Category Government
Marion County public safety officials plan new team to address rising gang, youth violence
A review commissioned by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office found that shootings outside Salem city limits more than tripled over the last decade. The county’s public safety officials now hope to convene a multi-agency team to tackle skyrocketing gang and youth involvement in gun violence.
Economists weigh in on how tariffs will hit Willamette Valley
Oregon exports many of its agricultural products, including wheat and wine, which are likely to face reciprocal tariffs in foreign countries. But economists say some local sectors could benefit from tariffs, especially in the long-term.
Oregon Democrats unveil $1.9 billion transportation funding plan
A Democratic proposal would raise Oregon's gas tax to 60 cents per gallon alongside higher DMV fees, higher bike taxes and more.
Low-income preschool programs in Salem grapple with uncertainty following federal office closure
Salem’s Head Start preschool programs will continue operating as usual despite the abrupt closure this week of the regional federal office that funds and oversees their work.
Oregon bill would mandate health care employers prevent, report workplace violence
A bill would create a grant program to fund metal detectors and violence prevention training for health care workplaces, and require data collection.
Thousands of Oregonians slam Republican senator’s attempt to end mail ballots
Outcry against Sen. David Brock Smith’s bill to end mail-in voting overwhelmed the state Legislature’s website.
Oregon public health programs hit with $117 million in surprise federal cuts
An abrupt halt to federal grants worth $12 billion around the country has state and local agencies contemplating layoffs and cuts to programs combatting diseases such as tuberculous, mpox and the flu.
Salem residents meet to discuss DOGE at nonpartisan coffee talks
About 30 people discussed aggressive federal cost-cutting efforts and sweeping layoffs in a Friday Braver Angels event organized to promote respectful political discussion and disagreement.
Salem-area pantries will have less meat, dairy following Trump administration food bank cuts
Recent Trump administration cuts mean about one million fewer pounds of food will come to the Marion Polk Food Share this year. It’s about 10% of the food the agency distributes and a large share of in-demand items like meat and eggs.