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 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.
Oregon leaders, anti-hunger advocates warn of ‘deeply alarming’ SNAP cuts in GOP megabill
An average family of three receiving SNAP food benefits would see about $160 less per month under the new federal law, according to the state agency that administers the program.
‘Sobering gut check’: Report shows more spam calls, fewer victim reports to Oregon bias hotline
A probe from Oregon’s Criminal Justice Commission is prompting calls for reform of the state's bias hotline after employees reported more than 2,200 calls that were abusive or spam last year.
Oregon police erred in use of aerial surveillance camera for marijuana bust, appeals court says
A ruling against aerial surveillence was lauded by civil rights advocates and privacy watchdogs fresh off of a fight in the Oregon Legislature over a bill that would have granted more power to police to use drones.
Oregon lawmakers regulate guns, public defense, while crime victim, exoneree funding stall
Bills meant to reform and direct more money to the state’s criminal justice system had a mixed bag in the 2025 legislative session.
Statewide minimum wage increases 35 cents, the lowest rise in ten years
The standard statewide hourly wage will rise to $15.05 per hour, while Portland’s minimum wage will rise to $16.30 per hour.
Legislature wraps for 2025 after eleventh-hour strife, historic funding shortfall
As the clock ran out for adjournment Friday night, Democrats faced a high-profile loss after failing to pass a dramatically watered-down transportation funding package.
Oregon Legislature’s last-ditch attempt for 3-cent gas tax increase fails
Oregon Democrats’ last-ditch effort to stave off hundreds of layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation by passing a 3-cent gas tax increase failed late Friday night after House Republicans refused to allow a vote.
Measure expanding foster youth rights passes Oregon Senate again, overriding Kotek veto
Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin, D-Corvallis, took to the floor minutes after legislative staff announced the veto to contest Gov. Kotek’s points and argue for the urgency of protecting foster youth.