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Good morning, Salem.

In December 2023, Marion and Polk Counties saw a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8%, slightly up from its rate of 3.6% in November according to the state employment department. That’s an improvement from 2022, though, which had a rate of 4.8%.

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“With December’s gains, employment is up 5.5% or 9,600 jobs above the prepandemic employment level in February 2020,” said Regional Economist Patrick O’Connor in a news release.

Over 4,200 more people were working in the area than in December 2022, according to the agency. See graphs of Salem’s unemployment data here

Here’s some of today’s news. You can always find our latest reports on our website.

New records show drug cartel ties, DEA agent’s actions leading to fatal crash
Evidence was recently unsealed in the criminal case involving a DEA agent who ran a stop sign and caused a collision that killed a Salem cyclist. The records provided new…
New records show drug cartel ties, DEA agent’s actions leading to fatal crash
Evidence was recently unsealed in the criminal case involving a DEA agent who ran a stop sign and caused a collision that killed a Salem cyclist. The records provided new…
State asserts DEA agent has no federal immunity for fatal Salem collision
The Oregon Department of Justice, acting on behalf of Marion County prosecutors, says the criminal charge against a DEA agent accused of killing a cyclist belongs in state court. The…
State asserts DEA agent has no federal immunity for fatal Salem collision
The Oregon Department of Justice, acting on behalf of Marion County prosecutors, says the criminal charge against a DEA agent accused of killing a cyclist belongs in state court. The…
Sparrow Furniture to be replaced by workforce development program
For the past six years, Salem refugees have learned English and woodworking skills at Sparrow Furniture, moving on to careers throughout the community. The store announced its closure last week,…
Sparrow Furniture to be replaced by workforce development program
For the past six years, Salem refugees have learned English and woodworking skills at Sparrow Furniture, moving on to careers throughout the community. The store announced its closure last week,…
Guide to the 2024 Oregon legislative session
Lawmakers kicked off the 2024 legislative session in Salem Monday morning. The short session runs 35 days.
Guide to the 2024 Oregon legislative session
Lawmakers kicked off the 2024 legislative session in Salem Monday morning. The short session runs 35 days.

FREE TICKETS – TOWN HALL ON GUN VIOLENCE

Salem Reporter’s Town Hall on Gun Violence will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Elsinore.

The Town Hall planned in January was canceled because of weather. This is free and open to the public but you will need a ticket.

At the Town Hall, experts will share the facts about surging gun violence in the community. This powerful program will pull back the curtains on this safety threat – and share how you can make a difference. This is a place for you as a citizen to help solve a community challenge.

The team at Salem Reporter invites you to join us for an extraordinary evening.

DATE/TIME: 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15. Doors open at 5 p.m.

LOCATION: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. S.E.

FREE TICKETS: Available online

LEARN MORE: Editor’s note

QUESTIONS: Email Editor Les Zaitz – [email protected].

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Read all of our principles.

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