Good morning, Salem.

Final touches were completed on November 13 for the new skate park at Geer Park, which now offers areas for beginner and advanced skateboarding, a viewing area with benches, and a rain garden (with about 5,000 plants).

A new sidewalk from Park Avenue NE improves access for local skaters.

Oregon will see a weak atmospheric river bring rain and colder air ahead of Thanksgiving—today the weather is dry with highs near 50, and rain begins tomorrow with less than an inch statewide before colder mornings early next week and a brief chance of mixed precipitation on Wednesday. Travelers should note that slick roads and low visibility early next week could affect travel while warmer conditions return on Thanksgiving.

Salem officials from the Department of Consumer and Business Services’ Division of Financial Regulation are hosting a virtual hearing on prescription drug prices on Dec.

4 at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom—Oregon residents can share their experiences and comments as legislators moderate panel presentations.

Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order on Wednesday that directs state agencies to speed up permitting and grid upgrades to expand renewable energy projects and reduce greenhouse gas emissions — agencies must work together to propose new policies by September 2026 and report quarterly to meet federal tax incentive deadlines.

Oregon and eight other states proposed a settlement that requires Greystar to pay $7 million and end its use of algorithmic software that raised rents using sensitive competitor data+ if approved by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, Greystar will avoid a trial and further litigation. The deal also bars the company from sharing sensitive data or joining RealPage-hosted landlord meetings.

Lancaster Family Health Center Flu Vaccine Clinic

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center at Lancaster — Insurance accepted — Help fight off the flu with a timely in-and-out trip to the clinic.

Infant/Toddler Storytime

11:00–11:20 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes perfect for little ones up to 2 ½ years old with their grownups.

Salem Run'ucopia Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

9:10 a.m. — Riverfront City Park — Registration available until Thanksgiving morning — Participate in a community-run event to celebrate the holiday spirit.

Magic at the Mill

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM — Willamette Heritage Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical holiday lights festival with entertainment, markets, and Santa visits.

GLOW Christmas Light Adventure

4:45-9 p.m. — Volcanoes Stadium — Admission starting at $14.99 (+ fees) — Experience a whimsical search-and-find adventure amidst over a million twinkling lights and festive holiday scenes.

Santa Paws Photo Event for Project POOCH

12-4 p.m. — Rogue Salem Public House — Donations welcomed — Capture festive moments with your dog while supporting a great cause.

Holiday Author Meet & Greet

1-4 p.m. — Barnes & Noble — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with signed copies of the Alex McKenna series featuring ghosts, witches, and paranormal adventures.

GLOW Christmas Light Adventure

4:45-9 p.m. — Volcanoes Stadium — Admission starting at $14.99 — Experience a magical landscape with over a million lights and festive activities for the whole family.

Oregon Total Worker Health Alliance Share and Connect

6-10 p.m. — 400 High St SE, Salem, OR — Lunch provided — Network, learn, and collaborate on best practices for workplace health and safety.

Sonic Journey Meditation Experience

7-8:45 p.m. — Salem Friends Meeting House — $20-40 sliding scale — Experience profound relaxation and mindfulness through immersive sound meditation with gongs and crystal singing bowls.