Medford, OR – Thousands of patients across Oregon are facing a significant disruption in their healthcare coverage after Aetna and Providence Health & Services failed to reach a new contract agreement by the January 1 deadline. Among those affected is a 34-year-old mother of two, who is currently battling stomach cancer. The dispute between the insurance company and the healthcare provider has led to a halt in her appointments, medications, and treatment plans, leaving her family worried about her well-being. The crux of the dispute centers on pricing. Aetna claims that Providence is demanding price increases above market rates to…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, OR – Several state parks in Coos County, Oregon, have been closed due to severe weather conditions, including landslides and flooding, following a powerful storm that struck the region. The closures affect Cape Arago State Park, Shore Acres State Park, and Sunset Bay State Park, causing significant disruption to visitors and campers. The most severe damage has occurred at Cape Arago State Park and Shore Acres State Park, where a landslide has rendered Cape Arago Highway impassable. The landslide, which occurred on Friday, has undercut part of the road, preventing vehicle access to both parks. As of now, the…
Medford, OR – Emergency responders from the Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) and AMR Josephine County were dispatched to a vehicle rollover late Saturday night near mile post two on Happy Camp Road. Upon arrival, first responders discovered a car lying on its hood, severely damaged but empty. There were no occupants inside the vehicle, prompting a search of the surrounding area for the driver or any passengers. Despite efforts to locate anyone involved in the crash, no individuals were found in the vicinity. Authorities have flagged the vehicle for removal, with law enforcement set to arrange the necessary towing.…
Grants Pass, OR – A car crashed into a building off Williams Highway and New Hope Road early Sunday morning, causing no injuries but drawing a response from multiple emergency agencies. The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 a.m. when the vehicle left the highway and struck the wall and roll-up door of a nearby building. Despite the crash, the structure appeared to suffer no significant damage, maintaining its structural integrity. The driver, who was not at the scene of the crash, was located about half a mile down the road. Authorities found the individual on foot, and the driver denied…
Medford, OR — A Klamath Falls woman has been arrested for allegedly shooting her boyfriend and fabricating a robbery story to mislead authorities. On December 29, police responded to a report of a shooting after a third-party caller alerted them to the incident around 8:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found the victim with gunshot wounds. The victim, who has not been named, initially claimed to police that he had been shot during an attempted robbery. However, as detectives continued their investigation, they uncovered discrepancies in the man’s account of the events. After further inquiry, it was revealed that the shooting…
Medford, OR – The northbound lanes of Highway 101 near Coos Bay are currently closed due to flooding, according to an alert from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The high water is affecting the section of highway near the intersection with Elrod Avenue, approximately at milepost 238.5. ODOT has confirmed that crews are actively working to manage the situation, though the flooding is expected to persist until the water recedes. The department has cautioned travelers that high tide, which occurs at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, may exacerbate the flooding. Motorists are urged to drive slowly and be prepared for delays…
Medford, OR – Rural Metro Firefighters had a busy start to 2025, responding to a total of nine emergency calls on New Year’s Day. The calls varied in nature, ranging from medical emergencies to vehicle crashes and even a fire caused by a candle. Among the vehicle incidents, one involved a car that landed vertically in a ditch. Fortunately, the driver was able to escape without injury. The department also responded to four other vehicle accidents on the same day. In addition to these crashes, a fire broke out in Merlin when a candle ignited a paper towel roll. Fortunately,…
Medford, OR – Rogue Retreat, a non-profit organization based in Medford, has officially taken over the operation of Ashland’s severe weather shelter for the winter season. The shelter, located at 2200 Ashland St., will remain open for 90 consecutive days from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., providing a safe space for individuals in need of warmth and shelter. Rogue Retreat’s Executive Director, Sam Engle, noted that as the weather turns colder and wetter, the organization expects more individuals to seek refuge at the shelter. “We’re expecting as the word on the street gets out and as the weather potentially gets…
Medford, OR – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office announced a successful New Year’s Eve DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants) patrol operation, reporting a significant number of traffic stops and arrests while ensuring public safety on the roads. Throughout the night, deputies made approximately 200 traffic stops, which resulted in 21 DUII arrests. In addition to the arrests, only one minor crash was reported. Notably, the driver at fault in the incident was also arrested for DUII. Deputy Aaron Grissom, a patrol officer with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, expressed satisfaction with the results of the operation. “It was…
Medford, OR – Oregon is ushering in several new laws in 2025, covering a range of topics from environmental sustainability to public safety. Among the most notable changes are a ban on Styrofoam containers, new regulations on public transportation, and expanded rights for consumers to repair their own electronic devices. Styrofoam Ban Targets Environmental Impact One of the most anticipated changes is Oregon’s Styrofoam ban, which went into effect this year. Approved by the legislature in 2023, the law prohibits restaurants, food trucks, and other food service businesses from using Styrofoam containers. This ban aims to reduce the state’s environmental…