The Latest Stories For You From Salem Reporter

Good morning, Salem.

Earlier this month, we brought you the story of Block 50 – a vacant downtown lot that’s been a target for city redevelopment for over a decade. With about $5 million in public money spent to date, there’s still no expected date to break ground.

Managing Editor Rachel Alexander explains the investigation in a video below. (Yes, there is a Parks and Recreation reference.)

Salem Reporter

How we dug into Salem’s Block 50 development

Speaking of development, we’re working on our monthly “Whatever Happened” feature, where we bring you updates on stories we’ve covered in the past. This time around, we’ll have updates on a few development projects we’ve reported on previously, including another downtown lot, an apartment building on State Street and more. Got something you want us to check on for a future edition? Send your suggestions to us (development-related or not): [email protected].

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

www.salemreporter.com

City unveils new drug prevention, treatment and enforcement initiative

Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi laid out early plans to move toward mitigating the effects of drug use in Salem during the Salem City Council meeting on Monday. Several councilors…

www.salemreporter.com

New urban growth boundary expansion criteria helps Woodburn, statewide affordable housing efforts

A 120-acre former farming property just outside Woodburn could be developed into housing more quickly after lawmakers made it easier for cities with high rents to grow. To comment on…

www.salemreporter.com

Former Salem pizzeria owner ordered to pay $96k in felony tax evasion case

The former owner of Donatello’s Pizza in Salem was ordered to pay the state more than $90,000 in back taxes and penalties after pleading guilty to three counts of tax…

www.salemreporter.com

5 things to do in Salem this week: Nighttime cherry blossoms, Pentacle Theatre musical, Salem Center egg hunt

Events in Salem this week include the annual nighttime viewing of the Oregon Capitol cherry blossoms, showings of Pentacle Theatre’s Something Rotten! musical and an Easter egg hunt and marketu0026hellip;

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Salem Reporter Town Hall graphic - March 2026

SALEM REPORTER TOWN HALL: CITY ELECTIONS

Meet the people who want to run Salem city government. Our special live program will include all eight candidates for Salem City Council and the challenger who wants to become mayor. The event is Tuesday, March 31, at the Elsinore Theatre and your tickets are free in advance. Doors open at 5 p.m. so you can meet the candidates and the program begins at 6 p.m. The show will be broadcast by Capital Community Media in a collaboration to deliver this important community service. TOWN HALL TICKETS: FREE

SEE LOCAL EVENTS: Our 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

You are receiving this email because you signed up through our website or participated in a promotion.

City unveils new drug prevention, treatment and enforcement initiative

New urban growth boundary expansion criteria helps Woodburn, statewide affordable housing efforts

Former Salem pizzeria owner ordered to pay $96k in felony tax evasion case

5 things to do in Salem this week: Nighttime cherry blossoms, Pentacle Theatre musical, Salem Center egg hunt

Create a free account, or log in.

Upgrade your subscription