PHOTOS: The store that sold generations of school clothes, shoes and housewares in downtown Salem is largely empty. Take a photo tour of what was once one of Salem's anchors.

Leading Covid vaccines still need to earn federal regulatory approval, but Oregon Health Authority Director Pat Allen said once that hurdle is cleared, Oregon expects to receive limited shipments.

Center 50+ started a new project that sends activity boxes to seniors each month as they face isolation brought on by Covid restrictions. In December, there’s a special box for the holidays with seasonal items like handcrafted ornaments and chocolate.

TEXT: This is the text of Gov. Kate Brown's statement on Wednesday, Nov. 25, explaining why she is imposing new restrictions for Oregonians to control the coronavirus

TEXT: This is the prepared text of remarks by Pat Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority, who spoke of the impacts of the pandemic on Oregonians beyond medical care.

TEXT: This is the text of remarks on Wednesday, Nov. 25, by Dr. David Zonies of Oregon Health and Science University about the urgency of containing the virus in Oregon.

Gov. Kate Brown said 21 counties will remain under restrictions through December as the coronavirus spread continues. In the Salem area, churches have more freedom to conduct services and restaurants can seat diners outside, but other limits stay in place.

A state workers safety agency has fined the gym $90,000 after staying open despite a statewide shutdown.

Salem's city librarian said the pause means library staff won't put their health at risk working in close quarters indoors to process holds. All library items checked out are now due March 31, 2021.

Both Salem-area counties are considered at "extreme risk" from Covid because of the number of cases recorded in recent weeks. Gov. Kate Brown said Friday lifting other restrictions on businesses will require reducing the virus' spread.

The prolonged closure of one of Salem's most beloved entertainment venues is taking a financial toll. With no tickets to sell and customers to seat, the nonprofit is turning to the community in a new fund drive to fill the financial gap.

Some restaurants have more easily pivoted their businesses toward takeout or have barely changed operations. Some restaurants even found new customers despite the pandemic restrictions after the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce helped drum up business. But the shutdown order could go beyond its planned two-weeks. Restaurants are hoping customers will help prop them up.

The Salem City Council affirmed a zoning change sought by a nonprofit developer planning to build an affordable housing project in the Grant neighborhood. The neighborhood association was opposed to the change, saying it would set a precedent and lead to unintended consequences.

Dr. Mark Fischl canceled plans to spend Thanksgiving with his 81-year-old father who lives nearby, knowing promising vaccine trials for Covid mean they'll be able to safely spend time together in 2021. “We’re all burning out. It’s been going on since March, it’s been a long time, it’s been hard on everybody. But now’s the time to say ‘I can see the end,’” he said.

The Salem area continues adding back jobs at the same pace statewide and nationally. While there were broad job gains across sectors, the drop in unemployment is smaller than other months and the economy faces many challenges.

The Salem Art Association endured financial challenges this year as the pandemic forced the cancellation of a major event and led to staffing cuts. A review of their records by Salem Reporter shows it's now on stronger financial ground, though the reopening of the Bush Barn Art Center remains uncertain.

Gov. Kate Brown on Monday responded to a legal action from the state restaurant association seeking to block her most recent order that partially shuts down the economy in response to the Covid pandemic. Brown said in a legal filing that while data doesn't link Covid transmissions to bars and restaurants, she said there is evidence to support the need for the order.

Unemployed Oregonians face a not-so-merry Christmas, but will get some extra cash in the meantime. State extends a lifeline to struggling homeowners. A free word of advice for struggling homeowners.

Gov. Kate Brown responded on Monday to a lawsuit from the state's restaurant industry seeking to block her two-week partial shutdown of the economy. Her attorneys argued her decision was backed by evidence and is needed to save lives.

Cara Kaser received a letter of education from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission after failing to disclose she lived near a proposed affordable housing project the council denied funds to. The former councilor said she views the experience as a learning opportunity.

Marion County added about 1,360 residents in the past year, while Polk County added 865, according to new estimates from Portland State University's Population Research Center.

The Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association on Friday, Nov. 20, filed a complaint in Portland U.S. District Court arguing that Gov. Kate Brown's new ordering limiting restaurants and bars to delivery or takeout is unconstitutional. The group is asking for a temporary restraining order.

Marion County reports less than 1% of its Covid cases can be traced to restaurants or bars, casting doubt on why they must stop serving diners. State officials, however, say they are certain that the establishments are part of the rapid spread of the virus in Oregon, and point to a growing number of cases that can't be traced at all.

Evyn Baker, a West Salem High School junior, said students on the planning committee wanted to preserve something normal in 2020 and give local teens a chance to dress up, socialize and win prizes.

Jerry Moore has served as Salem’s police chief for 15 years and more than 40 with the Salem Police Department. Salem Reporter interviewed the chief ahead of his last day on Nov. 30.

Patterson, a Democrat, narrowly prevailed over Sen. Denyc Boles, R-Salem, in one of the state's most competitive and expensive races. The outcome means that Democrats will keep their expansive majority in the Senate.

We know, everyone is sick of the pandemic. But with so much information flying around, Salem Reporter thought it would be helpful to compile some coronavirus basics in one place.

A citizen committee overseeing an upcoming audit of the Salem Police Department on Thursday will review six key questions that will guide the examination of policing in the city. The group is expected to provide a report to the Salem City Council in mid-December.

The county reserved the entire Super 8 in Woodburn for Covid patients with nowhere to isolate. It's also been used for wildfire evacuees. As the county faces a surge in Covid cases only two patients occupy the 81-room building.

In response to a steep increase in new Covid cases, Gov. Kate Brown enacted a "freeze" that limits restaurants to takeout, closes gyms and other facilities while also prohibiting large private gatherings. While the new restrictions aren't as stringent as March's stay-home order, they are expected to take a toll on already struggling businesses.