By Les Zaitz - Salem Reporter
Les Zaitz is editor and owner of Salem Reporter. He co-founded the news organization in 2018. He has been a journalist in Oregon for more than 50 years in both daily and community newspapers and digital news services. He is nationally recognized for his commitment to local journalism.
UPDATE: West Salem, McNary host first round of softball playoffs on Memorial Day
Monday is no holiday for local ball teams as state playoffs start. The high school games are scheduled for the afternoon as the weather forecast includes showers.
Bethell, running for governor, draws backlash for remarks on public defenders
Gubernatorial candidate Danielle Bethell, a Marion County commissioner, is facing criticism after mocking public defenders. Legal leaders say her comments undermine efforts to address attorney shortages. She suggested reopening prisons that the state corrections agency no longer owns.
Festival atmosphere prevails as Salem protesters stand against Trump
Local demonstrators, many carrying clever and pointed signs, participated in Salem's No Kings demonstration on Saturday, March 28. The peaceful event was matched by similar events in communities all across Oregon and the country.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Behind the scenes of a Salem Reporter investigation
EDITOR'S NOTE: Patience and time to understand complex public records are keys to effective investigative reporting. Here's how we did the recent project on Salem's empty downtown property - Block 50.
Calls grow for Rep. Greg Smith to resign as state Republican leaders stay mum
A third county Republican committee is now urging state Rep. Greg Smith to resign, intensifying pressure after ethics regulators found he violated state anti-corruption laws to boost his own pay. The Wasco County vote follows similar calls from Republican leaders in Smith’s home turf of Morrow and neighboring Sherman counties, citing what they describe as misconduct and unethical behavior.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Help fund our year-long deep dive into local education
HELP PROBE EDUCATION: The community is asked to help dig deep into Salem schools by covering the costs of an experienced reporter. Tax-deductible donations to the Salem Reporter News Fund are now being accepted.
To comment, use the form at the end of the report.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Salem Reporter brings back election Town Hall after reader feedback
After hearing from many of you, Salem Reporter is moving forward with a free city election Town Hall. Join us at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at the Elsinore Theatre, with a live broadcast by Capital Community Media. Council and mayoral candidates have been invited – and voters will hear from those who choose to participate.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A Town Hall on the student reading crisis — and how you can help
In just 90 minutes this week, you could leave inspired with real ways to help tackle a crisis hiding in plain sight: too many Salem-area elementary students are far behind in reading. Join Salem Reporter’s Town Hall – CRISIS: Student Reading – at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Elsinore Theatre — free admission. Hear straight talk from local experts on what went wrong, what’s changing, and what you can do to be part of the solution.
Greg Smith abruptly resigns as Columbia Development Authority director
State Rep. Greg Smith abruptly resigned Tuesday as executive director of the Columbia Development Authority, providing no notice. Smith remains under multiple public corruption investigations, including a state ethics probe and a pending state Justice Department lawsuit.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
EDITOR’S NOTE: With our mayor’s debate set aside, what should we do instead?
Salem Reporter planned another mayoral debate like the one in 2024 but Mayor Julie Hoy didn’t respond, so it was canceled. Challenger Vanessa Nordyke agreed to participate, and Hoy later criticized the prior debate while still not confirming for this one. Now we’re weighing alternatives –and we want your ideas on the best forum for voters.