Category Government
Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Wyden presses U.S. Treasury secretary to release Epstein financial files
Wyden has been investigating disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s financial transactions for years and calling for more transparency from federal agencies.
Marion County releases records at core of ICE lawsuit to Salem Reporter
Marion County officials released documents containing personal information about people on county parole in response to a public records request. The county has declined to release the same information to federal immigration authorities pending a lawsuit over Oregon’s sanctuary law.
Julie Hoy says she opposes transportation package after signing city letter in support
About a month after signing a letter on behalf of the Salem City Council in support of a $4.3 billion state transportation proposal, Salem Mayor Julie Hoy said in a new letter to lawmakers that she’s personally opposed to the package. The proposal, which still needs to clear the Oregon Senate, would raise Oregon’s gas tax and vehicle registration fees to pay for infrastructure upgrades, and road and bridge maintenance.
UPDATE: Keizer wildland firefighter freed after contesting immigration detention
Firefighter Rigoberto Hernandez Hernandez, 23, has been in federal immigration detention in Washington for over a month. He's been waiting years for a visa application to be processed.
Salem city councilors will get updated on fall 2026 drawdown of Detroit Reservoir
Salem city councilors on Monday will hear an update on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ pending deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir slated for fall 2026. The drawdown is meant to improve fish survival, but it will likely temporarily incapacitate the city’s drinking water system.
City leaders outline plan to expand police homeless service team, deploy mental health responders
Early plans to address safety and livability concerns in Salem hinge on upcoming deliberations among the city’s budget committee slated to begin taking place next month. On Wednesday Salem city councilors discussed progress on those plans to address petty crime, increasing behavioral health assistance and improving cleanliness downtown and in northeast Salem.
Your questions about Cherriots’ tax proposal, answered
After Cherriots leaders announced a proposed payroll tax on businesses, Salem Reporter heard from many people confused or concerned about what the tax would do, how it would affect transit and why the agency proposed it. Here are answers to some common questions about Cherriots' proposed tax.
How Cherriots got its plan to expand services with proposed payroll tax
Cherriots leaders say they'll decide in November whether to tax a tax on business payrolls to a public vote.
Our readers respond to Charlie Kirk assassination
Salem Reporter asked readers to share their reflections on Charlie Kirk's murder and the state of the country. Here's what you said.