Good morning, Salem.

Neighborhood groups in Salem are hosting meetings and events to boost local safety and art, with CANDO meeting on April 15 and Highland holding a peace walk on April 26.

Other associations will offer candidate forums, community cleanups, and a kids clothing swap into early May (details are in their updates).

The Salem Bicycle Club is hosting the 49th Monster Cookie Metric Century bike ride on April 27 with three course options—a 63-mile ride from McNary High School to Mt. Angel and back, a 35-mile ride turning at Willamette Valley Pie Company, and a 6.2-mile family ride.

Pre-registration stops on April 23 and volunteers will be at rest stops handing out cookies and snacks.

A house fire in the Morningside neighborhood early Monday destroyed a home and displaced a resident and their dog—Salem firefighters arrived at 4 a.m. and left around 9:30 a.m. while the investigation continues.

On Tuesday, the city terminated leases with Rudy’s Steakhouse for three downtown spaces—after the business missed more than five months of rent under a breached repayment agreement that began in November.

The move leaves the future of the 27-year-old restaurant uncertain as officials provided no further details.

On Tuesday, Oregon lawmakers voted unanimously to add digitally created or altered images and recordings to the state’s revenge porn law to stop the use of AI for non-consensual fake nudes.

The bill now heads to the Senate where, if approved, a first offense will be a Class A misdemeanor with up to 364 days in county jail and fines up to $6,250 while repeat offenses may be treated as a Class C felony—aimed at protecting individuals from digital harm.

Salem Hospital is the main provider of psychiatric care for unsheltered patients with severe mental illness because the state lacks a system for long-term care—doctors say brief treatments force many back onto the streets with little support.

Experts argue that high legal thresholds for civil commitment leave vulnerable patients without stable solutions.

Needle Felting Class - Nest

6-8 p.m. — CreativiTEE & rofe designs — Pre-registration required — Learn to needle felt a wool nest and expand your fiber arts skills with a fun spring project.

Resource Fair for Individuals with IDD

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Salem Convention Center — Free entry — Connect with valuable resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and enjoy family-friendly activities.

April Paint Night at Valiant The Sandwich

6-8 p.m. — Valiant The Sandwich — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity with a fun paint night while enjoying delicious sandwiches in a cozy atmosphere.

Stargazing Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Center 50+ — $10 — Explore key terms for night sky observation, followed by a live stargazing session with hands-on app use.

Make Parenting a Pleasure Workshop

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Willamette Family Medical Center: Fay Shannon — Registration required — Discover parenting insights and boost your confidence in family goals through engaging education.

2025 USA Gymnastics Region 2 Xcel Championships

8 a.m. — The Pavilion — Parking $10 — Top gymnasts compete for glory from States across the region.

Oregon Ag Festival

All day — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Admission details not provided — Discover Oregon agriculture through hands-on exhibits and family-friendly activities.

Oregon Ag Fest

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Free for kids 15 and under — Experience hands-on activities and learn about the vital role of agriculture in Oregon.

Pine Needle Basket Making Class

9 AM – 12 PM — Center 50+ — $15 for five classes — Learn to weave beautiful baskets with experienced instructors in this engaging arts and crafts class.

Line Dancing Classes

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Center 50+ — $20 punch card for five classes — Get moving with fun line dancing sessions suited for both beginners and intermediates.