Daily
Salem
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Since opening last February, the ARCHES Family First resource center at 1255 Broadway St. N.E. in Salem has recorded 580 visits from families struggling with rent; the center offers help with forms, job applications & referrals daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Salem Reporter
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Salem-Keizer Public Schools said Chavez Elementary will not immediately change its name after allegations emerged about its namesake Cesar Chavez. The district explained a name change may be explored after community engagement & board review. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Salem-Keizer School Board approved the sale of two historic rural schools — Fruitland and Lake Labish — and the Paulus Administration Center on Tuesday, March 10; the sale will help offset costs as the district relocates its data center and plans future facility upgrades. Salem Reporter
- ➤ Nearly half of 2023's new teachers in Oregon earned online degrees from programs that did not properly test reading skills, prompting education experts to urge an executive order for a separate science of reading exam. Gov. Kotek said she is open to revising teacher prep requirements (decision pending). Salem Reporter
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fuel prices in Salem jumped to $4.42 per gallon, 85 cents higher than a month ago, increasing costs for Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Cherriots, Polk County and the city. Public agencies face tough choices — shifting funds or drawing on reserves if prices remain high. Salem Business Journal
- ➤ Oregon’s short legislative session in Salem left little room for climate proposals as lawmakers prioritized a transportation budget and other issues over many environmental bills. A renewable energy fast track measure passed and now awaits Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature (several green proposals did not proceed). Oregon Capital Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Bridgeway Community Health will open Salem’s first sobering center in early June at its downtown hub (750 Front St. N.E.), providing a dedicated space for intoxicated individuals to safely sober up before moving on to detox treatment and primary care. Salem Reporter
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Infant/Toddler Storytime
11:00-11:20 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Participate in engaging stories, songs, and rhymes perfect for infants and toddlers.
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Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Offensive Skills Camp
March 21-22 — Home Courts Powered by NPJ — Registration required — Rapidly improve your basketball skills with high-intensity drills and focused coaching.
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English/Spanish Language Exchange
5:30 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Practice your English or Spanish with fellow learners while enjoying light refreshments.
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Infant/Toddler Storytime
11:00 – 11:20 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes ideal for babies and toddlers with their grownups.
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Beginner English as a Second Language Class
3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — A multilingual ESL class for beginners taught by local instructors from Goodwill Industries.
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Russ Taff Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying voice of Christian music legend Russ Taff live on stage.
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Alfred Robles Stand-Up Comedy
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Cost information not provided — Enjoy a night of laughs with one of the hottest young comedians in the country.
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Daddy Daughter Dance: A Night in New York
4-7 p.m. — The Withnell Family YMCA — $45+ — Enjoy a magical evening filled with dancing, crafts, and delicious food trucks.
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Salem Fashion Week Runway Show
2:15-9:30 p.m. — Salem Convention Center — Free admission — Experience local designers showcasing fashion in a vibrant community celebration.
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Finding Hope, Resilience, and Strength During Turbulent Times All-inclusive Retreat
This retreat will offer a restorative space to rest and rejuvenate in the healing waters as well as guide you on your journey to mindfulness and hopefulness. Find healing and hope through activities like guided meditations, exploration and discovery of strengths and resilience, movement and mobility, soothing sound baths, artistic endeavors, and more!
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
It's not about the goal. It's about growing to become the person that can accomplish the goal.
~ Tony Robbins
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