Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Salem family with a Section 8 voucher struggles to find a new rental as poor credit and high upfront fees limit their options. With only 30 days to secure housing, they remain in a motel while a local specialist helps them navigate the rental market. Salem Reporter
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ White's Restaurant in Salem will celebrate its 90th anniversary on March 4 with a throwback to original 1936 menu prices. Located at 1138 Commercial St. SE, the iconic diner — a cherished part of Salem history — is set to mark the occasion. Statesman Journal
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Oregon private employers reported 58,500 job openings in 2025 compared to 57,800 in 2024, with the health care and social assistance sector accounting for over a quarter of the vacancies. Data show that vacancies have returned to pre-pandemic levels after record highs in 2021 and 2022. 1430 KYKN
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At the State of the District event on Tuesday, Feb. 24, Superintendent Andrea Castañeda reported slow yet steady progress in literacy, attendance, and student support while outlining improvements to curriculum and behavioral health services. The district remains focused on meeting its growth targets. Salem Reporter
- ➤ Salem-Keizer Public Schools reported a four-year graduation rate of 79.7% for the Class of 2025 on Jan. 29—below the state’s 83.0% average. Five of six high schools met or exceeded the average while McKay improved from 77.6% to 83.1% and Roberts posted 17.1%. Salem Business Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics will hold a town hall on Tuesday, Mar. 3 at 4:30 p.m. at the Salem Public Library (Loucks Auditorium, 585 Liberty St. S.E.) to discuss their proposed merger and take public questions. Salem Reporter
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Marketing Psychology for Hairstylists
10 a.m. — Salon Abode — $— Discover the psychological principles that enhance client trust and decision-making in hairstyling marketing.
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4th Annual Marion-Polk Children, Youth, & Family Services Summit
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Salem Convention Center — Free entry — Explore child and family-centered services and ignite hope in the community through engaging discussions and networking.
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Plant and Seed Swap
1-3 p.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Trade seeds, cuttings, and plants while getting expert gardening advice.
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Toast: A Tribute to BREAD
7-8:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the top tribute act that brings the timeless 70's sound of BREAD to life.
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Sonic Journey: Sound Meditation Experience
7-8:45 p.m. — Salem Friends Meeting — $20-40 sliding scale — Immerse in a sound meditation journey with gongs and singing bowls for deep relaxation and self-discovery.
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Celtic Celebration with The Gothard Sisters
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Grand Theater — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an enchanting evening of music blending Celtic, folk, and classical influences.
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Salem Slam IV
8:00 a.m. — The Madhouse — $25.00 – $50.00 — Watch top MRDA teams compete as Concussion defends its title in this thrilling tournament.
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Hyprov - Improv Under Hypnosis
7:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of mesmerizing comedy and magic with Asad Mecci as he blends hypnosis and improv for a unique show.
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St. Paddy's Day Paint Night
6:30-8:30 p.m. — South Liberty Bar & Grill — Cost of food and beverages — Celebrate St. Paddy's Day while creating art in a festive atmosphere.
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Journey in Exporting: Salem
4-6 p.m. — Chemeketa Community College — Free entry — Hear seasoned exporters share their inspiring paths to success in global trade.
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.
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