On Monday, economic and political leaders pitched their vision for a path forward to steer the state’s economy back to relative stability, when they gathered for the annual Oregon Leadership Summit. This year’s event comes as near-stagnant population and economic growth have pressured state leaders to attract more business opportunities to Oregon.
The city of Ashland on Thursday said officials are reviewing a 2013 agreement between the city and Asante and will monitor the Ashland hospital’s transition to a satellite of Rogue Regional Medical Center in May as announced by Asante on Wednesday, according to a city news release issued late afternoon Thursday.
Asante Ashland Community Hospital’s birthing center and inpatient surgery will close by spring 2026, leaving only the emergency room and outpatient services, according to plans shared with staff Wednesday, Dec. 3, by Asante, the Medford-based health care provider serving Southern Oregon and Northern California.
Oregon has expanded access to birth workers, shown to improve the wellbeing of parents, opening up Medicaid to doulas in 2014 and to lactation consultants in 2020. But years into that effort, professionals say their inability to get paid remains one of the most persistent obstacles to providing care to low-income families.
A state audit released Nov. 20 found the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries in “crisis,” with thousands of wage, hour, and civil rights complaints stalled for years due to mismanagement and understaffing. Auditors cited major backlogs across all programs and said outdated or missing policies hindered the agency’s ability to protect workers.
A coalition of Democratic states are suing the U.S. Department of Education to stop new eligibility restrictions for the program that allows student loan forgiveness for government and nonprofit employees after 10 years of service pursuant to President Trump’s March executive order.
One of Southern Oregon University’s most elite programs – its Honors College – is on its way out as part of $10 million in cost cuts detailed in the Resiliency Plan approved by the Board of Trustees in September.
The drive-through and lobby of the Walker Avenue Starbucks in Ashland bustled during the lunch hour and into the afternoon on Friday, with customers of all ages picking up drink and food orders, many staying to dine inside. On Sunday, the espresso machines at the only brick-and-mortar Starbucks location in Ashland will be quiet as it is among more than 500 stores in the U.S. and Canada set to close for good.
The state’s $100 billion public pension fund is under fire for selling $4.5 billion in private equity holdings without disclosing details.
In what has been described as a “fight for the future” of Southern Oregon University, the Board of Trustees Thursday morning voted 7-2 to approve the final “Resiliency Plan,” authorizing a total of $10 million in cuts over the next four years, including about $5 million this year from SOU’s $71 million budget as of June, according to SOU President Rick Bailey’s presentation to the board.
Katharine Lang: Many homeless people are in that position due to simply not making enough money to afford a rental in this pricey town. Wages are stagnant while housing prices increase. We desperately need more housing for people in this position.
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.
(It’s free)
