Medford, OR – Oregon lawmakers are set to spend nearly $426 million more than originally planned in the current fiscal year, responding to higher-than-expected caseloads in the state’s Medicaid program and increasing demand for services provided to seniors and people with disabilities. The additional spending is outlined in a set of amendments to five bills—Senate Bills 5550, 5049, 5050, 5051, and 10—released on Wednesday. These amendments are part of Oregon’s routine “budget rebalance” process, which adjusts the two-year budget passed by the Legislature in odd-numbered years. The rebalancing occurs in even-numbered years during a 35-day legislative session, or during special…
Author: Sarah Prescott
PORTLAND, Ore. — Three U.S. Army soldiers, including two active-duty members, have been arrested following grand jury indictments in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington. The charges stem from an alleged conspiracy involving bribery, theft of government property, and the illegal transmission of national defense information. Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both active-duty soldiers, are accused of conspiring to steal and bribe others for sensitive military information. Zhao is facing multiple charges in Oregon, including conspiring to collect and transmit classified U.S. military documents to individuals in China. The indictment details how Zhao allegedly stole hard…
Medford, Ore. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will host a live online town hall on Tuesday, providing an opportunity for Oregonians to directly engage with the senator. The event, which is open to all residents of Oregon, will stream on Facebook Live starting at 6 p.m. In partnership with People’s Town Hall, the forum aims to give Oregonians the chance to ask questions, share their ideas, and discuss issues that matter most to them. Wyden emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with his constituents during these unprecedented times in American history. “My top priority is making sure Oregonians from…
Phoenix, Ore. – A Phoenix High School cheerleader and her family are speaking out after they claim the student was the target of ongoing racial bullying by her peers, leading to an investigation by both the school and a third-party organization. Sydney Waites, a member of the Phoenix High School cheerleading team, has been a source of inspiration to younger students, who often look up to her during school events. But recent events have cast a shadow over her experience at the school. Waites, who had previously expressed pride in her role as a cheerleader, is now taking time away…
Medford, OR – In a bold move to enhance firefighter safety and improve rescue operations, the Medford Fire Department has issued Personal Rescue Devices, commonly known as “Bailout Kits,” to every member of its team. Last week, firefighters completed training on how to effectively use these essential tools, which are designed to help them quickly and safely escape dangerous situations when traditional exits are unavailable. The Bailout Kit is a compact, all-in-one package containing the equipment necessary for a rapid evacuation. The pack includes tools that allow firefighters to escape burning or collapsing buildings, but it also serves a dual…
Medford, Ore. – Superior Athletic Club in Medford is offering a unique range of fitness classes aimed at individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The gym recently expanded its offerings with a new Pedaling for Parkinson’s cycling class, complementing its established Rocksteady boxing program. These classes are designed to help those affected by the disease improve their mobility, strength, and overall health. Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor function, speech, and balance, currently impacts nearly one million people across the United States, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Superior Athletic Club’s new cycling class offers an essential tool for managing…
Klamath County, Ore. – A head-on collision on Highway 97, just north of the California border, claimed the lives of two individuals Monday morning. According to the Oregon State Police (OSP), the crash occurred shortly before 6 a.m. when a Nissan Frontier, driven by 30-year-old Derek Ryan Ford of Colorado, crossed the center line while traveling northbound. The vehicle struck a Dodge Ram 1500 head-on, with the truck, driven by 48-year-old Amy Wilson of Klamath Falls, heading southbound. Both Ford and Wilson were pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities currently working…
Medford, OR – The Trump administration has proposed selling several historic federal properties across the country, with a notable inclusion on the list being Medford’s James A. Redden U.S. Courthouse. This building, the only federal courthouse south of Eugene, Oregon, is among more than 400 federal properties flagged by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for potential disposal. According to the GSA’s official website, the initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce government spending by selling off non-essential federal buildings and facilities. The goal is to save taxpayer dollars by unloading properties that are no longer crucial to…
Medford, OR – Oregon lawmakers are pushing for a new 4% tax on the sale of new car tires, aiming to raise up to $20 million annually for public transit, wildlife crossings, and efforts to reduce tire-related pollution. While supporters of the measure say it will provide a stable funding source for critical infrastructure and environmental projects, the proposal has drawn significant opposition from residents across the state. The tax, outlined in House Bill 3362, would apply to new tires for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks, such as delivery vans. State Rep. Ken Helm, D-Beaverton, who is sponsoring the bill…
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred early Monday morning near SW 6th St and SW M St. The Grants Pass Police Department (GPPD) responded to multiple calls reporting the incident at approximately 2 a.m. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to an extremity. First responders quickly transported the injured man to Three Rivers Medical Center. Fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening. While GPPD officers did not locate the suspect at the scene, the investigation remains ongoing. The police department has received assistance from the Josephine County…