Daily
Salem
Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local researchers say Oregon’s name may come from ooligan, a word for smelt grease traded by coastal tribes, with early explorers like Maj. Rogers playing a role in spreading the term. The Oregon250 series explores theories on this Native influence + later American adaptations. Statesman Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Robin Buckingham, principal at Claggett Creek Middle School, was named Oregon Middle School Principal of the Year for her leadership that boosted test scores by 9.5% in English + 5.5% in math during the 2024 to 2025 school year. She said the honor celebrates the work of students, teachers and staff. Salem Reporter
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Reporters spent recent mornings with city workers moving people out of homeless encampments and cleaning up sites — following a $626,000 funding boost approved in October. Their in-depth report shows how police outreach and cleaning crews work together to support local residents. Salem Reporter
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Genealogy Workshop: Ancestry & FamilySearch
4:30-5:45 p.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Explore genealogy resources with hands-on assistance from experts.
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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.
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English as a Second Language Beginner Class
3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enhance your English skills with a supportive, multilingual atmosphere.
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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.
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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.
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Music & Poetry Open Mic Night
7-10 p.m. — Infinity Room — No cover — A vibrant evening showcasing local music and poetry talents.
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You Can’t Take it with You — Cue Captions
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Pentacle Theatre — Ticket info available — Enjoy a captioned performance of this classic comedy.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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