Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 7th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Salem resident Ina Van Lydegraf turned 101 in September and spent her birthday with family after a hot air balloon ride on her 100th birthday—she recalled watching smoke from the Capitol fire, growing up on unpaved Lancaster Road, and later enjoying Wii bowling at The Springs at Lancaster Village. Her life story reflects a century of change in Salem. Salem Reporter
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Amazon’s PDX8 warehouse in Woodburn is 3.8 million square feet and is Oregon’s largest building, where 6,000 robots help workers at the new distribution center & it marks a major expansion in the area. This facility is set to boost local business and streamline the delivery process. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Alejandra Marcos, a worker at the Kettle chips plant in Salem, won a $35,000 settlement after she was fired for asking for water and bathroom breaks. Her former bosses had to retrain their managers and post worker rights notices — steps meant to stop the same problems in the future. Salem Reporter
- ➤ Amazon opened its new distribution center in Woodburn on Oct. 6 — the state's largest facility employs over 6,000 robots. Local leaders attended the ceremony, including Mayor Frank Lonergan and Rep Andrea Salinas. Statesman Journal
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A recent report revealed that Starbucks has dodged about $1.3 billion in taxes over the past decade by using a Swiss subsidiary to shift profits from Oregon stores—reducing its tax bill—and limit funds for public services. The report urges lawmakers to require corporate tax transparency so residents can see what tax breaks companies use. Oregon Capital Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Three Mid-Valley arts organizations, including the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem, have been awarded a $10,000 grant each from the Oregon Arts Commission’s Arts Learning program as part of a $310,000 statewide investment to strengthen K–12 arts education—each group will use its funds to support a concert series, dance and coding residencies, and free art workshops for local students. 1430 KYKN
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Salem closed its $17.7 million budget gap for the 2026 fiscal year using added revenue, local levy funds, and cost controls that boosted reserves to $3.9 million—officials say long-term challenges still lie ahead. Salem Business Journal
- ➤ Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack explained at a downtown meeting on October 1 that the city’s short-term Safety and Livability plan uses overtime funds from saved job positions to boost officer engagement, and he added that a new recommendation to add two officers and extend outreach services will be discussed at the City Council meeting on October 13—local business owners noted improvements while some raised concerns about ongoing challenges with the unsheltered population. 1430 KYKN
- ➤ The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review Project Veritas’ challenge to Oregon’s law that bans recording in-person conversations without consent. The decision upholds a January ruling from the 9th Circuit and confirms that the state law, which requires all parties to be informed before audio is recorded, remains in effect — a ruling that supports Oregon’s approach to privacy and transparency. Oregon Capital Chronicle
- ➤ Gov. Tina Kotek served in the Oregon Legislature — she was Speaker of the House before being elected governor in 2022. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Twenty Oregon counties sent a letter Monday to state and federal officials supporting Marion County’s lawsuit—filed Aug. 18—that asks for a federal opinion to clarify if it can share parolee information with ICE. Marion County has not complied with the ICE subpoenas and seeks clear guidance on the state’s sanctuary law. Salem Reporter
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mike Gee, Director of Volleyball at NPJ Sports Complex, builds a volleyball family by stressing fun, hard work, and individual growth for better college recruitment opportunities—his approach redefines coaching in our local sports scene. Salem Business Journal
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Winery Comedy Tour
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Drinks available — Enjoy a night filled with laughter from some of the funniest comedians in the country.
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Author Meet & Greet Book Signing
1-4 p.m. — Barnes & Noble Salem — Free entry — Celebrate the release of the final book in the Alex McKenna series with a cozy book signing event.
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North East Salem Community Association Meeting
7-8:30 p.m. — The Jory Apartments — Free entry — Engage with your community and participate in important neighborhood discussions.
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Needle Felting Class - Pumpkin
6-8 p.m. — CreativiTee — Pre-registration required — Learn to needle felt a pumpkin and expand your fiber arts knowledge this fall.
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Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms
10 AM – 3 PM — Wavra Farms & Nursery — Free entry — Discover local vendors and enjoy the warmth of the indoor market this winter.
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The Ty Curtis Band
4-8 p.m. — Beehive Station — Entry details not specified — Ty Curtis returns to his bluesy roots with new music on the way.
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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