WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026
Wildfire Risk Meets Insurance Reality as States Push for Fairer Homeowner Protections
By John Oliver
Across the American West, wildfire risk is no longer a distant seasonal concern. It is a year-round reality reshaping housing markets, insurance availability, and the financial security of millions of homeowners. As wildfires grow more intense and destructive, insurance companies have responded with higher premiums, stricter underwriting standards, and widespread policy cancellations. In response, lawmakers are advancing a new generation of insurance reforms designed to bring balance back to a system many homeowners say has become both opaque and punitive.
At the center of the debate is a growing push to require insurance companies to formally recognize wildfire mitigation efforts when setting rates or determining coverage eligibility. These efforts include creating defensible space around homes, using fire-resistant building materials, and making structural improvements designed to reduce ignition risk. Supporters argue that homeowners who invest time and money to reduce wildfire danger should not be treated the same as properties that remain highly vulnerable.
In Oregon, legislators are considering statewide measures that would require insurers to factor mitigation actions into their wildfire risk models or, at a minimum, offer meaningful discounts to homeowners who
demonstrate risk reduction. The proposals are being discussed amid mounting frustration from residents who have seen premiums double or triple, or who have lost coverage entirely despite taking proactive safety measures.
The legislation reflects a broader acknowledgment that wildfire risk is not static. While geography and climate play major roles, home-level decisions can significantly
influence outcomes. Studies following major fires in recent years have consistently shown that homes with adequate defensible space and hardened structures are more likely to survive than neighboring properties without those protections. Yet under many current insurance models, those distinctions are not fully reflected.
Proposed reforms in Oregon would also require greater transparency from insurers,
including clearer explanations of how wildfire risk is calculated and what steps homeowners can take to improve their standing. For many residents, the lack of information has been as frustrating as the cost itself. Homeowners often receive nonrenewal notices without a clear understanding of what triggered the decision or how it might be reversed.
Oregon’s efforts are not happening in isolation. Similar reforms are already underway or newly enacted in other wildfire-prone states. In Colorado, lawmakers have adopted measures requiring insurers that rely on wildfire catastrophe models to incorporate both individual and community-level mitigation into their pricing. If mitigation is not included in those models, insurers must provide discounts to homeowners who complete approved risk-reduction steps. The goal is to align insurance pricing more closely with real-world risk rather than relying solely on broad geographic assumptions.
Meanwhile, California has enacted a package of insurance and wildfire safety reforms taking effect in 2026. These laws are designed to stabilize the insurance market while encouraging wildfire preparedness. They promote mitigation-based incentives, expand consumer protections, and aim to slow the pace of insurer withdrawals from
• see WILDFIRE, page 5
Oregon’s Healthcare Safety Net Shrinks as Hospitals Close and Services Retreat
By John Oliver
Oregon’s healthcare system is undergoing a quiet but consequential transformation, one that is reshaping access to care for patients and communities across the state. Two recent developments, the planned closure of Vibra Specialty Hospital in Portland and the restructuring of Asante Ashland Community Hospital in southern Oregon, illustrate how financial pressure, workforce strain, and shifting care models are narrowing the healthcare safety net at a time when demand remains high.
In Portland, Vibra Specialty Hospital is set to close on Feb. 1, a decision that will eliminate approximately 310 healthcare jobs and end operations at Oregon’s only long-term acute care hospital. Long-term acute care hospitals serve patients with complex medical needs who require extended hospital-level treatment, often following severe illness, trauma, or prolonged stays in intensive care units. With Vibra’s closure, Oregon will no longer have an in-state facility dedicated to this level of care.
The loss creates an immediate gap in the healthcare continuum. Patients who would have been transferred to a long-term acute care setting may now remain longer in standard hospitals, increasing pressure on already strained inpatient
units. Others may be forced to seek care out of state, adding travel burdens for families and complicating discharge planning. Healthcare leaders and workforce advocates have warned that the closure reflects broader systemic challenges, including rising labor and supply costs, reimbursement limitations, and regulatory pressures that have made specialized hospitals increasingly difficult to sustain.
At the same time, southern Oregon is facing a
different but equally significant shift. Asante Ashland Community Hospital is transitioning to a satellite campus of Rogue Regional Medical Center, a change scheduled to take effect by spring 2026. Under the plan, Ashland’s hospital will discontinue birthing services and most inpatient care, while maintaining a 24-hour emergency department and a range of outpatient services, including imaging, laboratory work, and some same-day procedures.
Asante has cited declining inpatient volumes, reduced birth rates, and the proximity of Rogue Regional Medical Center as key factors behind the decision. From a systemwide perspective, consolidating inpatient and obstetric care is presented as a strategy to preserve long-term financial stability and ensure that higher-acuity services remain adequately staffed and resourced. From a community perspective, however, the change represents the loss of core hospital services that many residents view as essential to local health security.
Ashland residents and regional advocates have raised concerns about increased travel times for labor and delivery, inpatient admissions, and post-surgical care, particularly for older adults and families without reliable transportation. The transition has also renewed scrutiny of long-standing
• see OREGON'S, page 5
Federal Authority Versus State Resistance: Minnesota Court Fight Puts Immigration Power to the Test
By Ellen Ward
A growing legal battle in Minnesota has become one of the clearest flashpoints yet in the national debate over immigration enforcement, federal authority, and the limits of state resistance. This week, the U.S. Department of Justice asked a federal judge to reject an effort by Minnesota leaders to halt a sweeping surge of immigration enforcement in the state, arguing that the Constitution places immigration squarely under federal control.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by the State of Minnesota along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, challenging a large-scale deployment of federal immigration agents authorized under the administration of Donald Trump. State and local leaders contend that the operation is overly aggressive, constitutionally flawed, and disruptive to public safety, while federal officials say it is a lawful exercise of national authority that states have no power to block.
At the center of the dispute is a federal initiative that has sent a significant number of immigration agents into the Twin Cities region as part of an expanded enforcement campaign. Minnesota officials argue that the scale and tactics of the operation infringe on constitutional protections, including free speech and assembly, and place local governments in an impossible position by overriding long-standing state and municipal policies. They have asked the court to intervene by limiting or stopping the surge, asserting that federal actions have crossed legal boundaries.
The Justice Department sharply dis-
agrees. In its court filing, federal attorneys argued that allowing Minnesota to halt the operation would undermine the supremacy of federal law and effectively give states veto power over immigration enforcement. Immigration policy, the department maintains, is a core federal responsibility established by the Constitution and reinforced by decades of court precedent. From the administration’s perspective, state objections, no matter how strongly held, cannot override national law.
The lawsuit did not emerge in a vacuum. Public tensions escalated earlier this month following a fatal shooting during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. That incident sparked widespread protests,
intensified scrutiny of federal tactics, and accelerated calls from local leaders for intervention. Demonstrations have continued across the region, drawing attention to the human impact of enforcement actions and the fear they have generated in immigrant communities.
In parallel with the broader lawsuit, a federal judge has already placed limited restrictions on how immigration agents may interact with protesters, particularly during public demonstrations. The administration has appealed those restrictions, signaling that the legal fight extends beyond Minnesota’s attempt to block the operation entirely and into questions about how enforcement
is carried out on the ground.
The dispute has also taken on a political dimension. Federal officials have suggested that some state and city leaders may be under investigation for actions they characterize as interference with federal law enforcement. Minnesota officials have pushed back strongly, describing such claims as intimidation and warning that they further erode trust between local governments and Washington.
Beyond the courtroom, the effects of the enforcement surge are being felt in daily life. In parts of Minneapolis, especially along commercial corridors with large immigrant populations, businesses report reduced foot traffic and temporary closures as residents stay home out of fear. Community organizations say uncertainty has spread well beyond those directly affected by enforcement, altering routines and straining already fragile relationships between residents and authorities.
Legal experts note that the outcome of the case could carry national implications. If the court sides with the Justice Department, it will reinforce the federal government’s broad discretion over immigration enforcement, even in states that oppose its approach. If Minnesota prevails, it could open the door for greater state influence over how federal immigration policies are implemented locally.
For now, the judge’s decision will determine whether the enforcement surge continues unchanged or faces new limits. As the case unfolds, Minnesota has become a testing ground for a fundamental question facing the nation: how far federal power extends in enforcing immigration law, and where, if anywhere, states can draw a line.
By John Oliver
Two Portland Officers Shot as Manhunt Intensifies in Sullivan’s Gulch
A late-night shooting that wounded two officers from the Portland Police has triggered an intense investigation and renewed public concern about safety in Northeast Portland, where a suspect remains at large days after opening fire and fleeing on foot.
The shooting unfolded Monday night in the Sullivan’s Gulch area, a densely populated corridor of residential streets, apartment buildings, and commercial routes near the Lloyd District. Police say officers were responding to a call involving a threat with a weapon when they encountered a suspect in the area of Northeast Clackamas Street. During that encounter, the suspect fired on officers, striking two before escaping into the surrounding neighborhood.
Both officers were rushed to a local hospital, where they were treated for gunshot wounds. Authorities later confirmed that both are in stable condition, a development that brought relief to fellow officers and community members following hours of uncertainty. Officials have not released details about the officers’ identities or the nature of their injuries, citing privacy and the ongoing investigation.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, police initiated a large-scale manhunt, mobilizing nearly every available resource. Specialized teams, including tactical officers, K-9 units, air support, and drone operators, were deployed as officers established a wide
perimeter spanning several blocks. Residents within the search area were urged to remain indoors as officers conducted door-to-door checks and methodical sweeps of streets, yards, and alleyways.
The search concentrated on neighborhoods stretching toward the Lloyd Center area, where police believed the suspect may have fled. By early Tuesday morning, authorities announced that the initial block-by-block search had concluded without locating the suspect. Despite the pause in visible activity, investigators emphasized that the case remains active and that detectives are continuing to follow up on tips, surveillance footage, and other evidence gathered overnight.
Police have released images of the sus-
pect and described him as a white male in his mid-30s with facial hair, last seen wearing dark clothing including a black baseball cap and jacket layered over a hooded sweatshirt. Authorities believe the suspect may still be armed and have repeatedly warned the public not to approach him. Anyone who sees a person matching the description is urged to contact emergency services immediately.
The incident prompted a visible response from city leadership. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Police Chief Bob Day were both reported at the scene as the investigation unfolded, underscoring the seriousness of an attack on officers in the line of duty. Police leadership later indicated that the bureau’s priority was ensuring the wounded officers received care while also preventing further harm to the public.
Road closures and traffic disruptions rippled through Northeast Portland for several hours as officers worked through the night. Streets near major arterials were temporarily blocked, affecting commuters and nearby businesses. By morning, most closures were lifted, though police cautioned residents to remain alert as the suspect had not been captured.
The shooting has renewed discussion around public safety and the challenges facing law enforcement in urban neighborhoods where dense housing and late-night activity can complicate police responses. While officials have not disclosed what led to the ini-
Wildfire Risk reshaping housing markets, insurance availability
From page 1
high-risk regions. California’s experience has become a cautionary example for other states, showing how quickly insurance markets can unravel when wildfire losses outpace traditional risk models.
The driving force behind these reforms is a rapidly changing insurance landscape. Climate-driven disasters have increased claim payouts nationwide, pushing insurers to reassess their exposure. In wildfire-heavy states, that reassessment has often resulted in higher premiums and reduced availability, particularly in rural and forested areas. For homeowners, insurance has become not just more expensive, but in some cases unattainable.
Supporters of mitigation-based insurance reform argue that ignoring homeowner efforts creates perverse incentives. If investments in safety do
not translate into better insurance outcomes, fewer residents may be willing or able to make those upgrades. Over time, that can increase community-wide risk and deepen losses when fires occur. By contrast, rewarding mitigation could help spread risk reduction across entire neighborhoods, improving resilience while easing pressure on insurers.
Insurance companies, however, have raised concerns about administrative complexity and actuarial precision. They caution that not all mitigation measures deliver equal risk reduction and warn against mandates that could distort pricing without sufficient loss data. Regulators counter that transparency and standardized mitigation criteria can address those concerns while restoring public trust.
What emerges from this
policy debate is a recognition that wildfire, housing, and insurance are now inseparable issues. As climate conditions evolve, so too must the systems that protect homeowners from financial catastrophe. The question facing lawmakers is no longer whether reform is needed, but how quickly it can be implemented before insurance becomes an unsustainable burden for entire regions. If adopted, these reforms could mark a turning point, shifting wildfire insurance from a blunt instrument into a more responsive tool that rewards preparedness, encourages resilience, and reflects the real choices homeowners make to protect their homes. In a future where wildfire risk is unavoidable, fairness and transparency may prove just as essential as fire-resistant roofs and cleared brush.
tial call for service, the fact that officers were responding to a reported threat underscores how quickly routine calls can escalate into life-threatening situations.
Authorities have also asked residents and business owners in the area to review security camera footage, doorbell video, and dashcam recordings from the time of the shooting. Even small details, investigators say, could help track the suspect’s movements after he fled the scene.
As of this reporting, no arrests have been made. Police continue to stress that the suspect should be considered dangerous and that community cooperation is essential to resolving the case. Tips are being routed directly to detectives assigned to the investigation, who are working to piece together the suspect’s path through the neighborhood and identify any potential accomplices or vehicles involved.
For residents of Sullivan’s Gulch and surrounding areas, the incident has left a lingering sense of unease. At the same time, officials point to the stabilization of the wounded officers as a positive outcome in an otherwise troubling episode. The investigation remains ongoing, and police say updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Until then, Portlanders are being asked to stay vigilant, report suspicious activity, and allow investigators the time and space needed to bring the suspect into custody and ensure the safety of both officers and the public.
Oregon’s Hospitals Close and Services Retreat
From page 1
agreements tied to the hospital’s operations and sparked petitions and public meetings aimed at preserving local access to full-service care.
Taken together, these developments point to a broader pattern unfolding across Oregon. Hospitals, especially those serving rural or specialized roles, are grappling with sustained financial losses, workforce shortages, and uneven reimbursement structures. While some systems are consolidating services to survive, the cumulative effect is a gradual reduction in the number of places where Oregonians can receive certain types of care close to home.
Healthcare analysts note that when facilities close or scale back, the impact extends beyond patients. Job losses ripple through local economies, emergency departments see higher volumes, and remaining hospitals face increased pressure to absorb patients with complex needs. In regions already struggling with provider shortages and
aging populations, even small reductions in services can have outsized consequences.
Oregon’s current moment reflects a tension between economic realities and community expectations. Hospital systems are making decisions they argue are necessary to remain viable, while residents are confronting the practical implications of fewer beds, longer drives, and reduced local options. As these changes take hold, policymakers, healthcare leaders, and communities alike face growing questions about how to preserve access, stabilize the workforce, and ensure that financial survival does not come at the cost of patient care.
The closures and service reductions now underway are not isolated events but signals of a healthcare system under strain. How Oregon responds may determine whether these losses become a temporary contraction or a lasting reshaping of care across the state.
A Digital Wake-Up Call: Widespread iPhone Security Flaws Expose Millions to Risk
By John Oliver
The Apple iPhone has long been synonymous with reliability, privacy, and ease of use, helping it become the most widely used smartphone in the United States and one of the most dominant consumer devices in the world. With over one billion active users globally, the iPhone has embedded itself into daily life, serving as a wallet, camera, workplace, medical tracker, and primary communication tool for a massive share of the population. That extraordinary reach, however, has also made it an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals and sophisticated digital espionage efforts.
In recent weeks, Apple has issued a series of urgent security warnings alerting users to serious vulnerabilities affecting iPhones and other Apple devices. These alerts are not routine reminders or precautionary notices. They stem from confirmed security flaws that researchers say are being actively exploited in real-world attacks. New data and reporting from multiple technology and cybersecurity outlets suggest that as many as half of all iPhone users worldwide may remain exposed, largely because their devices have not yet been updated with the latest security patches.
At the center of the issue are vulnerabilities tied to WebKit, the underlying browser engine that powers Apple’s Safari browser and, by design, every other browser on the iOS platform. Because WebKit is deeply embedded in how iPhones process web content, flaws in the system can have sweeping consequences. In the
most severe cases, attackers can use malicious websites or crafted web content to execute unauthorized code on a device, potentially gaining access to sensitive personal information, stored passwords, financial data, or even full control of the phone itself.
What has alarmed security experts is not only the seriousness of the vulnerabilities but the confirmation that they are already being exploited outside of controlled research environments. Apple has acknowledged that some of the attacks using these flaws are highly sophisticated, suggesting involvement by well-resourced actors rather than casual hackers.
While early indications point to targeted attacks aimed at specific individuals, history shows that once details about such vulnerabilities become public, the risk often expands rapidly as copycat attacks emerge.
The scope of potential exposure is significant. Hundreds of millions of iPhones remain unpatched, according to industry estimates, despite Apple having released fixes through recent iOS updates. This gap is largely attributed to delayed updates, as many users postpone installations due to storage limitations, concerns about performance, or simple inconvenience. In a digital ecosystem as large as Apple’s, even a
short delay in widespread adoption can leave an enormous number of devices vulnerable.
Apple’s response has followed its established security playbook. The company has released software updates designed to close the identified gaps and has encouraged users to install them immediately. Cybersecurity analysts emphasize that these updates are currently the most effective line of defense. In addition, experts note that regularly restarting an iPhone can help disrupt certain types of malicious software that rely on remaining active in system memory, offering a modest but meaningful layer of added protection.
This episode underscores a broader reality of modern technology. Even platforms widely regarded as secure are not immune to exploitation, particularly as attackers grow more sophisticated and the financial and strategic value of personal data continues to rise. Smartphones now hold far more than contact lists and photos; they store the keys to bank accounts, medical portals, work systems, and private conversations, making them high-value targets by default.
For everyday users, the lesson is clear. Security is no longer a passive feature that can be taken for granted. Keeping devices updated, paying attention to official alerts, and maintaining basic digital hygiene have become essential parts of modern life. As Apple works to reinforce its defenses, the responsibility to close the final gap ultimately rests with users themselves, one software update at a time.
SUPPORT FREE SPEECH
Advertise with The Grants Pass Tribune!
Show
COMMUNITY
A Spicy New Arrival Brings BigCity Flavor to Southern Oregon
By John Oliver
Southern Oregon’s dining landscape gained a bold new addition this week with the opening of Dave’s Hot Chicken in Medford, marking the first location of the fast-growing brand in the region. Situated in Medford, just a short drive from Grants Pass, the new restaurant reflects both the area’s continued commercial growth and the increasing demand for diverse, modern dining options across the Rogue Valley.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has built a national reputation for its Nashville-style hot chicken, a cuisine known for its deep roots in Southern food culture and its unmistakable heat. What began as a small pop-up concept in California has rapidly expanded into a nationwide chain, drawing attention for its focused menu, customizable spice levels, and fast-casual format. The Medford opening places Southern Oregon on that expanding map, connecting local diners to a trend that has taken hold in larger metropolitan areas across the country.
The Medford location sits near the city’s busy south commercial corridor, an area that has steadily attracted new retail and restaurant development. Its placement makes it easily accessible not only to Medford residents, but also to people traveling from surrounding communities, including Grants Pass, Central Point, Phoenix, and Ashland. For many residents of Josephine and Jackson counties, the short drive represents an opportunity to experience a nationally recognized brand without leaving the region.
Community interest has been building in the days leading up to the opening, with visible activity at the site and growing conversation across local social media platforms. Residents have shared photos of finished signage, commented on anticipated opening dates, and discussed everything from menu favorites to how the new restaurant fits into Medford’s evolving food scene. Online engagement reflects a broader pattern seen whenever a well-known
chain enters a smaller market, curiosity mixed with optimism about new choices and economic momentum.
From a local perspective, the arrival of Dave’s Hot Chicken signals more than just another place to eat. New restaurants bring construction work, permanent jobs, and increased foot traffic to surrounding businesses. In a region where economic resilience and downtown vitality are ongoing priorities, each new opening contributes to a sense of forward movement. Medford, in particular, has positioned itself as a regional hub for shopping, dining, and services, drawing visitors from throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California.
For Grants Pass residents, the Medford opening offers another reminder of how interconnected the Rogue Valley communities have become. Dining, shopping, and entertainment frequently cross city boundaries, with residents accustomed to traveling short distances for work, recreation, and food. A restaurant opening in Medford is rarely just a Medford story; it becomes part of the shared regional experience, especially when it introduces something new to the area.
The menu at Dave’s Hot Chicken is intentionally straightforward, centered on hot chick-
en tenders and sliders with spice levels ranging from mild to extremely hot. This simplicity has been part of the brand’s appeal nationwide, allowing customers to focus on flavor, heat, and consistency. While individual tastes will always vary, the arrival of a specialized concept adds to the overall diversity of Southern Oregon’s dining options, which have expanded significantly in recent years.
As the restaurant begins serving customers, local attention will likely shift from anticipation to firsthand experience. New eateries often become conversation points at workplaces, schools, and family gatherings, as people compare meals and decide whether a spot becomes part of their regular routine. Whether Dave’s Hot Chicken becomes a long-term staple or simply another option in a growing lineup, its opening represents a moment of change in the region’s food culture.
When communities value both local character and access to broader trends, the Medford debut of Dave’s Hot Chicken stands as a small but notable milestone. It highlights Southern Oregon’s continued growth, its appeal to national businesses, and the shared rhythms of Medford and Grants Pass as neighboring cities shaped by the same regional energy.
Follow the Grants Pass Tribune on Facebook: A New Year Invitation to Stay Informed
By Ellen Ward
As the new year begins, the Grants Pass Tribune is inviting readers near and far to take part in an easy and familiar way to stay informed in 2026 by following the publication on Facebook. While the Tribune continues to publish full stories on its website, its Facebook page has become an increasingly popular place for readers who want quick access to important headlines, breaking developments, and timely community updates.
News consumption has changed in recent years, with many people turning to social media for fast, reliable information throughout the day. Recognizing that shift, the Grants Pass Tribune posts articles to its Facebook page daily, offering a streamlined way for readers to see what is happening in Southern Oregon and across the state without having to search for it. For readers who prefer brief updates during busy schedules, Facebook provides a conve-
nient window into the most important stories of the day.
The Tribune’s reporting now reaches audiences well beyond Josephine County, with readers discovering its stories from across Oregon and throughout the United States. Social media has played a role in that expansion by allowing stories to be shared quickly and widely, helping local reporting reach people who may not live in the region but still want to follow Oregon news, public issues, and community developments. Following the Tribune on Facebook ensures those stories appear directly in a reader’s feed as they are published.
Facebook also allows readers to stay connected during breaking news situations, when updates matter most. Road closures, weather-related issues, public safety alerts, and major local decisions are among the stories frequently shared on the Tribune’s page. These updates help readers stay informed in real
GRANTS PASS WEATHER
5 DAY OUTLOOK
SOURCE: WEATHER.COM
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Sunny 50/31 Mostly sunny 48/29 Mostly sunny 48/30 Cloudy 50/32 Mostly cloudy 45/33
time while still providing access to full articles for those who want deeper context.
For longtime readers, following the Grants Pass Tribune on Facebook is another way to stay connected to a trusted news source. For new readers, it offers a simple introduction to the publication’s coverage and a chance to see how local journalism can remain relevant and accessible in a digital age. The page serves as a bridge between in-depth reporting and the quick, everyday moments when people check their phones for updates.
As 2026 unfolds, the Tribune encourages readers from Southern Oregon and beyond to follow the Grants Pass Tribune on Facebook and be part of a growing online community centered on staying informed. Whether readers are looking for quick headlines, breaking news, or links to full stories, the Tribune’s Facebook page provides a reliable place to find the news that matters most, right when it happens.
TAKE A BREAK
19, 2026
January 19, 2026 Posting Date