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 Senate rejects bill making big tech pay for local journalism as session end nears
A bill that would require tech companies to pay Oregon journalism outlets for using their news content failed to pass the Oregon Senate on Tuesday. The bill’s author said after the vote that she would be reintroducing the bill in a future session.
Oregon Senate OKs bill to strengthen care facility investigations, oversight
The Oregon Senate on Monday overwhelmingly passed Senate Bill 739. The legislation was spurred by multiple stories from patients and families with experiences of neglect in Oregon’s long-term and memory care facilities
Kotek homeless shelter bill gets trimmed in wake of budget shortfall
The legislation cleared a budgeting committee Tuesday after lawmakers balked at the state’s fiscal outlook and declining revenue.
Oregon hepatitis C death rates are among the country’s worst, reports find
People in Oregon are 2.7 times more likely to die from hepatitis C than the U.S. average.
Oregon lawmakers scale back proposal for unemployment strike payments amid blowback
A watered-down bill extending unemployment benefits to striking public and private employees will need to once again clear both legislative chambers after a concurrence vote.
Bill enacting nation’s strictest limits on corporate health care influence signed by Gov. Kotek
“We need to make sure that our health care providers and our delivery system stays local,” the governor told reporters Monday when explaining her decision.
In major reversal, Kotek seeks return of fugitive suspected of targeting Asian Oregonians
For the second time in two weeks, Gov. Tina Kotek has reversed course on an extradition decision in the wake of public pressure.
Legislative lawyers clear state Sen. Lisa Reynolds over conflict of interest
Lisa Reynolds, a Portland Democrat, did not disclose that she had sought an opinion from legislative attorneys over a bill that could benefit her medical practice.
Oregon poised to join most other states allowing governor to appoint vacant U.S. Senate seats
Senate Bill 952 would allow the governor to appoint someone to fill a suddenly vacant U.S. Senate seat rather than wait for a special election.
Newly-appointed public defense head mounts effort to stem Oregon’s public defense pileup
A year-long effort will be required of the Oregon Public Defense Commission to put a dent in the state’s public defender shortage.