Medford, OR – The Oregon House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at expanding access to HIV prevention medication across the state. On Monday, lawmakers approved House Bill 2942, which would ensure that both pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are reimbursed by the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). The bill, which received bipartisan support, is co-sponsored by Rep. Travis Nelson, a Democrat representing North and Northeast Portland, and Rep. Cyrus Javadi, a Republican from Tillamook. The legislation is seen as a significant step toward improving public health efforts and reducing the spread of HIV in Oregon. Rep. Nelson,…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Eagle Point, Oregon – A major drug bust in Eagle Point led to the arrest of two individuals after an extensive two-month investigation into cocaine distribution. The Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement team (MADGE), with support from the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), executed the operation on April 3rd, following multiple community complaints about suspected drug activity in the area. During the search of a residence on Ponderosa Way, authorities uncovered significant evidence of drug trafficking, seizing over 100 grams of cocaine, eight firearms—including several “ghost guns”—and approximately $48,000 in cash. Additionally, four vehicles and a motorcycle were…
Medford, Ore. – The Medford Railroad Park opened its gates for the first time in the 2025-2026 season on Sunday, drawing hundreds of families eager to step back in time and explore America’s rich railroad history. Operating every second and fourth Sunday from April through October, the park offers visitors free access from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This popular attraction, completely run by volunteers, is managed by a coalition of four local organizations: the Southern Oregon Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, the Southern Oregon Live Steamers, the Morse Telegraph Club, and the Rogue Valley Model Railroad Club,…
MEDFORD, Ore. – Two separate lawsuits have been filed this week against Asante and a former nurse accused of diverting drugs and replacing them with unsterile substances, including tap water. The complaints allege serious misconduct at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (RRMC), leading to infections and, in one case, the death of a patient. The first lawsuit, filed on April 10, 2025, lists the plaintiff as Benjamin Callesen, a man who claims to have contracted a waterborne bacterial infection after undergoing an appendectomy at RRMC. Callesen, who sought treatment at the hospital on April 13, 2023, was reportedly discharged after…
Medford, OR – A recent report from the University of Oregon has raised alarms within the state’s business community, revealing a concerning trend: more and more Oregon companies are being courted by recruiters from other states. According to the findings, 25% of the businesses surveyed reported being approached by out-of-state recruiters, and nearly 70% of those companies ultimately decided to expand or relocate outside of Oregon. States like Texas, Washington, and California are often cited as preferred destinations due to their favorable business climates, including lower taxes, fewer regulations, and policies seen as more advantageous for companies. These states are…
Medford, OR – Earlier today, emergency crews from Engine 14 responded to a report of an electrical fire on the exterior of a single-family home located in the 200 block of Berrydale Avenue. Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters discovered that the homeowner had successfully contained the flames using a fire extinguisher before their arrival. The fire, which had started outside the home, appeared to have spread into the structure. Firefighters quickly assessed the damage and opened up the wall to check for any signs of hidden flames. What they found was significant charring on the sill plate and exposed…
Medford, OR – Oregon State Representative Pam Marsh has introduced a new piece of legislation, House Bill 3146, designed to support the state’s homeless population in their recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). The bill seeks to create a pilot program through the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to provide low-barrier emergency housing to individuals on waiting lists for SUD treatment. Under the proposed bill, $10 million from the state’s general fund would be allocated to OHA to fund between four and eight emergency housing programs across Oregon. These programs would specifically target individuals who are homeless or “dangerously housed” and…
IDLEYLD PARK, Ore. – A 34-year-old woman from Grants Pass died in a single-vehicle crash Monday evening on Highway 138 East, according to the Oregon State Police (OSP). The crash occurred at approximately 6:38 p.m. on April 7, near milepost 28.5, east of Idleyld Park. Authorities said the driver, a 65-year-old man from Merlin, was operating a westbound Chevrolet Tahoe when, for reasons yet to be determined, the vehicle crossed the roadway, veered off the eastbound shoulder, and crashed into a tree. The passenger, identified as Scoti Allena Hoadley, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision…
Ashland, Ore. – The parents of a young child who they claim was subjected to abuse at an Ashland preschool have filed a $27 million civil lawsuit against the institution, demanding accountability for alleged failures to enforce safety protocols. The family’s lawsuit, filed Thursday morning in Jackson County Circuit Court, targets Children’s World: A Bilingual Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten, and accuses the school of institutional negligence and failing to protect vulnerable children from abuse. According to the lawsuit, the abuse was carried out by teacher Craig Johnson, who is currently under criminal investigation. Bonnie Richardson, the family’s attorney, emphasized that…
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Two men were arrested Tuesday afternoon after a violent altercation at the A Street resting site, which saw one man wielding a tree branch and the other pulling out a handgun. According to Grants Pass Police, the incident unfolded around 1:21 p.m. on April 8. Officers responded to reports of a fight at 101 NW A Street, where 40-year-old Bobby Swearingen and 34-year-old Kaleb Farmer were involved in a physical confrontation. Swearingen, armed with a tree branch, allegedly struck Farmer during the altercation. In response, Farmer pulled out a .357 revolver, escalating the situation. Police say…