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.
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.
Oregon Sen. Lisa Reynolds mulls conflict of interest declaration after ethics report
The Legislature’s own counsel would determine whether the Senator and doctor has a conflict of interest for her healthcare funding bill.
Republicans intensify opposition to capping bills per session in Oregon
Despite bipartisan support for an Oregon bill limiting the amount of legislation a lawmaker can introduce every session, the measure has angered some prominent Republican lawmakers.