Salem Reporter’s Sunday newsletter
Good morning!
Before we get to the week’s news, let me share observations about the recent Salem Reporter Town Hall.
This was a success.
Not because of us but because of the candidates who appeared and the citizens who attended last week.
Staging such community events is an important part of our work for Salem. It’s like pulling people together around a campfire to kick around common issues.
Here’s what impressed me about the night at the Elsinore Theatre.
Candidates listen to Ward 2 council candidate Manny Martinez answer a question at the Salem Reporter’s city election Town Hall on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (LAURA TESLER/For Salem Reporter)
First, the lobby of the theater was like a small political convention. All eight people running for council and one running for mayor set up displays. People coming to the town hall roamed among the tables, talking to the candidates. The energy was high.
Second, the eight running for council did a terrific job in the few moments they had on stage. Each had five minutes to make the case for their election. They had just two minutes to answer a question.
Third, mayoral candidate Vanessa Nordyke was clear and strong in facing sometimes tough questions from our team of senior reporter Abbey McDonald and reporter Joe Siess. Too bad Mayor Julie Hoy didn’t have the same courage to face questions from journalists who know city hall deeply.
Fourth, Capital Community Media did the community a huge favor in broadcasting the event live and then rebroadcasting. As a bonus, they provided separate clips of the council candidates’ answers to the one question posted.
Fifth, the crew at the Elsinore also deserves community appreciation for partnering on such an event. With their careful preparation, the Town Hall came off flawlessly.
WATCH THE VIDEO: Salem Reporter Town Hall
As people left, they said they appreciated the event. One man handed me a $100 check as a donation. He said he didn’t have a lot of money but he wanted to support our work. That was a humbling moment – to realize the impact Salem Reporter is having.
So, I thank all the candidates. I thank all those who sat in the audience. And I thank all those who watched on television or online.
Our reporting on the event included a story on what Vanessa Nordyke said and then one focused on the council candidates. That coverage includes video clips so you can watch for yourself.
Keep an eye out for more in-depth reporting on local races from Salem Reporter.
In local government news…
•Marion County once again faces legal action by the U.S. attorney over failing to produce documents about those wanted for immigration violations.
•Security video from the Marion County Courthouse shows the federal arrests of two people for immigration matters. Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter released the footage only after press organizations requested the disclosure.
•Teachers and other employees in the Salem-Keizer School District were spared from significant layoffs. Managing Editor Rachel Alexander explains the numbers and impact of reducing staff.
•Marion County commissioners took the stage for the annual State of the County report, spotlighting homeless camps among their issues.
•The bite suffered by a West Salem woman while out walking was from a dog, not a coyote, officials said.
In community news….
•Residents in the Macleay area learned more about what federal officials plan for a new veterans cemetery after Salem Reporter obtained a key document.
•A local martial arts studio has been teaching adults and kids for 30 years. From the story: “Sandra Davis said the martial arts can often be a framework through which to work out mental health issues. Some come to the dojo with post-traumatic stress disorder or anger issues, for example.”
•We published our monthly guide to what’s new in local galleries and museums for April.
Oregon news from Oregon Capital Chronicle….
•The U.S. Forest Service is shifting Portland operations to Salem.
•Perhaps the most unusual political candidate this season is the pencil running for governor.
•Federal immigration officials say no detention center is planned for Oregon.
Finally…
Allow me to share a note I got from a reader in recent days: “I am a recent subscriber to your e-newspaper, and am so pleased with the local and in-depth news that you publish. In particular, your sponsorship of the education investigation has been a strong interest of mine and many friends who are concerned about the poor scores of local students in recent years.”
So many of you have joined the effort to fund a new investigative education reporter for our team. We could still use your help to raise the necessary funds. Supporters have given amounts from $25 to $5,000.
DONATE: Salem Reporter News Fund
Gas price watch:
Average price for regular gas in Salem:
Saturday: $4.91. One week ago: $4.80. One month ago: $3.91.
Average price for diesel in Salem:
Saturday: $6.24. One week ago: $6.20. One month ago: $4.41.
Source: AAA
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
OUR FUND DRIVE: We’re taking reporting on local schools and education to a level never done before in Salem. We’re bringing in nationally-recruited talent to tackle this assignment. You can support this with your tax-deductible contribution. Join scores who have already given.
DONATE: Salem Reporter News Fund
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