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.
City considers appeal, better training in wake of $3 million verdict
The city of Salem would have to pay at least $1 million out its budget to satisfy a judgment awarded to a Salem man who jurors concluded was subjected to excessive force. The city is considering appealing the recent verdict.
More than 100,000 Salem voters now have chance for say on proposed pay tax
County clerks in Marion and Polk counties have mailed out ballots that include a measure to decide the fate of Salem's city payroll tax. Election Day is Nov. 7.
Puentes, a ‘beacon’ in Salem with long civic resume, dies at 76
George Puentes worked tirelessly to build the Don Pancho brand of tortillas. He found time to volunteer for local government and nonprofit duties in Salem. He died Friday, Oct. 13.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Attend local Town Hall and consider where Salem is heading
EDITOR'S NOTE: Salem as a place to live and work is really what's on the ballot for local voters. A Town Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 11, gives residents a chance to consider and question the role of a new income tax in that future.
Woodburn man charged with murder of woman found dead at Salem motel
Salem police announced that a Woodburn man indicted for murdering a woman found dead in a Salem motel surrendered on Monday, Sept. 19.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Saturday Market provides insights into news interests in Salem
As we set up our Salem Reporter booth last weekend, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Salem Saturday Market is a community fixture where people shop for artisan bread, flower bundles and fresh vegetables. People probably don’t head to the…
UPDATED: 4-alarm fire hits St. Joseph Parish in downtown Salem
Salem firefighters are working to stop a fire that struck the sanctuary of St. Joseph Parish early Thursday, Aug. 31. This is a developing story.
Feds link Salem man to cartel-related drug case as he faces charges in 3 courts
A federal investigation based in Idaho ensnared a Salem man on meth trafficking charges. He already faces drug charges in two courts in Oregon, court records show.
Weather service warns Salem to expect ‘extreme heat’ in coming days
Brace yourself, Salem. Temperature forecast to climb over 100 on Sunday and go even higher on Monday, the National Weather Service forecasts.
Weather alert prompts fireworks ban in Salem on Fourth of July
A ban on all fireworks in Salem has been in place for the Fourth of July, city officials announced. High fire risk triggered the move hours ahead of when families would gather for the holiday tradition of home fireworks.