Striking workers in Oregon are a step closer to being eligible for weekly unemployment checks, after a tight vote in the state Senate on Thursday. Senate Bill 916 passed by the bare minimum 16 votes in the 30-member chamber, with two Democrats bucking the rest of their party over concerns the policy could harm cash-strapped cities and counties
Ashland postal workers and supporters joined Thursday in a “Day of Action” coordinated by the U.S. Postal Service workers union, gathering at the Ashland Post Office to wave signs and hand out information.
A packed open house on Saturday at Jackson County Fire District 5 Station 4 outside of Ashland offered a detailed financial update on the embattled district and a chance to discuss everything from staffing struggles to an investigation that remains under review by the Oregon Department of Justice.
Current and former federal staffers joined Oregon Democrats in a town hall in Portland on Monday, saying President Donald Trump’s efforts to shrink the federal government presents risks to Oregon life, potentially harming how the state responds to wildfires, preserves its natural resources and cares for veterans.
More than 12 million Americans who took out loans from the U.S. Department of Education to attend college are now stuck in limbo about whether or not they’ll get to participate in income-driven repayment plans that have served millions of Americans before them.
Jackson County Fire District 5 officials and union members reached an agreement Tuesday for reduced staffing minimums on fire engines and other apparatus to better distribute service coverage during an ongoing staffing struggle.
Oregon State Parks will hire more than 200 seasonal Rangers and Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2025 season. Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through about June with new positions listed on a rolling basis.
Forest restoration and wildfire mitigation projects have been halted and employees laid off as freezes of federal funds impact Lomakatsi Restoration Project, an Ashland-based nonprofit organization. Nearly two of every three dollars — 65% — of the nonprofit’s budget for 2025 came from the Inflation Reduction Act or the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — two pots of money affected by broad freezes of federal funds by the Trump administration.
Oregon’s Democratic U.S. House members — and other Democrats in the House — warned last week that firing firefighters and employees at agencies that manage federal land could have drastic consequences for the upcoming fire season.
A full house gathered Monday night at Rogue Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship to better understand current changes to federal immigration policy and to hear how they might support immigrants in the local community.
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)
