Daily
Salem
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ SEDCOR reported that nearly $80 million in private investment and 136 new jobs boosted growth in Salem’s Mid-Willamette Valley this fiscal year. The report highlighted investments by Don Pancho/Reser's and George Packing/Northwest Hazelnut — efforts supported by state incentive programs and local government backing. Salem Business Journal
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Friday the 12th, about 4,000 Vaux’s swifts roosted in the chimney of Salem First United Methodist Church as bird expert Harry Fuller and 16 observers watched the flock settle before dark and then leave in a swift departure after sunset—confirming their usual migration along the West Coast. Salem Reporter
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries announced that a $79 million investment and a 30% budget increase will allow the agency to lift the wage threshold by the end of the year and hire new staff to reduce backlogs — the agency plans to add 34 positions and update its case management system as further funds come online. This move aims to improve service for Oregon workers who have long faced delays in wage and civil rights claims. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Cherriots invited Salem-Keizer residents to apply for its Community Advisory Committee to help shape public transit in the region. Applicants must live or work within the Salem Urban Growth Boundary and commit to a two-year term—applications are available online or by calling 503-588-2424. 1430 KYKN
- ➤ New state laws signed by Gov. Kotek will protect Oregonians from unpaid medical bills harming their credit and unfair auto financing practices starting in 2026—measures celebrated in Salem that also require online sellers to disclose fees and shorten the dealer financing period. These actions come as states step in to fill gaps left by a weakened federal consumer protection agency. Salem Reporter
- ➤ State Rep. Paul Evans criticized the Salem YMCA after a heated board dispute involving councilor Soraida Cross and board member Dan Moore, alleging that Salem elites allowed racist remarks and inappropriate profiteering while he confirmed a past relationship with Cross—he said he will no longer support or encourage the nonprofit amid ongoing ethics investigations and internal conflicts. Salem Reporter
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today a vigil will be held at the Union Street Railroad Bridge at 9 p.m.—Doula Synergy, founded by Salem resident Ashley Rose Salvitti, is hosting the event to support families grieving stillbirth and pregnancy loss and to raise awareness ahead of National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day on Sept. 19 as participants later walk to Riverfront Park to view teal and purple lights. Salem Reporter
- ➤ Four West Coast states recommended COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines for adults and children with risk factors during the respiratory season—guidelines from Sept 17 state that adults aged 18 to 64 who want protection and children as young as 6 months can get vaccinated. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and the Oregon Health Authority adopted the plan to keep families safe. Oregon Capital Chronicle
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IN A LANDSCAPE: Riverfront Park
4-10 p.m. — Riverfront City Park — Free entry — Experience classical music amidst the stunning natural landscapes of the American West.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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