Good morning, Salem.

The Salem Reporter won eight awards for its journalism, including first place for breaking news coverage on the teen shooting in Bush’s Pasture Park and for education reporting on the South Salem High School incident—honored by the Society of Professional Journalists’ Region 10 for work across five states. The wins also recognized stories on a library program cut, a state judge’s challenge with mental illness cases, drug trafficking at the Marion County Jail, and life at a local micro shelter.

Salem galleries and museums in June are hosting art shows, yoga sessions and history tours that celebrate nature and community – the events run from an art walk on Friday, June 6 from 5–8 p.m. to a yoga session at Bush’s Pasture Park on Thursday, June 19 and a museum tour on Sunday, June 22.

Senior reporter Alex Baumhardt from the Oregon Capital Chronicle won three awards at the Northwest Excellence in Journalism contest covering Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington.

She earned first place in investigative reporting for a January article on timber companies and wildfire protection costs—she also took second in investigative and hard news categories for reports on state rail projects and rising home insurance premiums.

The Oregon State Fair in Salem is marking 160 years with a 24-hour Sunny Savings Sale that offers $1.60 general admission tickets for Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. today to 9 a.m. June 5—up to 10 tickets are allowed per purchase.

High school music programs in Salem-Keizer won multiple state awards in May, with South Salem High School placing first for both full and string orchestras and West Salem tying for first in the 6A band division—more than a dozen students earned top placements in solo competitions.

Senate Bill 952 passed in the House with a 31—24 vote on Tuesday, letting Governor Tina Kotek appoint a U.S. senator from the same party if a vacancy occurs.

The measure, which passed the Senate in April and sets a special election within 150 days of a vacancy, will become law if signed by the governor.

State lawmakers are weighing a series of bills to update Oregon's water laws by streamlining water rights transfers and adding tougher environmental reviews — proposals led by Gov. Tina Kotek and state Reps.

Ken Helm and Mark Owens, aiming to address water shortages and the backlog of contested cases. Some bills have passed committee hearings while others are slated for upcoming votes or await the governor’s signature.

Ken Sanchagrin, the interim head of the public defense commission, announced a 7-point, 12-month plan on Monday to increase lawyer contracts, voluntary caseloads, and law student support to address a shortage of up to 4,400 defenders.

Gov. Kotek fired the previous head in April and now seeks help from the Legislature to fund more trial lawyers in crisis counties — including Marion and Multnomah.

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.

Run For The Rare

Fundraiser Run to benefit Haley’s Heroes Foundation 5K & 10K Run or 1 Mile Walk. Register at haleysheroesfoundation.org.

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.

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.

Tube Bending & Iso Drawing Workshop

2-6 p.m. — Local 290 Training CENTER SALEM — Free for Local 290 Members, $35 for UA Travelers — Learn the fundamental math and techniques for bending tubing in this hands-on workshop.

Yarn and Thread Handwork Studio

12:30-2:30 p.m. — Center 50+ — $15 for five classes — Craft your own stylish accessories like stocking caps, scarves, or mittens with guidance from experienced students.