A three-part series by Salem Reporter provided an account of the life and death of Bobby Brown, who was killed at 16 in a shootout with police. Here are five key takeaways from Bobby’s story.
City News
Council to approve city budget, vote on agreement with Willamette University to expand baseball field
Salem’s city council on Monday will take up the renewal of an agreement between the city and Willamette University, which is collaborating with a for-profit summer baseball league to expand John Lewis Field. The plan has drawn objections from some neighbors.
BOBBY’S CHOICES: Read Salem Reporter’s full series on the life of a struggling teen trapped in violence
In the spring of 2022, downtown Salem was shaken by two shootings. A Salem police effort to later arrest the suspect turned deadly as 16-year-old Bobby Brown fired rounds, believing rival gang members were shooting at him. Salem Reporter dug into the teen’s life and death in a three-part series.
Shane Matthews clinches Ward 3 council seat by 42 votes
Salem’s closest and spendiest city council race concluded Monday evening. Realtor Shane Matthews secured a close win, beating Nathan Soltz, a legislative chief of staff and member of the Morningside Neighborhood Association board.
Salem will continue youth, homeless outreach programs using opioid settlement money
Three city jobs that were slated for cuts will be retained into 2025 thanks to money from a settlement from a class action lawsuit against opioid retailers and manufacturers.
Salem history moment: Elsinore builder was a man who infused art into his life
George Guthrie spared no expense constructing Salem’s Elsinore Theatre almost a century ago, incorporating Gothic architecture and Tudor interior designs.
Neighbors question public benefit, impact as Spec Keene Stadium plans advance
Willamette University and Salem Baseball LLC plan to bring a baseball league to the central Salem stadium. Some neighbors are asking the city to reconsider.
UPDATED: Council approves $6.3 million police union contract, votes to change the name of Salem’s airport
City councilors will consider renaming Salem’s airport the Willamette Valley Airport for better marketing, and will vote on a contract giving Salem police officers a 9% raise in July.
University students bring solutions for Salem climate, infrastructure, community projects
The University of Oregon’s Sustainable City Year Program brought new ideas to upcoming city projects, including how to help Minto Brown beavers thrive, updates to Salem bike infrastructure and approaches to budget solutions.
Progressives to hold slight majority on new Salem City Council
Even with the one council race undecided and another too close to call, Salem voters are keeping a progressive city council.