Medford, OR – Oregon is set to receive $66 million as part of a national $7.4 billion settlement with the Sackler family and their company, Purdue Pharma, following lawsuits tied to the opioid epidemic. The settlement, announced Wednesday by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, marks another significant financial gain in the state’s ongoing legal battle against pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accused of fueling the opioid crisis. Since 2021, Oregon has secured over $645 million from various lawsuits related to opioid manufacturers, and this new settlement will further bolster funding for programs aimed at combating addiction and its consequences. “This…
Author: Sarah Prescott
LAKE COUNTY, Ore. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) announced that a county-wide burn ban will take effect beginning Friday, June 6, in response to the onset of fire season. The burn ban aims to protect local communities, properties, and natural resources during this period of elevated fire risk, the LCSO stated. Officials emphasized that most wildfires are accidentally caused by human activities such as campfires, discarded cigarettes, machinery sparks, or power tools. Under the burn ban, the following activities are prohibited throughout Lake County: Leaf burning Wood burning Burning of trash, rubbish, or garbage Burning any combustible materials…
WHITE CITY, Ore — Last year’s rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was plagued by website crashes and technical issues, causing many students to miss crucial deadlines for federal financial aid. As the new presidential administration signals potential cuts to the Department of Education’s budget, key student aid programs may face reductions or elimination starting in the 2026–27 academic year. Students enrolled in Oregon community colleges currently benefit from the Oregon Promise Grant, which covers tuition for up to 90 credits. However, looming federal budget cuts threaten programs like TRIO, which offer critical support to students…
Medford, OR — A sweeping Republican tax bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and headed for a Senate vote threatens to slash billions in federal Medicaid funding nationwide, with Oregon poised to bear an outsized impact due to its inclusive healthcare policies. Oregon’s Medicaid program, known as the Oregon Health Plan, relies on more than $11 billion in federal funding annually — covering approximately 75% of its costs. The proposed legislation could reduce that funding by more than half, according to Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands of low-income residents without health insurance. The…
MEDFORD, Ore. — Early this morning, firefighters responded to a structure fire at a residence on Ross Lane. Although the home was occupied at the time of the incident, all residents evacuated safely and no injuries were reported. Emergency personnel arrived promptly and worked to contain the fire. Firefighters on the scene confirmed that none of their team members sustained injuries during the response. A Deputy Fire Marshal was called to the scene to investigate the cause of the blaze. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the origin or extent of the fire. The swift evacuation and efficient response…
Selma, Ore. — Late Tuesday evening, fire crews responded promptly to a small vegetation fire burning in heavy brush at 521 Squaw Mountain Road. The Illinois Valley Fire District was first on the scene, discovering that roughly a tenth of an acre was involved. Thanks to swift action and collaboration with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District, firefighters were able to contain and extinguish the blaze quickly, preventing it from spreading further. At the time the fire was reported, personnel from Rural Metro Fire were actively managing a nearby incident, allowing for rapid coordination and additional support. Officials…
Grants Pass, Ore. — The city of Grants Pass can now enforce overnight camping bans at several city parks following a recent court order modification. Josephine County Judge Sarah E. McGlaughlin signed an order Thursday morning that amended a preliminary injunction related to a lawsuit filed by Disability Rights Oregon (DRO). The original injunction had prevented the city from removing campsites or tents from city property until Grants Pass provided at least 150 designated public camping spaces. In a statement, city officials said, “The parties are engaged in meaningful and substantial conferral with the goal of reaching a mutually agreed…
Medford, OR — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) officially declared the start of fire season in southwest Oregon today, beginning at 12:01 a.m. The declaration covers approximately 1.8 million acres of forestlands across Jackson and Josephine counties. According to ODF officials, the current fire danger level is set to “low,” with the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) established at Level I. This follows recent weather trends that have shifted from wet conditions to warmer, drier weather — factors that typically contribute to an increased risk of wildfire. So far this season, the department has reported 12 fires burning a…
Medford, OR – As Oregon’s stunning natural landscapes continue to attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe, state officials are emphasizing the critical importance of preparedness and safety to reduce the number of search and rescue (SAR) incidents. With the peak tourist season fast approaching, adventurers are urged to take precautions that can prevent emergencies and ease the burden on volunteer rescue teams. Governor Tina Kotek has officially declared June as Search and Rescue Awareness Month, a move that acknowledges the vital contributions of Oregon’s SAR personnel and volunteers. The proclamation highlights the lifesaving work these teams perform and encourages…
Medford, OR — In a move hailed as a major step forward for survivors of sexual abuse, the Oregon House passed House Bill 3582 on Thursday, eliminating statutes of limitations for civil actions related to child sex abuse and sexual assault. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and emotional testimonies from lawmakers, including survivors who described the lasting trauma that often delays reporting. Under current Oregon law, survivors of child sexual abuse have until age 40, or within five years of realizing the harm caused by the abuse, to file civil claims against their abusers or institutions that enabled…