Good morning, Salem.

This week in Salem, a three day circus show takes place at Riverfront Park from Oct.

23 to Oct. 25, along with the Nightmare Factory haunted house at the Oregon School for the Deaf and a Hot Wheels and model cars market (all events are scheduled from Oct. 22 to Oct. 28).

Rep. Kevin Mannix is working with the Salem-Keizer School District, parents, and local leaders to keep Cummings and Englewood Elementary open amid a proposal to close six schools.

Community members have submitted petitions and local legislators are discussing reforms to boost support (for vulnerable schools).

Oregon Health Authority said it will pay an average of $630 more per Medicaid member to its 15 coordinated care organizations beginning in 2027 + the state expects Medicare approval by the end of 2026 to keep healthcare accessible statewide.

Fonda appeared in Salem, endorsing Virginia Stapleton’s Senate campaign + she joined a canvassing kickoff in southeast Portland as part of efforts for Nov.

3. Her visits energized local supporters before the election.

Marion County and a coalition of behavioral health providers are urging the Oregon Health Authority to revise mental health facility safety rules for faster responses to threats.

The public comment period closed Oct. 19, and emergency changes are expected to take effect on Nov. 1.

Downtown Salem spots now offer fall drinks like pumpkin spice latte+cinnamon cocktails from Archive, Isaac's, Governor's Cup and Caffe Capri.

Local coffee shops and bars promote seasonal specialties this fall.

Flag football was officially approved by the Oregon School Activities Association following a unanimous vote, and Salem-Keizer Public Schools teams celebrated the decision that builds on investments from 2023 — a milestone for local athletics.