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Good morning, Salem! In today’s edition: Consumer protection changes for patients, Lacey Lady restoration, the magical swap meet, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Key updates for patients: Oregon consumer protection laws took effect Jan. 1, 2026, changing medical debt reporting and health coverage, and DFR released a guide on updates including perinatal care, prosthetics, and reconstructive surgery — see what’s changing and when.
Industry leaders earn accolades: The Oregon Association of Nurseries honored standout contributors at its fall awards dinner, including Robert Van Klaveren and Tyler Meskers, and named several Friends of Nursery award winners for 2025 — get all the details.
Agencies and counties align: Oregon updated its decades-old approach to county behavioral health funding, unveiling new agreements to boost accountability and quality. County commissioners must approve the final deal before receiving state dollars — see what’s in the new agreements.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Beloved plane inspires future: Volunteers in Salem, Oregon are restoring the historic WWII aircraft “Lacey Lady” after more than 80 years. The plane is a notable piece of Pacific Northwest history, and the team hopes it will return to the air soon. Learn more about the restoration.
Burrito night upgrade: When the craving hits, Dalia’s Taqueria serves hefty, flavor-packed burritos, plus tacos and birria. Family-run in Salem with Zacatecas roots, this spot delivers comfort and crunch… you supply the cozy couch logistics.
Hands-on brain fuel: Turn a slow week into a science-y reset at OMSI, with Turbine Hall tinkering, the kid-approved Science Playground, and a rotating slate of exhibits (hello, Monsters of the Abyss). It’s an easy Salem-to-Portland hop when curiosity needs a gentle nudge back into gear.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎨 All Ages Paint Night @ iWingz | Friday (1/9) at 6:00 PM – Swap your snow shovel for a paintbrush and head to iWingz in Salem for an all-ages Paint Night. We Make Art brings a sweet birch tree scene, you bring your crew, saucy fingers, and low expectations that somehow turn into fridge-worthy masterpieces. Wings, laughs, memories.
⛸ Winter Wonderland Open Skate Night @ The Madhouse | Friday (1/9) at 7:30 PM – Whether you still have your old rink moves or just want an excuse to wear that festive sweater, this winter wonderland open skate has you covered. Open to all, with $10 admission, $5 rentals, and a $1 card fee, call it balance training, not cardio.
🦎 Salamander Weekend Celebration @ Westside Station | Friday (1/9) at 8:00 PM – Westside Station is hosting a two-night Salamander revival, and yes, the groove survived the holidays. Expect fresh set lists, fresh merch, and the perfect excuse to dine, drink, and pretend we still have dance floor knees. New beginnings, same familiar chaos, that Salamander beat.
❄ Indoor Winter Market @ Wavra Farms & Nursery | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Beat the slush at Wavra Farms’ indoor winter market, tucked inside a big, toasty greenhouse that keeps you dry, sane, and browsing your favorite vendors. Paver paths make it accessible and no-slip friendly. Think local goods, calm vibes, and zero windchill.
🌱 Bonsai Class January 10, 2026 @ Terra Gardens Nursery & Bark | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Try your hand at keeping something alive longer than a houseplant. Terra Gardens’ beginner bonsai class sets you up with a tiny tree, pot, soil, a how-to book, and the use of tools, plus guidance so you leave confident, calm, and a little obsessed.
🚶 Riverfront Women’s Walk @ Riverfront City Park | Sunday (1/11) at 11:00 AM – Morning by the river calls for a low-pressure stroll with good conversation, not a race bib. This women’s walk is all about moving together, meeting neighbors, and swapping stories, with just enough sweat to justify the coffee after.
🔄 The Magical Swap Meet @ By Candlelight & Conjure | Sunday (1/11) at 11:00 AM – Whether your tarot decks are breeding or your runes need rehoming, this trade-only meetup lets you swap witchy gear with actual humans. Bring occult books, decks, runes, black mirrors, statuary, and rings, toss five bucks at the door, then move fast, the good stuff vanishes.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📣 Own or manage a local business?
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📻 Salem report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 46°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 68%
A chance of snow showers before 9am, then rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 46, with temperatures falling to around 44 in the afternoon. South southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: A chance of rain showers before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. South wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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Tomorrow – High: 49°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 0%
Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Areas of frost between 10pm and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southeast wind around 2 mph.
This house is wild
A beautifully updated log-style home on 1.5 acres pairs rustic texture with modern polish. Tall vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and large windows create a bright, open backdrop for daily life. The kitchen shows off custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a stainless steel appliance package, while fully refreshed bathrooms keep the look cohesive. Warm natural wood finishes run throughout, bringing character without sacrificing function.
Expansive panes pull in landscape views and seasonal light, and the setting feels private yet convenient, just minutes from town. Clean lines meet cabin charm for a simple, comfortable take on modern living.
Take a peek inside →
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