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.
UPDATED: Vitae Springs fire contained, mop up in progress, evacuations remain in place
UPDATE 2 p.m. Saturday – That shelter opened at Judson Middle School? Home overnight to 13 people and an assortment of animals, including a lizard. According to Marion County Emergency Management, 12 dogs, seven cats, 10 rabbits, and one lizard…
BREAKING: Brush fire forcing evacuations in south Salem as crews surround the blaze
A major brush fire has erupted in south Salem, forcing evacuations as more than 50 pieces of fire equipment respond on Friday, Sept. 9.
EDITOR’S COLUMN: Public interest in honest government not served by misconduct secrecy
EDITOR'S COLUMN: Salem Reporter has spent weeks seeking to answers for the public as to why a top police official was able to retire with an unearned $53,500. But Marion County's district attorney recently sided with the city in keeping that information secret, while staying silent on an apparent conflict of interest.
Governor declares statewide emergency in face of wildfire risks
With more hot weather coming, Gov. Kate Brown puts the entire state on an emergency footing for wildfires.
After a decade of work, Wyden seizes opening to advance climate change funding
From his seat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden thought the only chance forward for meaningful energy legislation was to “drop the sticks and hammering on people.”
Wyden: Senate bill “seismic shift” in prescription drug pricing
Prescription help for thousands of Oregonians may be coming soon after an all-night session of the U.S. Senate and consideration of a novel-length piece of legislation. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, bleary-eyed after the marathon session in Washington, D.C., briefed…