Good morning, Salem.

Rudy’s Steakhouse reopens as Rudy’s Greenside Steakhouse at Creekside Golf Club with a soft launch in January and full opening in February — serving classic dishes Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Local investors Daniel Hill and Justin Cabrera are behind the revival.

Major retailers in Oregon offer extended holiday hours today to help shoppers find last-minute gifts.

Some stores (like Target and Kohl's) stay open until midnight while others have shorter hours and early closures on Dec. 24.

Forecast models predict gusty winds in the Willamette Valley and along the coast on Dec.

24, with most areas expecting 30-45 mph and a worst case scenario of 60-80 mph (a 10% chance), so residents are advised to prepare by charging batteries and filling up on fuel.

Officials announced this month that a state study found the Mediterranean oak borer beetle in several counties (including Marion, Polk, and Yamhill) across the valley.

The pest threatens native oak trees already stressed by drought and may spread further if firewood is moved.

Salem officials will use Keizer's water system today after storms reduce production at the Geren Island Water Treatment Facility.

The system will pump 5 million gallons per day (20% of average winter use), so West Salem residents may notice a change in taste, odor or color until river turbidity lessens.

Motorcycles cannot drive between lanes as Oregon law forbids riding with cars — two bikes may ride side-by-side but ODOT advises using the center of the lane after 2024 data showed Salem motorcyclists faced higher fatal crash rates.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has urged residents and visitors to exercise caution during one of the busiest travel weeks as weather systems will bring rain, mountain snow and strong winds through Wednesday, affecting mountain passes, the coast and the I-5 corridor.

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.

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.

Magic of Lights

11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a dazzling light display in Salem that captivates the holiday spirit.

Flu Clinic at Lancaster Family Health Center

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center at Lancaster — Free service — Help fight off the flu with a quick visit to the clinic.

GLOW Christmas Lighting Festival

5 PM - Midnight — Volcanoes Stadium — Ticketed event — Experience a magical Christmas lighting festival filled with interactive activities and dazzling fireworks.

Energize & Elevate

10 AM – 2 PM — The Reed — Check website for costs — Discover balance and wellness strategies aimed at busy professionals and entrepreneurs.

Cascade Creatives Grand Opening

12-3 p.m. — LAP Studio — Free entry — Celebrate the opening of a new design studio with giveaways, tacos, and community connection.