The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s BasinLife.com, KFLS News/Talk 1450AM/102.5FM, The Herald and News, and powered by Countertops by Topsecret. Call them at 541-850-8677.

 

 

 

Friday, September 25, 2026

Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest winds around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Overnight, cloudy, low near 37.

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Around the State of Oregon

Asante and the nurses’ union at Rogue Regional Medical Center are working towards finalizing a new multi-year contract by the end of the month.

The two parties are scheduled to meet for the ninth time this Thursday, continuing negotiations that began in July, as their current agreement is set to expire at the end of September.

Following their meeting on September 10, both sides issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of nurse scheduling, noting that their discussions enhanced mutual understanding of the complexities involved and highlighted the significance of scheduling in promoting a sustainable work environment for nurses while supporting the community.

Oregon students have shown some advancement in state assessments, yet the latest results indicate that a majority still fall short of meeting the established standards in English, mathematics, and science.

The Oregon Department of Education has published the 2025-26 statewide assessment results, offering a current overview of student performance throughout the state.

In English language arts, 43.8% of students tested met or exceeded the state standard, while in mathematics, the figure was 32.9%, and in science, it stood at 30.6%.

Although state education officials recognize signs of progress, particularly in mathematics, they also emphasize that Oregon faces significant challenges ahead, asserting that mere additional tutoring and interventions will not suffice to achieve the desired improvements.

 

A new tax incentive has been introduced for Oregon employers for the 2026 tax year.

The Qualified Jobs Creation Tax Credit, which was enacted in Salem earlier this year, offers a $1,000 state income tax credit for each net new qualifying job created by Oregon businesses. Employers can accumulate a maximum of $10,000 annually; however, eligibility is limited to certain businesses.

This program specifically targets seven industries: advanced manufacturing, bioscience and biotechnology, clean technology, food and beverage processing, forestry and wood products, high technology, and outdoor gear and apparel.

Applications for the 2026 tax year are currently being accepted until October 31st.

 

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission has officially adopted the big-game regulations for 2027 during their recent meeting in La Grande, establishing a variety of hunting opportunities.

The new regulations encompass hunts for species such as deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear, cougar, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goats, with seasons and tag allocations largely mirroring those of 2026, aside from adjustments for calendar shifts.

Printed regulations are expected to be available by late November. In 2027, hunters will encounter modifications in the western Oregon elk hunts due to the Cascades Elk population remaining below management objectives. Specifically, the spike-only bag limit for legal weapon coast elk hunts will transition from the second to the first period, a strategic change aimed at distributing hunters more evenly across both periods.

Additionally, three Wildlife Management Units will alter their bag limit structure from two bull elk periods to one any bull period and one spike-only period, a measure designed to improve bull ratios to meet management goals.

Furthermore, the cow harvest in the West Cascades hunt will be curtailed by eliminating antlerless elk from the bag limits for various tags, including the General Archery Season Tag and the Santiam Unit Traditional Bow hunt, as well as for holders of an Oregon Hunting and Fishing Disability Permit.

 

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued a warning to consumers regarding the health insurance coverage provided by “self-funded” limited-partner plans and other unlicensed entities.

Residents of Oregon are advised to exercise caution when considering enrollment in these limited partner plans, as companies may label consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to circumvent state consumer protection laws.

These plans often only cover preventive services, such as routine check-ups and annual screenings, and may lure consumers with the appeal of low premium rates. However, individuals frequently face higher out-of-pocket expenses due to uncovered medical costs.

With the open enrollment period approaching, which runs from November 1 to January 15 for those not covered by employer insurance, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan, it is crucial to understand the distinctions between these limited plans and standard insurance options.

In April, the DFR cautioned the public about these plans, highlighting their non-compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and their lack of comprehensive medical coverage, despite potential misleading marketing. This non-compliance can result in consumers being unexpectedly liable for unpaid medical expenses. To ensure proper coverage, individuals should seek ACA-compliant health plans exclusively through licensed insurance agents or the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. It is essential for consumers to verify that they are accessing the official “.gov” website, as there are other sites with similar addresses that may offer non-compliant plans.

 

Recent weather patterns have led to a decrease in fire danger within the Klamath National Forest, resulting in forest officials lifting fire restrictions as of midnight on September 24, 2026.

Despite the easing of these restrictions, fire officials caution that the fire season in Northern California is not yet concluded. Wildfires remain a possibility, and visitors are urged to exercise caution and sound judgment while enjoying the forest.

Klamath National Forest officials have stated that while the current weather has mitigated fire risks, conditions can shift rapidly, maintaining the potential for wildfires. They advise visitors to adhere to fire safety practices and ensure that campfires are fully extinguished prior to departure. It is crucial for visitors to never leave campfires unattended and to thoroughly douse them with water, stirring until they are cool to the touch.

Additionally, a California Campfire Permit is necessary for the use of campfires, stoves, and barbecues outside of developed campgrounds. This complimentary permit offers essential guidelines for safe fire usage, including area clearance requirements, proper extinguishing methods, and necessary tools to have on hand.

 

A member of the Yurok tribe has recounted her experiences regarding the removal of the Klamath dams and the ongoing efforts to restore the surrounding ecosystems.

During a TED Talk recently, lawyer and indigenous advocate Amy Bowers Cordalis emphasized the significance of the Klamath River’s restoration and the strength of indigenous leadership in this endeavor.

In October 2024, the Klamath River Renewal Corporation announced the successful completion of the Klamath Dam Removal Project, which Cordalis described as the largest dam removal and salmon restoration initiative in history. This project has fostered new ecosystems that are crucial for sustaining indigenous cultures. Cordalis noted a landmark $500 million settlement agreement for the dam removal, which recognized the rights of nature, business, and indigenous peoples.

In the first year following the removal, approximately 7,000 salmon navigated past the former dam site, and by 2025, that number increased to 13,000, allowing them access to their historical spawning grounds. Recently, a group of local indigenous youth celebrated this restoration by being among the first to paddle the revitalized

Phil and Penny Knight of Nike Inc have pledged $1 billion to the University of Oregon to establish a college of engineering at the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact.

This new college aims to educate engineers and applied scientists in fields such as bioengineering and other in-demand areas, thereby attracting faculty and researchers to enhance the university’s growth.

The initiative is designed to expedite the transition of discoveries from the laboratory to practical applications, including products, therapies, technologies, and companies. Knight emphasized that realizing such ambitious goals requires not only imagination but also the opportunities that American universities have historically offered.

This donation marks the Knights’ third significant commitment of this magnitude in a decade, following their previous contributions of $500 million in 2016 and another $500 million in 2021, which facilitated the creation and expansion of the Knight Campus.

Oregon is positioned in the mid-range regarding binge drinking rates across the United States, as indicated by a recent report from Valley Spring Recovery Center, which places the state 25th out of 50.

The analysis of excessive alcohol consumption revealed that approximately 16 percent of adults in Oregon engaged in binge drinking in 2023. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines binge drinking as consuming five or more alcoholic beverages for men and four or more for women.

Iowa recorded the highest binge drinking rate, followed closely by North Dakota, while Utah reported the lowest rate in the nation. These rankings are derived from 2023 federal CDC health data concerning excessive alcohol consumption.

 

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has made some strides in addressing issues highlighted in a 2024 audit of the High School Success program; however, considerable efforts are still necessary to fulfill the objectives of this voter-endorsed initiative, as indicated by a recent report from the Secretary of State.

Out of the eight recommendations from the audit, ODE has fully implemented only one, while five are partially addressed, and two remain unaddressed.

This audit assessed ODE’s progress in rectifying concerns raised in a prior evaluation of the High School Success program, established by Measure 98 in 2016 to improve Oregon’s persistently low graduation rates. The report emphasizes that ODE has not completely executed the recommendations from the 2024 audit, despite the agency’s expectation to finalize all eight by June 2027.

For the 2025-27 biennium, the High School Success program is allocated over $338 million, with Measure 98 mandating the state to provide $800 per student, distinct from the General Fund, to enhance dropout prevention, career and technical education, and college-level learning opportunities.

 

The recent state report indicates a sustained high demand for mental health professionals in Oregon. Projections suggest that employment opportunities in various mental health fields will expand at a rate surpassing the overall state average until 2034.

Notably, psychiatric technicians are anticipated to experience the most significant growth, estimated at 28 percent, as the state endeavors to mitigate its shortage of behavioral health workers.

 

On Wednesday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement partners conducted a coordinated law enforcement operation on a drug trafficking organization in Jackson County. This operation involved the simultaneous service of multiple search warrants.

The public may have noticed an increased law enforcement presence, including police tactical vehicles in several areas while these operations were underway. This included a helicopter in the area of West Main Street and Hanley Road that was part of a federal search warrant. The increased police presence included residences and businesses in Medford, Central Point, Eagle Point, Rogue River, and Jacksonville. There is no known ongoing threat to the general public. Please continue to avoid the properties while law enforcement personnel secure each scene and investigate.

This is an active and ongoing operation. Due to the nature of the investigation, specific details regarding the approximate locations, individuals involved, and circumstances leading to the warrants are not being released at this time. Additional information will be released when appropriate.

We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation while law enforcement personnel complete these operations.

 

Employment Department projects strong demand for mental health professionals to continue in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — As Oregon celebrates National Recovery Month in September, recent research by the Oregon Employment Department finds that demand for mental health professionals has grown faster than all other occupations in the state.

In a recent article, OED Employment Economist Luke Coury analyzed demand using published estimates of online job postings and found that, unlike online ad volume economy-wide, which has fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, online ad volume for mental health professionals has remained elevated in Oregon. This followed a smaller dip in ad volume for mental health professionals during the pandemic and a steeper rise during the post-recession boom.

A report from the Governor’s Behavior Health Talent Council (BHTC) notes that current employment levels for mental health professionals are not meeting demand in the state, which was already on the rise before accelerating during the pandemic.

In response to the Behavioral Health Workforce shortage, Governor Kotek directed the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to consolidate that work through a Behavioral Health Talent Assessment, which informed the creation of the BHTC. The council’s final report includes 74 recommendations aimed at expanding the workforce, streamlining licensing and credentialing, and improving recruitment and retention across the state. The first bill to come out of the work of the council, Cutting Red Tape for Behavioral Health Workers, was passed in 2026.

“The Behavioral Health Talent Council developed strategies to address the workforce shortage,” First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, Chair of the BHTC, said. “Supporting the workforce and strengthening pathways into the field helps Oregon to retain workers, attract new talent, and ensure more Oregonians can access care when they need it.”

Coury’s analysis found that demand was especially high for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, which had the most online ads (7,190) of any mental health occupation between June 2025 and June 2026.

Demand is projected to remain strong in the state over the next decade, as well. Nearly all mental health occupations are projected to outpace the 6.4% growth that OED projects for all occupations through 2034. Psychiatric technicians, for example, have the highest projected growth rate in the industry at 28.1 percent, followed by marriage and family therapists (24.9%), and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (23.5%).  

“For those interested in a career built around helping others, becoming a mental health professional could be a great option,” Coury said. “Demand is still high for those occupations and is projected to remain that way over the next decade.”

People in recovery and with lived experience of behavioral health conditions are an integral but often overlooked part of the workforce. By supporting them throughout their journeys, mental health and recovery professionals also play an important role in maintaining a vibrant and resilient workforce.

OED’s Workforce and Economic Research division offers several tools for students and job seekers at qualityinfo.org, including occupation and wage data, a career explorer, and job postings.

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to carefully review health insurance coverage offered through “self-funded” limited-partner plans or other unlicensed entities.

Oregonians should exercise caution before enrolling in a limited partner plan. Companies may offer plans that refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. Many limited partner plans cover only preventive care, such as check-ups and annual health screenings. The plans tempt consumers with promises of low premium costs. However, consumers often end up with higher out-of-pocket costs due to uncovered medical bills.

With open enrollment rapidly approaching, it is important to know what the difference is between these plans and standard plans. Open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15, is for those who do not get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan.

DFR warned of these plans back in April. They are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being unexpectedly responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available only through a licensed insurance agent or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers should pay close attention to ensure that they are on the “.gov” website as there are other websites with similar web addresses that offer non-ACA-compliant plans.

“Consumers should remember the adage that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Red flags to look for include:

• A salesperson marketing limited partner plans or other “ERISA plans” directly to consumers
• A salesperson claiming they do not need a license because their product is not insurance or is exempt from regulation
• A salesperson offering to sign you up outside open enrollment and without eligibility for a special enrollment period
• A health insurance plan seeming abnormally cheap or referencing “stop-loss” insurance
• A group issuing coverage with minimal requests about an applicant’s health
• A company attempting to quickly collect a large amount of premium
• A company delaying or denying claims and making excuses for failure to pay

Before providing an insurance sales agent with any payment or personal information, DFR encourages consumers to request the agent’s full name and National Producer Number. Consumers can verify the agent’s licensure status by visiting DFR’s check a license webpage.

DFR urges Oregonians to be careful when choosing a company to purchase health care coverage from. Organizations and health plans that DFR and other state regulators have identified as having marketed limited partner or self-funded coverage include:

• Socios Buenos, LP aka Vista Health
• Affordable Benefit Choices LLC
• LP Management Services, LLC
• Aither Healthcare Competitive Health
• NXT Level Health
• Multiplan PHCS Network
• Verdegard Administrators, LLC fka Hawaii Mainland Administrators, LLC
• Pioneer Health/Innovative Healthcare Solutions
• ClearShare Health and Clearwater Benefits LLC
• Emergency Management Alliance
• Premier Health Solutions
• Strategic Limited Partners, LP
• The Vitamin Patch, LLC

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions can contact our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

DFR warns investors about AI-powered investment scams

Salem – Artificial intelligence is making it easier for scammers to create convincing investment pitches, websites, videos, and messages, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning.

AI tools can be useful for learning about investing and financial products, but fraudsters are using technology to make investment scams look more legitimate and reach potential victims more easily.

“Artificial intelligence may make a scam look more sophisticated, but the warning signs of investment fraud remain familiar,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner and DFR Administrator TK Keen. “Consumers should slow down, independently verify who they are dealing with, and never let pressure or fear of missing out drive an investment decision. Always remember that if the investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

DFR is warning consumers about several common AI-related scams:

• Deepfakes and impersonation:Scammers can create realistic videos or audio of celebrities, public figures, financial professionals, friends, or family members promoting investments, including those promising unusually high or guaranteed returns.
• AI and cryptocurrency trading schemes:Fraudsters may advertise supposedly proprietary or guaranteed AI trading systems. Victims can be directed to fake platforms that display fabricated account balances or profits and then pressured to send additional money, often in cryptocurrency.
• AI voice and messaging scams:Voice-cloning technology can make calls or messages appear to come from someone the victim knows or trusts. Unsolicited investment recommendations should be independently verified.
• Romance scams:Fraudsters can use AI-generated images and chatbots to create convincing dating profiles and build relationships before persuading victims to invest in cryptocurrency, startups, or other purported opportunities.

Consumers should be particularly cautious about unsolicited investment offers, online advertisements featuring celebrities or public figures, unusual facial or body movements in videos, awkward or unnatural voice messages, requests for cryptocurrency payments, reluctance to meet or verify credentials, and websites that mimic legitimate financial firms.

DFR recommends that consumers:

• Pause before investing.Scammers often use urgency and fear of missing out to pressure victims into making quick decisions.
• Verify registration.Confirm that the person or company offering an investment is properly registered. Registration does not guarantee an investment is risk-free, but an unregistered seller is a significant warning sign.
• Research independently.Search for the investment company, the individual making the offer, and their contact information. Do not rely solely on information provided by the person pitching the investment.
• Do not rely on AI alone.AI tools can produce inaccurate, outdated, or fabricated information. Consumers should cross-check investment claims with reliable sources and consult a registered investment professional when appropriate.
• Verify unexpected communications.If a message, call, or video appears to come from a financial adviser, friend, or family member, contact that person through a trusted, independent method before acting.

Consumers who suspect they have been targeted by an AI investment scam should report the activity to DFR and appropriate authorities, including the Oregon Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission. Reporting suspected fraud can help regulators identify emerging scams and protect other consumers.

DFR also warns consumers to be cautious of anyone offering to recover money lost in an investment scam. Such offers can be another scam targeting victims who have already lost money. To report suspected investment fraud or if you have been a victim of a scam, contact DFR at 1-888-877-4894 or email dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY FOOD BANK

Our network of food banks and pantries provides free food and groceries across Oregon. No proof of income or documentation required.

https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help: 211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the 211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon. Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Map to find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit the ADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area.