Daily
Salem
Tuesday, November 25th, 2025
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 25th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Thanksgiving, November 27, several Salem grocery stores will have reduced hours as Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Costco will be closed while Safeway, Fred Meyer, Roth’s Fresh Markets, WinCo, and Megafoods operate on varied schedules. Shoppers should plan ahead—some stores open early and close by mid-afternoon while a few run regular hours. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Local churches, shelters and organizations are offering free Thanksgiving meals around Salem and Keizer this week. The HOAP Project provides to-go plates from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today—others serve dine-in meals on later dates, including Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day. Salem Reporter
- ➤ Salem’s emergency warming shelters are calling for at least 150 volunteers to work four 4‑hour shifts when temperatures drop to 32°—with sites at Salem First Presbyterian Church and the ARCHES Day Center. Volunteers must be 18 or older and finish a two‑hour training before helping with check‑ins, food service, and support during the winter. Salem Reporter
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Major Oregon retailers, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Fred Meyer, will open early for Black Friday on November 28—with many offering deals before and throughout the week while REI remains closed for #OptOutside. Shoppers will have a range of store-specific start times and extended sale periods to prepare for the holiday season. Statesman Journal
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ State Economist Carl Riccadonna told lawmakers that Oregon’s economy is slowing as it lost 18,000 nonfarm jobs and unemployment rose to 5%—with falling interest rates and a pending tariff ruling possibly spurring moderate growth in 2026. Economic policy expert John Tapogna said outdated policies, high housing costs and low test scores are making it harder for families to move here. Salem Reporter
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon Department of Education released new data that shows over 15,000 Salem-Keizer students were often absent last year and that most Salem schools still have lower attendance than before the pandemic. Salem Reporter published the report so families and teachers can check attendance trends and compare them with the 2018-19 school year — the report aims to help the community understand local school performance. Salem Reporter
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Energy Trust of Oregon has urged Oregonians to upgrade their homes with heating and cooling pumps, insulation, windows and solar panels to claim federal tax credits before they expire in five weeks. Homeowners can continue to benefit from state incentive programs after the credits end. Oregon Capital Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Salem launched a local bidders pilot program on November 17 to boost local business, requiring city departments to obtain quotes from at least one local vendor for purchases under $100,000. The initiative will be reviewed in three months—local bidders can sign up by filling out a supplier interest form. 1430 KYKN
- ➤ Governor Tina Kotek announced on November 24 that philanthropies matched the state’s $6 million for food security by directing $5 million to food banks and $1 million to tribal grants. The Oregon Disaster Funders Network has coordinated over $6.4 million in matching funds — donations that will help address food access gaps exposed during the federal shutdown. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Volunteers from IBEW Local 280 decorated the Capitol rotunda by hanging more than 7,000 LED lights and ornaments on a 35-foot Noble fir from Falls City— the tree will serve as the centerpiece for the 2025 holidays. Statesman Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ SAIF will hold a free half-day agricultural safety seminar on Wednesday, December 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Cascade Hall of the Oregon State Fair Expo Center—primarily for agriculture workers yet open to all—with lunch provided. The insurer will also offer additional Salem sessions in February in both English and Spanish. 1430 KYKN
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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72nd Annual SnoBall
72nd Annual Teen dance at Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion. The only dance that is inclusive of all high school and home schooled students.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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December Paint & Sip Night
6-8 p.m. — Vortex Eatery & Taphouse — Full menu available — Enjoy an evening of creativity with drinks and painting in a relaxed setting.
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