Eugene, Lane County | featured news

GRANTS PASS — A woman who spent a decade as a fugitive from the largest ecoterrorism investigation in U.S. history is due in federal court in Oregon on conspiracy and arson charges. Court records show 39-year-old Rebecca Rubin, a Canadian citizen, was to be arraigned Friday afternoon in U.S.

Oregon held on to knock off fourth-ranked Arizona, 70-66, on Thursday night at Matthew Knight Arena. It was the first loss of the season for the Wildcats (14-1, 2-1) while the Ducks (13-2, 2-0) extended their home winning streak to 17 games.

Renowned Seattle clothing retailer Nordstrom hasn’t had a presence in the Eugene market in 20 years. Could that be about to change, with the opening of a Nordstrom Rack store at Oakway Center on Coburg Road?

The proposed $95 million Erb Memorial Union renovation may leap onto the state’s capital projects list for approval during this year’s legislative session, if the Oregon State Board of Higher Education gives the OK in a vote on Friday.

With the Lane County commissioners set to discuss public safety funding and a possible May property tax levy later this month, Sheriff Tom Turner and other law enforcement officials reiterated the precarious funding outlook for the county’s system today at an early morning press conference.

PORTLAND — The trial of a man accused of plotting to blow up an Oregon Christmas-tree lighting ceremony has begun amid concerns about security when FBI agents and their informants are scheduled to testify. The trial of Mohamed Mohamud started with jury selection on Thursday in Portland’s federal courthouse.

NEW YORK — The Standard and Poor’s 500 closed at another five-year high Thursday after the stock market got a boost from reports suggesting the outlook for economic growth may be improving. The S&P 500 rose 11.10 points to 1,472.12, its highest close since December 2007, when the U.S.

The Egan Warming Centers will offer overnight sleeping space to homeless people tonight at four different locations in the Eugene-Springfield area. The centers open whenever program officials are confident overnight temperatures will fall below 30 degrees.

MEDFORD — A measure to ban genetically modified crops in Jackson County in Southern Oregon has qualified for the ballot in 2014. County officials confirmed Wednesday that petitions seeking the vote had enough valid signatures — 4,662 were required.

SILVERTON — Christmas tree growers around Silverton have been burning excess trees this week, generating clouds of smoke and drawing complaints from some residents. The fire district is telling residents that the burning is permitted by state law because the growers are considered agricultural producers.