Good morning, Salem.

Mark Wardell, leader of West Salem's Community Emergency Response Team, advises residents to pack a go-bag and plan an evacuation in case emergencies such as wildfire, flood, earthquake or hazardous spills occur.

City emergency manager Joe Hutchinson said the decision to evacuate depends on the situation and the specific risks involved.

Salem will host the 4th of July Spectacular at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center with carnival rides, fair food, and dancing by Lil Jon and the Ying Yang Twins; tickets go on sale May 2 at 9 a.m., the gates open at 4 p.m. — Lil Jon’s show starts at 8 p.m. with a free 20-minute fireworks display lighting up the sky at 10 p.m.

On April 30, 2025, a Marion County jury found Jessica Lee Pemberton, 38, guilty of assault in the second degree and violating a court’s stalking protective order after she intentionally struck another woman with her car on September 4, 2022— the victim recovered from bruises and a wrist injury, and Pemberton will be sentenced on May 14 at 1 p.m.

A 32-year-old man was shot at 2:30 a.m. on Northeast Stortz Avenue in Northgate and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries - detectives are asking witnesses with information to come forward.

Police took a non-compliant suspect into custody yesterday after he allegedly pointed a gun at people at the Santiam Rest Area on Interstate 5 near Salem—southbound lanes closed briefly before reopening by 4:50 p.m. with traffic detoured along surface roads.

Salem voters will choose a new Zone 7 member for the Salem-Keizer School Board on May 20, with the winner serving an unpaid four year term starting July 1.

Mel Fuller, a parent volunteer endorsed by local groups (Community for Salem-Keizer Schools), and Jeremiah Radka, a rideshare driver backed by Marion and Polk First PAC, are running with differing views on academic standards and school safety.

Voters in northeast Salem will choose a new city council member for Ward 6 on May 20 to fill the vacancy left by Mayor Julie Hoy; candidates Deanna Garcia (North Lancaster Neighborhood Association chair), Logan Lor and Mai Vang are running with plans focused on public safety, affordable housing and economic development.

Officials announced that the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program will reopen on May 22 to help Oregonians buy electric vehicles—rebates offer up to $2,500 for new fully electric and plug in hybrid vehicles and higher amounts for eligible households through the Charge Ahead option.

The program, which only lasted two months in 2024 before funds ran out, is funded by a vehicle privilege tax and excludes vehicles bought before May 22.

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.

Memorial Day Weekend...Cuban Style! 2025

12-6 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Enjoy a festive Cuban-themed celebration with live music, food, salsa lessons, and raffles.