Statesman Journal

The Statesman Journal is the primary daily newspaper serving Salem, Oregon. Established in 1851 as the Oregon Statesman, it eventually combined with the Capital Journal to create the current newspaper, which is the second-oldest in the state. The Statesman Journal is available in Salem, Keizer, and parts of the mid-Willamette Valley. As of 2012, its average circulation on weekdays was 27,859, while Sunday readership was around 36,323. It is owned by the national Gannett Company, which also owns the nearby Stayton Mail and Silverton Appeal Tribune.

Local

English

Newspaper

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Global

#56797

United States

#11678

News and Media

#599

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Articles

Salem man sentenced to more than 60 years for Highway 22 shooting that killed 1, injured 2

1 day ago | statesmanjournal.com | Isabel Funk

A Salem man was sentenced June 26 to nearly 64 years in prison for 25 charges related to a 2023 shooting on Highway 22 that left one person dead and an officer and a bystander wounded.
Salem man sentenced after sexual conversations with law enforcement posing as teens

2 days ago | statesmanjournal.com | Isabel Funk

A Salem man was sentenced June 25 to nearly 11 years in federal prison for repeatedly requesting sexually explicit materials from undercover law enforcement officers posing as children online, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office District of Oregon.
Santiam Highway closes between Salem and Bend after crash

2 days ago | statesmanjournal.com | Isabel Funk

Santiam Highway was closed June 25 after a crash near the Santiam Pass summit, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. All lanes were closed at milepost 81. ODOT reported the crash around 12:30 p.m., according to TripCheck. Drivers were advised to expect "extended" delays or use an alternate route. Isabel Funk covers breaking news and public safety for the Statesman Journal. Funk can be reached at [email protected] or on X at @isabeldfunk
Explore Oregon Podcast: Want to catch 100 fish in a single day? Head to this magic river

4 days ago | statesmanjournal.com | Zach Urness

In this episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, host Zach Urness talks to fish biologist Stephan Charette about one of the best places to catch fish in Oregon: smallmouth bass on the John Day River. In this episode, first published in 2022 and updated in June 2025, Urness and Charette talks about why the fishing is so good, where and how to land them and the upside and downside of so many fish.
Where to celebrate Fourth of July in the Mid-Valley: Fireworks, parades, events

4 days ago | statesmanjournal.com | Isabel Funk

This year's Fourth of July festivities will feature fireworks, parades and events in and around Salem. Independence Day falls on a Friday in 2025. Here's a roundup of events happening to celebrate the holiday. July 3Oregon Garden Fireworks Celebration: The event will feature live music, food trucks and family activities.
Salem-Keizer Public Schools to pay former teaching assistant $170K to settle suit

4 days ago | statesmanjournal.com | Isabel Funk

Salem-Keizer Public Schools agreed to pay a former West Salem High School teaching assistant $170,000 after settling a lawsuit she filed alleging she was placed in an unsafe work environment where students assaulted her. Lauren Eriksen's lawsuit alleged she was assaulted by students multiple times, including being bitten so hard her skin was torn and getting a concussion from being hit in the face.
Meet Our Mid-Valley: Salem couple brings joy to community through music

5 days ago | statesmanjournal.com | Isabel Funk

This is part of a weekly series introducing readers to individuals who are passionate about our Mid-Valley community. Mark and Karen Green never had a strong background in music, but as their daughter, Danielle, grew up and got involved in music at school and camps in Portland, they noticed a gap in Salem. They decided to do something about that 10 years ago and founded RiverCity Rock Star Academy.
CDC ranks Oregon 3rd worst US state for hepatitis C deaths

5 days ago | statesmanjournal.com

Oregon was ranked as the third worst U.S. state for hepatitis C deaths, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How to float the John Day River

5 days ago | statesmanjournal.com | Zach Urness

In this episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, host Zach Urness gives updates on one of Oregon's greatest overnight float and fishing trips — the John Day River. In this episode first published in 2020 and updated this year, Urness and former co-host David Davis break down the river's most famous segment, how to get a permit and what makes this trip so special. They also dive into the history of the man the river is named for — John Day — and explain why his name is plastered all over Oregon.
Bill to increase Oregon's hotel tax to pay for wildlife programs passes House

5 days ago | statesmanjournal.com | Zach Urness

A bill to increase the transient lodging tax by 1.25% to fund wildlife programs passed the Oregon House 36-15 on June 20. House Bill 2977 would raise $7 million in 2026 and $41 million in 2027, with an average of $39 million per year thereafter, to fund eight programs aimed at improving wildlife habitat and conditions through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.