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.

Rain, snow, and gusty winds are expected across Southern Oregon this week as a strong weather system moves through the region. The National Weather Service says heavy mountain snow, falling snow levels, and winds up to 55 mph could impact travel, while a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the southern Oregon Cascades with up to 20 inches of snow possible.