Good morning, Salem.

Les Zaitz — a veteran with over 50 years of reporting and co-founder of Salem Reporter — received his sixth Bruce Baer Award on May 5 for his investigation into Rep Greg Smith’s alleged ethical and financial misconduct.

An annual count in Marion and Polk Counties found 2,154 people without homes, with nearly half saying they lost a home for the first time—rising rents and fewer housing options are pushing more people into homelessness.

The data also shows more individuals are staying in shelters than on the streets, and local agencies plan to expand low-barrier shelter options.

Salem Center owners announced that Cinebarre at 501 Marion St. N.E. will close on May 11 as Regal departs while plans are underway to renovate and reopen the theater with updated features.

The independent operator will install modern projectors and recliner seats and will reach out to retain existing Cinebarre employees.

Sarah Hamilton of Marion Soil and Water Conservation District leads efforts to stop invasive garlic mustard from spreading in the mid-Willamette Valley — wildfires have made areas more vulnerable.

The weed has been found in Santiam Canyon and, although it has not reached Salem, experts warn it may harm native plants and water quality if it spreads further.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal urged Oregonians to create defensible space by clearing debris, trimming trees, and moving combustible materials away from homes—steps that may protect property as another wildfire season approaches.

A bill moving through the Oregon Legislature will stop new planned communities from banning manufactured and modular homes, affecting only future developments.

It passed the House by a vote of 49 to 7 and extends grant access for mobile home park and marina tenants to January 2031—its next step is a Senate committee vote before reaching Gov. Tina Kotek.

The Awesome 3000 race at McCulloch Stadium in Bush's Pasture Park on May 3 attracted nearly 2,200 runners—featuring events for toddlers to high school seniors.

Organized by United Way, the race raised between $30,000 and $40,000 in grants for local teachers and schools.

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.

Bazooka Sharkz and Friends Live Show

7 p.m. — Blast Off Vintage — $10 — Experience a night of local punk and folk punk music with exciting performances from Salem's own Bazooka Sharkz and others.