Salem Reporter
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Rachel Alexander untangles state’s latest student data
The topic: The Oregon Department of Education released numbers for school districts across Oregon that provide one of the first measures of the impact of the pandemic. Attendance is down and most students lost some ground for graduation. Today’s guest: Rachel…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Saphara Harrell discusses a heated west Salem community meeting
The topic: City officials caught a lot of flack at a community meeting in west Salem concerning a proposed homeless operation. Some of those attending talked over the speakers and even engaged in yelling. Worry about sex offenders was among…
Four-alarm fire hits downtown business block in Mt. Angel
A four-alarm fire hit downtown Mt. Angel early Saturday, Oct. 9. Four buildings were damaged or destroyed. (Mt. Angel Fire Department photo) A spectacular blaze erupted in downtown Mt. Angel early Saturday morning, destroying a grain elevator and several businesses.…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Saphara Harrell on bullet holes and history in Salem
The topic: A building in downtown Salem has had many lives in its history – and restoration work brought it back to life. Today’s guest: Saphara Harrell, Salem Reporter’s local government reporter. Our media partnership: Salem Reporter is teaming up with KMWV…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Rachel Alexander on the retirement of a veteran Salem legislator
The topic: State Rep. Brian Clem isn’t running for re-election in his Salem district, turning his attention to caring for his ailing mother. Politics played a secondary role in his decision to leave the Oregon House. Today’s guest: Rachel Alexander, Salem…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Ardeshir Tabrizian digs into what happens now that unemployment benefits end
The topic: Unemployment benefits ran out for many Salem people earlier this month, but it’s too soon to track the impact on them or the local economy. Meantime, ambitions for a new team to handle mental health crises are put…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Rachel Alexander discusses facts of Covid breakthrough cases
The topic: Confusion continues over breakthrough cases, where those vaccinated against Covid still get sick. The vaccine remains effective and the unvaccinated patients outnumber vaccinated people five to one. Today’s guest: Rachel Alexander, Salem Reporter’s managing editor and education reporter. Our…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Saphara Harrell discusses Marion County’s Covid leave
The topic: Marion County commissioners approved an order earlier in September that granted two weeks paid leave to employees who had to isolate because of Covid. The union is fighting the order because they say a doctor’s note should suffice,…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Rachel Alexander on vaccination mandates for local government
The topic: Local government employers in Oregon will be covered under President Joe Biden’s federal vaccination mandate, but details so far remain scarce. Today’s guest: Rachel Alexander, Salem Reporter’s managing editor and education reporter. Our media partnership: Salem Reporter is teaming up with…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Saphara Harrell discusses a local restaurant requiring proof of vaccination
The topic: Black Sheep Café and Catering started requiring its dine-in customers be vaccinated against Covid in an effort to protect staff and vulnerable people in the community. The response was mostly positive, with some seeking a restaurant where they would…