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.

A child exploitation investigation in Eagle Point led to a search warrant at a residence after a tip indicated illegal material had been uploaded. Investigators seized digital devices and continue to examine evidence as the multi-agency case remains active.

A Grants Pass school support staff member has been arrested following a grand jury indictment in a sex abuse investigation involving four identified victims. Oregon State Police say the case spans multiple years and includes six counts of sexual abuse in the first degree.

Klamath Falls City Schools and its classified employees union have reached a tentative agreement following mediated negotiations, with both sides highlighting a collaborative process focused on supporting staff and students. The agreement remains subject to union ratification and school board approval.

A barricaded suspect was taken into custody in Jacksonville following a domestic assault involving a knife that left one person injured. The incident prompted a large multi-agency response, including a shelter-in-place alert, specialized resources, and SWAT activation before the situation was resolved without further incident.

ATRIO Health Plans has been placed under state supervision by Oregon regulators due to financial concerns, including operating losses and unpaid provider claims. The action affects more than 35,000 Medicare Advantage enrollees across multiple counties, including parts of Southern Oregon.

The Oregon Cheese Festival returns to Central Point April 25–26, bringing nearly 100 artisan vendors, cheesemakers, and specialty food producers to the Jackson County Expo. The two-day event will feature tastings, local products, beverage add-ons, and a kickoff Cheesemaker Dinner in Ashland, drawing thousands for one of the region’s largest food festivals.

A 48-year-old Portland man was killed in a crash on Highway 97 near Chemult after his vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic at the scene of an earlier collision. The highway was impacted for several hours during the investigation.

K9 Bullitt of the Klamath Falls Police Department has been retired following a diagnosis of aggressive cancer. The longtime police dog will spend his remaining time with his handler after nearly nine years of service to the community.

Two free summer camps in the Rogue Valley are giving young women hands-on experience in public safety careers. The Girls Police Camp and Rogue Girls Fire Camp both offer immersive training opportunities, with applications now open.

A 65-year-old Medford bicyclist has died after being struck by a delivery truck on East McAndrews Road. The crash occurred on a sidewalk as the truck exited a parking lot, and police say no citations have been issued as the investigation continues.