Good morning, Salem.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced one of the largest fentanyl busts in U.S. history when authorities seized 11.5 kilos of fentanyl, three million pills, $5 million in cash, weapons, and other drugs during a six-month investigation across five western states—16 people were arrested, including Salem resident Alberto Salazar Amaya, the alleged Sinaloa cartel leader.

Teacher Jenise Flower leads McKay High School by coordinating school events and connecting history lessons to students’ lives—she was nominated for a Crystal Apple award and will be honored on May 29.

Flower uses her personal experiences to help students overcome challenges and actively shape their school community.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal signed an agreement with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety to let homeowners earn Wildfire Prepared certificates that require clearing a 5-foot space around single-family homes to help keep insurance rates low.

Gov. Tina Kotek said she will fight for more funding to expand community grants (for home hardening) and research (on program impact).

On Tuesday, Oregon lawmakers marked 50 years of Native American input in lawmaking by passing Senate Concurrent Resolution 31 — the commission was created in 1975 to guide state policy on tribal issues, and a tribal leader sang in his language to honor the milestone.

The resolution now moves to the House for review.

Some Salem residents held a protest and signed a petition urging the city to cancel its 10-year contract with Avelo Airlines after the carrier announced it will assist with federal deportation flights; city officials warned that canceling the agreement may lead to a costly lawsuit and risk diverting taxpayer funds—Avelo’s subsidies come from a federal grant and private donations.

Fallen Oregon law enforcement officers were honored at a memorial ceremony on May 6th at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem — officials including Gov. Tina Kotek spoke as family members and students paid tribute to their service.

Families begin moving into Blossom Gardens, a new affordable apartment complex at 3488 Blossom Dr. N.E.—managed by Salem for Refugees—with units reserved for refugees from Syria, Eritrea, and Afghanistan and low-income residents earning at or below 60% of the area median, while on-site services include job support, language classes, community spaces, and mental health support. The $29.4 million project, funded by a state grant, offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments with quality features such as air conditioning and stainless steel appliances.

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.