efforts Intensify on Mount Hood
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office continues leading an intensive multi-agency search for missing hunter Devon Dobek in the Mount Hood National Forest, where poor weather and hazardous terrain have slowed progress but not determination.
California Voters Approve Prop 50
California voters have approved Proposition 50, shifting redistricting control from the state’s independent commission to the legislature. Backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the measure is expected to make five U.S. House districts more favorable to Democrats ahead of 2026.
Highway 238 Crash Kills One, Injures Another Near Grants Pass
A 36-year-old Grants Pass man was killed early Monday when a vehicle left the roadway, rolled multiple times, and caught fire on Highway 238 in Josephine County. OSP says speed and impairment are suspected factors.
UPS Cargo Plane Crashes Near Louisville Airport
A UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday, killing at least three people and injuring 11 others. Officials say the crash sparked a massive fire and investigation efforts are underway.