By Les Zaitz - Salem Reporter
Les Zaitz is editor and CEO of Salem Reporter. He co-founded the news organization in 2018. He has been a journalist in Oregon for nearly 50 years in both daily and community newspapers and digital news services. He is nationally recognized for his commitment to local journalism. He also is editor and publisher of the Malheur Enterprise in Vale, Oregon.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Salem wants to raise your taxes. Come find out why
PUBLIC TOWN HALL: Salem voters are being asked to approve an increase in property taxes to cover some city operations. Salem Reporter's Town Hall on Tuesday will give voters information on why.
From Florence to Baker City, Oregonians join ‘Hands Off’ protests
Across Oregon, people gathered i communities of all sizes to demonstrate their unhappiness with President Donald Trump and his policies. Signs, flags and banners carried the message on Saturday, April 5, for the local "Hands Off" demonstrations. Here's a look at those events in Oregon cities.
Police justified in deadly shooting of burglary suspect at Keizer apartment
A Marion County grand jury determined two Salem police officers shot and killed Shawn L. Baker, 42, after he ignored commands to drop a handgun.
Keizer man plans appeal of 3rd murder conviction
A jury convicted Peter J. Zielinski of murder in a third trial, rejecting his claims of extreme emotional disturbance.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A look at how the news team reported the series ‘Bobby’s Choices’
Editor's Note: Months of work and access to key documents and sources resulted in Salem Reporter's series tracking the life of a 16-year-old boy. He died by police gunfire, ending a tumultuous life. Here's how we reported this project.
Editor’s Note: What readers told us and changes we’re making at Salem Reporter
COLUMN: Salem Reporter readers had plenty of suggestions for what to cover. They made clear in a survey their interest in local government, Salem events and more. Here's how the team at Salem Reporter is heeding the advice.
Cemetery assault on Salem woman with disabilities draws 25-year sentence
Zakary E. Glover, 30, a former state support worker, pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a developmentally disabled Salem woman who was under his care.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Addressing Salem Reporter’s ties at election time
EDITOR'S NOTE: One of Salem Reporter's founders is involved in local politics. As Editor Les Zaitz explains, that founder is not involved in news coverage and the reporting team works independenty.
Marion DA urges gun violence steps as teen sentenced for shooting 2
The Marion County District Attorney is urging 'better, earlier' intervention to stem gun violence in Salem. The remarks came after a local teen was sentenced for shooting two people in 2022.
Search of hairstylist’s home in drug case finds false wall, stolen tools, police vests
Sworn affidavits provide new details about the police investigation into drug trafficking at a home across the street from South Salem High School. Police said among items recovered in their search were tools stolen from a local yard maintenance company