Marvin Yahir Izaguirre-Varela, a 22-year-old Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, on Feb. 18, 2026, a drug detection K9 alerted authorities to the presence of narcotics in Izaguirre-Varela’s bag at the entrance[Read More…]
Author: Teresa Pearson
Forest Service Advances Major Disaster Recovery Efforts
The United States Forest Service announced this week that major disaster recovery projects are continuing across national forests and grasslands following years of damage caused by hurricanes, wildfires and flooding. The recovery work is being funded through $6.35 billion provided by the American Relief Act of 2025. The funding supports[Read More…]
Asante To Cut Hundreds Of Jobs
Hospitals in Medford, Ashland and Grants Pass will remain open, officials say. Southern Oregon’s largest health care provider is preparing for major changes as Asante Health System works to close a projected $50 million budget gap. The health system announced it expects to eliminate more than 300 jobs in the[Read More…]
Harmful Algae Bloom Season Begins
Officials urge caution around lakes and rivers during warmer weather. State health and environmental agencies are warning Oregonians to be cautious around lakes, rivers and reservoirs as harmful algae bloom season begins across the state. The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality have started their annual monitoring[Read More…]
Volunteers To Refresh Downtown Medford During Day Of Caring
More than 50 volunteers will gather in downtown Medford on Saturday, May 16, as the Downtown Medford Association partners with the United Way of Jackson County for the annual Day of Caring. The volunteer effort will focus on beautifying more than 250 downtown tree wells in an effort to improve[Read More…]
Fire Restrictions Begin May 14 On BLM Lands
Officials warn dry conditions could lead to severe wildfire season. Fire restrictions will take effect May 14 on all lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management across Oregon and Washington as officials prepare for what could become a dangerous wildfire season throughout the Pacific Northwest. The restrictions, announced jointly[Read More…]
Escaped Debris Burns Continue Across Oregon
Oregon officials urge residents to use caution during Wildfire Awareness Month. As Oregon enters Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon Department of Forestry is warning residents to use extreme caution when burning yard debris, which remains the leading human cause of wildfires across the state. According to the Oregon Department of[Read More…]