Your Wednesday evening update on Salem news

Good evening, Salem.

More than 100 local educators are in the running for a Crystal Apple award this year.

The annual award recognizes the teachers, assistants, counselors, custodians, office workers, principals, bus drivers and more who keep schools running in the area. Most nominees are from the Salem-Keizer School District, but some private school educators are also included.

The district posted a list of nominees this week, though spokesman Aaron Harada said it’s missing a few names of people who haven’t yet been notified of their nomination.

Winners will be announced at the annual red carpet event put on by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 7-9 p.m. at the Salem Convention Center. Tickets will go on sale in April and typically sell out quickly.

Here’s some of today’s news. Head to our website anytime for the latest in Salem.

www.salemreporter.com

Salem attorney slapped with record fine after citing case law hallucinated by AI

The Oregon Court of Appeals issued a $10,000 fine to Bill Ghiorso, a Salem-based civil attorney, after determining he signed his name to a legal brief containing 15 bogus citations…

www.salemreporter.com

CITY MEETING: Salem city councilors approve short-term rental fee

Rentals through Airbnb, VRBO and similar platforms will have an added 2% city fee on bookings beginning May 1. The money will largely go to Travel Salem to fund tourism…

www.salemreporter.com

Former Salem pizzeria owner ordered to pay $96k in felony tax evasion case

The former owner of Donatello’s Pizza in Salem was ordered to pay the state more than $90,000 in back taxes and penalties after pleading guilty to three counts of tax…

www.salemreporter.com

Salem Health spent $162 million in 2024 on subsidized care, other community programs

New state data shows Salem’s only hospital spent more than state law requires on health care services benefitting the community in 2024. The bulk of the money went to cover…

Salem Reporter Town Hall graphic - March 2026

SALEM REPORTER TOWN HALL: CITY ELECTIONS

Meet the people who want to run Salem city government. Our special live program will include all eight candidates for Salem City Council and the challenger who wants to become mayor. The event is Tuesday, March 31, at the Elsinore Theatre and your tickets are free in advance. Doors open at 5 p.m. so you can meet the candidates and the program begins at 6 p.m. The show will be broadcast by Capital Community Media in a collaboration to deliver this important community service. TOWN HALL TICKETS: FREE

SEE LOCAL EVENTS: Our new events calendar lets you browse what’s happening in Salem – completely free. Want to submit an upcoming event? You can do that here.

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Salem attorney slapped with record fine after citing case law hallucinated by AI

CITY MEETING: Salem city councilors approve short-term rental fee

Former Salem pizzeria owner ordered to pay $96k in felony tax evasion case

Salem Health spent $162 million in 2024 on subsidized care, other community programs

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