Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Your Wednesday evening update on Salem news

Salem Reporter logo

Good evening, Salem.

Republicans in Oregon have a growing list of choices for governor.

Rep. Ed Diehl, a state representative from Scio, is the latest to declare he wants to challenge Gov. Tina Kotek. He’s a leader of the referendum campaign to repeal a state gas tax, and represents a large portion of east Marion County, including portions of Salem.

Our partners at Oregon Capital Chronicle have more on his campaign below. Another local Republican, Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, is also seeking the Republican nomination in May’s election.

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

www.salemreporter.com

Cindy Flores is the first dedicated mariachi and Mexican music teacher in the Salem-Keizer School District, teaching about 140 students across three schools.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon
www.salemreporter.com

Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Scio, is in his second term in Oregon House. His district include much of east Marion County, including parts of east Salem. To comment on this story,…

www.salemreporter.com

A vehicle hit a pole before noon on Wednesday, causing a power outage for around 1,700 homes and businesses. To comment on this story, use the form at the end…

www.salemreporter.com

Lawmakers will have a month to debate a bill that would get rid of the state’s 27-year-old education funding model and change standards for schools’ receiving funding. To comment on…

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.

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: We welcome your tips about possible Salem stories – a community event, a local resident doing something extraordinary, a government action that needs investigating. Send your information, ideas or questions to our editor, Les Zaitz, at [email protected].

SHARE: Readers like you are our very best marketing. We spend very little on promotion, instead investing in covering the news you want. Help us build our readership by forwarding this email and sharing stories with family, friends and associates. Let people know they can sign up for our free newsletter.

SUBSCRIPTION ISSUE? Get clear answers from our Subscription Policies and Help page.

Copyright © 2025 Salem Reporter. All rights reserved.

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.

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to read this article, plus limited free content.

Yes! I would like to receive new content and updates.