Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Good morning, Medford. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Oregon Black Pioneers will host a Black history walking tour in Jacksonville on May 30. The tour covers civil rights, community change and Black-owned businesses with surprise guests (tickets cost $32 and are expected to sell quickly). KOBI-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Southern Oregon University's Board of Trustees voted unanimously last night to launch the SOU Viability Plan — aiming to reduce the budget by up to $20 million and form a committee to collect community feedback — as concerns over student programs persist. KOBI-TV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Oregon's first floating solar project went online at the Medford Irrigation District reservoir near Central Point as 1,700 panels began supplying renewable energy to families + businesses while conserving water by shading the reservoir and slowing algae growth. KOBI-TV
- ➤ ODF Southwest Oregon District said that Jackson and Josephine counties are not in fire season because local conditions have not met the required thresholds, even as other areas began fire season. Firefighters are on standby and the district will declare fire season once weather, vegetation moisture and fire potential align. MedfordAlert
- ➤ AAA Oregon/Idaho research shows extreme weather cuts EV & hybrid range—39% less for electric models and nearly 23% lower fuel efficiency for hybrids in cold conditions—leaving drivers in Rogue Valley with fewer miles per charge. Drivers are urged to plan extra charging stops to avoid costly roadside assistance. KOBI-TV
- ➤ Hundreds of millions of songbirds are beginning their northward spring migration as southerly winds drive the movement, with BirdCast live maps tracking the progress. Residents can bookmark BirdCast for real-time updates on the birds’ journey. Rogue River Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham announced the city will receive $4 million from Asante by June 18 as Ashland Community Hospital ends its 2013 affiliation and becomes a satellite campus of Medford’s Rogue Regional Medical Center, with conversion planned for May 20 pending state licensing (city council is still reviewing spending options). KOBI-TV
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Richard Marx 'After Hours' Tour
7-11 p.m. — Holly Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless voice and unforgettable catalogue of award-winning artist Richard Marx.
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360 Allstars Performance
4-7 p.m. — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — VIP packages available — Experience the thrill of acrobatics and street performance in a unique show.
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Classic Albums Live: Dark Side of the Moon Tribute
8-11 p.m. — Holly Theatre — Ticket prices available — Experience Pink Floyd's iconic album brought to life by world-class musicians in a historic venue.
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I'm With Her Concert
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Holly Theatre — Check the event page for cost — Experience an evening with six-time GRAMMY winner Sarah Jarosz as she showcases her musical talent.
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Bonnie Raitt Concert
7:30 p.m. — Britt Pavilion, Medford — Ticket details on site — Experience the soulful sounds of Bonnie Raitt live.
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James And The Giant Peach, Jr
3:00 – 11:59 p.m. — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets from $48 — Dive into the whimsical tale of adventure with James and his giant peach.
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