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The Oregon Industry That’s Still Hiring

Increasing unemployment and fewer job openings make it a tough environment to find a job in Oregon. But the job market isn’t as tight in private health care and social assistance, which had 14,500 job openings in the last quarter of 2025, representing 31% of the job vacancies in the state. Private employers also said they had a difficult time filling vacancies for restaurant cooks and truck drivers, as well as personal care aides and social service assistants. [OPB]

95 Layoffs at New Seasons

New Seasons laid off 95 workers from its staff, citing increased costs from the new labor union contracts. The cut represents fewer than 5% of the grocery store workers and included all of the overnight freight department as well as several assistant department managers. The New Seasons Labor Union, which formed in 2022 and ratified its first contract in December, represents 850 employees at 10 stores. A union spokesperson said they’ll do everything to fight the layoffs. [Oregonian]

Help Arrived for Leach Botanical Garden

After a plea for help last week, Leach Botanical Garden received more than $138,000 in financial support. That came in the form of $88,348 worth of smaller donations and new memberships, along with $50,000 from one large donor. That means the garden can stay open through at least May 15. The gardens’ backers are still looking to raise $250,000 in total to make it to July 1 — and for additional support from the city when the new fiscal year begins. [KOIN]

• Related: Leach Botanical Garden's thank you on social media in announcing the financial update. [Facebook]