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Your Wednesday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

For the past few years, we’ve heard concerns from Salemites more often about shootings around the city. And like many readers, our team noticed what seemed like an increase in teenagers showing up in police reports, both as shooters and victims.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Today, the city published a new report taking a deeper look at gun violence in Salem since 2018. The data from Salem police, analyzed by researchers, shows a clear increase in shootings, and in teenage involvement.

Violence is far from evenly spread across Salem.

At least half of shootings over the past five years involved gang members as victims, suspects or both.

A small number of people drive an outsized share of violence in Salem. Researchers estimated fewer than 200 people – 0.1% of Salemites – are actively involved in gangs and at highest risk for becoming a shooter or victim of gun violence.

Two stories today delve into the report and some of the information our team has gathered in recent weeks around gun violence in Salem. We’re planning to keep a close eye on this issue as city, county and school district leaders begin discussions early next week about solutions.

Here are some of today’s stories. You can always find our latest reports anytime on our website.

Salem shootings doubled, teen violence tripled in recent years, report finds
At least half of Salem shootings over five years involved gang members as victims, suspects or both, according to a newly released report. Meanwhile, the number of teens arrested for…
Salem shootings doubled, teen violence tripled in recent years, report finds
At least half of Salem shootings over five years involved gang members as victims, suspects or both, according to a newly released report. Meanwhile, the number of teens arrested for…
Key findings from the city’s gun violence report
Researchers combed through Salem Police Department reports and statistics to produce a picture of shootings in the city.
Key findings from the city’s gun violence report
Researchers combed through Salem Police Department reports and statistics to produce a picture of shootings in the city.
Hundreds of layoffs ahead for Salem-Keizer, superintendent says
Superintendent Andrea Castaneda plans to announce an initial round of administrative cuts Dec. 12, before a later round in the spring that will include teachers and other school staff.
Hundreds of layoffs ahead for Salem-Keizer, superintendent says
Superintendent Andrea Castaneda plans to announce an initial round of administrative cuts Dec. 12, before a later round in the spring that will include teachers and other school staff.

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