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.
Prescribed Burns Planned Across Shasta-Trinity National Forest This Week
Shasta-Trinity National Forest officials plan to conduct multiple prescribed burns November 17–21, weather permitting. The burns, spanning districts from McCloud to Trinity Lake, are designed to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.
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.
Democrat Mike McGuire challenges GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa for new Prop. 50 seat
McGuire, who terms out of the Legislature next year, hopes to capitalize on Democrats’ new voter registration advantage in LaMalfa’s post-Prop. 50 district to flip a congressional seat from red to blue. His launch video appears to preemptively address the criticism that he’s out of touch with rural Californians.
Riding the River Home
A sweeping new OPB documentary, First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath, follows Indigenous teens on a 310-mile river journey only made possible after the Klamath’s major dams came down. Blending adventure filmmaking with powerful cultural storytelling, the film captures a historic moment on a river reborn.
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.
Ashland Gears Up for First-Ever Sarcasm Festival
Ashland will host its first-ever Sarcasm Festival Dec. 5–7, featuring national touring comedians at OSF’s Angus Bowmer Theatre and dozens of comedy events across downtown venues. The three-day celebration includes stand-up, improv, drag brunches, workshops, and more — all aimed at boosting local culture and tourism.
Parking Permits to Be Discontinued at Select Oregon Parks
Oregon State Parks will end its acceptance of Jackson County parking permits at two local state parks starting January 1, 2026, citing budget shortfalls and the need for long-term financial sustainability.
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.
Upgrades Planned for klamath county ski resort
Willamette Pass Ski Resort is investing nearly $500,000 in upgrades to improve snowmaking, rentals, and lodge facilities, part of a multi-year effort to strengthen the mountain experience and support local communities.
Bear Camp Road Reopens Following Moon Complex Fire
Bear Camp Road has reopened following the Moon Complex Fire, restoring access between the Rogue Valley and the Southern Oregon Coast. Officials warn that hazards remain, and some trails and campsites along the Rogue River remain closed.
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.