Mark Cruz, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes who grew up in Klamath Falls, has been confirmed to lead the Indian Health Service. Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, both Democrats, voted against the larger confirmation package that included Cruz.

Federal funding has cleared for the Mariposa Wildlife Crossing, a planned $37 million wildlife bridge over Interstate 5 south of Ashland. The project would reconnect habitat in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, reduce wildlife crashes and give SOU students years of research work.

Nearly $48.7 million in federal Secure Rural Schools funding is headed to Oregon counties, with Southern Oregon communities receiving some of the largest allocations in the state. Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, and Josephine counties are among the top recipients.

A Texas defense contractor’s inquiry about leasing land at Newport Municipal Airport has raised concerns that a new ICE facility could be planned for Oregon’s coast. Local and state leaders say they’ve received little information from federal agencies and are demanding clarity.