Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek kicked off her plan to jump-start Oregon’s economy alongside some of the state’s business and industry leaders as the state continues to battle unemployment and slow economic growth. The 16 members of Kotek’s “Prosperity Council” represent different Oregon regions such as labor, technology and construction.
Asante stymied unionizing campaigns by both physicians and nurses at Asante Ashland Community Hospital in 2025, according to a hospital employee. Asante announced Dec. 3 the Ashland hospital would close its birth center and other inpatient services in the spring.
A first-of-its-kind regional conference focused on preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals is set for 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in Stevenson Union at Southern Oregon University.
A South Ashland retail space that has sat vacant since 2020 has new life again, returning to its roots as a grocery store with the opening of Grocery Outlet next week, adding 20 full-time jobs to Ashland’s economy.
Ray’s Food Place in Phoenix will close by February, according to parent company C&K Market. All employees are set to be offered jobs at other Ray’s locations, C&K said in a news release.
The Oregon Nurses Association, a nurses union, claims a new staffing policy at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center leaves hospitals understaffed and violates state law. Union representatives accuse Asante of requiring nurses to waive overtime and incentive pay to cover shortages, while Asante declined to address specific allegations, calling them “unfounded and inaccurate.”
Federal immigration agents arrested at least 1,100 people in Oregon this year, immigration experts estimate — a surge from the 113 arrests recorded in all of 2024. In August, the Trump administration said it would “come after” states like Oregon with laws preventing local law enforcement from coordinating with federal immigration officials
Asante’s announcement that it plans to close the Asante Ashland Community Hospital birth center and inpatient surgery in May 2026 has sparked pushback in a number of ways, including an online petition to appeal the decision started by a staff member that’s gaining traction with more than 2,750 signatures as of publication.
Seventeen cannabis workers in the Rogue Valley were detained during federal drug investigations and transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody on July 30, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, making it one of if not the largest such enforcement activities in Oregon since the Trump administration began its immigration enforcement push early this year.
A majority of Jackson County Library District employees have signed union authorization cards, marking the formal start of a process toward collective bargaining.
Obituary: Marilyn Dunne passed away Dec. 22, in Medford. She had a quick wit, a good sense of humor, and an optimistic outlook on life that remained with her right up to the end. She will be deeply missed.
Five local housing experts offered cautious optimism and sobering statistics during a Sunday, Jan. 25, forum at Ashland High School, where more than 80 people gathered to talk about the city’s housing accomplishments and ongoing challenges.
Obituary: William “Bill” passed away on Jan. 24, 2026 after a years-long battle with cancer and other health concerns. He was 71. Bill was deeply loved. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Oregon Institute of Technology College Union.
A group of volunteers returned to Ashland’s historic Pioneer Hall this month, serving food and providing warmth for anyone in need at 3:30 p.m. Thursdays until April.
Obituary: Lisa was known as a trailblazer and a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on earth was marked by selflessness, compassion, and unwavering love for her sons and friends. A celebration of life to honor Lisa will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, in Jacksonville.
Poetry Corner: The joy our furry friends experience while out for a car ride! Perhaps it’s really the pleasure we have when taking our dogs for a ride.
(It’s free)
