A coordinated law enforcement operation targeting a drug trafficking organization brought tactical vehicles, federal agents, and a helicopter to several Jackson County communities Wednesday. Multiple search warrants were served simultaneously, but authorities have not yet released details about arrests, seized evidence, or the organization under investigation.

Cycle Oregon Rally 2026 is bringing hundreds of cyclists through Grants Pass, Jacksonville, Ashland, and the surrounding Rogue Valley. The five-day, non-competitive event combines paved and gravel routes with live music, community connections, and a mission that reaches well beyond the ride itself.

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.

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.

Firefighters continue making progress on two southwest Oregon wildfires. The Woodrat Mountain Fire near Ruch remains at 282 acres and has reached 15% containment, while the 100 acre I-5 MM 57 NB Fire near Grants Pass is now 91% contained and nearing the end of active suppression.

Firefighters have completed line around 100% of the Woodrat Mountain Fire near Ruch. Updated infrared mapping places the fire at 282 acres, with 60% of the perimeter hose lined as crews continue securing the fire through steep terrain and dense timber.

Jackson County officials said IMET detectives seized approximately 1,300 marijuana plants, half a pound of psilocybin mushrooms and 3 1/2 pounds of THC extract during a July 9 search at an illegal grow near the Applegate area outside Jacksonville.

Fireworks over lakes, rivers and the coast will cap a busy July 3-5 Independence Day weekend across the Jefferson region, with parades, food, music, rodeos, train rides, car shows and family celebrations from Crescent City to Klamath Falls, Central Point, Lakeview, Alturas and Mt. Shasta.

Firefighters made strong progress Monday on the Spencer Gulch Fire near Jacksonville, and all evacuation levels have been canceled. ODF Southwest Oregon says the fire remains 75 acres, with hose line around the perimeter and overnight crews continuing mop-up work.

The first significant heat wave of the summer is expected to bring 90-degree and triple-digit temperatures to much of Southern Oregon and Northern California this weekend, prompting heat advisories across several west side valleys, coastal areas and parts of far Northern California.

A Jacksonville man pleaded guilty to nine federal tax and fraud charges involving unpaid employment taxes, fraudulent loan applications and identity theft. He agreed to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution to the IRS and is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 9.

Jacksonville Police Department responded to several calls during the week of May 11 through May 17, including a reported grass fire on Highway 238, a small fire near a downtown business, traffic-related arrests, and a dirt bike eluding case. Officers also participated in wildfire preparedness and public safety events.

Smoke visible in parts of the Rogue and Applegate valleys today is coming from a prescribed fire operation on BLM-administered land near Jacksonville. Fire officials say burn operations were expected between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with patrol and mop-up continuing after hours and through the weekend.

Jacksonville Police reported multiple arrests during the week of April 20–27, including a suspect tied to a violent assault, a convicted felon found with a firearm, and an intoxicated e-bike rider charged with DUII.

A barricaded suspect was taken into custody in Jacksonville following a domestic assault involving a knife that left one person injured. The incident prompted a large multi-agency response, including a shelter-in-place alert, specialized resources, and SWAT activation before the situation was resolved without further incident.

The Britt Music & Arts Festival has added several new shows to its 2026 lineup, including Modest Mouse, Chicago, Elle King, Brantley Gilbert, and comedians Jeff Dunham and Gabriel Iglesias.