Four individuals accused of unlawfully residing in the United States appeared in federal court in Medford after prosecutors alleged they made false statements while purchasing firearms and illegally possessed dozens of weapons in Southern Oregon.

Mayor Michael Zarosinski has appointed longtime public service leader John Vial as Interim City Manager, bringing decades of experience to guide Medford through its transition.

Medford Police arrested a woman Wednesday morning who investigators believe set multiple arson fires across North Medford, including vehicle fires and a blaze at a local restaurant.

Medford Police say an early morning crisis call involving an armed suicidal subject led to an officer-involved shooting on Mallard Lane. The individual is in stable condition, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is now overseeing the investigation.

The City of Medford is inviting residents to weigh in on four proposed alternatives for the future configuration of Main Street. Feedback can be submitted through a Nov. 20 open house or an online survey available through Nov. 30.

The U.S. Mint has officially ended production of the penny after more than two centuries, citing rising costs and shifting consumer habits. The coin will remain legal tender, but some Oregon retailers — including a well-known Medford store — are already adjusting with new rounding policies for cash purchases.

Southern Oregon University’s Small Business Development Center in Medford will close after 41 years of service, following a state decision to reject a joint proposal with Rogue Community College to maintain funding. The closure ends decades of support for local entrepreneurs and marks the last university-run SBDC in Oregon.