Good morning, Salem.

On May 8, 2025, Marion County Circuit Court sentenced Brandi Cortes to 90 months in prison for eluding law enforcement and attempting to stab two Keizer Police officers during a high-speed chase on July 28—officers were unharmed due to their ballistic vests.

Two young men were stabbed around 1 a.m. on Thursday at The Cue Ball pool hall east of downtown Salem, and police said a 21 year old man named Isac S.

Rizo later died while another was treated for non-life-threatening injuries—detectives are investigating his death as homicide.

Early Thursday morning, 30 shots were fired into a home on Northeast Sherry Court in Northgate causing damage to parts of the house and fence while no one was injured—police said no suspect has been arrested and they are still investigating the shooting as they also responded to a fatal stabbing.

The Department of Justice announced that Operation Restore Justice rescued 115 children and arrested 205 child exploitation offenders nationwide—among them, 54-year-old Robert Andrew Arias from Salem, who was arrested on April 28 at his home and is set for a jury trial on July 1.

The Cascade School District is set to elect board members on May 20 with contested races where Spencer Rockwell will face Michael Cross for position 3 and Aaron Lee will go against Eric Diehl for position 4.

The board sets policies for more than 2,500 students across five schools in Turner, Aumsville and surrounding areas.

Gov. Tina Kotek declared May Wildfire Awareness Month at the state fire cache in Salem and warned that this summer’s fire season will be above average due to hotter, drier conditions—forcing state and federal agencies to boost firefighting crews and coordinate with over 300 local fire departments. These measures aim to ready emergency responders for dangerous wildfire conditions.

Oregon’s attorney general joined a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Seattle against the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration for withholding EV charger funding that Congress approved—Oregon planned to use the funds for 11 alternative fuel corridors and risks losing plans for at least 40 fast charging stations.

The Salem budget committee approved the interim city manager’s proposed budget that cuts library hours, park services and Center 50+ staffing unless voters pass a property tax increase on May 20—an increase expected to add about $220 to the average home.

Some committee members will revisit an alternative proposal on May 28—aiming to reduce cuts—while the city council is set to vote on the budget on June 23.

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.

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