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]

National

Historic Umtanum Suspension Bridge in Washington Wins Prestigious Global Award After Remarkable…

Bernadette Obrien Nov 29, 2025

The century-old-plus Umtanum Suspension Bridge over Washington's Yakima River Canyon, which was rehabilitated by the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Bridge Rehabilitation Project with design and engineering support from HDR, was recently…

News

Thieves Drain $86,000 From Oregon SNAP and TANF Cards as State Urges Urgent Protection Steps

Bernadette Obrien Nov 26, 2025

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) urged SNAP and TANF recipients to actively protect their benefits after approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been…

News

Medford Children’s Museum Set for Massive Upgrade After City Council Greenlights 19,000-Square-Foot…

Bernadette Obrien Nov 24, 2025

MEDFORD, Ore. — At the November 19 meeting, the Medford City Council approved revised plans for a 19,050-square-foot addition to the Children's Museum of Southern Oregon. The Medford Urban Renewal Agency (MURA) board then resolved to…

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…

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