Your Friday evening update on Salem news

Good evening, Salem.

Oregon lawmakers closed out the 2026 session late this afternoon, adjourning after passing bills covering everything from pennies to wildlife conservation.

One win for Salem is $1.35 million lawmakers put toward terminal expansion planning and emergency power improvements at the city-run airport. That will be paid for with the proceeds from state lottery sales. We’ll report next week in more detail on what the money will go toward.

A number of bills also require schools, hospitals and other institutions in Oregon to take steps to limit access for immigration agents or regulate what information can be shared with them.

We’ll double back with local institutions to see what changes they’re making to policies in response. The Salem-Keizer School District, for instance, already has a practice of notifying families if immigration agents are confirmed on a school campus – something that hasn’t happened this school year or last.

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

www.salemreporter.com

Salem Saturday Market to return for 28th season

The Salem Saturday Market will open for the 2026 season at 9 a.m. March 7, bringing together around 70 local vendors. To comment on this story, use the form at…

www.salemreporter.com

City of Salem denies officer at fault for woman’s injuries during 911 call response

After successfully petitioning to move an excessive force lawsuit against a Salem police officer to federal court, the city of Salem is arguing that a responding officer used reasonable force…

www.salemreporter.com

Oregon lawmakers increase lodging tax to boost wildlife funding

A new measure is expected to bring in roughly $37 million per year for wildlife conservation by raising Oregon’s lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.75%. It received some Republican support…

www.salemreporter.com

Oregon Legislature votes to round pennies after lack of federal guidance

Under an emergency declaration, vendors would be able to immediately round cash purchases if Gov. Tina Kotek signs the bill. To comment on this story, use the form at the…

www.salemreporter.com

5 things to do in Salem this week: Choral music, seed swap, Saturday Market returns

Events in Salem this week include the reopening of the Salem Saturday Market, a play about chemist and physicist Marie Curie at the Keizer Homegrown Theater, and singing performances for…

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Salem Saturday Market to return for 28th season

City of Salem denies officer at fault for woman’s injuries during 911 call response

Oregon lawmakers increase lodging tax to boost wildlife funding

Oregon Legislature votes to round pennies after lack of federal guidance

5 things to do in Salem this week: Choral music, seed swap, Saturday Market returns

Donate now – fund deep reporting on schools

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