Good morning, Salem.

A semi-truck ran into power lines on Southeast Gath Road on July 9—sparking a brush fire that burned 30 acres of former prison farmland and forced evacuations along Turner Road in Salem while injuring a firefighter now at Salem Hospital.

A 33-year-old Salem man, already detained after a March 23 crash that killed a 16-year-old and injured three others, now faces two counts of second-degree sexual abuse for alleged incidents in March—court records show he drove four minors on a joyride where he shared alcohol and marijuana.

Workers set up carnival rides—vendors prepared food stations and attractions—at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem as the Marion County Fair opened today and will run until July 13.

Discovery Academy in Salem opened in April as one of Oregon’s first recovery high schools to help teens stay sober.

The school—run by the Willamette Education Service District—offers daily check-ins, recovery sessions, and a summer program while expecting to enroll 15 to 20 students in the fall.

Salem has changed the scheduled July 14 City Council meeting to a virtual format due to air conditioning problems at Louck Auditorium — residents can watch the live meeting on YouTube and join via Zoom after pre-registering between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. — public comments will be accepted by 5 p.m.

Oregon leaders and food aid advocates warned today that a new GOP megabill will cut SNAP benefits by about $160 per month for an average family of three and add extra state costs—raising hunger and stressing public services.

Governor Kotek said state agencies will review policies to help ease the impact on low-income families.

The Oregon legislature and Gov. Tina Kotek approved new benefits for the Oregon Army National Guard that went into effect on July 1—offering a $5,000 bonus for three-year extensions and a $2,000 payment for valid recruitment leads—while Guard members can now receive in-state tuition rates regardless of residence. Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar said the measures aim to help the Guard reach full strength as current numbers fall short of authorized levels.

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.

North East Salem Community Association Meeting

7-8:30 p.m. — The Jory Apartments — Free entry — Engage with your neighbors and contribute to the discussion about community improvements.

Emerging Welders Program Information Session

10 AM – 12 PM — WorkSource Oregon - Salem Center — Free entry — Discover the Emerging Welders Program for individuals with criminal convictions in the local community.

Pinot & Pizza Evening

12-6 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — No reservations required — Enjoy custom pizzas paired with fine wines in a scenic vineyard setting.

STRIDE 5k/10k Run/Walk in Minto-Brown Island Park

3:45-5:30 p.m. — Minto-Brown Island Park — Participation fee required — Enjoy a community-focused run/walk event with stunning park views and friendly competition.

Ironman Oregon

Blazing fast — Morning — Minto-Brown Island Park — Registration fee applies — Experience one of the fastest IRONMAN 70.3 races with a scenic swim, bike through vineyards, and a flat run.

Nashville at Salem's Historic Grand

5-9 p.m. — Grand Theater — Food and drinks available — Experience an intimate Nashville-style evening featuring original songs and stories from talented songwriters.

Yappy Yoga at Capitol Subaru

6-7 p.m. — Capitol Subaru — Suggested donation of $5-$15 — Practice yoga with your furry friends while benefiting the Oregon Humane Society.