Good evening, Salem.

An end is in sight for the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, as the U.S. Senate moved forward on a package to reopen the government.

What changed? “A key slice of Senate Democrats agreed back down from the party’s demand that Republicans fund health care subsidies before funding the government,” the New York Times reported.

There are still procedural hurdles to be cleared and it’s not clear yet when federal workers would be back on duty if the effort succeeds. The deal would also fund federal food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program until September 2026.

In Salem, reopening will mean about 500 federal workers in Marion and Polk counties will be back on the job, and another 1,000 who have been working without pay will see back pay. Those are based on state employment department estimates of the local federal workforce.

Here’s some of today’s news. Head to our website anytime for our latest local reporting.

www.salemreporter.com

Nordyke asks city to create gift policy after anonymous donation for police 

Salem city councilors on Monday will also vote on extending the No Mow program at Bush’s Pasture Park to promote ecological restoration.

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www.salemreporter.com

Council to consider new paved path in Wallace Marine Park as encampments in SE portion decrease

Salem city councilors will consider whether to start developing a plan to pave a pathway through the southern part of the Wallace Marine Park natural area, which city leaders say…

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www.salemreporter.com

US Senate advances bill to end record-breaking government shutdown

Oregon’s Democratic senators announced they would vote against a measure to reopen the government without a deal to continue health insurance subsidies.

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