Good morning, Salem.

Salem man Jose C. Aguilera-Frias, 48, was sentenced Friday to life in prison for intentionally running over Hermilo Mata Jr., the boyfriend of his estranged wife on December 22 in East Lancaster—he must serve 25 years before he can petition for parole and his driver’s license was permanently revoked.

Nikki Davis Eldridge works as a sign language interpreter at Salem Heights Elementary and at school board meetings where she helps about 10 deaf and hard-of-hearing students access classroom lessons.

One of five interpreters in the program, she was nominated for a Crystal Apple award—recognizing her commitment to accessible education.

Chemeketa Community College passed a $140 million tax renewal bond measure that will fund projects such as a new trades center and the renovation of Building 7 into a community wellness center—keeping the tax at 27 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for Salem homes.

Voters from the college’s four-county area approved the measure with about 53% support, setting the stage for future improvements in career and technical education.

A management review told ODOT to hire more consultants and form a major projects committee—steps meant to fix problems with budgeting, cost estimates and outdated forecasting methods.

Lawmakers requested the review and will use its recommendations to boost accountability for large transportation projects.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management urges Salem residents to prepare for wildfire season by updating emergency alerts and drafting a family evacuation plan as Wildfire Awareness Month ends—residents should review OEM guidelines to set up multiple evacuation routes and assemble a go-kit. The agency warned that last year’s wildfire season was the most destructive on record and stressed these measures to keep families safe.

The Oregon Health Authority reported nearly 90,000 adults and 25,000 adolescents are facing moderate to severe gambling issues — another 180,000 are at risk as online betting makes gambling easier.

Kaiser Permanente Northwest supports Mental Health Awareness Month by linking gambling disorders with mental health and offering new tools for those seeking help.

Brightways Counseling Group expanded its Salem office on May 23 by doubling its staff and adding 22 offices to better serve clients, many on the Oregon Health Plan.

The community celebrated with a ribbon cutting—resulting in a waitlist of about 400 people seeking mental health care.

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.

Pinot & Pizza at Hudak House

12-6 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — Free entry — Indulge in custom pizzas and delightful Pinot Noirs while enjoying live music in a scenic vineyard setting.

Beginning of Summer Garden Festival

10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Sebright Gardens — Free admission — Celebrate the arrival of summer with a plant-themed festival featuring local nurseries and special guests.

Return to Middle Earth Concert

3-5 p.m. — South Salem High School — Ticket info not provided — Experience the symphonic journey through Middle Earth with stunning performances by Salem Symphonic Winds and guest artists.

Wire Wrapping Jewelry Class

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Center 50+ — Punch card fee $15 for five classes — Learn the art of creating beautiful jewelry pieces with wire wrapping techniques.