Daily
Salem
Wednesday, March 25th, 2026
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Project POOCH is a program at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility that hires incarcerated youth to care for shelter dogs—offering new starts for both as a community initiative today. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Incarcerated youth at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility helped train adoptable shelter dogs through Project POOCH in Woodburn. The program (which includes dogs like Georgia and Viola) gives youth hands-on animal care experience. Statesman Journal
- ➤ This week, Salem offers events including Yozakura’s nighttime cherry blossom viewing at Capitol State Park through Saturday, a Family Fun Day at Willamette Heritage Center today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pentacle Theatre’s musical comedy through Saturday, and an Easter egg hunt at Salem Center Mar. 28-29. Salem Reporter
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, March 21 at the Salem Public Library, seventh-generation weaver Stephanie Craig explained how indigenous basketry preserves cultural traditions and ecological knowledge while demonstrating traditional techniques that honor her family's heritage. Salem Reporter
- ➤ The Statesman Journal, Oregon’s second-oldest newspaper, marks 175 years with a special feature that explores its historic journey. Readers can learn about the paper’s legacy today. Statesman Journal
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Salem was named the state’s Tree City of the Year by the Oregon Department of Forestry for its strong response to the emerald ash borer and its 50-year legacy with the Tree City USA program, featuring diversified plantings in parks and streets + a dedicated tree inventory program. 1430 KYKN
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers added $1.8 million in two-year funding to the budget to fight the Japanese beetle that threatens local crops. Agriculture officials say the funds will help growers regain beetle-free certification in the Willamette Valley. Salem Reporter
- ➤ Salem Reporter revealed why Block 50 remains empty — the property costing over $5 million in taxpayer money has yet to see retail or apartments. The investigation shows delays linked to environmental cleanup and vague city updates over a process stretching nearly a decade. Salem Reporter
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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!
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Preschool Storytime
10:15-10:40 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy interactive stories, songs, and movement for children ages 2½ to 6 and their grownups.
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Cultural and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board Monthly Meeting
6 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Engage in community discussions on cultural and tourism initiatives.
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A New Moon Ball: A Bridgerton Themed Ball
6-10 p.m. — Willamette Heritage Center — VIP dinner available — Step into the Regency era for an enchanting night of dancing and revelry inspired by Bridgerton.
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Spring Floral Paint & Sip Workshop
1-4 p.m. — Chemeketa Cellars Tasting Room — Not specified — Unwind while painting fresh spring florals in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
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
Your habits shape your identity, and your identity shapes your habits.
~ James Clear
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