Category City News
Family’s experience highlights mortality rate of Black babies as Oregon weighs ‘Momnibus’
Oregon’s “Momnibus” legislative package looks to improve outcomes through multiple supports, including expanding access to doulas.
No blossoms, but rainy cherry festival still proves a hit in Salem
PHOTOS: Despite gloom skies and blossoms still days away, Salem residents turned out for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in front of the Capitol on Saturday, March 15. Lanterns adorning the trees will be on display through the month.
Long-awaited project to make Center Street Bridge earthquake-safe scheduled to start construction in 2026
Construction will start in 2026 to make Salem’s Center Street Bridge earthquake-safe after years of planning and funding changes. The project, which will happen in two phases, is estimated to be finished by 2029.
Airport advisory groups say critical information on runway withheld from council
Members of two public advisory groups focused on the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport said critical information regarding the removal, rebuilding, or renovation of the airport's secondary runway was withheld from council. Pilots told city councilors Monday that removing the runway would make aviation for smaller aircraft in Salem less safe and suggested the city consider alternatives.
Defying councilors’ name change request, Keizer committee sticks with the one it has
The Keizer City Council provided its community engagement committee a list of possible new names recently. The Community Diversity Engagement Committee voted to leave its name alone.
Salem reaches $850,000 settlement in lawsuit over 2021 police killing of Salem man
City officials have agreed to settle a 2022 lawsuit alleging Salem police officer Nathan Bush used excessive force when he shot and killed Arcadio Castillo III, 23, in July 2021. Castillo’s mother alleged in the suit that he was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time.
Salem airport users speak out against company tapped to charge pilots aircraft fees
Pilots who use Salem’s airport voiced concern about the proposed company floated for new aircraft landing and parking fee collection leading up to and during Monday’s Salem City Council Meeting. Salem city councilors voted unanimously to approve the aircraft fees which the airport needs to generate much needed revenues to reduce reliance on the city’s general fund, but city officials said it has yet to sign a contract with the company.
Greg Smith defends actions giving him now-revoked pay boost
Greg Smith recently released a new statement justifying his actions in seeking a major pay raise for his work at the Columbia Development Authority. He stayed silent, though, on claiming hours worked for the small agency while in Salem working as a legislator.
Kotek urges DEQ to relax electric truck rules for largest vehicles
A state requirement that dealers sell electric 18-wheelers is upsetting the market for diesel-powered trucks, the governor acknowledged.