Good morning, Grants Pass.

Three ribbon-cutting events organized by the Chamber will bring residents together—on Fri, Sep.

25 at 11 a.m. the Family YMCA reopens its renovated indoor pool, followed by two downtown ceremonies on Fri, Oct. 2 at Owl Plaza at 4 p.m. and The Way Pottery at 5 p.m.

Southern Oregon's final week of September offers a busy slate with entrepreneurship at The Hivve in Grants Pass, theater at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, cycling at Rogue River’s Palmerton Park, and markets & community events across the region; locals are encouraged to verify times before heading out.

Rogue Community College released its 2025-26 Annual Report Tuesday, showing a 30% increase in graduation and transfer rates and 479 career certificates awarded.

The report details partnerships with local schools and plans for new Transportation Technology Centers and simulation-based nursing classes starting this fall.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik issued a Sept.

14 directive that shifts Endangered Species Act enforcement by focusing on whether wildlife is deliberately targeted during logging and construction; the change could affect timberlands and development across southern Oregon while litigation unfolds in federal court.

State officials are moving forward with FastTrack, a permitting program that accelerates industrial & infrastructure projects with applications expected later this fall.

The Joint Permitting Council meets Tuesday to set project readiness standards for areas including Grants Pass where investments must reach $50 million.

Gov. Tina Kotek and challenger Christine Drazan chose separate Portland debate invitations while both will appear in Eugene, Bend, and Medford.

Southern Oregon voters, who comprise nearly 15% of the state electorate, look to the Medford debate to address local issues including wildfire response, transportation, and housing costs.

People in Grants Pass are advised to check health product claims by looking for clear evidence and expert guidance, such as when physical therapy offers tailored treatment versus an online supplement promising a quick fix (unproven results).

The guidance helps buyers weigh cost, safety, and benefit.

The Oregon Court of Appeals ruled Sept.

16 that developers can convert old churches, offices and other buildings into affordable housing without strict prevailing wage rules, easing costs that can add about $50,000 per unit. The decision could encourage new projects in Josephine County.