The Latest Stories For You From Salem Reporter

Good morning, Salem.

Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics went public Monday evening with their plans to merge in a joint announcement.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

The hospital systems have signed an agreement and intend to submit it to the Oregon Health Authority for regulatory approval, according to a news release. Salem Reporter broke news of those discussions last month.

It would be the largest local health care merger since Salem Health absorbed West Valley Hospital in 2002. The move would combine two of the largest independent health care providers in Marion County. It comes at a time when many hospitals in Oregon are struggling financially and reporting significant losses.

Regulatory approval is likely to take months, and patients would be informed of any changes in care. That’s a top concern for many people insured through Regence BlueCross BlueShield, who lost coverage at Salem Health in early 2025 after the failed to reach an agreement.

Leaders of both hospital systems will share more information in a news conference later this morning. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.

Have questions you want us to get answers for? Send them to reporter Hailey Cook at [email protected].

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

www.salemreporter.com

Local leaders reflect on MLK’s legacy, hold peace walk

More than 200 people gathered Monday at McKay High School to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and give awards to local leaders continuing his work. The event included…

www.salemreporter.com

Hundreds gather at Oregon Capitol on MLK Day to protest ICE, show support for of immigrants

A small crowd swelled into hundreds on Monday as the plaza in front of the Oregon Capitol building was transformed into a festive gathering space in support of the immigrant…

www.salemreporter.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: How we reported in depth on work in homeless camps

Reporters Madeleine Moore and Abbey McDonald spent hours in the field with workers from two city teams, one who spends their days working to move people out of homeless encampments…

www.salemreporter.com

Salem Reporter to host Town Hall on student reading crisis in local schools

A free, moderated discussion on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Elsinore Theatre will feature a panel of local experts explaining how student literacy became a crisis and what we can…

Oregon Symphony Salem Sibelius and Grieg Smith Auditorium Salem Oregon

YOU’RE INVITED – TOWN HALL

“CRISIS: Student Reading” – Hosted by Salem Reporter

We examine the literacy challenges in Salem schools and what can be done now.

6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 – Elsinore Theatre – Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Participate:

*Be there – free tickets.

*Send questions – email to [email protected]

Watch: CC:Media broadcast live online and on Channel 21.

“You’ve put together a quality staff at the Salem Reporter who reflect your dedication for informing your readers and holding public officials accountable.” -Rick S.

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TIP US TO NEWS: Email Managing Editor Rachel Alexander – [email protected]

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Local leaders reflect on MLK’s legacy, hold peace walk

Hundreds gather at Oregon Capitol on MLK Day to protest ICE, show support for of immigrants

EDITOR’S NOTE: How we reported in depth on work in homeless camps

Salem Reporter to host Town Hall on student reading crisis in local schools

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