Good morning!
Wallace Marine Park continues to be a challenge for the community.
Long a base camp for those living outdoors, the West Salem park is the focus of yet another effort by government.
Reporter Abbey McDonald produced a balanced and detailed account of that effort.
She didn’t just go to a meeting that was a little off the public radar.
Abbey stood at a portable kitchen station not long ago, talking to those who call Wallace their home.
She tromped through the park with West Salem’s city councilor, Micki Varney.
And she was joined on her reporting journey by reporter Hailey Cook, who produced evocative photos.
No other news organization produces such journalism about your community.
As one reader said, “Brilliant work on the article about Wallace Marine Park! One of the best articles I have read about Salem’s in-house population. Please know that your reporting and support of the community is SO appreciated.”
Our reporters also stayed on top of the continuing community controversy over immigration. They produced a string of reports about Salem City Council’s action last week:
•Reporter Madeleine Moore captured the atmosphere and provided context of the city’s declaration of an emergency.
•A collection of quotes from citizens provided insight into Salem’s views.
•Reporter Joe Siess helped sort facts about what the declaration means, providing five key findings.
Some of our other enterprise reports:
•Learn more about Krishna Namburi, now formally Salem’s city manager, and what people who work with her say. Joe Siess produced a nuanced profile of the person running city government day to day.
•The continuing tussle between Salem Health and PacificSource leaves thousands of Salem residents uncertain about their health insurance. Abbey McDonald explains the issues – and the impacts.
•Teachers are seeing good results from the ban on student phones. Managing Editor Rachel Alexander focuses on one high school’s experience.
In community news:
•A new business opened near downtown Salem, selling vintage toys. As Hailey Cook reports: “Walking into Subatomic is a throwback, with a three-foot tall Yoda display welcoming visitors inside.”
•Sybil’s Omelettes carried on one of Salem’s beloved traditions.
•Salem proved generous during the recent shutdown of federal food benefits. Marion Polk Food Share provided numbers on its surging donations.
•A holiday tradition returned to town this week – the tree lighting ceremony in the Capitol rotunda. Photographer Ron Cooper captured the evening.
On the air: Rachel Alexander discusses the week’s news, including a gun found at Sprague High School, in the latest “Coffee Time” podcast with Jacob Espinoza.
And finally:
Some important changes are coming to Salem Reporter, thanks to feedback from readers like you. I shared some of details in my Editor’s Note.
HAVE A COMMENT? SUGGESTION?
Have thoughts about our reporting? A story we should do? A person we should profile? Or do you have questions about how we do our work? You’re welcome to send me an email – I read every one of them. Email: [email protected].
–Les Zaitz, Editor and owner
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