Medford’s splash pads opened for the season Friday, May 22, giving families and residents another way to cool off heading into the holiday weekend. The city is also reminding residents to stay hydrated, use sunscreen and check on vulnerable neighbors as temperatures rise.

Southern Oregon opened its NAIA Softball World Series run with a 4-2 win over Cumberlands, extending the Raiders’ winning streak to 16 games. Severe weather in Columbus, Georgia, has since pushed SOU’s next game to Sunday against Southeastern or College of Idaho.

The 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field says it will be unable to conduct requested flyovers until late 2027 while the base moves through its aircraft conversion process. The wing’s last F-15 Eagle departed in December 2025, and F-35A Lightning II aircraft are projected to arrive in August 2027, pending final Department of the Air Force approval.

The Medford City Council voted 5-2 to ratify a revised Main Street plan after previously voting to return the downtown street to three lanes. The updated Option 2A configuration keeps two travel lanes, adds a one-way bike lane and is expected to create about 40 parking spaces.

Providence Health Plan will leave most individual, family and employer group insurance plans beginning in 2027. Current coverage remains unchanged through 2026, but many Oregon members and employers will need new coverage options next year.

Unofficial Wednesday morning election results show Steve Bitzer appearing to win the Klamath County Commissioner Position 2 race outright, while Oregon voters rejected Measure 120 and several major statewide races moved toward November matchups.

Fire season will officially begin Friday, May 22, in Klamath and Lake counties. The Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District and partner agencies are moving into coordinated fire season operations, with Moderate fire danger and IFPL I restrictions taking effect.

A Grants Pass man is hospitalized with serious injuries after authorities say he drove the wrong way onto Interstate 5 near Rogue River and crashed head-on into an oncoming SUV. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says the incident began when a deputy attempted to stop a speeding Toyota pickup on Rogue River Highway.

An 18-year-old Klamath Falls resident died Saturday morning after being struck by a commercial vehicle on Highway 97 near milepost 264, according to Oregon State Police.