Good morning, Salem.

Salem police arrested 19 year old Jonathan Muhire after he is accused of sexually assaulting a homeless woman at about 4:30 p.m. on June 15 near a south Salem coffee shop and attacking a teenager early the next morning in a wooded area on Southeast Commercial Street with a passerby intervening in both cases, and he is set to appear in court on June 30.

A group of artisans boycotted the Oregon State Fair because high booth fees and a change in vendor location hurt their business, and they will show their crafts live at the Salem Art Fair at Bush’s Pasture Park from Sept 12–14.

Blacksmith Trystan Nguyen and other vendors plan to offer live demonstrations—adding a special touch to the event.

Salem lawmakers have included funding for local projects in a Christmas tree bill but the state did not approve help for public safety costs—providing more than $6 million for a new food share warehouse and grants for nonprofits such as the Elsinore Theatre.

The bill awaits passage by state committees, and lawmakers plan to reintroduce the public safety funding request in the next session.

Salem City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and swore in new Ward 6 Councilor Mai Vang as residents urged ending the city's contract with Avelo Airlines because of its ties to ICE deportation flights—citing safety concerns from a June 1 stabbing at Union Gospel Mission. The council will hold a work session on downtown safety on July 21 to consider increasing police presence and other measures.

Marion County plans to cut nearly 44 vacant jobs from mental health, parole and public works programs to lower next year’s spending by almost $36 million.

Commissioners will vote on the new budget today at 9 a.m.—using $18.8 million in savings to offset rising costs.

Mayor-elect Julie Hoy and three new city councilors were sworn in on Jan.

13 at the Salem City Council meeting—marking a new leadership phase for the city. They are set to address local government priorities in their new roles.

The Oregon House passed a bill on Monday to tax oral nicotine products so that roughly $14.3 million will be raised for wildfire mitigation on public and private lands—this tax charges $0.65 for pouches with 20 or fewer units and an extra 3.25 cents for each additional unit and now heads to the Senate for a vote.

2025 Sumpter Annual Neighborhood Garage Sale

June 27-30 — Sumpter School City Park — Free entry — Discover amazing deals and hidden treasures at this popular neighborhood-wide garage sale in SE Salem.

Free Foot Check Day

10 AM – 4 PM — The Good Feet Store — Free entry — Get your feet evaluated by a healthcare professional to enhance your overall comfort.

Letter Writing Social

2-4 p.m. — IKE Box Café — Bring your own supplies — A creative monthly gathering for letter writing and mail art enthusiasts.

Beginning/Intermediate Woodcarving Class

6:45-8:45 p.m. — Center 50+ — $20 for four classes — Explore your creativity through woodcarving while working on personal or guided projects.

Lavender Wreath Making Class

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Arrowhead Lavender Farm & Co. — Costs vary — Create a beautiful lavender wreath while enjoying a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

4th of July Spectacular

3-11 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Free admission — Celebrate Independence Day with food, rides, music, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Marion County Fair

Noon-10 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Adults: $9, Kids 5 and under FREE — Celebrate summer with thrilling rides, tasty food, and live music at the Marion County Fair.

Breakthrough Basketball Camp: Ball Handling and Scoring Skills

N/A — July 11-13 — NPJ Sports Complex — $97 fee for observing coaches — Improve your basketball skills with high-intensity drills and expert coaching.

Vintage Datsun Swap Meet

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Powerland Heritage Park — $20 Admission (plus camping fee) — Enjoy classic car swaps along with access to park museums and local food options.

Lavender Wreath Making Workshop

11 AM – 2 PM — Arrowhead Lavender Farm & Co. — Cost included — Create your own beautiful lavender wreath with expert guidance in a serene setting.