This month, galleries and museums in Salem will be sharing art and history from the Pacific Islands, pottery from the 1950s and miniature paintings from local artists.

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The new El Torito Supermarket coming downtown will fulfill residents’ long-time hope for a grocery store in the city’s core. Until it opens, an expert in food security said the area’s lack of nearby access to affordable groceries makes downtown a “food desert.” To comment on this story, use the form at the end of…

After Providence closes its insurance programs, around 100,000 people in Marion and Polk counties will have to land a new health insurance by next year to keep paying in-network prices at their local doctor’s office.

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Kiara Bailey made the most of her time in the Roberts High School Teen Parent Program. As student council president, she broke through social divisions and helped her peers get involved in volunteer work.

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The Oregon State Fair has announced its complete concert lineup for this summer, featuring iconic punk, rap, rock and country artists. Tickets for reserved seats are on sale now.

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Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash on Southeast Lancaster Drive on Tuesday night that killed a 14-year-old pedestrian.

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Abbey McDonald’s investigative series on the death of an unsheltered woman in Salem won first place in the 2025 Northwest Excellence in Journalism competition. It is one of the most competitive regional Society of Professional Journalists regional contests in the nation. Reporter Hailey Cook placed second in a photo category for her photos at a…

A progressive political consultant alleged that Betsy Vega, the likely winner in a Salem City Council race, misled city and county officials into certifying her as a candidate. The path to resolve the matter remains unclear as city, county and state officials consider the allegations and determine next steps. To comment on this story, use…

Vanessa Duarte Ignacio is graduating from the cosmetology program at the Career Technical Education Center with plans to open her own salon while working as a sheriff’s deputy. While learning how to give facials and dye hair, she also worked to bring students from different programs together. To comment on this story, use the form…

At the second meeting of Gov. Kotek’s Transportation Vision Workgroup, members spent hours discussing how to change public perception of the state transportation agency.

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Events in Salem this week include the Oregon Humane Society’s Doggie Dash fundraiser, the First Friday Art Walk through downtown and a special 90-minute tour of Bush House Museum.

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It has been one year since 12 people were injured in a mass stabbing at Salem’s Union Gospel Mission. After changes to security and city policy, the emotional toll remains the biggest challenge for shelter staff and guests.

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Gov. Tina Kotek’s directive followed the Trump administration suing the state last week over the issue.

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A McNary High School graduating senior started her freshman year wanting to help more than just her peers and make a difference in the bigger Keizer community. Since then, Allyssa Christensen has organized blood drives, brought veterans to McNary classes and been a symbol of empathy and generosity. To comment on this story, use the…

Isabella Morrow, a senior graduating from Sprague High School, has spent her senior year setting a new standard for the role of student body president, according to her teacher Chris Trammell. She plans to bring her love for service and teaching with her when she starts college. To comment on this story, use the form…

Longtime Salem insider Chip Terhune scored a great gig. Last month, without warning, he was gone.

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The city’s Urban Renewal Agency has continued talks about the possibility of setting up a new Urban Renewal Area for the North Waterfront district north of downtown. The idea was first pitched in 2024 and conversations resumed during a work session on Monday, May 18. To comment on this story, use the form at the…

SPECIAL REPORT: Following a push by city officials to address homelessness, a new team is connecting with people in crisis on Salem’s streets. Results are encouraging, officials say. Salem Reporter got an exclusive look at the team, shadowing its members over two days. To comment on this story, use the form at the end of…

Kindergarteners across Oregon can participate in the state treasury’s new “Kinder Grad” program. If they open a college savings account and deposit $25, the state will deposit $100 more.

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The Oregon Secretary of State’s office is looking into allegations that Betsy Vega, the candidate poised to win a seat on the Salem City Council, changed her residence in November without informing election officials. It is unclear where she currently lives and Salem officials are waiting for state guidance to decide next steps. To comment…