A child exploitation investigation that began overseas led federal, state, and local authorities to serve a search warrant at a Medford residence Wednesday. Investigators seized digital devices and are working to identify a suspect.

Recent rainfall and unseasonably cool temperatures have pushed fire danger down to moderate across ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. Fire season remains in effect, IFPL stays at Level 2, and outdoor debris burning is still prohibited.

Two drivers were seriously injured in a head-on crash on West Griffin Creek Road after a 2025 Toyota RAV4 crossed into oncoming traffic. JCSO says the 34-year-old driver was later arrested for DUII after a blood draw showed a .20% BAC.

Medford Police have identified the two people arrested after an armed robbery investigation led to a pursuit north on Interstate 5. Sharlene Elizabeth Paul, 49, and Cody Katcheech, 36, now face charges tied to the Walgreens robbery and Tuesday’s chase.

ODFW is seeking public comment on an ODOT request to waive fish passage requirements at an unnamed Bear Creek tributary near OR 99 and South Stage Road. The proposal would shift mitigation work to habitat restoration and another culvert project within the watershed.

A Medford armed robbery investigation ended with a pursuit north on Interstate 5 after officers located the suspect vehicle near Sage Road and Highway 238. Spike strips stopped the SUV near Grants Pass, where the occupants were taken into custody.

Black bears are showing up across more Ashland neighborhoods as scarce mountain berries push animals toward easier food sources. ODFW says bears have been reported getting into garbage and backyard chicken coops, while residents are being urged to remove attractants and report sightings.

A Medford man faces federal charges after investigators say they recovered nine firearms and homemade silencers from his residence. Prosecutors say the case later expanded to include alleged threats against a witness and an explosive device detonated in a vehicle at the witness’s home.

Medford Police say two men are now facing charges in connection with an August drive-by shooting on Carnelian Street. Investigators used video evidence to identify a suspected vehicle and later developed probable cause linking Phillip Muradanes and Joel Caswell to the shooting.

Mt. Ashland Association has named Rachel Canada as the ski area’s new general manager. Canada brings more than 20 years of mountain operations and resort management experience and will lead Mt. Ashland as it prepares for chairlift replacement projects and continued growth beyond the winter season.

Eagle Point Police Chief Jim Hamilton will resign Sept. 7, citing philosophical differences with city administration. Meanwhile, two labor groups representing police officers and other city employees have unanimously voted no confidence in City Administrator Aaron Prunty and HR/Finance Director Melissa Owens.

A 39-year-old White City man died Tuesday night after becoming unresponsive during a Jackson County sheriff’s DUII arrest near Table Rock Road and Orr Drive. Medford Police is leading the outside investigation, while autopsy and toxicology results remain pending.

Jacksonville businessman Joel Caswell has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for tax evasion, employment tax crimes, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He was also ordered to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution to the IRS.

Jackson County sheriff’s detectives are investigating the death of a 2-year-old child in rural Central Point. The child was reported missing around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday and was found deceased about an hour later along Blackwell Road.

A 20-year-old Medford man was arrested Monday on rape and sexual abuse charges following an investigation involving a 15-year-old girl. Jackson County sheriff’s detectives say they believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact the Special Victims Unit.

Containment on the Fielder Mountain Fire has increased to 29% as firefighters continue deeper mop-up west of Rogue River. All remaining evacuation levels have been canceled, while crews shift more resources to daytime operations and continue removing hazard trees.

Firefighters are pushing deeper into mop-up on the Fielder Mountain Fire after completing control line around the entire perimeter. The fire is 18% contained and now mapped at 573 acres, with officials saying the acreage increase reflects improved mapping rather than new growth.

Firefighters held established control lines overnight on the Fielder Mountain Fire, bringing the incident to approximately 90% lined. The fire is mapped at 548 acres and remains 7% contained as crews continue strengthening lines and mopping up near homes west of Rogue River.

The Fielder Mountain Fire remains estimated at 550 acres and is now 7% contained as firefighters continue securing the perimeter north of Rogue River. Crews have completed line around approximately 75% of the fire, with ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 set to assume command Friday evening.

The Fielder Mountain Fire north of Rogue River has grown to an estimated 400 acres as night crews move into place and additional evacuations are issued. Fifteen hand crews, 14 engines, seven dozers, and other resources are working the fire after 11 aircraft supported suppression efforts Thursday.