Medford, OR – Oregon Congresswoman Val Hoyle, who was sworn into her second term on Friday, has expressed a neutral position on the controversial proposal for a casino in Medford by the Coquille tribe. The tribe, which operates in Coos County, is seeking to establish a casino in Medford as part of its strategy for long-term financial stability. However, the proposal has sparked opposition from the Cow Creek tribe, based in Roseburg, due to concerns over the potential impact on its own 7 Feathers Casino in Canyonville. Hoyle, who represents Oregon’s 4th district, which includes land for both the Coquille…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, OR — Negasi Zuberi, the man convicted in a high-profile kidnapping case involving a sex worker in Seattle, has opted to waive his right to legal counsel and will represent himself at his sentencing later this month, according to court documents. Zuberi, 30, faces a potential life sentence after being found guilty of kidnapping a woman in Seattle in July 2023. Authorities say Zuberi lured the woman under the guise of offering work, before assaulting and raping her. He then transported her to Klamath Falls, where he confined her in a makeshift cell in the garage of his home…
Medford, OR – Oregon is facing growing concerns as the state grapples with its flu season, following the confirmation of two pediatric influenza deaths in December. The deaths, which are the first reported this season, have highlighted the severity of the current outbreak, with health officials emphasizing that more people are contracting Influenza A, a strain known for its intensity, rather than the typically milder Influenza B. Dr. Paul Cieslak, an expert in infectious diseases, explained that this flu season appears to be more severe than usual, particularly for young children. “It’s more common for very young children to be…
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…
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,…