Category Public Safety
Motorcyclist dies in fatal crash on Hines Street, nearby streets closed
A motorcyclist died in a crash with a vehicle on Southeast Hines Street Thursday morning, according to the Salem Police Department. It is Salem’s first fatal crash of 2026.
Oregon lawmakers charge forward with disputed penalties for law enforcement masking
Tackling federal agent masking was a key priority of House Democratic legislative leadership, but it remains to be seen whether such a bill would survive legal challenges. To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
A morning with the city teams prioritizing humanity, patience at Salem’s homeless camps
As the city’s response to homelessness faces increased scrutiny, Salem Reporter spent a morning riding along with the city’s police and cleaning teams who work closest to the issue. Both now operate seven days a week after a recent temporary funding boost.
UPDATE: City lifts boil water notice for southwest portion of Sunnyslope neighborhood
A power outage led to a temporary loss of water pressure in a south Salem neighborhood late Saturday, city officials said. Water could have harmful bacteria present in the affected area.
Federal agents shoot two people in Portland, police say
Federal agents shot and injured a man and a woman near an east Portland medical clinic Thursday afternoon.
Salem man pleads guilty to murdering longtime girlfriend in January 2025
Police arrested Tyler A. Holman, 40, in January 2025 after he crashed a car with his girlfriend's body inside on a rural road near Independence.
Appeals court affirms dismissal of charge against DEA agent in 2023 fatal cyclist crash
A federal appeals court upheld a judge’s dismissal of a negligent homicide charge against the DEA agent Samuel Landis, who hit and killed a Salem cyclist while working on a drug task force in 2023. The state has yet to announce if it will ask for another review of the case.
COLUMN: In the new year, commit to being “2 weeks ready” for disaster
Mark Wardell, the leader of West Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team, explains why and how to build a two-week supply of necessities in case of major disaster.
Salem saw fewer fatal crashes in 2025, but lost teachers, students
Twenty-four people died in fatal crashes around Salem in 2025. More drivers faced criminal charges this year, often related to suspected intoxication.