Thursday, May 29th, 2025

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Good morning, Salem. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of May.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Jennifer Parker was elected to represent south Salem on the Salem-Keizer School Board after winning the Zone 3 race by a few hundred votes—Angelo Arredondo Baca conceded Tuesday night. Parker, a South Salem High School graduate and disability nonprofit worker, said she is honored by the support and will focus on academic basics and school safety—she joins a board that will have a 4-3 progressive majority from July 1. Salem Reporter
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Oregon lawmakers passed Senate Bill 551 that requires grocers and restaurants to offer only recycled paper bags in place of plastic ones beginning in 2027. The bill does not affect options for bulk items — it now heads to Gov. Tina Kotek for approval. Oregon Capital Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Salem city council approved a 2.5% fee increase that will raise the average residential utility operations charge from $15.88 to $16.28 starting July 1—and they also passed a new ordinance limiting downtown on-street parking to 12 hours once the new parking system is online. They further confirmed plans to shift ambulance services back to the Salem Fire Department on July 1. Salem Reporter
- ➤ A Keizer woman who suffered from altered photos helped push a new state law that bans sharing realistic, digitally created intimate images — the law passed unanimously in the Legislature and now awaits Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature, with penalties of up to one year in jail and a $6,250 fine. Salem Reporter
- ➤ Senate Bill 1007 will streamline access to compensation and innocence findings for wrongfully convicted individuals by setting a 180-day deadline for a written decision and allowing new evidence to be considered—if passed the bill will take effect July 15—and is now awaiting a hearing in the Joint Ways and Means committee. Oregon Capital Chronicle
- ➤ ODOT has contracted with Interstate Business Solutions to remove nearly 240,000 pounds of litter from I-5, I-84, I-205 plus U.S. Highway 26 using a crew that mostly includes formerly incarcerated workers. The $4 million-funded contract faces uncertainty as new funding has not been approved, which may put workers like 25-year-old Fernando Rodriguez at risk after June. Salem Reporter
- ➤ Workers from Interstate Business Solutions—many with tough pasts—have cleaned nearly 240,000 pounds of trash from highways including Interstate 5, Interstate 84, Interstate 205 and US Highway 26 since April. The Oregon Department of Transportation faces big budget shortfalls that may risk these jobs and essential services after June. Oregon Capital Chronicle
- ➤ Oregon’s Summer EBT program provided $120 food benefits per eligible child to about 336,000 school-aged children on May 22, with up to 370,000 children set to receive benefits totaling around $40 million this summer. Families who did not get benefits automatically must apply by Sept. 3—by checking requirements online or calling the Summer EBT Call Center—ensuring that all eligible children have access to healthy meals during the break. 1430 KYKN
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Oregon Health Authority hired James Diegel as interim superintendent for Oregon State Hospital. His first day is June 4 — he will replace Acting Superintendent Dave Baden while the search for a permanent leader continues. 1430 KYKN
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Salem.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Preschool Storytime
10:15 – 10:40 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free — Engage in interactive stories, songs, and movement designed for young children and their caregivers.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Salem.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
~ Soren Kierkegaard
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