Minimum hourly wages for Oregon workers will rise by 50 cents per hour on Wednesday, July 1.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

On Thursday, June 25, Church at the Park celebrated the completion of its Village of Hope microshelter expansion, which added 35 beds and increased accessibility to the central Salem site. The project aims to get more people off a waitlist of 3,000 people, amid rising rates of senior homelessness. To comment on this story, use…

The three owners of Oregon’s sole record pressing plant, Object Permanence Records, began making vinyl at their small warehouse north of downtown Salem just three weeks ago. Their space gives local bands a nearby option to order vinyl – something that is often outsourced to Europe. To comment on this story, use the form at…

Tony L. Williams, the 43-year-old Bend man accused in the Salem Union Gospel Mission mass stabbing, was released back into jail this week after a Marion County judge found him mentally fit to participate in court.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

PUBLIC NOTICE: This notice is published to meet the requirement of Oregon law for publication so the public is aware. This notice is delivered as a service for a fee by Salem Reporter. The notifying party is solely responsible for its content.

The city of Salem was one of 300 cities from around the world to join the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund. The city, as part of the program, will get $50,000 to disburse as mini grants to youth-led climate initiatives that benefit the community. The program is currently seeking applicants ages 15-24. To comment…

The highly-anticipated proposal of ways to jumpstart Oregon’s economic development came in response to Gov. Tina Kotek’s push for more economic development in the state last year.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

After almost six months of silence from Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell on a public records request, Salem Reporter is suing her and the county to enforce the law requiring her to respond.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

This year’s World Beat Festival, running Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28, at Riverfront Park will feature fire dancers, dragon boat races and food from around the world. The festival has lower prices this year, and new food and vendors to explore. To comment on this story, use the form at the end of…

A group of 17 high school students specializing in construction at Salem’s Career Technical Education Center built an award-winning western-style saloon playhouse in a spring competition after months of prep work.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

Taken together, August through November of 2025 was the record warmest on average across the Northwest in more than 130 years of recordkeeping. The potential super El Niño event this fall and winter could bring much needed rains to the region, experts said.

To comment, use the form at the end of the report.

Salem has one of the highest rates of alcohol-induced deaths for people over age 65 in the country, according to a recent study evaluating metro regions. An aging population, lack of rural treatment and health care, low alcohol taxes and a pervasive drinking culture each contribute to Oregon’s high death rates. To comment on this…

Events in Salem this week include a history lecture about Oregon State Parks, the World Beat Festival and free performance by Indigenous Mariachi singer Salem local Yissel Lopéz.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

Salem city councilors voted 6-0 to approve the new budget for 2027 which funds expansions to city cleaning crews and the police department’s Homeless Services Team. The budget also funds the Fire Department’s new REACH Team which responds to mental health crises. To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the…

The decision centered on whether public records compiled for regular business can be blocked from disclosure if they wind up in criminal investigations.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

Salem Mayor Julie Hoy on Monday, June 22, will proclaim the winners in five local elections, including for mayor, municipal judge and city council positions. Councilors will also consider adopting the city’s final budget for 2027.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular technology for Oregonians seeking an efficient method of air conditioning, though data shows the state has experienced significant gaps in AC access.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

This Sunday, Make Music Day Salem turned parks, alleys and restaurants into stages for local performers. Photographer Laura Tesler was there to capture the performances.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

In February, a federal judge dismissed Marion County officials’ lawsuit regarding sharing information to immigration enforcement. Marion County officials are now appealing the decision.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

Salem celebrated Juneteenth on Friday with dancing, music, food and games at Riverfront Park. See photos from the festival here.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.

A jury found Salem police Sgt. Jason Donner was justified in shooting and injuring a man during a response by multiple officers to a hostage situation near Northeast Portland Road last week.

To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.