Good morning, Salem.

A Marion County jury on May 7 found Terrance Quackenbush-Benson guilty of all charges in a 2024 Salem crash that killed two+ his sentencing is scheduled for May 13.

Salem shelters have faced growing challenges with stray cat adoptions after a lawsuit alleged a local humane society took a family's pet by mistake, causing many rescue groups to limit intakes.

Lawmakers now consider a bill that would let shelters hold stray cats for three to five days instead of 90, easing legal risks & freeing up shelter space.

Gov. Tina Kotek declared May Wildfire Awareness Month yesterday at the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire cache in Salem and said fire season is here and will be tougher this summer after record fires—state agencies are adding extra firefighting staff and equipment while working with partners to be ready.

Oregon lawmakers are reviewing six bills that would limit how private utilities raise rates and help lower rising energy costs—some proposals are stalled in committees while others await hearings and votes.

Supporters like Governor Tina Kotek and environmental groups say the measures could ease high bills from recent shutoffs.

Ballots have been sent to Salem voters for a May 20 vote on measure 24-514, which will raise property taxes by 98 cents per $1,000 of assessed value + around $220 per year for an average home to generate $14 million in the first year and support parks, library services, and prevent cuts. City officials say the levy will help avoid layoffs of 37 public service jobs in 2026 and address a $14 million budget gap.

City officials proposed a budget that will cut $410,000 from homeless services by ending funding for safe parking and warming shelters that help hundreds of car campers stay safe on cold nights—programs now must seek new state and community funds.

The city also plans to sell the Church at the Park day center for future development, which could make it harder for unsheltered residents to access key services.

State Sen. Deb Patterson and Rep. Annessa Hartman are sponsoring HB3522 in Salem to let property owners remove squatters faster by using the forcible entry process.

Local property managers say the current slow eviction steps force owners to cover repair costs until courts can remove the intruders.

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.