Local News

Oregon’s Fall Under Democratic Supermajority
City Politics / County Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Oregon’s Fall Under Democratic Supermajority

Once celebrated for its natural beauty and pioneering spirit, Oregon now finds itself plagued by deep, worsening crises that no local lawmaker can fix as these are brought on by state enacted polices. With a Democratic supermajority ruling the legislature for years, many hoped bold, compassionate leadership would usher in a golden era for the people. But instead, Oregonians have watched with growing frustration as critical issues have spiraled out of control. The issues that…

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July 15, 2025
A New Era for the Josephine County Republican Party: Chair Joseph Rice Brings Business and Political Experience
County Politics / Local News / Local Politics / media

A New Era for the Josephine County Republican Party: Chair Joseph Rice Brings Business and Political Experience

Joseph Rice was recently elected as the new Chair of the Josephine County Republican Party, ushering in a promising new chapter for local conservatives. Mr. Rice brings with him a wealth of successful business experience and years of involvement in Oregon Republican politics, a powerful combination that signals both change and continued momentum for the party. Chair Rice is a firm believer in a bottom-up approach to party leadership, where Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) form…

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July 2, 2025
Support for Background Checks on Newly Approved Homeless Grant Applicants
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

Support for Background Checks on Newly Approved Homeless Grant Applicants

In light of the newly approved $1.2 million “Addressing Homelessness Grant,” for Grants Pass Councilor Rob Pell’s recommendation to include criminal and financial background checks for key individuals in organizations applying for these funds is a must. These background checks are about accountability and transparency. Background Key points:Pell raised the issue during the council meeting; the City Attorney responded that background checks aren’t typically part of grant processes. Pell cited examples of Oregon cities, counties,…

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June 24, 2025
How Media Slant’s Stories to Their Preferred Outcomes
Local News / Local Politics / media / National Politics / State Politics

How Media Slant’s Stories to Their Preferred Outcomes

Using AI like ChatGPT, I provided a few basic facts and asked it to write a news story based on those facts. Then, I asked it to rewrite the same story, but with a slant that made the criminal appear to be the hero. This exercise clearly demonstrates how easily stories can be framed or “slanted” to fit a desired narrative. It also highlights just how simple it is today to create the appearance of…

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June 23, 2025
Bipartisan Concerns and Opposition Emerge Over the Homeless Shelter Proposal
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

Bipartisan Concerns and Opposition Emerge Over the Homeless Shelter Proposal

Somewhat of a first in Josephine County, we’re witnessing a bipartisan objection to the current homeless shelter proposal, if I am reading the community correctly. I find this genuinely encouraging. It speaks volumes about the shared concerns from both sides of the political spectrum. Here’s my take based on what I’ve seen so far: Left Viewpoint: Surprisingly, the proposed shelter doesn’t seem to be gaining much traction among those on the left, even though it…

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June 20, 2025
John West Vindicated Amid Bogus Ethics Complaints
County Politics / Local News / Local Politics

John West Vindicated Amid Bogus Ethics Complaints

As you may have recently read, Commissioner John West has had the final ethics complaint against him officially dismissed. In fact, every single complaint lodged against him has been thrown out. This overwhelming pattern makes one thing abundantly clear: we did not witness legitimate concerns, we witnessed a campaign to discredit him by those hoping that if they throw enough mud, something might stick. From the outset, it was evident that these complaints were more…

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June 19, 2025
The Reality About Voter Turnout in Josephine County
County Politics / Local News / Local Politics

The Reality About Voter Turnout in Josephine County

I put together some numbers to illustrate a point. Some time ago, a few people argued that the Republican voter block in Josephine County was too small compared to the NAV (non-affiliated voter) block, claiming that Republicans were essentially doomed to lose here because of the large NAV presence. That never made any sense to me and it still doesn’t. The numbers tell us a story of reality, that while NAV voters may “slightly outnumber…

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June 18, 2025
The Community Deserves the Truth About the Homeless Lawsuit
City Politics / Homeless / Lawsuit / Local News

The Community Deserves the Truth About the Homeless Lawsuit

The community deserves to know the truth about how, why, and when the current homeless lawsuit began. This lawsuit originated under the previous administration, and regardless of what anyone claims, it would have happened no matter who was elected. There are documented records dating back to that administration, including correspondence from Disability Rights Oregon (DRO), as well as news coverage detailing the issue. When the prior administration established these camps, they were warned about potential…

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June 14, 2025
Urgent Action Needed: SB 83 Wildfire Map Repeal at Risk
Local News / State Politics / Wildfire Map

Urgent Action Needed: SB 83 Wildfire Map Repeal at Risk

The Wildfire Map Repeal Bill, SB 83, is currently being held up in the legislature. With only about two weeks remaining before adjournment, time is running out. If SB 83 is not allowed a vote or is voted down, the opportunity to repeal the wildfire map legislation will be lost.We urge you to contact the Rules Committee immediately and ask them to allow a vote to move SB 83 forward. Your voice can make a…

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June 11, 2025
Vine Street Property Lease Secured Amidst Community Outcry: Questions Arise Over Funding and Public Input
City Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics

Vine Street Property Lease Secured Amidst Community Outcry: Questions Arise Over Funding and Public Input

At last night's Grants Pass City forum, if my understanding is correct, Jeromy from U-Turn for Christ announced they have secured the lease for the Vine Street property. This comes despite significant community concerns regarding the project's size, scope, and location. The 7.8-acre property is large enough to potentially house a "homeless industrial complex" for years, accommodating an estimated 500-600 people. The community has repeatedly expressed concerns about the proximity of schools and senior citizen…

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June 10, 2025