Category Government
Wyden, Merkley slam ‘baseless’ federal investigation into Oregon abortion coverage requirement
Oregon’s U.S. senators are calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to drop a “needless and wasteful” investigation into Oregon and other states that require health insurers to cover abortion.
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Oregon business leaders urge Gov. Kotek to think bigger with prosperity council effort
“For decades, Oregon’s central economic question was how to manage growth. Today the question is whether we can generate it at all," the Oregon Business Council wrote in a letter to the governor.
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Organizers expect large turnout for Salem’s third No Kings protest
Salem is expected to again join in protests in cities across the country on Saturday with thousands expected for the No Kings event. Organizers say the midday protest is in response to continued immigration enforcement actions and the recent war with Iran.
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UPDATE: Federal agents arrest 2 at downtown Salem courthouse
Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Thursday, March 26, assisted federal agents in arresting a man who had a warrant signed by a federal judge, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office. Witnesses described the arrests as immigration-related, which the sheriff’s office would not confirm.
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CITY MEETING: Salem city councilors approve short-term rental fee
Rentals through Airbnb, VRBO and similar platforms will have an added 2% city fee on bookings beginning May 1. The money will largely go to Travel Salem to fund tourism promotion.
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City unveils new drug prevention, treatment and enforcement initiative
Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi laid out early plans to move toward mitigating the effects of drug use in Salem during the Salem City Council meeting on Monday. Several councilors said they want efforts concentrated in the city’s northeast neighborhoods.
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New urban growth boundary expansion criteria helps Woodburn, statewide affordable housing efforts
A 120-acre former farming property just outside Woodburn could be developed into housing more quickly after lawmakers made it easier for cities with high rents to grow.
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City hopes to help more West Salem businesses expand through grant program
The city of Salem has expanded the West Salem Urban Renewal Area grant program to be more flexible and attract more businesses, including now allowing businesses to get grants to relocate to West Salem, bringing jobs.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Behind the scenes of a Salem Reporter investigation
EDITOR'S NOTE: Patience and time to understand complex public records are keys to effective investigative reporting. Here's how we did the recent project on Salem's empty downtown property - Block 50.