Category City News
COLUMN: I run a shelter. Here’s why people can’t always stay in them.
Columnist Lynelle Wilcox, who runs the Safe Sleep United shelter, shares stories from her day-to-day work with homeless Salemites.
For Salem SNAP recipients, loss of benefits means stress, worse health
Some Salem families who rely on federal food benefits to eat are looking for ways to help others struggling more, while others said they're contemplating visiting food pantries.
Salem city councilors accept a largely anonymous donation to pay for more police
Salem city councilors voted 6-3 in favor of accepting a largely anonymous $180,000 gift from mostly unidentified Salem businesses to help support two more police officers for the city’s Homelessness Services Team.
How to help people or get food in Salem as SNAP benefits are delayed
From food drives to mutual aid efforts, here’s where Salem people are coming together to help feed each other.
Increased ICE presence takes a toll on Oregon’s Latino businesses
Oregon Latino-owned businesses are innovating ways to help customers, employees feel safe.
Rudy’s Steakhouse fails to pay debts as city officials request thousands, records show
After the city of Salem locked Robert Kunke and staff out of Rudy’s Steakhouse in April, officials have spent months requesting payment from the restaurant, which owes almost $89,000.
Salem real estate group backs out of plans to buy former JC Penney
Local investors announced Monday they were pulling out of purchasing the former JC Penney building after evaluations found the building needs "significant investment.” The store is owned by a Portland developer and has been vacant since JC Penney closed in 2020.
UPDATE: Salem city councilors accept private funds to pay for two police officers
Salem city councilors will consider accepting $180,000 in private funds on Monday to pay for two new police officers to bolster the police department’s Homelessness Services Team. Councilors will also consider a contract with newly-appointed Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi that would pay her $305,000 annually.
Salem Public Library to add back Sunday, evening hours
Money from the property tax increase Salem voters approved earlier this year is paying to restore most public library hours that were cut in 2024, including opening the West Salem branch on Mondays.