Category Government
WATCHDOG: Jail inmate overdoses continue with little action from Marion County leaders
Medical records show drugs were being trafficked into the Marion County Jail as recently as November, with multiple overdoses last year. Prosecutors haven’t decided whether to charge anyone with Will Schultz’s death over a year after he fatally overdosed in jail.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Bus ridership up 20% in Salem, report finds
The Cherriots board meets Thursday, Feb. 22, to hear reports on customer satisfaction, finances, and ridership. They will also hear details about assaults against employees last year.
Oregon House passes school bus camera bill
The law allows school districts to add cameras to buses to catch and ticket drivers who break traffic laws.
What Salem could get out of 2024 session
State lawmakers are considering bills that would get Salem an annual payment from the state and help fund a YMCA service center in the old Statesman Journal building downtown.
Dark money group targets Oregon swing districts with new mailers, ads
The Coalition for Safe, Healthy and Prosperous Communities doesn’t disclose donors but has spent big to help Republicans, including Salem Rep. Kevin Mannix.
Oregon lawmaker’s ‘simple’ attempt to push back against book bans becomes culture war flash point
A Senate bill would prevent districts from banning textbooks or library books because they include stories about protected groups.
Legislature edges toward passage of ‘right to repair’ bill
Oregon lawmakers are considering a right to repair proposal that has wide backing, with little opposition from industry except for Apple.
Oregon Gov. Kotek pushes Senate panel to approve $500 million housing plan
Environmental groups still staunchly oppose a section in the governor's housing proposal that would make it easier to expand cities.
Lawmakers wrestle with police role in drug addiction crisis
Legislators listened for nearly four hours Wednesday as Oregonians shared heart-wrenching stories of addiction and overdose.