Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 13th of December.
Good morning, Salem.
🏘️ Community
Salem Reporter and What’s Happening Salem hosted a Coffee Break podcast on Dec.
11 that covered Subatomic Toys opening a vintage toy store + new city efforts at Wallace Marine Park and housing plans to streamline construction. The episode offered a quick look at this week’s top local stories.
Keizer Miracle of Lights is collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations to benefit Marion Polk Food Share (drop-offs occur at designated sites).
Local residents can support this ongoing drive to help neighbors in need.
📰 Economy
A government report released Dec.
11 shows Oregon’s unemployment rate jumped to 5.2% in September from 4.2% last year, the largest rise among the states (25 saw increases while 21 fell).
🎓 Education
Pacific and Willamette Universities signed a letter of intent to explore a merger that, if approved, would create Oregon’s largest private university by combining campuses in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Portland, and Salem.
The universities will conduct reviews and negotiate details to expand access for nearly 6,000 students.
🌲 Environment
ODFW issued a fleet advisory for the Dungeness crab fishery today, Dec.
13, warning vessel operators to steer clear of areas where whales are feeding. The agency said it may impose additional gear restrictions to address the rising entanglement risk.
🏛️ Government
The Oregon Department of Revenue advises taxpayers to update or create a Revenue Online account ahead of the 2026 tax season to help speed up processing.
Electronic refunds will start on Feb. 15 while paper returns may be delayed until after late March.
🎉 Salem Events
Submit an event →
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.
Magic of Lights
11:59 PM - 1:29 AM — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket details vary — Experience a captivating display of illuminations and festive cheer in Salem.
🏠 Salem Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Salem Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Salem Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Salem.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.