Category Government
Oregon Democrats lead in fundraising for competitive congressional districts
Democrat Janelle Bynum brought in the most money of any candidate during May and June.
Salem moms, business owners call for federal investment in child care in meeting with Salinas
Hundreds of families in Marion and Polk counties qualify for state subsidies to help pay for child care, but are sitting on a waitlist because of inadequate funding.
Peter Courtney, longtime Senate president who advocated for Salem, dies at 81
Peter Courtney, the longest-serving legislator in state history, died Tuesday of complications from cancer at 81. He was a champion of Salem's YMCA and other projects around the city.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office closing transition center to add jail staff, beds
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office plans is temporarily closing its transition center and moving 10 deputies to the county jail. The agency plans to eventually reopen the facility with more of a focus on addiction treatment.
Marion judge embroiled in troubled mental health system struggles to protect public safety
Marion County Circuit Court Judge Audrey Broyles frequently has to decide between releasing mentally ill offenders or violating their rights by leaving them in jail. She says a federal order limiting how long people can stay at the Oregon State Hospital has created a public safety crisis.
Oregon Rep. Chavez-DeRemer has mixed record on LGBTQ+ issues in Congress
U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer introduced a bill to reverse dishonorable military discharges under Don't Ask, Don't Tell but supported barring transgender girls from playing girls' sports.
Marion County employees will see 7% raise over two years under new contract
The Marion County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved two new union contracts which cover 1,040 county employees and will cost the county more than $20 million over two years.
Rep. Blumenauer calls on Biden to withdraw while other Oregon Dems stay silent
Rep. Earl Blumenauer called for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race on Wednesday. Other members of Oregon’s Democratic congressional delegation are keeping mum.
Salem City Council pushes forward with affordable housing projects
Voters in 2022 set aside $10 million for city-funded affordable housing. On Monday, Salem city councilors will vote on using a portion of that money to subsidize two projects with over 300 planned apartments.