Daily Salem Logo Daily Salem

Wednesday, September 24th, 2025

SHARE

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
  • Dementia Conversations Workshop

    1-2:30 p.m. — Community Health Education Center — Free entry — Enhance your caregiving skills with tips for important conversations about dementia care.

    Wed, 10/1/25

    View event
  • Beginning Bonsai Class

    10 AM – 1 PM — Terra Gardens Nursery & Bark — Cost included — Learn to nurture your first bonsai with professional instruction and all materials provided.

    Sat, 10/4/25

    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

The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake - you can't learn anything from being perfect.

~ Adam Osborne

About Daily Salem

Welcome to the Daily Salem, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Salem, Oregon community. If you like the Daily Salem, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Salem.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Salem and across Oregon. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Daily Salem

A free Salem community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here