Category Government
“That is a coup”: Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley describes how a mob breached the nation’s Capitol
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley in his Salem office on Nov. 25, 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley blamed chaos and violence that erupted in the nation’s capital squarely on on President Donald Trump and other national leaders, faulting them for allowing disinformation to…
New year, new trees at Salem Civic Center
The Salem Civic Center is getting new life as the city plants 30 native and ornamental trees starting next month after removing unhealthy trees from Peace Plaza and along Liberty Street. The Civic Center is home to city council chambers and many city offices. Milan…
PHOTOS: Preparing for the big one, Salem Public Library continues with renovations
New energy efficient and seismically resilient windows are replacing the old 1970s aluminum storefront windows. (Courtesy/City of Salem) The Salem Public Library is undergoing a seismic upgrade that’s set to be complete by next summer. The construction is intended to make the building safer in…
In a swift session, lawmakers pass pandemic-relief package
The Oregon State Capitol. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) In Salem, and the rest of Oregon, renters will keep roofs over their heads, landlords will have more cash coming in, schools will be less worried about lawsuits as they reopen and restaurants will have an easier time…
Arrests and outrage follow violent protest at state Capitol
Protesters fed up with pandemic restriction gathered outside the Capitol as lawmakers met on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. (Jake Thomas/Salem Reporter) Oregon State Police have arrested four individuals and are seeking a fifth involved with Monday’s violent demonstration at the Capitol, which has drawn strong…
As lawmakers meet, protesters attempt to storm Capitol building
Far right demonstrators kicked in a door to the Oregon State Capitol during a special legislative session Monday. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Far-right protesters on Monday attempted to forcibly disrupt a legislative session at the Capitol, where they smashed windows, blocked streets, assaulted journalists and sprayed…
As Salem looks to address vulnerabilities brought on by climate change, state releases grim report
Situated on an island in the middle of the North Santiam River near Stayton, the Geren Island Water Treatment Facility faces unprecedented challenges in providing clean water to Salem users. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter) As Salem enters the preliminary stages of creating a climate action plan,…
Where do you see Salem in 30 years? Salem’s climate task force wants to know
A tree in Minto-Brown Island Park on a foggy morning. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Salem wants to know how you think the city should adapt for climate change in the next 30 years as it embarks on a yearlong process to develop a climate action plan. …
More affordable housing is on the way after Salem City Council approves church property conversion
DevNW is hoping to turn Evergreen Church into 19 units of affordable housing. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) A former church in a downtown Salem neighborhood will be remodeled into apartments after action by the Salem City Council Monday that won’t please some area residents. By a…