Saphara Harrell - Salem Reporter
A wildlife refuge center and its landlord square off in court over covered up rot, unfinished work, well access
Aztec, the golden eagle, at Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center in 2018. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter) A Salem wildlife refuge center has taken their landlord to court alleging the couple it rented the southeast Salem property from didn’t set up electricity or…
Police investigating homicide after woman found shot in northeast Salem home
Salem police are investigating a homicide after finding a woman shot in her northeast Salem home Wednesday. Around 1:20 a.m. on Jan. 6, officers responded to a welfare check in the 1100 block of Northeast Norway Avenue, according to a…
In Salem, Trump supporters back effort to overturn presidential election
Right-wing and left-wing demonstrators faced off at the Oregon State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, shortly before an unlawful assembly was declared. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) As supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, Oregon’s Capitol saw its…
Patriot Prayer supporter faces several felony charges, accused of macing cops during protest at Oregon Capitol
Far right demonstrators attack a photojournalist during a protest at the Oregon State Capitol Monday. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) A supporter of far-right group Patriot Prayer is facing several felony charges related to a protest at the Oregon Capitol on Dec.…
Downtown Salem restaurant becomes bottleneck of conflict during New Year’s Day march
Far-right protesters face off with police after an unlawful assembly was declared while gathering to protest Covid restrictions in downtown Salem on Friday, Jan. 1. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) For months, Jonathan Jones has been warning Salem’s city leaders that Proud…
Prosecutors concerned as reformers chip away at get-tough-on crime law
Marion County Courthouse. Local district attorneys are concerned about the potential erosion of Oregon’s landmark anti-crime law that imposes hefty prison terms on people convicted of serious crimes like murder and rape. But proponents of a change being sought in…
New year, new trees at Salem Civic Center
The Salem Civic Center is getting new life as the city plants 30 native and ornamental trees starting next month after removing unhealthy trees from Peace Plaza and along Liberty Street. The Civic Center is home to city council chambers…
TOP STORIES: Covid outbreaks, charred homes and assaults at the Capitol. A reporter’s look at Salem’s year
Reporter Saphara Harrell of Salem Reporter gathers information about the impact of the Beachie Creek Fire in Gates. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) I heard someone describe this year’s barrage of news like holding your mouth open to a fire hose. I…
Albany man surrenders, accused of attacking journalists, smashing Capitol door
Far right demonstrators break the glass on a door to the Oregon State Capitol during a special legislative session Monday. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Update 12/29: This story has been updated with additional details about the suspects. An Albany man suspected…
Salem police looking for driver who killed Salem man in hit and run
A Salem man was killed in a hit and run Tuesday evening and Salem police said they are looking for the driver. Around 6:45 p.m. officers found Hermilo Mata Jr., 63, in the road in the 3700 block of Kingdom…