A roadside memorial for Alexandra Tereshka is along Oregon Highway 22, where she died in 2018. (Kate McMahon/Independent Lens (PBS) Oregon this week takes the first step toward diverting more drug abusers from jail to clinics. Is the state’s treatment machinery ready? For weeks, reporters Rachel Alexander and Saphara Harrell[Read More…]
Tag: COMMENTARY
COLUMN: As Covid situation worsens, Salem Reporter maps course to keep you informed
Les Zaitz, Salem Reporter editor Tough times are ahead for Salem. We go into the holiday season as a community profoundly changed, and more so with Gov. Kate Brown’s dire move on Friday. At Salem Reporter, we’re going to do all we can to help you make sense of what’s[Read More…]
EDITOR’S NOTE: Here’s how Salem Reporter will deal with election results
Les Zaitz, Salem Reporter editor (Robert Quick photo) We will get through this, Salem. At Salem Reporter, we’ve planned carefully for how our team will cover the election results. That planning kept faith with key points. First, we aren’t going to call any races. You don’t need us making predictions.[Read More…]
EDITOR’S NOTE: Whether angry or hopeful, your ballot speaks for you. We’re here to help
Les Zaitz, Salem Reporter editor (Robert Quick photo) The scenes around the country the past few days have been remarkable when it comes to voting. Most states don’t have the convenience of Oregon’s vote-by-mail. So, you’ve seen photos and videos of determined voters standing in line to vote. For hours.[Read More…]
BEHIND THE SCENES: Veterans helping Salem Reporter serve the community
Journalists Cathy Ingalls and Ron Cooper stepped up to help Salem Reporter provide deeper coverage of the community. They each have significant track records in Oregon journalism. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter) Restoring trust in the media is a major objective for those of us at Salem Reporter. Since our launch two[Read More…]
COMMENTARY: State’s odd handling of Covid data only adds to public confusion, challenges trust
This is an excerpt of a Covid study done in Malheur County by the Oregon Health Authority that covers up what in some instances is already publicly disclosed statistics. (Oregon Health Authority document) Confusion and suspicion are well stocked in the public relating to government information about the pandemic, and[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN: What we heard from readers about campaign coverage
Les Zaitz, editor and CEO, Salem Reporter Voters in the community want Salem Reporter to be tough on those running for office. That’s clear from the results of a survey we conducted recently. We asked you which issues were important to you, what you would ask candidates, and how Salem[Read More…]
BEHIND THE STORY: How Salem Reporter pieced together the account of Santiam Canyon’s night of fire
Reporter Saphara Harrell of Salem Reporter gathers information about the impact of the Beachie Creek Fire in Gates. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) The accounts coming out of the Santiam Canyon flowed one on top of the other last week. Remarkable escapes from the flames bearing down on small towns. People trapped[Read More…]
Take Salem Reporter’s survey and help decide local election coverage
This is not the year for ordinary campaign reporting. People in the community, across Oregon and in the country are divided. Candidates attack each other. Lies are accepted as “campaign tactics,” as if that excuses avoiding the truth. Too many candidates avoid being clear and candid with voters. They use[Read More…]
Reporting on pandemic means focusing on the impacts on the people of Salem
Les Zaitz, editor of Salem Reporter At Salem Reporter, we’re determined to help the community work its way through the pandemic. Let me explain our approach. For the moment, the coronavirus is the story of the day. Not a life in Salem is left untouched by the pandemic. We also[Read More…]
