Salem Reporter
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Rachel Alexander discusses declining Covid cases
The topic: Salem Hospital remains near capacity despite the declining number of people needed treatment for Covid. Officials think that those who postponed other medical care are now coming in. One continuing challenge is finding a place for patients to…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Saphara Harrell discusses how citizens can shape the future of Cherriots
The topic: With a move to renewables and electric buses, now’s a good time for citizens to get involved in planning the future of the Cherriots. Meantime, one of Salem’s oldest music stores calls it quits. Today’s guest: Saphara Harrell, Salem…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Ardeshir Tabrizian on Salem’s crime rate
The topic: The number of reported property crimes dropped by nearly 20% in the past year in Salem, and the change in drug laws prompts the Salem Police Department to shift away from personal possession cases. Today’s guest: Ardeshir Tabrizian, Salem Reporter’s…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Rachel Alexander discusses state hospital’s response to critics
The topic: The superintendent of the Oregon State Hospital issued a forceful defense of how her team has handled matters during the pandemic. She concedes the staff has been stretched and certain employees were asked to take on work not…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Ardeshir Tabrizian on property values – and taxes
The topic: While property values continue to climb, state law continues to hold down increases in property taxes. Persistent demand along with low interest rates continue to fuel home purchases. Marion and Polk county tax bills have gone out. Today’s guest: Ardeshir…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Saphara Harrell discusses 60,000 new residents for Salem
The topic: As Salem city officials plan for the future, they are looking at a remarkable number: Another 60,000 people will live in Salem in the next few years. The housing shortage already in play may get worse. Today’s guest: Saphara…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Saphara Harrell discusses Salem’s decision to proceed with west Salem camp
The topic: The controversial proposal to put up homeless shelters in a west Salem parking lot is going forward after the Salem City Council rejected an effort to scuttle the plan. Some west Salem residents ardently oppose the camp’s location.…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Rachel Alexander discusses her investigative report on the state hospital
The topic: Documents obtained by Salem Reporter chronicle the kinds of assaults employees are enduring at the Oregon State Hospital as they tend to patients. State officials have been slow to make changes they outlined nearly a year ago. Today’s…
SALEM HISTORY: Do you know who’s in this mystery photo?
A mystery undated photo from Willamette Heritage Center’s collections. (WHC X2021.006.0001) Editor’s note: This column is part of an effort from Salem Reporter to highlight local history in collaboration with area historians and historical organizations. In May, Salem Reporter ran…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Ardeshir Tabrizian on the fate of Oregon’s death penalty
The topic: A state court ruling strips out a death penalty sentence for a Salem murder. The decision may have eliminated the death penalty, a move that troubles Marion County’s top prosecutor. Today’s guest: Ardeshir Tabrizian, Salem Reporter’s public safety and housing…