Category Government

School superintendents urge Oregonians to speak up about federal cuts impacting kids
Superintendent Andrea Castañeda and leaders of six other large Oregon school districts released a video Wednesday saying actual and proposed federal cuts to preschool programs, food banks and school funding are harming Oregon’s kids and families.

Marion County plans to revive police crisis response team by July
Marion County commissioners last December approved a federal grant to bring back a crisis response team that pairs a sheriff’s deputy with a mental health worker, but unexpected costs and hiring delays have pushed back the crew’s work.

Oregon bill would implement protections for Uber, Lyft drivers
In 2017, Ahmed Alshamanie went viral for offering karaoke in his car while working for Uber, earning him special recognition from the company. Originally from Iraq, Alshamanie moved to the U.S. in 2013 after working as a taxi driver. He eventually learned English by working…

What to know about the Polk County Fairgrounds levy vote on May 20
West Salem and other Polk County voters will find a measure on their May ballot to increase property taxes to fund renovation and construction projects for the Polk County Fairgrounds. This is your guide to the measure, and what happens if it passes or fails.

Willamette leaders working to protect international students amid federal threats
A panel of Willamette University officials spoke last week about the impacts of federal efforts to target higher education. Willamette receives little federal research funding, which allows it to remain more independent.

What’s next for city of Salem effort to get state to cover public safety costs
For Salem politicians and voters, the state chipping in to pay for city police and fire services is a popular idea. The reality is more complicated.

Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell announces run for governor
Danielle Bethell, who’s in her fifth year as a Marion County Commissioner, is seeking the Republican nomination for governor to challenge Gov. Tina Kotek in 2026.

U.S. Rep. Dexter returns from El Salvador: ‘We’re disappearing people’
Oregon congresswoman Maxine Dexter went to El Salvador to demand the release of a wrongfully deported Maryland man and to raise awareness of "constitutional crisis."

Oregon Attorney General leads suit against Trump, administration to block tariffs
Attorney General Dan Rayfield joins 11 other Democratic states attorneys general challenging President Trump’s authority to impose tariffs on nearly all imported goods.
