Medford, OR – In his first few hours back in office, President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders aimed at expanding fossil fuel production, mining on federal land, and rolling back environmental regulations. This swift action, while expected, has raised concerns among state leaders in Oregon, where federal land accounts for more than half of the state’s territory, including 60% of its forests. The federal government controls more than 32 million acres in Oregon, an area larger than the state of Kentucky, and is a significant source of funding for environmental conservation and land management programs. Governor Tina…
Author: Sarah Prescott
AZALEA, Ore. – A local man is behind bars after law enforcement officials uncovered hidden cameras inside a private residence on Upper Cow Creek Road. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), 48-year-old Stephen Hughes was arrested on Wednesday following an investigation into the unlawful placement of surveillance devices within the home. The cameras were discovered in areas of the residence without the knowledge or consent of the occupants. Detectives executed multiple search warrants as part of their investigation, during which they uncovered additional hidden cameras as well as a firearm suppressor. Authorities noted that Hughes was in possession…
Medford, OR – The Hospital Association of Oregon (HAO) held a press conference Wednesday to address the growing challenges hospitals across the state are facing in maintaining quality care for patients. The association highlighted that since 2021, the total cost of patient care has outpaced the payments hospitals receive, putting access to care at significant risk. The three primary factors driving hospital distress, according to the HAO, are rising operational costs, longer hospital stays, and reimbursements that fail to cover the actual cost of care. The financial strain is exacerbated by an increase in patient demand, particularly as the state expands…
GREEN, Ore. – A motorhome caught fire late Monday afternoon on Highway 42, prompting a swift response from local emergency crews. According to Battalion Chief Ryan Felker of Central Douglas Fire and Rescue, the fire was reported around 4:30 p.m., with crews arriving to find the engine compartment of the motorhome fully engulfed in flames. Despite initial reports from witnesses who believed the owner was present, Felker confirmed that the individual was not at the scene when responders arrived. “It’s a pretty busy highway, and multiple people initially said there was someone around, but by the time we got there,…
Klamath County, Ore. – Brixner Junior High and Mazama High School were placed in secure status this morning after authorities received a tip about a potential threat. The lockdown, which began at approximately 10:35 a.m., prompted an immediate response from law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff. According to a statement from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, a firearm was discovered at Mazama High School during the investigation. A student from the high school was taken into custody and subsequently transported to the Klamath County Juvenile Detention Center. The sheriff’s office confirmed that both schools were secure…
MEDFORD, Ore. – A crash Tuesday morning on Riverside Avenue left two individuals with minor injuries. At approximately 9:20 a.m., Medford Police (MPD), Medford Fire Department, and Mercy Flights responded to the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Earhart Street following reports of the accident. According to MPD, two vehicles were traveling northbound on Riverside Avenue, a one-way road with three lanes. A Dodge RAM pick-up truck was in the center lane, and a Toyota Matrix was positioned in the left lane. The driver of the Dodge RAM failed to recognize the one-way restriction of the road and attempted to turn…
Medford, OR – A Medford man was arrested last week after a road rage incident during which he allegedly threatened another driver with a firearm and later fired the weapon from his vehicle. According to the Medford Police Department, the incident occurred on January 16th, on the 2100 block of Crater Lake Avenue. The victims reported that a man, later identified as 34-year-old Brandon Blackwell, had threatened them with a gun before fleeing the scene. Officers quickly began investigating the case and collecting statements. Approximately 30 minutes later, the victim called the police again, reporting that Blackwell had returned. Following…
Medford, Ore. – A crash on the Garfield Street overpass, located above Interstate 5 at Exit 27, has led to significant traffic congestion in the area. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the incident occurred earlier today, causing backups on the southbound off-ramp. Motorists traveling through the area are advised to use alternate routes, as the left turn lanes on the off-ramp are currently closed. ODOT is warning drivers to expect continued delays while emergency responders clear the scene and the roadway is reopened. Traffic is expected to remain backed up for some time, and drivers are urged…
Medford, Ore. — In a span of just over an hour, Josephine County first responders were called to four reports of structure fires, only to find that three of them were false alarms. The calls, originating from areas spanning Sunny Valley to Selma, prompted a significant response from local emergency services. Grants Pass 911 received the calls, triggering the dispatch of approximately 20 emergency vehicles, including teams from Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire, Illinois Valley Fire District, and AMR. Crews rushed to the reported locations, prepared for what was assumed to be multiple fires. Upon arrival, however, responders discovered…
Medford, OR – The 2025 Oregon legislative session, set to begin Tuesday, is poised to tackle a series of pressing budget issues, including a nearly $2 billion transportation deficit and substantial budget requests for housing and homelessness initiatives. These challenges come at a time when both party leaders in the House and Senate have expressed that improving affordability and addressing the rising cost of living are top priorities for Oregonians. During a legislative kickoff press event last Thursday, House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, emphasized that affordability issues are foremost in the minds of constituents. “We are leading first and foremost…