Daily
Salem
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Salem and nearby communities will honor fallen service members on Memorial Day, May 25, with ceremonies at Oregon State Capitol Park and local cemeteries featuring F-15 flyovers by the Oregon Air National Guard, flag retirements, and guest remarks & music tributes. Statesman Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon State Fair announced its 2026 Concert Series lineup now includes Nate Smith (Aug. 28), The Beach Boys (Aug. 29), Jo Dee Messina (Sept. 4), BigXThaPlug (Aug. 31), Black (Sept. 1) and headliner Weird Al on Labor Day — tickets are available through the fair website. Statesman Journal
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Economists (Riccadonna and Kennedy) reported that doubling oil prices and rising fuel costs are sparking inflation, lower wages and a forecast of recession if prices hit $150 per barrel. Governor Tina Kotek said she is working to keep the state budget balanced as lawmakers debate policy changes. Oregon Capital Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ In July, Salem Reporter will launch a new two-person education team funded partly by Report for America (a national nonprofit) to cover local school issues and nonprofit work serving the community. The reporters will focus on budgets, test scores and education policies. Salem Reporter
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Oregon Parks and Recreation Department now offers digital 12-month parking permits starting today. Residents can order permits online or by phone and register up to two license plates ($60 for in-state, $75 for out-of-state), with valid permits lasting 365 days and an email reminder 30 days before expiration. 1430 KYKN
- ➤ On Memorial Day (May 25), banks, schools, government offices, post offices and the DMV will be closed across Oregon while emergency services remain available. Some retailers and services may operate with limited hours as the holiday is observed. Statesman Journal
- ➤ Buck, Oregon’s first Fish & Wildlife Conservation K-9 who was deployed 184 times, will be celebrated at a retirement ceremony today in Salem & honored for his statewide service. Statesman Journal
-
Infant/Toddler Storytime
11:00-11:20 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free — Delight in stories, songs, and rhymes perfect for little ones up to 2 ½ years old.
-
4th Annual Autism Walk
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM — Riverfront City Park — Free entry — Celebrate and support Autistic individuals at this family-friendly event in Salem.
-
Drop-in Craft at West Salem Branch
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Families enjoy a creative evening crafting with provided materials and their imagination.
-
Marshall Tucker Band Concert
7-9 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience classic Southern rock with the iconic Marshall Tucker Band.
-
Teacher Appreciation Night
6:35 – 11:59 p.m. — Chemeketa Baseball Field — Free admission for teachers — Celebrate the amazing educators of our community at the ballpark with a fun-filled evening.
-
Grupo Barak Concert
6:00pm-9:00pm — L.B. Day Amphitheater — $10 per vehicle — Experience an inspiring night of contemporary worship and Latin rhythms with Grupo Barak.
-
Santiam Hospital & Clinics Fun Run & Health Walk
8:30 – 11:00 AM — Santiam Hospital & Clinics — Registration required — Lace up your shoes for a fun-filled day of running and walking in Stayton.
-
2026 ACWA Biosolids Management Workshop
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM — Salem Public Library — Paid entry — Dive into the latest research on biosolids' benefits for soil health and sustainable farming.
-
Bonnie Raitt Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Tickets from $581 — Experience the unforgettable sounds of Bonnie Raitt live in Salem.
-
Salem Summer Solstice 5k & 10k Run
6-9 p.m. — Minto-Brown Island Park — $20-$25 — Celebrate the summer solstice with a fun run and a sweet ice cream sundae finish.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Salem
Welcome to the Daily Salem, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Salem, Oregon community. If you like the Daily Salem, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Salem.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Salem and across Oregon. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Salem
A free Salem community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailysalem.com/sitemap