Good morning, Salem.

Capitol Subaru donated $52,000 to Oregon Humane Salem Campus through Subaru’s Share the Love program that ran from Nov 2025 + Jan 2026, marking its 12th year backing the organization and boosting cumulative giving to $600,000 to support animal care.

Salem’s summer guide shows a busy season of events from June through September.

It features a downtown Pride Parade & Block Party on June 13, Make Music Day on June 21 at local venues, and a 4th of July Spectacular at the state fairgrounds (check local sources for details).

Salem added hundreds of jobs in transportation, healthcare, government, finance & manufacturing between December 2024 and December 2025, bucking statewide trends according to data shared at the Mid-Valley Economic Summit on April 23.

Analysts noted that neighboring cities saw declines while Salem grew by 1.7%.

Oregon State Fire Marshal is urging residents to complete one home hardening or defensible space project this week to reduce wildfire risks based on research that clearing combustible materials from the first five feet of a home lowers fire damage, and the initiative runs during Wildfire Awareness Month.

Oregon trees face another challenging summer with high temperatures and low rainfall as spring mirrors the severe drought of 2015 and last winter tied 1934's warmth, experts say.

The Department of Forestry advises landowners to plant drought-resistant species (soil mulch and weed control recommended) to help trees cope.

Today from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., PGE will replace a utility service pole at Minto-Brown Island Park, closing Minto Island Road SW beyond Parking Lot 1 while Parking Lots 2 and 3 remain off-limits (extra parking is available at Homestead Road's Parking Lot 4 and Riverfront Park).

The US Supreme Court reinstated mail-order access to mifepristone on May 4, giving patients in remote parts of Oregon a continued option to receive the medication.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said he will fight to keep access open amid challenges as the ruling remains temporary.

Store Signing with Madeleine

12-2 p.m. — Omega Frog Comics — Free entry — Meet writer Madeleine Holly-Rosing and get your new Lady Mechanika issue signed.

Sensory Friendly Movie in Salem

6-8 p.m. — Regal Santiam — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere to watch a family-friendly film tailored for sensory sensitivity.

Schreiner's Iris Festival

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Schreiner's Gardens — Admission fee applies — Experience the breathtaking beauty of blooming irises in a stunning springtime festival.

Joy in the Journey Resource Fair

10 AM - 5 PM — Salem's Riverfront Carousel — Free entry — Celebrate Children's Mental Health Acceptance with resources, activities, and free carousel rides.

Mother's Day Brunch

11 AM - 2 PM — The Farm On Golden Hill — Reservations required — Celebrate Mom with a delightful brunch and bubbles in a beautiful setting.

Sonic Journey Sound Meditation

7-8:45 p.m. — Salem Friends Meeting — $20-40 sliding scale — Experience profound relaxation and connection through immersive sound meditation with gongs and singing bowls.

10th Annual Run 2 Remember

9:25 – 11:00 AM — Riverfront City Park — Open to all ages — Engage in a memorable community run/walk event to honor and remember.

North East Salem Community Association Meeting

7-8:30 p.m. — The Jory Apartments — Accessible entry — Engage with your neighbors to strengthen community ties and voice local concerns.

Paint N' Pints at Willamette Valley Smokehouse

6-8 p.m. — Willamette Valley Smokehouse — Food and beverages available for purchase — Unleash your creativity during a fun painting class with delicious food and brews.

Infant/Toddler Storytime

11:00-11:20 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free — Delight in stories, songs, and rhymes perfect for little ones up to 2 ½ years old.