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.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The first draft of anything is garbage.
~ Ernest Hemingway
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