https://www.facebook.com/100977856041620/

Real Live News Oregon, Grants Pass, OR (2026)

01/13/2026

Why the Grants Pass Tribune Isn’t Trusted by Many in Josephine County

The Grants Pass Tribune has become a regular topic of conversation in Josephine County—not for breaking news, but for the way it operates.

Run by John Oliver Riccio, the site presents itself as a local newspaper while functioning primarily as a digital tabloid. Stories often begin with strong accusations, heavy editorial spin, and personal targeting—but rarely include follow-ups, corrections, or balanced context when claims are challenged.

Many residents have noticed a recurring pattern:
• Stories aimed at specific individuals
• One-sided narratives
• Opinion presented as reporting
• Little accountability when claims are disputed

Public officials, candidates, and private citizens have repeatedly pushed back on Tribune stories, stating they are misleading, incomplete, or intentionally framed to provoke outrage and clicks. This has led to growing skepticism about whether the outlet serves the public interest or simply fuels division for attention and ad revenue.

The issue isn’t disagreement or criticism—those are part of a healthy society. The issue is credibility. Real journalism finishes stories. Real journalism corrects errors. Real journalism separates opinion from reporting.

Legal disputes connected to Tribune reporting have become part of the public record, further reinforcing concerns many locals already had: when the same outlet repeatedly ends up in conflict with the people it covers, it’s fair to question whether the problem is the community—or the publisher.

Josephine County deserves better than half-told stories, recycled grudges, and digital fanfare designed to generate clicks instead of clarity.
At some point, readers have to ask themselves:
Who benefits from this content—and why?

Not everything published is journalism.

01/13/2026

Sen. Kelly sues the Pentagon over attempts to punish him for his warnings about illegal orders >> https://www.kptv.com/2026/01/12/sen-kelly-sues-pentagon-over-attempts-punish-him-his-warnings-about-illegal-orders/

01/12/2026

Deb Berg: From Viral 2024 Sign Theft to Recall-Season Retaliation Allegations in Grants Pass
-Investigative Editorial

A familiar figure has resurfaced in local political controversy as Grants Pass again faces allegations of campaign sign theft during a heated recall election. Deb Berg, a retired Grants Pass teacher and frequent speaker at county commissioner meetings, previously went viral during the 2024 election cycle after video surfaced allegedly showing her removing a political campaign sign. The incident occurred following a public meeting on September 25, 2025, where then-candidate Chris Barnett and others stated unequivocally that campaign sign theft would not be tolerated. Barnett later reported witnessing what he believed to be sign theft that same evening, contacted 911, followed the vehicle to a nearby driveway, and confronted the individual, who identified herself as Deb Berg. The encounter, including the return of the sign, was captured on video and widely circulated online.

As the recall election targeting Barnett and former Commissioner Andreas Blech unfolded, critics allege Berg once again became actively involved—this time advocating for recall efforts—raising renewed concerns about potential retaliation and campaign interference. Supporters of Barnett point to Berg’s past conduct as relevant context amid reports of stolen and defaced signs during the recall campaign.

Adding to the controversy are allegations involving John Oliver Riccio, the publisher of the Grants Pass Tribune. Riccio, who has lost multiple defamation lawsuits in the past year, is currently a tenant in a rental property owned by Berg, according to public records and statements from involved parties. Barnett supporters argue that this landlord-tenant relationship raises serious questions about coordination, particularly as what they describe as false and defamatory stories about Barnett continue to circulate. They assert that Riccio’s ongoing publications may expose him to additional legal liability for continued defamation.

Berg and Riccio are described by critics as close associates who regularly promote negative narratives about local officials they oppose. Neither has publicly responded to the most recent allegations.

Public Advisory: Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, document any suspected campaign interference, and report sign theft or vandalism to law enforcement.

01/12/2026

Are Rage-Driven pages Fueling Division for Profit in Josephine County? Locals Say Yes

Residents across Josephine County say they’re growing weary of pages that appear to thrive on conflict rather than community information. According to multiple local complaints, pages such as OG-The Original Josephine County Scanner Group and Josephine County Scanner Chat 2 and Worldly Events are just some groups that have become flashpoints for bullying, harassment, and rumor-driven commentary—often drowning out the simple updates many users say they came for.

Several users report that when they attempt to de-escalate arguments or defend someone being targeted, their comments are deleted or they’re blocked altogether. Others describe a recurring pattern: provocative headlines draw readers in, fake or anonymous profiles pile on, tempers flare, and engagement spikes—while moderators allegedly look the other way. Critics argue that the cycle benefits page operators through higher reach and monetization, even as community trust erodes.

Some complaints point to page operator and moderators Cassandra Staten and Mark Kelsey. Kelsey a Grants Pass resident who has previously sought local office more than once and never elected. Detractors allege that rumor-spreading and inflammatory posts are used to “stir the pot,” though supporters dispute that characterization. What’s clear, residents say, is that moderation practices feel inconsistent and opaque, with rules applied unevenly.

The broader concern isn’t just about one operator or one page—it’s about platform incentives. On Facebook, outrage can drive clicks, comments, and shares. Locals warn that when arguments become the product, communities pay the price. Many report to Facebooks reporting policy and the reports to Facebook have been alarming.

As users become more discerning, many are asking a simple question before commenting: Is this post informing me—or is it trying to make me angry to boost engagement? For a county that values straightforward updates and respectful dialogue, residents say it may be time to demand better moderation—or to disengage entirely. Sites meaning pages and groups can be shut down for abuse of Facebook policies. Courts are now recognizing such bad behavior as organized hate groups and is a category to report to Facebook if your a victim of defamation and hate speech. https://www.facebook.com/help/263149623790594/

01/11/2026

Community Pushback Grows Against Activist Groups in Grants Pass

Grants Pass, Oregon — Tensions are rising in Grants Pass as a growing number of residents and local political leaders voice opposition to the tactics and visibility of several activist organizations, arguing that recent demonstrations have crossed from peaceful protest into disruption.

Community critics point specifically to Rogue Indivisible, Indivisible, Citizens for Responsible Government, and Restore JoCo, saying the groups have repeatedly organized rallies they believe are divisive rather than constructive. Among the events drawing scrutiny were demonstrations opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity outside the Josephine County Courthouse over the weekend.

Residents critical of the protests say they support the right to free speech but object to what they describe as confrontational demonstrations that interfere with daily life and public services. “People want solutions, not spectacle,” said one downtown business owner, who asked not to be named. “There’s a growing feeling that these actions are about disruption rather than improving Grants Pass.”

Organizers dispute that characterization. Matt Spurlock, identified by activists as a leader within Rogue Indivisible, has defended the protests as lawful expressions of opposition to federal immigration policy and actions taken by ICE. Supporters say the demonstrations are meant to draw attention to human rights concerns and accountability in government.

The controversy has also pulled in party leadership. Eva Averly, chair of the local Democratic Party, has publicly criticized ICE enforcement and President Donald Trump, and has appeared at demonstrations supporting progressive causes. Her participation has become a focal point for critics who argue that party leaders should prioritize economic development, public safety, and community cohesion.

Local Republicans have responded by urging residents to become more engaged. Party members say they believe Grants Pass is drifting toward the kind of political culture seen in more liberal Oregon cities, such as Ashland, and warn that silence will lead to further polarization. “You don’t have to agree with every policy,” one Republican organizer said, “but you should care about how protests affect your neighbors and your town.”

As the debate intensifies, many residents are calling for calmer dialogue and clearer boundaries between protest and disruption. Whether this moment leads to broader civic engagement or deeper division remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Grants Pass is wrestling publicly with questions about activism, community standards, and the direction of local politics.

01/11/2026

Deb Berg: From Viral 2024 Sign Theft to Recall-Season Retaliation Allegations in Grants Pass
-Investigative Editorial

A familiar figure has resurfaced in local political controversy as Grants Pass again faces allegations of campaign sign theft during a heated recall election. Deb Berg, a retired Grants Pass teacher and frequent speaker at county commissioner meetings, previously went viral during the 2024 election cycle after video surfaced allegedly showing her removing a political campaign sign. The incident occurred following a public meeting on September 25, 2025, where then-candidate Chris Barnett and others stated unequivocally that campaign sign theft would not be tolerated. Barnett later reported witnessing what he believed to be sign theft that same evening, contacted 911, followed the vehicle to a nearby driveway, and confronted the individual, who identified herself as Deb Berg. The encounter, including the return of the sign, was captured on video and widely circulated online.

As the recall election targeting Barnett and former Commissioner Andreas Blech unfolded, critics allege Berg once again became actively involved—this time advocating for recall efforts—raising renewed concerns about potential retaliation and campaign interference. Supporters of Barnett point to Berg’s past conduct as relevant context amid reports of stolen and defaced signs during the recall campaign.

Adding to the controversy are allegations involving John Oliver Riccio, the publisher of the Grants Pass Tribune. Riccio, who has lost multiple defamation lawsuits in the past year, is currently a tenant in a rental property owned by Berg, according to public records and statements from involved parties. Barnett supporters argue that this landlord-tenant relationship raises serious questions about coordination, particularly as what they describe as false and defamatory stories about Barnett continue to circulate. They assert that Riccio’s ongoing publications may expose him to additional legal liability for continued defamation.

Berg and Riccio are described by critics as close associates who regularly promote negative narratives about local officials they oppose. Neither has publicly responded to the most recent allegations.

Public Advisory: Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, document any suspected campaign interference, and report sign theft or vandalism to law enforcement.

01/10/2026

Big thanks to Chris DeBerry, Clara Welles, Ryan Hoge, Fawn Loomis-Dapper, Christian Abolitionist

for all your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!

01/10/2026

When Local Media and Misinformation Become the New Domestic Terrorism

In communities across America, a quieter but deeply corrosive threat is taking hold—not through bombs or bullets, but through headlines, half-truths, and deliberate distortions. When local media abandons verification for velocity and ideology for clicks, misinformation becomes a weapon. Its blast radius isn’t measured in buildings destroyed, but in trust shattered, reputations ruined, and civic order destabilized.

Misinformation doesn’t merely mislead; it radicalizes. Repeated falsehoods harden opinions, inflame anger, and push neighbors into opposing camps where dialogue dies. When stories are framed to provoke rather than inform, they invite harassment, encourage threats, and normalize the dehumanization of public servants and private citizens alike. The damage is cumulative—each misleading article another spark in a tinderbox of public resentment.

Local media once served as a stabilizing force, a shared record of truth that bound communities together. Today, when standards slip and accountability disappears, that role flips. Rumor masquerades as reporting. Activism hides behind bylines. Corrections, if they come at all, are whispered long after the harm is done. The result is a climate of fear and distrust that undermines elections, governance, and the rule of law.

Calling this “domestic terrorism” is not hyperbole—it’s a warning. Terror is about coercion through fear, and misinformation achieves exactly that by poisoning the information ecosystem people rely on to make decisions.

The antidote is not censorship, but responsibility: rigorous fact-checking, transparent sourcing, and a renewed commitment to truth over traffic. Communities deserve journalism that informs, not inflames—and the courage to demand it.

01/09/2026

We are hiring for our amazing Records Team!

Check out the requirements and a link to the application at https://www.grantspassoregon.gov/815/Job-Postings

01/09/2026

Just posted - property owned by Josephine County for sale:

210 Tacoma Street 97526 (Merlin Area) 7.41 acres, buildings (total 10,083 sf), baseball field, two 10,000 gallon fire suppression tanks. More details on County website. Www.josephinecounty.gov

01/09/2026

If Anyone Can Be Recalled, Do Recalls Mean Anything Anymore?

Recalls were created as a serious safeguard, not a routine political weapon.
They were meant to address clear misconduct or failure in office—not to serve as a shortcut for political disagreement or a revenue stream built on outrage.

Yet across modern politics, recalls are increasingly driven by attention economics. Clicks, donations, and social media amplification now fuel campaigns as much as facts. When outrage is profitable, the bar for launching a recall drops, and the process itself risks becoming performance rather than accountability.

That raises an uncomfortable question: if anyone can be recalled at any time, do recalls mean anything at all?
When judges, sheriffs, assessors, and other traditionally stable offices become potential targets—not because of wrongdoing, but because a campaign can be organized quickly—the recall tool begins to lose its moral weight. Voters are asked to relitigate elections repeatedly, governance slows, and public trust erodes.

Some critics argue the solution isn’t banning recalls, but reforming them: higher thresholds, clearer standards, longer cooling-off periods, or defined grounds for removal. Others suggest the current system unintentionally rewards the loudest voices rather than the most informed ones.

The core issue isn’t activism—it’s balance. Accountability must exist, but so must stability. Elections are decisions, not trial runs. When recalls become routine, they stop being corrective and start becoming corrosive.

The debate is no longer whether recalls should exist, but whether the system still reflects the purpose voters were promised.

Real Live News Oregon

01/13/2026

01/13/2026

01/12/2026

01/12/2026

01/11/2026

01/11/2026

01/10/2026

01/10/2026

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category