Daily
Salem
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Salem hosts many holiday events this week, including a Krampusnacht market at the Convention Center on Dec. 21, a sensory-friendly Santa meet at Willamette Heritage Center on Dec. 22 (free admission for kids), a holiday party at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Dec. 20, and movie screenings at local theaters. Salem Reporter
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Retailers announced their holiday cutoff times for online orders to ensure gifts arrive by Christmas. For example, Walmart next day delivery orders must be placed by 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 23 and ULTA standard shipping orders by 9:59 p.m. today, with other stores setting their own deadlines. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Many grocery stores in Oregon will offer shortened hours on Christmas Eve; Safeway and Whole Foods (closing at 7 p.m.) and Fred Meyer and Walmart (closing by 6 p.m.) mean shoppers have less time for last-minute holiday picks on Wednesday, Dec. 24. Statesman Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Marion and Polk counties cultural organizations launch the ninth annual reciprocal admission program in 2026 that lets members of Salem’s Deepwood Museum + Gardens and Willamette Heritage Center visit regional attractions free of charge when they show valid membership and photo ID; the program runs January through December. 1430 KYKN
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Colleges are updating teacher preparation programs to include research-backed reading instruction after Gov. Kotek’s 2023 push, though most schools reported only minimal changes in July reviews. A few institutions like George Fox and the University of Portland plan significant curriculum updates, with progress expected by month’s end. Salem Reporter
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A wind storm knocked down trees and powerlines in Salem on Dec. 17, leaving thousands without power (crews worked to clear debris along Front Street NE and nearby areas). Statesman Journal
- ➤ An atmospheric river is forecast to hit today around 4 a.m. and last 24 to 36 hours, bringing heavy rain that may cause flooding, landslides and power outages in Salem plus a flood watch is in effect until the evening of Dec. 19. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Tuesday night's storm caused temporary outages and school delays, but officials said damage was cleared with no reported injuries. Residents should brace for high winds today + heavy rains that could lead to minor flooding. Salem Reporter
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ USPS will deliver regular and Priority Mail Express mail on Christmas Eve, while UPS offers regular hours and FedEx operates with limited service + Amazon runs as usual. Residents should verify local office hours for any changes. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Maintenance crews will work on Center Street Bridge from 9 p.m. tonight until 5 a.m. Dec. 19 to prep for a seismic retrofit project, closing two lanes at a time + causing noise and potential delays. Residents traveling near the bridge should check current travel conditions before heading out. Statesman Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members can now obtain over-the-counter birth control and emergency contraception at no cost from local pharmacies as a standing order approved by the Oregon Health Authority and the Board of Pharmacy took effect on Dec. 16. 1430 KYKN
- ➤ Paul Howard at Salem Health has expanded the hospital’s library to serve both medical staff and local citizens by adding over 1,800 items (including a children’s section) and updating services; it is located at 939 Oak St. S.E. during weekday hours. Salem Reporter
- ➤ An audit by the secretary of state’s office found that the Oregon Health Authority’s rollout of Measure 110 has been hampered by governance issues and data gaps, leaving questions on nearly ($800 million) spent on substance use treatment programs. New data systems will require all grantees to submit information by Nov. (2026). Oregon Capital Chronicle
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Magic of Lights
11:59 PM - 1:29 AM — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a dazzling display of lights at this festive event in Salem.
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