Your Wednesday evening update on Salem news

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Volunteers fanned out across the community Wednesday, April 8, to deliver more than 6,000 pies to local educators.

“Pie Project 2026,” as organizers dubbed it, was a joint effort by Jackie Franke of Community of Business and Education Leaders and Jennifer Palanuk of the Salem Leadership Foundation. It’s intended to show appreciation for educators and other employees of the Salem-Keizer School District.

Volunteers pack pies for delivery to Salem-Keizer School District employees on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (SALEM LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION photo)

Willamette Valley Pie Company donated 4,180 pies valued at $77,330, according to Kyle Dickinson, the foundation’s executive director. The company discounted another 2,000 pies to $5 each, with donors covering the cost.

The same groups undertook a similar effort in 2024 as budget cuts and layoffs loomed.

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

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Leaders of Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics led a panel Tuesday, April 7, saying their planned merger will allow for local health care growth in what they described…

www.salemreporter.com

Every candidate for city council and mayor is pledging to address homelessness, which Salem residents for years have listed as a top issue in the community. As progressives and conservatives…

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For the third year in a row, Salem Reporter has been picked to participate in a prestigious Oregon internship program. Two young journalists will spend the summer in Salem. To…

www.salemreporter.com

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission won’t consider the findings of an investigation into a long-serving state representative until at least May 8 after his attorney received a time waiver to…

READERS REACT: “I appreciat(e)… knowing how Salem shows up on national issues. Thanks for being there,” melbelle57 commented on Salem Reporter’s coverage of a small protest against the war in Iran on Tuesday, April 7 -just ahead of the ceasefire announcement.

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