Category City News
City invites public feedback for initial design of upgraded Riverfront Park playground
The city of Salem is inviting the public to learn about its plan to update Riverfront Park’s playground and give feedback on how to make it more accessible for children at an April 12 open house. The upgraded playground is set to be done in 2026, thanks in part to a large state grant the city received last year.
Oregon public health programs hit with $117 million in surprise federal cuts
An abrupt halt to federal grants worth $12 billion around the country has state and local agencies contemplating layoffs and cuts to programs combatting diseases such as tuberculous, mpox and the flu.
Number of people ending their lives under Death With Dignity Act declines
State data shows deaths under Oregon's assisted suicide law declined in 2024, even as prescriptions increased.
New program will help incarcerated people go directly to shelters, not the streets
The state recently awarded the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency an $800,000 grant which will launch a new program to take unsheltered people released from prison or the Oregon State Hospital straight to a shelter where they can get behavioral health support. It aims to improve outcomes and reduce repeat arrests.
City to test interconnected Salem-Keizer drinking water systems starting Friday
The city of Salem said in a release that it will begin testing the interconnected Salem-Keizer drinking water systems starting Friday through Monday. Some residents, mainly those in West Salem, will notice slight changes to the taste, color and odor of their drinking water during the testing period, the city said.
Judge rules Salem Health monopoly lawsuit can move forward
Oregon Heart Center’s lawsuit alleging that Salem Health is attempting to push it out of the market can move forward after a Marion County judge decided that some of its claims, if true, could show the hospital was building an unlawful monopoly.
COLUMN: The most common Medicare mistakes
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.
Free tickets available for Town Hall on Salem’s tax vote
The Salem City Council wants voters to approve a new property tax levy to cover costs of some city services. Salem Reporter is hosting a public Town Hall to provide residents details on the measure and the city's finances.
How state money has shaped sheltering in Salem
A recent report shows that Gov. Tina Kotek’s January 2023 executive order has helped shelter over 600 homeless people and families in Marion and Polk counties and added more than 200 shelter beds.