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A federal judge signaled on Monday that he will drop the criminal charge against a U.S. DEA agent who last year ran a stop sign and caused a collision that killed a Salem cyclist.

The decision came after a day-long hearing in Eugene U.S. District Court where for the first time agent Samuel Landis spoke for himself and not through lawyers.

The agent’s attorneys argued that his role as a federal agent pursuing a drug dealer and his “reasonable” belief that he could safely run the stop sign granted him immunity.

U.S. District Judge Michael McShane agreed. He said he will issue a final order in the coming weeks.

Find our story on the decision below.

Here’s some of today’s news. Read all our latest coverage anytime on our website.

www.salemreporter.com

Judge signals he will drop charges against DEA agent in fatal Salem collision

A federal judge found at a court hearing Monday that an on-duty DEA agent should be immune from prosecution for running a stop sign and causing a collision that killed…

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www.salemreporter.com

How to help people in need this holiday season in Salem

If you’re looking to donate gifts, volunteer or write cards to brighten someone’s holidays, Salem Reporter compiled a list to help out.

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www.salemreporter.com

Sen. Wyden calls on Portland General Electric to detail true drivers of massive rate hikes

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden wrote to Portland General Electric’s CEO requesting within a month documentation about the reasons behind the company’s 40% rate increases over four years.

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www.salemreporter.com

Hunger rates in Oregon are on the upswing

Over half a million Oregonians struggled to put food on the table last year, a new OSU study found.

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Urban League of Portland Feed the Folks Harvest Box Salem Oregon

Shop local for the holidays

Salem Reporter is inviting locally-owned shops with interesting gifts for the holiday to help us spread the “shop local” spirit in Salem.

We will publish a guide to local retailers on Friday, Nov. 29. There is no cost for participation, but here’s what we need from your business:

  1. Name, address, hours, phone, website
  2. One gift item described + price – 3 sentences or so.
  3. If possible, a photo of the gift.
  4. Item should be in stock at your store
  5. Gift certificates – do you offer them?

To have your item included, send an email to [email protected] by noon Monday, Nov. 25.

So, Salem business owners, tell shoppers: What have you got?

LOCAL SUPPORT = LOCAL NEWS: Subscribers fund our work. The more we have, the more we can do. Sign up today – quickly and securely here. Bonus: With a subscription, you get our end-of-the-day newsletter with even more headlines.

TIP US TO NEWS: We welcome your tips about possible Salem stories – a community event, a local resident doing something extraordinary, a government action that needs investigating. Send your information, ideas or questions by email to our editor, Les Zaitz, at [email protected].

QUESTIONS? SUGGESTIONS? CONCERNS? Reach out by email to our editor, Les Zaitz, at [email protected]. He personally reads every message.

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