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Wednesday, September 24th, 2025

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Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of September.

CULTURE NEWS

  • More than 2,000 people attended the 11th annual Urban Art Fest at Riverfront Park on Sept. 21, where the Tierra Mixteca dance group from Oaxaca performed the Danza de los Diablos—emphasizing a message of 'We are here to stay' amid immigration challenges. The free event showcased graffiti art and lowrider vehicles, drawing a large crowd to celebrate community and art.  Salem Reporter
  • The Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center will host the debut Scare at the Fair event from Oct. 10 through Nov. 2, featuring four haunted houses by Fright Planet—carnival rides, festive food, seasonal vendors, and roaming actors add extra Halloween thrills while free entry is offered for non-haunted attractions and tickets are required for rides and houses.  Salem Reporter

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Marion County is expanding its Youth Employment Grant program—offering a $5 per hour reimbursement to small businesses that hire first-time workers aged 14 to 17—to boost summer job opportunities for local teens. The program, managed by Willamette Workforce Partnership and the County Board of Commissioners, will fund new hires in the 2025—2026 fiscal years.  Salem Business Journal

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Salem Mayor Julie Hoy sent a letter to lawmakers saying she personally opposes the $4.3 billion transportation package after she previously signed a city letter in support. Some council members said her use of city letterhead could confuse voters—Hoy later clarified that the letter reflects only her own view.  Salem Reporter
  • Eligibility workers in Oregon reported high call center wait times and insufficient training as the state braces for federal benefit cuts that may shift up to $500 million in costs every two years — with new training sessions and software upgrades set to begin in October. The human services department must lower its current error rate of 14.06% to below 6% to avoid further financial penalties.  Salem Reporter

HEALTH NEWS

  • Jim Sellers, a former journalist and Medicare counselor in Salem, explains that Medicare beneficiaries can review over 25 Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans on Medicare.gov from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 — new coverage will start Jan. 1. He adds that free help is available through SHIBA counselors, state-certified brokers, and the 800-MEDICARE helpline.  Salem Reporter

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Beginner ESL Class

    3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Participate in a multilingual beginner-level English class with supportive instruction.

    Thu, 9/25/25

    View event
  • Yoga + Coffee at Prismatic

    12-1 p.m. — Prismatic Coffee Company — Suggested donation of $5-10 — Enjoy a midday yoga flow followed by coffee in a sustainable community.

    Sat, 9/27/25

    View event
  • Timeless Footprints with Annette Jensen

    2-11:59 p.m. — Center 50+ — Free entry — Explore how to make a lasting impact on the world around you with an inspiring talk from Annette Jensen.

    Mon, 9/29/25

    View event
  • Youth Coordinated Entry Program Visit

    11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Learn about housing assistance and resources for youth ages 14-24 from local community organizations.

    Tue, 9/30/25

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  • October Salem Stoic Society Meeting

    5:00 – 6:30 PM — IKE Box Café — Free entry — Explore practical Stoicism to navigate life's challenges and cultivate resilience with like-minded individuals.

    Wed, 10/1/25

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  • Michael Carbonaro Live Show

    7:30-9:00 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — All ages welcome — Experience the magic and comedy of Michael Carbonaro known for his hidden camera magic series.

    Sat, 10/4/25

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  • Sonic Journey – Sound Bath Experience

    7-8:45 p.m. — Salem Friends Meeting — $20-40 sliding scale — Immerse yourself in a meditative sound bath with gongs and crystal singing bowls for profound relaxation.

    Wed, 10/8/25

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  • Oregon Ready Fair 2025

    11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — 3930 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, OR — Free entry — A community event focused on practical emergency preparedness and hands-on learning for all ages.

    Sat, 10/11/25

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  • Spooky Boo Paint Night

    5:30-7:30 p.m. — Valiant the Sandwich — All materials included — Unleash your creativity with a ghostly painting experience this Halloween.

    Tue, 10/14/25

    View event
  • Spooky Cute Paint Night

    6-8 p.m. — Vortex Eatery + Taphouse — All materials included — Unleash your creativity with a fun, spooky painting experience designed for all skill levels.

    Thu, 10/16/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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