Daily
Salem
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Salem Reporter was chosen for two national programs to expand local news. Report For America funding will create an education reporter role focused on Salem-Keizer reading outcomes starting this summer, while LION Publishers and Pro News Coaches provide consulting on operations and health coverage—helping strengthen news for our community. Salem Reporter
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Salem Public Works said that a 600-gallon diesel fuel spill on Geren Island poses no threat to drinking water today. Environmental Services is working with a contractor to remove contaminated soil — state DEQ is monitoring cleanup that will last several days. 1430 KYKN
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Kotek today announced a $25 million funding package in partnership with OHA & the Hospital Association to stabilize local maternity care by directing $15 million to rural hospitals and $10 million to larger ones with federal matching expected. 1430 KYKN
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics signed a partnership agreement to join Santiam with Salem Health, keeping a local board to make decisions. The deal is pending state review and is expected to close by Sept. 30, which will help expand access to care. Salem Business Journal
- ➤ A three-person team began on Jan. 20 to help residents in mental health crises + substance use disorders through a six-month pilot by Salem Fire and Marion County Health. The team will work Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown and northeast Salem to cut 911 calls. Statesman Journal
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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
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