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Your Wednesday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

Salem’s budget committee will meet again tonight and may finish discussing the city’s 2026 proposal, which includes deep cuts.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

So far, the committee hasn’t made major changes to the budget originally proposed by Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi. But they could act tonight – or decide to keep discussions open until after the May 20 election, when it will be clear if voters are game to raise property taxes to avoid deep cuts.

Our coverage today has more on the questions readers have asked us about the levy and Salem’s budget. We also explore some cuts that have gotten far less public attention: Salem is ending its financial support for warming centers and a homeless Safe Parking program.

Here’s some of our latest news. Catch all of our reports anytime on our website.

www.salemreporter.com

Ballots are out now for the May 20 election, including a Salem property tax levy. Here are the questions you asked about the measure and what happens if it passes…

www.salemreporter.com

The city’s proposed budget would pull some of its last remaining annual investments into homeless services, which have supported safe parking options and warm shelter on freezing nights for hundreds…

www.salemreporter.com

Oregon lawmakers are considering at least six bills right now that would limit for what, when and for whom private electric and gas companies can raise rates.

www.salemreporter.com

Glenda Mah, a Salem quilt artist, will display her latest piece commemorating 159 migrants who died in the Sonoran Desert crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona at the Morningside United…

www.salemreporter.com

Robert Arias, 54, of Salem, faces three criminal charges related to possessing and distributing child pornography. Federal authorities say he was one of 205 people arrested across the U.S. in…

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