In 2017, Ahmed Alshamanie went viral for offering karaoke in his car while working for Uber, earning him special recognition from the company.  Originally from Iraq, Alshamanie moved to the U.S. in 2013 after working as a taxi driver. He eventually learned English by working for Uber full-time throughout Portland. However, his relationship with the…

Lisa Harnisch, executive director of the Marion Polk Early Learning Hub, is seeking election to the seat she was appointed to last year. Challenging her is Anthony Mitchell, a parent of three Harritt students and director at a data and software company.

Salem police on Thursday will start using north-facing red light and speed traffic cameras on Commercial Street at the intersections of Kuebler Boulevard and Madrona Avenue. Existing cameras at those locations only detected westbound and southbound drivers, respectively.

West Salem and other Polk County voters will find a measure on their May ballot to increase property taxes to fund renovation and construction projects for the Polk County Fairgrounds. This is your guide to the measure, and what happens if it passes or fails.

A panel of Willamette University officials spoke last week about the impacts of federal efforts to target higher education. Willamette receives little federal research funding, which allows it to remain more independent.

Oregon Ag Fest gave families a chance to meet farm animals, learn about local crops and take home tomato starts at the Oregon State Fairgrounds.

The rising cost of college is being driven by labor costs, inflation and historic disinvestment in higher education by the Oregon Legislature.

For Salem politicians and voters, the state chipping in to pay for city police and fire services is a popular idea. The reality is more complicated.

In 30 days, Salem Reporter needs to raise $5,000 from readers to continue our important journalism training. Your contribution ensures two young journalists get expert coaching in fair and accurate news reporting while maintaining ethics.

Northeast Center Street was closed midday Friday between Northeast 14th and 17th Streets after a driver collided with a power pole.

Danielle Bethell, who’s in her fifth year as a Marion County Commissioner, is seeking the Republican nomination for governor to challenge Gov. Tina Kotek in 2026.

New maple trees will add shade near Minto Island Park’s parking lot 3 after an Arbor Day tree planting effort.

A lengthy investigation by Salem Reporter led to publication recently of a three-part series on flaws in Oregon’s civil commitment process. Here are the key findings.

As a federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked parts of President Donald Trump’s sweeping election executive order, Oregon’s top elections official joined officials from around the country in North Carolina questioning federal agency leaders over plans to implement Trump’s order. Trump in March ordered the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, a relatively obscure federal agency created…

After 15 years in leadership roles at Boys & Girls Club, Sue Bloom has played a pivotal role in making sure kids in Salem have safe places to explore and grow.

Salem-area voters will find on their ballots a request to renew a Chemeketa Community College bond that would expand career education programs and campus renovations. This is your guide to the measure, and what happens if it passes or fails.

After efforts from U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas helped unfreeze a federal grant for Elderberry Wisdom Farm, students in the Salem area will be able to help increase tree coverage by planting trees in Salem neighborhoods.

Mike Straite’s image of the Painted Hills was chosen from among 200 submissions for the annual Oregon Blue Book, which has information about Oregon history and government.

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Oregon congresswoman Maxine Dexter went to El Salvador to demand the release of a wrongfully deported Maryland man and to raise awareness of “constitutional crisis.”

Whether it’s in the classroom or on the track, teacher Tyson Gilmour has a simple goal: every student gets coached every day. He’s one of the Salem educators nominated for a 2025 Crystal Apple Award.