Category Federal
U.S. Senate confirms former Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer as labor secretary
Several Democrats joined most Republicans in voting for Chavez-DeRemer, but Oregon’s Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley weren’t among them.
Salinas speaks against research funding cuts at Stand Up for Science march
At least 500 people gathered in Salem Friday afternoon to protest federal cuts to scientific research. It was one of many Stand Up for Science marches across the U.S.
Oregon Sen. Merkley warns Trump cuts to federal lands staff meant to create chaos, precede land sale
Bailey Langley was 52 days from the end of her year-long probationary period as a public information officer for the U.S. Forest Service in Pendleton when she was fired in February under President Donald Trump’s sweeping directive cutting federal probationary employees. Langley’s work required informing…
Anti-Trump protestors near Oregon Capitol voice concern for the fate of democracy
Roughly 300 protesters gathered along Center Street in front of the State Capitol building to protest the Trump administration ahead of President Donald Trump’s address to Congress Tuesday night. Many voiced their concerns over what they perceive as America’s decline into fascism and authoritarianism.
Fate of Salem IRS office uncertain after DOGE claims to cancel lease
A federal cost-cutting program led by Elon Musk listed the lease for the local Salem branch of the Internal Revenue Service at 1660 Oak Street S.E. on its website of terminated leases. The real estate firm representing the Oak Street building’s owner said Friday it was ready to put the office space on the market when it got word the lease termination was a mistake.
Oregon Democrats in U.S. House, others warn that firings could mean dire wildfire season
Federal employees not only put out fires, they also manage prevention work, like controlled burns to clear out undergrowth that can fuel catastrophic blazes under dry, windy conditions.
Federal hiring freeze, firings hindering Oregon endangered owl monitoring, protection
Regional monitoring for endangered owls, salmon and frogs is done by seasonal biologists who aren’t being hired now under a federal freeze, potentially delaying timber and wildfire logging projects.
“We are not changing anything”: Salem-Keizer superintendent on federal education shifts
The Salem-Keizer School District will not end or rename programs focused on equity or otherwise change operations in response to Trump administration directives that Superintendent Andrea Castañeda described as “legally unclear.”
Demonstrators gather on Presidents Day to protest Trump, Musk
Monday's protest was the second major demonstration in Salem since President Donald Trump's inauguration, with many attendees denouncing his purge of federal workers as a "coup."