Category City News
Teenager given 7 years in youth correctional facility for beating to death a Salem homeless man
Over a year after Joshua D. Upton Jr. beat Russell Mikolas, a Salem homeless man, he pleaded guilty to the murder and received a seven-year sentence. At a sentencing hearing on Thursday, Aug. 22, the victim’s relatives described Mikolas as a kind and generous man.
City council discusses possible next steps to address budgetary shortfalls
Salem city councilors discussed next steps in addressing the city’s looming budget crisis - including polling likely voters to identify community priorities and conducting a review of the city’s financial forecast
Marion County sees most measles cases in over 50 years
Marion County has recorded 20 cases of measles so far this year, according to Oregon Health Authority data. It’s the most the county has seen since 1973.
FDA greenlights new COVID vaccine after a summer of rising numbers of cases
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine intended to address severe symptoms of the virus ahead of the cold and flu season. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a…
COLUMN: Getting extra insurance at no cost is possible – but may not be best
Jim Sellers, former Oregon journalist and state agency employee, writes a regular column to help thousands in Salem deal with the confusing world of Medicare and federal benefits. He's available to answer your questions.
COLUMN: With food prices climbing, not all are feeling the impact of rising wages
COLUMN: Economic signs are improving but those on the lower wage scale still aren't feeling optimistic. What the numbers show about why that may be.
Salem’s parks ranger is passionate about eagles, getting kids outside
Ranger Mike Zieker is responsible for patrolling all 91 of Salem's parks, trails and natural areas. The lifelong outdoor enthusiast said it's the job he's always wanted to do.
A tale of two workers: Heat deaths on the job provoke differing responses in Oregon, Idaho
After a migrant farmworker died of heat-related illness in Marion County during the 2021 heat dome, Oregon made stricter workplace safety rules. Idaho has done little following a similar death.
St. Joseph’s arsonist sentenced to prison one year after fire
Billy J. Sweeten has been sentenced to over three years in prison for intentionally lighting a recycling bin on fire which climbed up the walls of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church last August. The church saw extensive damage, and repairs are still underway.