Author

Bernadette Obrien

Staff Writer: Explores the Medford metro area arts scene, outdoor trails, historical landmarks, community events, and cultural programs. Drawing from her experience at The Stranger, her reporting connects readers to Southern Oregon's creative and natural heartbeat.
Contact: [email protected]

Business

PacifiCorp Reaches $150 Million Settlement With Over 1,400 Oregon Wildfire Victims

Bernadette Obrien Nov 20, 2025

PacifiCorp confirmed yesterday that it has reached a $150 million settlement with 1,434 plaintiffs related to the 2020 Labor Day Fires. More Pacificor 2020 Labor Day Fire Claims Settled Since 2020, Pacificor has settled…

Revels

Ashland Ice Rink Reopens Friday With New Season of Skating and Events

Bernadette Obrien Nov 19, 2025

ASHLAND, Ore. — The 2025 winter skating season at the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink starts this Friday, November 21. Ashland Parks and Recreation will be welcoming everyone back at the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink on Friday.…

National

Court To Hear Arguments on Releasing Covenant School Shooter’s Manifesto in Nashville

Bernadette Obrien Oct 30, 2025

Oral argument will be heard today by a three-judge panel in the Tennessee Court of Appeals in the public records lawsuit Judicial Watch brought against the Nashville Government and Davidson County seeking the records related to the March…

News

Oregon Officials Demand USDA Action to Safeguard SNAP Benefits During Shutdown

Bernadette Obrien Oct 28, 2025

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Oregon elected officials sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging the agency to take immediate action to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue…

News

Ski Season Returns to Mt. Ashland With Discounts, Twilight Hours, and a New Chairlift Project

Bernadette Obrien Oct 5, 2025

ASHLAND, Ore. — As Mt. Ashland gears up for this winter’s ski season, a planned opening day is set for December 13, and the public is invited to a sneak preview at the Mt. Ashland Winter Kick-Off Party on November 22. Mt.…

News

Federal Troops Head to Portland After Trump Declares City ‘Under Siege’ by Domestic…

Bernadette Obrien Sep 27, 2025

PORTLAND, Ore. — President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social the deployment of U.S. troops to Portland, Oregon, directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to protect ICE facilities from alleged Antifa attacks. Acting on Homeland…

News

Southern Oregon Starbucks Locations Among Hundreds Closing as Coffee Giant Restructures

Bernadette Obrien Sep 27, 2025

Starbucks announced that it is shutting down hundreds of stores and cutting more jobs as part of a restructuring plan, which includes several Starbucks stores in Southern Oregon. About 1% of Starbucks' North American locations, including…

Oregon Health Officials Reject Trump’s Claim That Tylenol in Pregnancy Causes Autism

Bernadette Obrien Sep 24, 2025

In response to President Trump's claims that taking acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA)has pointed to science that disproves the president’s…

News

Medford Named One of the Best Small Towns to Visit in the West by Sunset Magazine

Bernadette Obrien Sep 21, 2025

MEDFORD, Ore. — The Sunset magazine awards named Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, Great Falls, Montana, and Medford, Oregon, as the best small towns to travel to in the West. In Medford, they found a getaway with something for everyone,…

News

First Friday Returns to Downtown Grants Pass Tomorrow With Live Music, Local Shops, and Food Vendors

Bernadette Obrien Sep 4, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — “First Friday,” a well-loved Grants Pass event, is happening downtown this Friday, September 5. Aiming to support small businesses and foster a sense of community and local pride, downtown Grants Pass merchants have…

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