Good morning, Salem.

Non-profit Punk With Purpose has opened its new youth center—Stormie's Place—that offers teens drop-in services featuring clothes, board games, movies, and a meal station in the Mid-Valley.

Manager Shyanne Tovar and founder Hailey Hulsey lead the effort to create a safe space for local youth.

A Salem man, Jered Jeremiah Hayward, 45, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison on June 4 after pleading guilty to manufacturing and selling candy and cereals laced with THC and psilocybin—he operated his business while on parole with 10 employees and used encrypted messaging to market his products.

Salem Capital Pride will host the annual Pride Parade and Block Party on Saturday, June 7 with a seven-block downtown parade beginning by the Capitol building and street closures from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The block party will run from noon to 5 p.m.—free events, food, and performances are planned for all ages.

Oregon lawmakers passed Senate Bill 916 by a 33—23 vote on Wednesday, which would let most striking workers claim unemployment benefits after the first two weeks of a strike for up to 26 weeks with payments from $196 to $836 weekly.

The bill now awaits a Senate re-vote on amendments before it goes to Gov. Tina Kotek’s desk, and lawmakers say it may help shorten strikes by bringing employers to the table sooner.

Salem-Keizer graduates returned to Grant Community School on June 4 for a Parade of Honor as they walked the familiar hallways of their former elementary school—students cheered them on throughout the event.

This heartfelt reunion brought together past and present as the graduates celebrated their milestone.

On June 4, McNary High School held a graduation assembly in Keizer — seniors were honored with speeches, music, and awards — before they left the gym to celebrate their milestone.

The Oregon Employment Department announced new weekly benefit amounts for Unemployment Insurance and Paid Leave Oregon claims that will apply to new UI claims filed on or after June 29 and Paid Leave benefit years beginning on or after July 6.

The rates are based on a state average weekly wage of $1,363.80 (a 4.3% increase from last year's rate) and will replace the 2024 levels.

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.