SALEM — Smaller towns in the mid-Willamette Valley often struggle to pay for critical improvements to drinking and sewer water infrastructure, hampered by a limited consumer base that makes it difficult to support projects through loans backed by utility rate increases.

SALEM — Salem-area organizations that assist people experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic violence or needing help with rent or mortgage payments have seen a surge in demand over the past four months.

SALEM — At 79 and with serious health concerns — including COPD and a smoking habit — Jaeson Small is a textbook case of someone particularly at risk from COVID-19.

SALEM — The Oregon Health Authority has identified 41 water systems in the state at risk for toxic algae blooms similar to those responsible for Salem’s drinking water advisory.

SANTA CRUZ — Laura Jordan recalls the scene vividly.

It was only hours after 15-year-old Adrian Jerry Gonzalez made his first court appearance in the slaying of 8-year-old Madyson “Maddy” Jordan Middleton, Jordan’s daughter.

EAGAR, Ariz. — Arizona set a dubious record Wednesday when a blaze near the Grand Canyon pushed total acreage blackened by wildfires this year to an all-time high of 981,748, surpassing the previous mark of 975,178 acres in 2005.