Good morning, Salem.

A commercial fire on May 14 at the former Evergreen Nursery on Wallace Road NW caused brief black smoke to be seen in Salem — three engines and four water tenders from Yamhill County arrived as additional units responded while a shed burned and nearby barns and silos remained safe.

At a Monday lunch at the Salem Convention Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce vice president Chris Eyler said tariffs have hurt Oregon small businesses by raising costs and creating uncertainty.

He explained that the group supports tariff exemptions for essential goods — a measure intended to ease the economic burden while urging the government to maintain key tax cuts.

A Springfield man, Terrance Quackenbush-Benson, was sentenced to 24 years in prison after a Marion County jury found him guilty of causing a Sept.

16 crash on SE Cordon Road that killed Blanca M. Franco-Ramos and Heriberto Rangel-Rangel — he was high on an inhalant when he drove into the wrong lane, leading to a head-on collision — the judge also revoked his driver’s license and ordered three years of post-prison supervision with credit for time served.

State economists said tariffs have reduced Oregon’s expected budget by nearly $756 million for the next two years, so lawmakers will need to make hard choices on funding schools, healthcare, and other services.

The forecast shows slower growth that will lead to higher unemployment and lower tax revenue—adding uncertainty to the state’s economic outlook.

Construction work began on May 12 at the intersection of State and 25th Streets SE and will continue intermittently through October.

The project is building accessible curb ramps, sidewalks, a pedestrian island, extending a median island, and improving signals—meant to enhance safety and update ADA standards.

City officials said that a one-mile section of McGilchrist Street, from 22nd to 25th, will be closed to eastbound traffic until the end of 2025 as part of a multi-year renovation to improve safety and traffic flow.

Traffic signs will guide drivers along detour routes—local residences and businesses will keep access to the area.

The Oregon National Guard honored Armed Forces Day at State Capitol Mall on May 14, 2025 — featuring a howitzer salute by 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery, an F-15 Eagle flyover, and military displays.

Governor Tina Kotek praised the service members and marked the 20-year anniversary for Oregon Soldiers deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On Tuesday, Gov. Kotek and Sens.

Wyden and Merkley warned that proposed federal SNAP cuts—set to reduce benefits by at least $230 billion and shift costs to states—could leave more than 700,000 Oregonians without food assistance and cost Oregon nearly $400 million.

Oregon youth show high cannabis use with 86% of 12- to 17-year-olds saying there is little or no risk in smoking marijuana once a month, as reported by experts at the Senate Early Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee on Tuesday.

Health experts said the state should boost public education and set stricter THC limits in edibles—measures aimed at reducing rising poison cases among young children.

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.

ColorSync: The Integrative Art of Cut & Color Mastery

10 AM – 5 PM — Salon Abode — Lunch provided — Elevate your hair cutting and coloring techniques for impactful transformations.

Yoga and Wine Evening at Legacy Estate Vineyard

6-7 p.m. — Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyard — Suggested donation of $5-10 — Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga class by the lake followed by wine and a picnic.

206 Tube Bending & Iso Drawing Class

2-6 p.m. — Local 290 Training CENTER SALEM — Free for members, $35 for travelers — Master essential tubing bending techniques in this hands-on class.

Salem Mystic Fair

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — The Reed Opera House — Admission varies — Experience tarot readings, Reiki, and explore over 40 vendors at this mystical gathering.

Yoga + Beer at Riverfront Park

6-7 p.m. — Gerry Frank Amphitheater — Suggested donation $5-$10 — Experience community and relaxation with a yoga session followed by local downtown support.