The city of Salem announced Tuesday afternoon that Betsy Vega is qualified under city charter to serve on the Salem City Council representing Ward 6 in northeast Salem, after a complaint claiming she was not eligible due to discrepancies with her address. City Recorder Amy Johnson made the final determination based on a review and…

Since January, three men ages 18 and 19 have been sentenced to years in prison for assaulting a man near Wallace Marine Park last August. Polk County’s top prosecutor said there “was no validity” to the men’s claim the attack had been an act of retaliation. To comment on this story, use the form at…

The Marion County Fair will kick off Thursday for another four-day run, featuring animal exhibits, family entertainment, live performances and carnival fun. 

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All-women law firm founded by a Willamette Law grad was recognized for its excellence in business and community engagement.

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Events in Salem this week include the Marion County Fair starting Thursday, an orchestra concert at the Capitol honoring America’s 250th birthday and a special Christmas in July screening of “Home Alone” at Salem Center.

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A groundskeeper on private property asked a group setting off fireworks to leave prior to shooting.

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In response to the city of Salem’s lawsuit claiming that the White House has illegally imposed its political agenda against immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion, spokespeople for federal agencies named in the lawsuit said it “is another attempt to obstruct President Trump’s agenda and the will of the American people.” To comment on this…

Lawmakers watered down their original legislation that sought to limit immigration enforcement’s access to data. The new law focuses on data handled by state agencies.

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Late Saturday night, on the Fourth of July, an explosion of illegal fireworks injured five people on a northeast Salem street. Neighbors recalled seeing people lying on the ground in the aftermath, surrounded by glass from broken car windows. The victims are in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon. To comment on this story, use…

The city of Salem is seeking about 100 volunteers to fan out across the city to collect data to be used for heat mapping. The city is working with Portland-based CAPA Strategies LLC and expects the initiative to be done later this year. The data will help identify hot spots in the city in need…

Chemeketa Community College’s production of “Mean Girls the Musical” will premiere Tuesday, July 7, for the college’s third year of outdoor evening shows at Riverfront Park.

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On the precipice of her 100th birthday, Virginia Green was honored by Salem’s mayor for decades of volunteer work recording local history. Though her fact-finding days are now in the past, Green’s website still catalogs over a century of local knowledge.

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Oregon Health Authority director Dr. Sejal Hathi will step down effective Aug. 1

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In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the city of Salem said conditions within federal grants providing critical money to repair damages from the 2025 winter flood include unlawful terms limiting local diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

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Talks between the Salem Area Mass Transit District and representatives from a coalition of six business and real estate groups, and citizens were halted last week, Cherriots said in a press release. The two groups formed a task force to find a compromise after a proposed payroll tax sparked frustration last year. To comment on…

A small team of young adults – some of whom have faced gang violence, homelessness and other challenges – are staffing a new food truck serving up tacos, burritos and other dishes outside a local hardware store.

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Local counselor and nonprofit owner Sonny Saltalamachia recently celebrated the launch of a food truck employing youth impacted by gangs, homelessness and mental health challenges. Among the staff is a victim of the 2024 Bush’s Pasture Park shooting, who recently graduated high school early with As and Bs on his report card. To comment on…

Fourth of July events in Salem include a free fireworks display at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, a lively family parade in a northeast neighborhood and a Marion Berries jersey giveaway for the first 500 fans.

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This week in Salem, the Marion Berries baseball team will play against the Portland Pickles at home, a new outdoor market will open downtown and Chemeketa Community College’s production of “Mean Girls the Musical” will show at Riverfront Park.

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Salem police arrested a man Sunday evening, June 28, after a local father reported that a stranger tried to kidnap his son while outside an apartment complex.

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