Good morning, Salem.

Salem Reporter has started a campaign to raise $5,000 in the next 30 days to fund summer internships for young journalists learning ethical reporting—interns Hailey Cook and Mirandah Davis-Powell will work in the newsroom with guidance from experienced reporters and support from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

On May 20, Chemeketa Community College leaders will ask voters to renew property taxes at the same rate—27 cents per $1,000 of assessed value to raise $140 million for campus renovations and expanding career education programs.

Broad bipartisan support from local officials, business leaders and community advocates backs the measure that will fund seismic upgrades to Salem’s Building 7 and a new science lab at the Woodburn campus.

Mike Straite, a Keizer photographer, had his image of the Painted Hills chosen for the Oregon Blue Book cover after winning a contest from 200 submissions.

He signed copies of the book at a Capitol ceremony on April 17 while working as a community development director.

The City of Salem will close parts of State Street NE, Center Street NE, and Church Street NE on May 1 (from 1 to 2:30 p.m.) near Capitol Mall for a permitted event that will increase pedestrian traffic and cause delays.

Drivers should plan alternate routes and exercise caution.

After Tax Day, the Oregon Department of Revenue encourages taxpayers to use its Withholding Calculator—detailed in a new video—to check that the right amounts are being withheld from paychecks.

The calculator does not store personal wage information, which could help avoid a large state tax bill next year.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management said FEMA cancelled the BRIC grant program on April 4, which may delay disaster preparedness projects statewide—such as water infrastructure upgrades and road improvements.

The agency is reviewing the impacts and working with federal partners and legislators to explore alternative funding options.

On Wednesday morning, U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas helped restore a $750,000 federal grant for Elderberry Wisdom Farm, which will pay for Salem students to plant native trees and shrubs in neighborhoods—supporting crucial local ties and Indigenous traditions.

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.

Writers Group Gathering

1-3 p.m. — Center 50+ — $15 for five classes — Share your stories and connect with fellow writers in a supportive environment.

Marion County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale

May 2-3 — Columbia Hall — Free entry — Discover over 10,000 plants including vegetables, perennials, and special fuchsia baskets for Mother’s Day.

Awesome 3000

8 AM – 1 PM — McCulloch Stadium — Free entry — A long-standing youth event featuring exciting participation from Salem-Keizer and the surrounding areas.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons Concert

2:30-6:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Cost info not specified — Experience the vibrant classical charm of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed by the Oregon Symphony.

Salem Saturday Market

4-9 p.m. — State of Oregon Green Lot — Free entry — Celebrate local craftsmanship with over 150 vendors offering handmade and homegrown treasures.

Mother's Day Brunch

11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Oregon Garden Resort — Pricing not specified — Delight in a festive brunch featuring brunch favorites and a visit to the serene botanical garden.