Author

Lucille McNamara

Lucille McNamara is a Daily Tidings reporter with 27 years of journalism experience, covering Oregon public safety, crime and courts, plus statewide policy and community impact stories including housing, education, health, and immigration. She previously worked at The Star.
Contact: [email protected]

News

Oregon Signs New Law to Tackle Behavioral Health Worker Shortages as Providers Warn They’re Drowning…

Lucille McNamara Mar 9, 2026

Changes designed to retain behavioral workers, welcome new talent to the workforce, and ensure that Oregonians receive the care they need have been signed into legislation by Governor Tina Kotek. House Bill 4083 passed with broad…

Education

Southern Oregon University Gets $15 Million Rescue Package as Lawmakers Demand Long-Term Financial…

Lucille McNamara Mar 8, 2026

Oregon lawmakers on Friday focused their attention on higher education in the state, which was tied to a decision to allocate $15 million to Southern Oregon University (SOU). However, the SOU funding package is not without restrictions.…

Crime & Courts

Oregon Teacher Convicted on Multiple Charges in High-Profile Child Abuse Case Involving Her…

Lucille McNamara Mar 8, 2026

An Oregon teacher, whose 10-year-old stepson previously told authorities that he had been beaten with a curtain rod, starved, and forced to eat his own vomit, has been found guilty on multiple charges after previously fleeing from her home…

Oregon Lawmakers Pass Bill to Protect Farm Stands and Agritourism as Struggling Farmers Call It a…

Lucille McNamara Mar 8, 2026

Legislation that could help Oregon farmers keep their doors open was passed by lawmakers on Friday. HB 4153 Protects Farm Stands and Agritourism but Excludes Accommodation Spearheaded by the Oregon Property Owners Association,…

Crime & Courts

Grants Pass Police Arrest Woman 45 Minutes After Lunchtime Bank Robbery at People’s Bank

Lucille McNamara Mar 7, 2026

GRANTS PASS Ore. — A 58-year-old female was arrested less than an hour after a bank robbery at the People’s Bank in Grants Pass yesterday (Friday). Renee Freitas was taken into custody 45 minutes after the robbery by a Grants Pass Police…

News

Portland Judge Blocks ICE From Using Tear Gas Near South Waterfront Apartments After Residents…

Lucille McNamara Mar 7, 2026

PORTLAND, Ore. — Apartment dwellers living next door to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in South Portland have won a preliminary injunction to stop federal agents from using tear gas as a crowd control…

Crime & Courts

Medford Inmate Attacks Lane County Jail Deputy With Mop Handle During Medication Rounds, Officials…

Lucille McNamara Mar 7, 2026

While distributing medication to inmates at the Lane County Jail, a deputy was attacked by a prisoner wielding a mop handle. According to a spokesperson from the Lane County Jail, the deputy attempted to subdue the inmate with pepper…

Politics & Elections

Oregon Republicans Sue to Block Democrats From Moving the ODOT Funding Vote to May as Fight Over Gas…

Lucille McNamara Mar 6, 2026

Republican lawmakers have once again thrown a curveball to stall the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) funding bill, announcing that they have filed a lawsuit to overturn a majority vote made earlier this week that will move a…

Crime & Courts

Medford Man Arrested on Attempted Murder Charges After Early-Morning Shooting on Swing Lane, Police…

Lucille McNamara Mar 6, 2026

MEDFORD, Ore. — A 33-year-old man has been arrested by the Medford Police Department (MPD) and is facing multiple charges following a dispute in which shots were fired. Bryce W. Kleinhanz was lodged at the Jackson County Jail following…

Crime & Courts

Three Arrested After Man Found Naked and Critically Injured in Klamath Falls Dies, Turning Case Into…

Lucille McNamara Mar 6, 2026

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Three people have been arrested after a man, found naked and suffering from life-threatening injuries in an empty house in Klamath Falls, died from his injuries, escalating the case to a homicide investigation. His…

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