Salem-News.com Oregon- articles Page 4

Oregon`s Unemployment Rate Up to 4.4% in November

Local government added 1,700 jobs but remained 2,400 jobs below November 2019.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon’s unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in November from 4.1% in October, highest since October 2021 when the rate was 4.4%.

In contrast, the U.S. unemployment rate has remained below 4%, as it was 3.7% in both October and November of 2022.

Governor Kate Brown Commutes Oregon`s Death Row

Sentences commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole

(SALEM, Ore.) - Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will use her executive clemency powers to commute the sentences of the 17 individuals on Oregon’s death row to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

"Today I am commuting all death sentences in Oregon to life without parole, so we no longer have anyone facing execution here."

Malicious Damage to Power Substation Near Portland

Trespassers cut fence and damaged equipment at substation in greater Portland area

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Bonneville Power Administration is seeking tips about trespassing, vandalism and malicious damage of equipment at a substation in Clackamas, Oregon.

“Someone clearly wanted to damage equipment and, possibly, cause a power outage,” said Transmission Vice President of Field Services John Lahti.

Huge Influx of Gun Sales in Oregon Causes FICS Delays

Oregon's BM114 becomes law on December 8, 2022

(SALEM, Ore.) - Since the day after Ballot Measure 114 passed in Oregon, guns and ammo have been selling like hotcakes.

According to the Oregon State Police, the Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) unit has experienced unprecedented volumes of firearms transactions since November 8, 2022, as never seen before in the program’s 26-year history.

How to Achieve Better Outcomes in Oregon Schools

The more leadership skills and knowledge teachers have, the more they encourage confidence in students.

(SALEM, Ore.) - According to news reports, graduation rates in Oregon schools are falling.

While many things can contribute to dropout rates, it’s essential to focus on how we can keep our children in school for longer.

How to Bring Mental Health Awareness to Oregon

Oregon citizens need help, but not everyone knows how to elicit change.

(SALEM, Ore.) - In 2022, Mental Health America ranked Oregon second-to-last in a report highlighting the prevalence of mental illness and access to care.

The state has also ranked in the bottom three states for the last nine years.

McMinnville Carjacking Leads to Pursuit and Arrest

The stolen vehicle veered across Hwy 18 and crashed off the north side of the highway.

(McMINNVILLE, Ore.) - The subject stopped a female driver as she drove into the clinic parking lot, and he carjacked her vehicle from her by climbing in the passenger side and physically pushing her out of the driver’s seat.

The victim of the carjacking was not physically injured.

Oregon Food Bank Responds to Measure 111 and More Anti-hunger Victories

“Our communities showed up to support the kind of policy changes that address hunger at its roots.”

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - "This election was a critical moment for voters to address hunger and its root causes at the ballot box.

"Our communities are reeling from ongoing pandemic impacts and the rising cost of food and housing."

Wildfire Near Oakridge Still Burning After Over 75 Days

The wildfires in Oregon are not "over".

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon's Cedar Creek fire has been burning since August 1st. As of 5:30 a.m. today, there are 301 firefighting personnel working to contain the wildfire, east of Eugene. The fire remains at 127,283 acres and 55% contained.

Expected fire behavior is best described as... smoldering.

Portland Man Killed When Over 45 Vehicles Crash on I-5

One fatality and 4 subjects were transported to area hospitals.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Preliminary estimates of involved vehicles are 15 to 20 Commercial Motor Vehicles and 45 passenger vehicles with one confirmed fatality.

Interstate 5 southbound was completely blocked with a detour in place and remained closed most of the day.