Good morning, Salem.

A government report showed that Oregon’s unemployment rate increased from 4.2% to 5.2% in September, marking the highest rise among states after a federal shutdown delayed the release.

Nationally, the rate climbed to 4.4% as payroll jobs showed mixed changes.

Highland Elementary received its first intensive reading tutoring program from Reading Results on Dec.

4 to help 32 students in grades 1-4 boost their phonics skills. The community project is funded by local philanthropists (Epping Family Foundation and Mountain West Center for Community Excellence) and may expand to other schools.

School district leaders propose cutting the planned 3.5% raise to 1.5% for about 2500 teachers beginning July 1, 2026 to save 5.3 million dollars and avoid layoffs.

Union representatives will soon poll members as part of efforts to reduce spending by 25 million dollars.

Willamette and Pacific have announced plans to merge into the University of the Northwest, with merger approvals expected early 2026.

Campuses remain separate and sports teams keep their identity + the merger will enhance academic collaboration and student pathways.

North Salem High School choir will perform as part of Holidays at the Capitol at the Oregon State Capitol Rotunda, with school choirs from across the state scheduled from Monday to Saturday until Dec.

23.

Across Oregon, the Geminid meteor shower will peak on Saturday, Dec.

13, with activity intensifying after 10 p.m. and up to 60 meteors visible per hour statewide, even with partly cloudy skies (NASA forecasts vivid colors and fireballs).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to lower Detroit Lake gradually starting November and December 2026 to help endangered salmon migrate — local officials and residents worry the drawdown may risk water quality for 210,000 and harm tourism in the Santiam Canyon.

South Falls is gushing at Silver Falls State Park after heavy rain from this week's atmospheric river, and visitors can see the active natural display in the park.

Retrofitting the Center Street Bridge to improve earthquake safety is set to start mid 2026, and state and city officials say six months of lane reductions and overnight closures will require drivers to seek alternate routes into downtown.

The project aims to secure the bridge to support 45,000 vehicles daily.

OHA urged residents to update whooping cough vaccinations on Dec.

11 after state officials reported a record 1,475 cases this year; they recommended pregnant people get a dose during their third trimester to protect newborns (babies and older adults remain at high risk).

Ocean Sushi & Teriyaki in Keizer serves fresh sushi, teriyaki plates, bento boxes, and ramen daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on River Rd N and has earned local praise for its friendly staff and generous portions.

High Risk Driver Course

6-10 p.m. — Salem Hospital, Building D — Court-mandated attendance — Complete the required class for high risk drivers to avoid penalties.

Lancaster Family Health Center Flu 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.

Private Visit & Photos with Santa

8:10-8:15 p.m. — Salem Riverfront Carousel — $30 reservation fee — Experience a magical holiday moment with Santa and capture keepsake photos.

Brooks Ugly Sweater Party

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Brooks Wine — Food and wine available for purchase — Flaunt your favorite ugly sweater for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-12:30 a.m. — The Spinning Room at Willamette Heritage Center — $31.95 — Experience the enchanting sound of Christmas classics performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

End of the Year Art Mixer

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Salem on the Edge Art Gallery — Free entry — Celebrate the year's end in a vibrant local art space with community camaraderie.

Holiday Party and White Elephant Gift Exchange

6-8:30 p.m. — Cascadia Pizza Co. — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with pizza, joy, and a fun gift exchange.

Salem Tuba Holiday

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Donations welcomed — Celebrate the season with a festive performance featuring community musicians playing beloved holiday tunes on tubas and other conical bore instruments.

Magic of Lights

11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of dazzling lights and festive fun in Salem.

Magic of Lights

11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a dazzling display of holiday lights in Salem.