By Salem Reporter
AROUND OREGON: New push to draw tourism to ‘clean, safe’ Willamette River
People gathered on the gravel bar below Wallace Marine Park to cool off in the Willamette River on Thursday, July 30. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) While Heather King saw more water-goers flock to the Willamette River this summer than ever before…
Cooke Stationery becomes downtown Salem’s biggest cheerleader
Robin Bielefeld, retail clerk at Cooke Stationery, helps a customer on Wednesday, Jan. 6. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) As the pandemic drags on, businesses in downtown Salem are struggling. Restaurants are hit especially hard, as they can’t open their doors…
Bentz, Oregon’s only Republican congressman, acknowledges Biden win after opposing one state’s electors
Congressman Cliff Bentz talks with officers from the Capitol police after insurrectionists were cleared from the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6. Bentz condemned the intrusion. (Office of U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz) Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz said early Thursday he…
PHOTOS: Trump supporters back effort to overturn U.S. election at Oregon Capitol
A firework explodes among police officers after being thrown by the crowd at the Oregon State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Right-wing and left-wing protestors clashed at the Oregon State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, shortly before…
Insurrection at nation’s capital draws strong local reactions
Sen. Peter Courtney, D-Salem and House Speaker Tina Kotek D-Portland speak during a joint-committee work session at a one-day special session at the Oregon State Capitol on Monday, August 10. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Salem’s elected leaders condemned the violent unrest…
“That is a coup”: Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley describes how a mob breached the nation’s Capitol
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley in his Salem office on Nov. 25, 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley blamed chaos and violence that erupted in the nation’s capital squarely on on President Donald Trump and other national leaders, faulting…
LIVE UPDATES: Salem protests devolve into chaos, one arrested
Protesters in Salem gather at the Oregon Capitol to protest the certification of Electoral College results for the 2020 presidential election on Jan. 6, 2021 (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Update, 2:23 p.m. The scene at the Oregon Capitol rapidly devolved into…
COLUMN: What the local economy might bring in 2021
The employment picture in the Salem area during the pandemic has differed by sector. (Pam Ferrara) As the new year begins, let’s look back at the Salem economy since the pandemic began and then ahead to see how and when…
Even after getting a hefty fine, Salem gym keeps doors open
Courthouse Club Fitness in west Salem. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Salem’s Courthouse Club Fitness has remained open despite facing a $90,000 fine for violating state Covid restrictions and could face further penalties. The gym refused to close following a Nov. 17…
McNary student crafts her own play in special Willamette program
Thomas Nabhan, executive director of Theatre 33 At Willamette University, stands at the entrance to the Willamette University Theatre. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter) Kiele Jarnagin jumped at the chance to participate in a free play-writing course offered to high schoolers by…