Category Government
Marion County, Cherriots announce plans to support people losing SNAP benefits
Marion County announced Thursday evening that its Board of Commissioners is considering spending $100,000 per week on food baskets for people who rely on SNAP benefits locally amid the federal government shutdown. Cherriots separately announced it will give free rides to those needing transportation to food pantries.
Salem city councilors accept a largely anonymous donation to pay for more police
Salem city councilors voted 6-3 in favor of accepting a largely anonymous $180,000 gift from mostly unidentified Salem businesses to help support two more police officers for the city’s Homelessness Services Team.
UPDATE: Salem city councilors accept private funds to pay for two police officers
Salem city councilors will consider accepting $180,000 in private funds on Monday to pay for two new police officers to bolster the police department’s Homelessness Services Team. Councilors will also consider a contract with newly-appointed Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi that would pay her $305,000 annually.
Republican Christine Drazan mounts 2026 bid for Oregon governor
Former House Republican Leader Christine Drazan narrowly lost to Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek in a three-way race in 2022.
Fire department response times will get worse as call volume continues to rise, chief says
Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth provided Salem city councilors with an overview of the Salem Fire Department on Monday night during a council work session. Gerboth updated councilors on the status of the department’s new ambulance service, and also discussed the fact that as call volumes continue to increase while staffing remains stagnant, response times will continue to get worse.
Rep. Christine Drazan fills seat of former Senate Republican leader amid local support
The Canby representative emphasized that Bonham had endorsed her for the position before his resignation for a job in the Trump administration.
Multipartisan effort aims to open Oregon’s primaries through ballot initiative in 2026
Former Gov. Ted Kulongoski, former Republican state Rep. Cheri Helt of Bend and Independent Party leaders are trying to open primary elections to all voters regardless of party affiliation.
Oregon’s Merkley holds US Senate floor overnight in Trump protest
Oregon's junior senator spoke for 23 hours on the Senate floor, reading from "How Democracies Die" and objecting to the president's deployment of National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities.
Salem police investigate report of man brandishing gun at No Kings protesters
A Salem woman said she saw a man in a pickup truck block an intersection where protesters were crossing the street near the Oregon Capitol Saturday before brandishing a handgun.