MEDFORD, Ore. — The Medford Fire Department (MFD) responded to a structure fire at the Medford Plaza Apartments on Tuesday, April 15. Firefighters arrived at the scene and swiftly contained the blaze, which was isolated to a laundry room appliance within the building. According to MFD, the fire was reported early in the afternoon and was quickly brought under control, preventing any further damage to the structure. Authorities confirmed that the fire did not spread beyond the laundry room area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all residents were safely evacuated as a precaution. The cause of the fire remains…
Author: Sarah Prescott
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — Fire agencies from across Southern Oregon and Northern California convened at the Jackson County Expo for their annual conference, where they shared insights, discussed new technologies, and strengthened partnerships ahead of the fire season. The event provided an opportunity for experts and first responders to collaborate, prepare for the challenges of the upcoming year, and ensure that they are equipped with the latest firefighting tools and strategies. The conference is an annual tradition for agencies in the region, offering a platform to review the previous fire season, identify areas for improvement, and discuss innovations in firefighting…
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — A significant blow to Grants Pass’ plans for a new water treatment facility has been dealt after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) unexpectedly canceled a crucial $50 million grant. The funding, part of FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, had been awarded to the city to help replace its aging, vulnerable water treatment plant. The cancellation, announced nationwide by FEMA, affects all pending BRIC grant applications from Fiscal Years 2020-2023. The agency characterized the program as “wasteful and ineffective,” prompting the termination of the pending applications, including Grants Pass’. The decision has left…
Medford, Ore. – Oregon State University (OSU) is currently investigating the sudden revocation of visas for more than a dozen international students, a move initiated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). On April 10, OSU officials informed students and staff that a number of international students had been impacted by the abrupt cancellation of their visas. The university later confirmed that 13 students had their records terminated in the federal immigration database without warning or prior notice. OSU administrators expressed concern over the DHS’s actions, which have disrupted the lives of international students who depend on their visas…
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,…
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…