Good morning, Salem.

The Oregon Employment Department released data on Wednesday, Jan.

7 showing November 2025 unemployment held at 5.2% while nonfarm payrolls increased by 1,600 jobs; gains came from leisure and hospitality and health care and social assistance — government and information sectors lost jobs.

Salem Reporter will host a Town Hall at the Elsinore Theatre on Thursday, Feb.

5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. as panelists including Superintendent Andrea Castañeda and teacher Jessica DeFrancisco explain how Salem-Keizer schools are working to boost student reading.

On Wednesday, leaders of Oregon Head Start programs urged Gov. Kotek to restore nearly $10 million reallocated from early childhood education, warning that the cuts have already led to layoffs and reduced services for over 12,000 children (per the letter).

Marion County urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete its mandated turbidity report before starting the deep-drawdown plan for Detroit Lake.

The county said the report is needed to protect drinking water and give residents a fair review period.

The U.S. Postal Service now no longer guarantees that mail will be postmarked the same day, so Oregonians sending time-sensitive items such as tax forms or election ballots should ask for a manual postmark at post office counters.

The change will cut pickup times in some areas.

New state law stops electric and gas rate hikes until April, so Salem residents face only modest changes this winter.

While Salem Electric will raise rates 5.4% in April — reflecting rising costs, Portland General Electric will decrease rates by 1.4%, and water, sewer, and garbage fees adjust in 2026.

Oregon will continue using the American Academy of Pediatrics vaccine schedule after the CDC cut its recommended vaccines for healthy kids, and state health officials said children will still get vaccines at no added cost.

Energize & Elevate

10 AM – 2 PM — The Reed — Check website for costs — Discover balance and wellness strategies aimed at busy professionals and entrepreneurs.

Cascade Creatives Grand Opening

12-3 p.m. — LAP Studio — Free entry — Celebrate the opening of a new design studio with giveaways, tacos, and community connection.

First Taste Oregon

January 23-24 — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Admission info available — Celebrate Oregon's finest offerings in art, brew, food, music, and more.

Tales the Winds Remember

3-5 p.m. — Rose Auditorium — Free entry — Experience a musical journey through stories and legends with the Salem Symphonic Winds.

January Paint & Sip at Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge

6-8 p.m. — Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge — Food and beverages available for purchase — Unwind with a creative night of painting an adorable Winter Scene.

Genealogy Workshop: Ancestry & FamilySearch

4:30-5:45 p.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Explore genealogy resources with hands-on assistance from experts.

Hybrid Apprenticeship Workshop at WorkSource Salem

2-3:30 p.m. — WorkSource Oregon - Salem Center — Free entry — Discover hands-on training opportunities in various apprenticeship programs to kickstart your career.

English as a Second Language Beginner Class

3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enhance your English skills with a supportive, multilingual atmosphere.

Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms

10 AM – 3 PM — Wavra Farms & Nursery — Free entry — Explore a diverse indoor market featuring local vendors from woodworking to gourmet foods.

The Severin Sisters Evensong Concert

4:00 p.m. — St. Paul’s Episcopal Church — Donations accepted — Experience the sacred harmonies of local talent in a bluegrass and gospel concert.