Good morning, Salem.

Trader Joe’s mini tote bags returned in delicate pink, baby blue, mint green, and lovely lavender at local stores on March 20 — while a limited-edition large tote with lavender handles will launch nationwide on Monday, March 23.

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival opened on March 20 at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, showing 20% bloom across 40 acres and featuring hot-air balloon rides, wine tastings & a children’s play area as it runs through April 26.

Cherry blossoms frame the Oregon Capitol as its north entrance opens temporarily today for Cherry Blossom Day — a welcome change after years of construction closures.

Oregon Department of Energy invites public comment on 48 gap measures (proposals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions) as Oregonians have until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 27 to submit ideas by email.

Officials will model each proposal and plan to publish a report in June.

Salem officials warned residents to avoid contact with Pringle Creek after 165 gallons of untreated sewage spilled from a 42-inch pipe on the 600 block of Church Street SE on March 19; the leak was repaired, yet water quality testing and posted warning signs continue.

Scientists found white-nose syndrome in six bats in Columbia and Benton counties on Wednesday, Mar.

18. Oregon Fish and Wildlife worked with labs and rehabilitators to monitor the infection and advise visitors to disinfect gear after visiting bat habitats.

Salem and Marion County have formally objected to a planned deep drawdown at Detroit Lake set for fall 2026 because high turbidity could stress drinking water treatment and risk kokanee fish.

The Army Corps of Engineers is reviewing local concerns to ensure water safety.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is calling attention to Brain Injury Awareness Month by promoting its toll-free hotline that helps people get brain injury support.

The hotline, available Monday to Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), has helped over 1,900 callers since January 2025.

Jim Sellers, a former state agency employee now counseling local Medicare beneficiaries, explains that benefits such as Medicare Extra Help (with income and asset limits), Medicare Savings Program, and QMB became available on March 1.

Residents seeking advice can call SHIBA for free assistance.

The FDA recalled nearly 90,000 bottles of Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension (a class II recall for temporary health risks) after a foreign substance was detected; consumers who may have purchased the product on March 16 are advised to stop using it immediately.

English/Spanish Language Exchange

5:30 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Practice your English or Spanish with fellow learners while enjoying light refreshments.

Infant/Toddler Storytime

11:00 – 11:20 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes ideal for babies and toddlers with their grownups.

Beginner English as a Second Language Class

3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — A multilingual ESL class for beginners taught by local instructors from Goodwill Industries.

Russ Taff Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying voice of Christian music legend Russ Taff live on stage.

Alfred Robles Stand-Up Comedy

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Cost information not provided — Enjoy a night of laughs with one of the hottest young comedians in the country.

Daddy Daughter Dance: A Night in New York

4-7 p.m. — The Withnell Family YMCA — $45+ — Enjoy a magical evening filled with dancing, crafts, and delicious food trucks.

Salem Fashion Week Runway Show

2:15-9:30 p.m. — Salem Convention Center — Free admission — Experience local designers showcasing fashion in a vibrant community celebration.

Finding Hope, Resilience, and Strength During Turbulent Times All-inclusive Retreat

This retreat will offer a restorative space to rest and rejuvenate in the healing waters as well as guide you on your journey to mindfulness and hopefulness. Find healing and hope through activities like guided meditations, exploration and discovery of strengths and resilience, movement and mobility, soothing sound baths, artistic endeavors, and more!

Preschool Storytime

10:15-10:40 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy interactive stories, songs, and movement for children ages 2½ to 6 and their grownups.

Cultural and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board Monthly Meeting

6 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Engage in community discussions on cultural and tourism initiatives.