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A new play opening this week at Willamette University hits close to home, drawing inspiration from a “haunting discovery” at the Oregon State Hospital.

“Room of Forgotten Souls” is based on the 2004 discovery of a locked room holding the remains of 4,000 hospital patients who had been forgotten.

The university’s theater ensemble will create “an original, ensemble-devised performance exploring memory, loss, mental health, and recognition,” the description says.

Performances run through Saturday, April 25, with 7:30 p.m. shows Thursday through Saturday, and several weekend matinees. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for seniors and $9 for students. More things to do this weekend are in our weekly events roundup below, and our events calendar always has more ideas.

Also, the link we shared in yesterday’s newsletter to Travel Salem’s dog ambassador contest has been updated. Find information on that here.

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

www.salemreporter.com

North Salem students headed to robotics worlds for second time in school history

North’s “Valkyrie” robotics team will compete against students from across the globe in St. Louis beginning Tuesday, April 21. To comment on this story, use the form at the end…

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www.salemreporter.com

Measure 120 would give Oregonians a chance to weigh in on the gas tax

Oregonians in May will have a chance to reject or approve a 2025 law that raises the gas tax, payroll tax used for public transit and car registration and title…

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www.salemreporter.com

Gov. Kotek issues order prohibiting Oregon districts from reducing school days to cut costs

Districts that reduced school days to cover budget holes will need to add them onto the next school year under a new order from Gov. Tina Kotek. To comment on…

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www.salemreporter.com

Your guide to the 2026 city of Salem election

2026 City of Salem Election Candidates listen to Ward 2 council candidate Manny Martinez answer a question at the Salem Reporteru0026rsquo;s city election Town Hall on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.u0026hellip;

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www.salemreporter.com

5 things to do in Salem this week: Record Store Day, Earth Day crafts, comic art expo

Events in Salem this week include Record Store Day deals at Drum Bug Music and Harvest Music, Earth Day crafts at Willamette Art Center and a comic art expo at…

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Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

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