The Latest Stories For You From Salem Reporter

Good morning, Salem.

Lawmakers are gathering from around the state this week to walk through early proposals for the 2026 session.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

It’s a short session, lasting up to 35 days. Generally, legislators use it to make small tweaks to laws and address budget and other state issues that come up in the middle of the state’s two-year budget cycle. One key issue this year will be shoring up the state’s Medicaid system, also called Oregon Health Plan, as costs rise and the state faces a budget crunch.

Salem Reporter draws on partner newsrooms including Oregon Capital Chronicle for coverage of major legislation. But we’ll also monitor our Salem-area representatives and senators, zeroing in on their priorities and key issues impacting our city.

So far, that includes proposals which would change the Cherriots board and require providers like Salem Health to go into mediation when they can’t reach a deal with insurance companies.

Have topics or questions you want us to keep an eye on? Send Managing Editor Rachel Alexander a note at [email protected].

Here’s some of today’s headlines. Head to our website anytime for the latest in Salem local news.

www.salemreporter.com

City of Salem asks Army Corps to consider delaying Detroit Lake drawdown

A Monday letter from the city of Salem asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate delaying the planned Detroit Lake drawdown so they could “develop and test” wells.…

www.salemreporter.com

Oregon’s classroom hours among lowest in nation, experts tell lawmakers

Oregon ranks 47th among U.S. states for the total hours students spend in school during an academic year, though comparisons between states are difficult. To comment on this story, use…

www.salemreporter.com

Giant octopus display coming to library as Salem Reads programs kick off

Salem readers in February can dive into “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” a novel exploring the friendship between a mischievous captive octopus and the night cleaning woman at the aquarium where he…

www.salemreporter.com

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. Bothu0026hellip;

YOU’RE INVITED – TOWN HALL

“CRISIS: Student Reading” – Hosted by Salem Reporter

We examine the literacy challenges in Salem schools and what can be done now.

6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 – Elsinore Theatre – Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Participate:

*Be there – free tickets.

*Send questions – email to [email protected]

Watch: CC:Media broadcast live online and on Channel 21.

“You’ve put together a quality staff at the Salem Reporter who reflect your dedication for informing your readers and holding public officials accountable.” -Rick S.

SEE LOCAL EVENTS: Our new events calendar lets you browse what’s happening in Salem – completely free. Want to submit an upcoming event? You can do that here.

TIP US TO NEWS: Email Managing Editor Rachel Alexander – [email protected]

Our mailing address is: 494 State St., #410 • Salem, Oregon 97301

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City of Salem asks Army Corps to consider delaying Detroit Lake drawdown

Oregon’s classroom hours among lowest in nation, experts tell lawmakers

Giant octopus display coming to library as Salem Reads programs kick off

A morning with the city teams prioritizing humanity, patience at Salem’s homeless camps

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