Good morning, Salem.

People marched down Court Street in Salem during a rally for International Workers' Day—showing support for local workers.

Salem police arrested Jason Douglas Kiser on April 29 for his alleged role in a series of explosions that damaged vehicles on Woodside DR SE, and the bomb squad recovered another device from his vehicle as he entered a business—investigators noted he is known to the homeowner.

Lil Jon and the Ying Yang Twins will perform on July 4 at the state fair’s L.B.

Day Amphitheater — a show featuring carnival rides, a free 20-minute fireworks display and concert tickets on sale today at 9 a.m.— as they deliver a high-energy tribute to classic crunk hits.

Incumbent Karina Guzmán Ortiz, a former board chair, is running for a second term against challenger Jason Kroker, a mechanic and electrician with children in local schools—both are aiming to improve academics and safety in the district.

The election is on May 20 and winners will serve a four-year term beginning July 1.

Salem Housing Authority will end its eight-year field outreach program in May—budget cuts force the agency to shift its efforts to keeping housed residents stable and joining a state pilot for rent and support services.

City leaders in Salem have fought a growing budget gap for seven years because rising costs and old tax rules limit incoming funds—after testing different fees and taxes, they now put a new property tax levy on the ballot so voters can help save key services like the library, parks, and public safety. The council's move comes as the city faces a forecasted $13.8 million shortfall that could force deep cuts if a new revenue source is not found.

Governor Kotek declared Volcano Awareness Week from May 18—25 to mark the 45th anniversary of the Mount St. Helens eruption that cost lives and caused major damage.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries will lead events to teach residents about volcanic hazards and preparedness.

A new report by the Hospital Association of Oregon found that nearly half of hospitals lost money last year and now face rising expenses, strict rules, and low payments from insurers—factors that may force them to cut jobs or reduce services—and warns that without changes in Medicaid payments and state policy, patient care and local jobs are at risk.

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.

Crochet & Slay for Teens

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Craft, socialize, and explore fiber arts in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Mexico in the Heart 2025

5-9 p.m. — Gerry Frank Amphitheater — Free entry — Celebrate Mexican culture with lively music, delicious food, and vibrant traditions.

Free Beginner ESL Class

3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — A welcoming atmosphere to learn English as a second language with multilingual instruction.

The Outer Realms Art Market

11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Downtown Salem — Free entry — Celebrate community with local artists, authors, and practitioners at this vibrant three-day art market.

Paint and Sip Experience

3-5 p.m. — Honky Tonk Bar & Grill — $35 per person — Unleash your creativity with a fun painting class while enjoying a drink.

Memorial Day Weekend Vineyard Tours

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Willamette Valley Vineyards — Ticketed entry — Experience a curated wine tasting with live music in the scenic Salem Hills.