Shaanth Nanguneri - Oregon Capital Chronicle
Shaanth Kodialam Nanguneri is a reporter based in Salem, Oregon covering Gov. Tina Kotek and the Oregon Legislature. He grew up in the Bay Area, California and went on to study at UCLA, reporting for the Daily Bruin until graduating in March 2025. Previously, he was a reporting intern covering criminal justice and health for CalMatters in Sacramento, California. He is always eager to tell stories that illuminate how complex and intricate policies from state government can help shape the lives of everyday Oregonians.
Oregon ethics commission pursues legislative action, further revision on meetings policy
An ethics commission investigation into the Salem City Council over backdoor conversations about former City Manager Keith Stahley has prompted revisions to state guidance on open meetings policy.
Gov. Kotek, defense commission seek expansion of Oregon-run trial defense team
State lawmakers are awaiting a 2026 legislative report evaluating the performance of contracted and state-employed lawyers.
Oregon, other Democratic states secure 40-day pause on Head Start immigration requirements
“These restrictions were rushed, unclear and would have created confusion,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in response to an agreement with the federal government.
Oregon LGBTQ foster care safeguards violate free speech, federal appeals court says
A federal appeals court granted a Malheur County woman’s request to halt Oregon’s policy requiring adoptive parents embrace their child’s sexual or gender identity.
New report slams Oregon for ‘prison gerrymandering.’ These districts are in the crosshairs
Voters in Salem and other largely rural areas with prisons have a greater say in the state House because of how the state calculates where incarcerated Oregonians reside, according to a report released by advocates Wednesday.
‘These are big bills’: Oregon’s student loan watchdog logs record high complaints
Oregon’s student loan ombudsman talks recent changes to federal policy.
Oregon leaders decry, challenge new Head Start immigration restrictions
A coalition of Head Start providers updated an April lawsuit to include new immigration status restrictions for the national early childhood care program.
Former information officer implicated in latest ethics ruling for Oregon bourbon scandal
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s former Chief Information Officer, Boba Subasic, “used his position and his access to confidential OLCC information” to obtain rare bottles of liquor, officials found.
Oregon prisons face lawsuit over denial of Muslim inmates’ Halal meals, holiday visits
A lawsuit seeks protections for Muslim inmates beyond what officials agreed to provide five years ago after they were sued in federal court over similar allegations.
Lawmakers in recent session gave Gov. Kotek more hiring, firing power over agency leaders
Several bills passed giving Oregon’s governor the power to select leaders for the state forestry and public defense agencies, and to fill vacant Senate seats.