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.

A strong storm system will bring damaging winds, hazardous coastal surf, and heavy rainfall to southern Oregon and northern California from Thursday into Friday, with travel impacts, power outages, and flooding possible in some areas.

A Central Point man wanted on multiple felony charges related to child sexual abuse material was arrested in Northern California last month following a multi-agency investigation involving the U.S. Marshals Service and Southern Oregon law enforcement task forces.

Active weather is returning to the region as a series of weather systems moves through this week, bringing periods of wind, rain, and fluctuating snow levels. While winter impacts are expected to remain limited for most areas, gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and difficult travel conditions are possible at times.

The Abundance Swap invites community members to rethink holiday gift-giving by sharing quality items they already own instead of buying new ones. The free event takes place Sunday at the Historic Ashland Armory and includes a food drive benefiting the Ashland Community Food Bank.

Medford Police detectives have arrested a 19-year-old Medford man in connection with a December 5 shooting, with additional charges tied to a separate October incident.

Chiloquin students and community members celebrated the grand opening of the district’s new gymnasium with a blue-ribbon ceremony, cultural blessings, and a packed house ahead of basketball season.

A joint child exploitation task force served a search warrant in rural Central Point after CSAM images were traced to a residence. Investigators seized digital devices, and the case remains under active investigation.

Sky Lakes Medical Center and Klamath Falls Police continue to expand the region’s first Hospital Resource Officer program, with veteran officer Jeff Hutcheson serving full-time on campus to improve safety and response coordination.

Medford’s Winter Lights Festival returns to Pear Blossom Park on Dec. 6 with a full evening of holiday activities, including a candy cane hunt, illuminated parade, tree lighting, live performances, Santa photos, and Polar Express-themed fun.

Klamath IDEA will host Southern Oregon entrepreneur and innovation leader Dr. Kim Freeze as the featured IDEA Talks! speaker on November 20. The event will explore innovation, mindset, and the power of community collaboration.

Ashland will host its first-ever Sarcasm Festival Dec. 5–7, featuring national touring comedians at OSF’s Angus Bowmer Theatre and dozens of comedy events across downtown venues. The three-day celebration includes stand-up, improv, drag brunches, workshops, and more — all aimed at boosting local culture and tourism.

A federal spending bill could redefine legal hemp and ban many CBD and hemp-derived products, threatening Oregon’s hemp industry. Southern Oregon farmers say the proposed policy misunderstands the plant’s chemistry and could devastate rural economies.

Ranchers in southern Oregon report increasing livestock losses linked to the growing Grouse Ridge wolf pack. State wildlife officials confirm a rising wolf population while balancing conservation goals and rural livelihoods.