Good morning………
The drive to reduce the federal government underway in Washington, D.C., continues to impact Salem and the entire state.
Almost daily, there are announcements from state agencies, nonprofit organizations and even local government. They tell of losing funding. They share what might happen to services people now get or expect.
The Oregon Health Authority, for instance, shared word that grants totaling $117 million were being terminated. The agency wasn’t clear how much Oregon had already received and what sum is being headed off in Washington.
But the agency said every county would be affected. The funding, it said, is used for “critical gaps in community substance use treatment, prevention, and recovery services, especially for communities of color, young adults, and veterans.”
We’re digging in to learn more about the actual loss of money – and what changes you might see in Marion and Polk counties.
One nonprofit, though, did share the impact of another reduction in federal spending. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it was stopping food deliveries intended for public food banks.
That’s going to hit people in the area served by Marion Polk Food Share, according to this report by Managing Editor Rachel Alexander.
“The federal programs supply high-quality, in-demand items that are difficult to source elsewhere: fresh meat and dairy products that form the backbone of meals,” according to food share officials.
Meantime, the Trump administration has reversed course on one decision regarding college student loans. Our colleagues at Oregon Capital Chronicle have that story.
In City Hall news, reporter Joe Siess produced a watchdog report revealing new details about the departure of City Manager Keith Stahley. Joe used Oregon’s public records law to get emails and text messages from Salem city councilors.
As his story showed, there was far more tension and anger behind the scenes than has been previously known. We’re continuing to seek other documents in pursuit of the full account of what led to the city manager’s costly departure.
In related city news, a deputy city manager turned in his notice, taking a new job in Oregon City.
In public safety reporting:
•A man accused of torching the Tesla dealership in Salem now faces federal charges, according to the story by reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian. Attorney General Pam Bondi has made clear the U.S. Justice Department will move aggressively in such cases.
•One teenager is dead and her sister is hospitalized following a high-speed crash last weekend near Stayton. A 33-year-old Salem man is accused of giving the girls alcohol as he drove out on rural roads.
•A Salem veterinarian is headed to prison for 10 years after a hit-and-run collision in 2023. The pedestrian he struck died after he left her on the street.
•Police have released the name and photograph of a man suspected of sexually abusing girls in the area. They are asking other victims to come forward as they investigate.
In community news reporting:
•A civil case accusing Salem Health of trying to monopolize heart care is going forward, a judge has ruled. Reporter Abbey McDonald explains the decision and the issues.
•The Salem-Keizer School Board once again is drawing attention as we approach the May election. Eight people have filed for seats.
•A landmark business in downtown Salem hits its 40th anniversary. The current owners discuss the history of Engelberg Antiks in this story by reporter Madeleine Moore.
We’re a little over two weeks out from the Salem Reporter Town Hall on the city’s tax levy.
The event is Tuesday, April 15, at the Elsinore Theatre.
To attend, we ask you to sign up for a free ticket. This isn’t to monitor who’s coming or to in any way manage who gets to attend. Rather, this helps the terrific team at the Elsinore make its own plans for the evening. The number of ushers needed, for instance, is guided by how many tickets are taken out ahead of time.
I hope you’ll give serious consideration to attending. This is a nonpartisan event that we’re proud to provide Salem.
Have thoughts about our reporting? A story we should do? A person we should profile? Or do you have questions about how we do our work? You’re welcome to send me an email – I read every one of them. Email: [email protected].
–Les Zaitz, Editor and co-founder
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