The Rogue Valley, so far, has avoided store closures announced by national retailers.

Today's First Thing podcast touches on these top stories:

Man gets prison for animal abuse.

Concealed handgun licenses surge in Jackson County.

Full stories available online at www.mailtribune.com. Listen to other Mail Tribune podcasts at www.mailtribune.com/podcasts. Episodes are also on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and Soundcloud.

Today's First Thing podcast touches on these top stories:

Wrong-way crash kills former North Medford star athlete.

Ashland to hire more cops, but how undecided.

Rogue Pack fingered for new livestock kill.

Full versions of all stories available at www.mailtribune.com. Additional podcast episodes available at www.mailtribune.com/podcasts.

Southern Oregon food writer Sarah Lemon finally checks an item off her kitchen bucket list: making sauerkraut. Turns out, it's just as easy as everyone says.

Southern Oregon food writer Sarah Lemon finally checks an item off her kitchen bucket list: making sauerkraut. Turns out, it's just as easy as everyone says.

Today's First Thing podcast touches on these top stories:

Wrong-way crash kills former North Medford star athlete.

Ashland to hire more cops, but how undecided.

Rogue Pack fingered for new livestock kill.

Full versions of all stories available at www.mailtribune.com. Additional podcast episodes available at www.mailtribune.com/podcasts.

Today's First Thing podcast touches on these top stories.

Providence medical plaza opens at Stewart Meadows.

Brutal attack with massage tool leads to prison.

Group sues Jackson County over Expo Ponds project.

Read full versions of these stories at www.mailtribune.com. Listen to other Mail Tribune podcasts at www.mailtribune.com/podcasts, or by using the Stitcher or Apple Podcast apps.

In a fraction of a second, a picture can tell it all. And it can shake us to our core.

In a fraction of a second, a picture can tell it all. And it can shake us to our core.

Today's First Thing podcast touches on these top stories.

Providence medical plaza opens at Stewart Meadows.

Brutal attack with massage tool leads to prison.

Group sues Jackson County over Expo Ponds project.

Read full versions of these stories at www.mailtribune.com. Listen to other Mail Tribune podcasts at www.mailtribune.com/podcasts, or by using the Stitcher or Apple Podcast apps.