What's making news in Salem you might have missed

Good morning………

The holiday slowdown is here – and not because the federal government is shutting down.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

If you missed the news, Congress acted Friday night to keep money flowing for agencies. Otherwise, some federal functions would have been going on a holiday break.

Around Salem, we know many of you are looking forward to a light work week. There’s plenty to do around town in your idle hours.

One of Salem’s most beloved traditions is the annual Christmas Eve concert at the Elsinore Theatre. If you’ve been around, you know Salem Tuba Holiday is a joyous time. Reporter Madeleine Moore has the details on this year’s show.

And I guess Madeleine is our holiday authority this year. She also spent time with Santa Bob and shares his story.

Managing Editor Rachel Alexander caught up with students from Houck Middle School as they public an entertaining show at the Salem Center. She posted a video clip to our Instagram channel that has been getting a love of looks.

Speaking of Instagram, Salem Reporter has revitalized its channel so check us out. We re-introduced ourselves there – join us!

Even with the holiday, our team brought you important and exclusive reports in recent days.

One that has triggered a lot of conversation is reporter Joe Siess’s story about an internal review that critical of City Manager Keith Stahley. This comes as a new mayor is about to take office, joined by some new city councilors.

And Rachel Alexander used the public records law to find out what’s happening with a prime block of city property downtown. She reports on what a half dozen developers say they would do with this ground if picked to build it up.

Reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian checked in with local police agencies about immigration enforcement. The country is bracing for Donald Trump’s promised mass deportation the moment he takes office next month.

And our colleagues at Oregon Capital Chronicle report the state’s attorney general is readying for Trump’s actions. Ellen Rosenblum, who leaves office next month, is pushing out information about Oregon’s own immigration laws.

On a more positive note, reporter Abbey McDonald has the details on a new housing complex planned in Salem for refugees.

On the education front, teachers got a surprise just ahead of the Christmas break while the faculty at Chemeketa Community College continues to hope for a new pay deal.

In business news, Salem Health has swallowed up another medical provider in Salem and Avelo sets an extended schedule to fly you out of town.

So, now you’re caught up on what’s going on around town.

As I close, know that our entire team hopes you and your family find moments of joy in the coming days.

And to devote a bit of extra time to my own family, I’ll take a break too so there won’t be a newsletter for you from me next Sunday.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK:

As Santa Bob at Riverfront Carousel, Bob Foster shakes bells on Dec. 17, 2024, which he does every time he enters the room to meet kids. (Madeleine Moore/Salem Reporter)

I’m always delighted to hear from readers. Send me your ideas, your questions, even your concerns or complaints. My direct email: [email protected].

Let’s go have a great week and do something helpful for the community.

– Les Zaitz, co-founder and editor, Salem Reporter

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