Good morning, Salem.

A $21,250 Travel Oregon grant is funding accessibility upgrades at Salem Riverfront Carousel that include a lightweight aluminum wheelchair ramp and fixture adjustments later this summer—these changes come after the old ramp was retired in November 2024 and will cause a brief closure in August.

Salem’s neighborhood associations plan a busy summer—hosting events like the Highland Peace Walk on July 26 at Highland Park and family gatherings on Aug.

5 and Aug. 6, while also offering a kids clothing swap and urging the city to ease rules for mural installations on public fences. Several groups will hold meetings and community projects to keep residents informed of local improvements.

Avelo Airlines will end its operations at Salem Airport when its final flight departs on August 10—part of a broader plan to shift resources to more profitable markets.

Local business and travel groups are now meeting to recruit a new carrier—hoping to restore the economic boost the airline once brought.

Salem-Keizer School District is offering free summer meals to every student and family by providing complete lunch bags at eight schools in Salem and Keizer using funding from its general fund, with over 10,000 meals already served since June 23.

Meals are available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Aug. 20—students simply show up to pick up their meal.

Attorney General Rayfield hired two law firms that had donated to his campaign to represent Oregon in its lawsuit against Coinbase—accused of violating securities law by selling unregistered tokens.

Coinbase has also filed a public records lawsuit against Governor Kotek’s office—alleging delayed document responses and steep fees.

The Salem Police Department replaced its online system on May 30 so residents can report non-emergency crimes like shoplifting without a suspect.

The new system cost LexisNexis $21,300 and allows users to update reports and upload digital evidence + is expected to reduce calls to dispatch and free up officers for urgent work.

Salem leaders including Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, Keizer Mayor Cathy Clark and former Salem Mayor Chris Hoy violated ethics law by not giving the public the required 48 hour meeting notice for two Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance meetings held in December and January. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission issued letters of education to all 11 board members after finding that notices were sent too late or posted after the meetings—officials said new staff training and updated procedures will help prevent future errors.

Oregon will receive $10.1 million from a nationwide opioid settlement with eight manufacturers—55% of the funds will go to local drug prevention and recovery programs, with the state planning to distribute the money until 2038.

Attorney General Dan Rayfield said the settlements hold opioid makers accountable for the harm caused to families.

Oregon Housing and Community Services approved funding for 42 affordable housing projects that will create nearly 2,800 new homes in the year after launching the Oregon Centralized Application — a process that also tracks more than 15,000 rental homes in development — and plans updates for 2025 to 2027.

Salem will experience road closures and traffic delays on July 20 from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. as Ironman 70.3 Oregon brings over 2,500 athletes, volunteers, and spectators to Riverfront Park — the race features a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run and is expected to boost local spending by $11 million.

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.

Health Fair at Lancaster Family Health

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center — Free entry — Celebrate better health with screenings, nutrition tips, games, and free food for the whole family.

The Great Oregon Steam-Up

7 AM – 6 PM — Powerland Heritage Park — Various costs — Experience the awe of steam-powered machines and immerse in Oregon's industrial history.

Basketball Camp: Playmaker College

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — The Pac Community Center — $695 — A comprehensive basketball training camp focusing on skill development, leadership, and confidence for dedicated young players.

Mary Poppins

7:30-10 p.m. — Gerry Frank Amphitheater — Tickets vary — Experience the magic of Mary Poppins in a spectacular outdoor setting with live performances and a full orchestra.

Coffee Cupping

5:30-7 p.m. — Prismatic Coffee Company — Free entry — Experience the exquisite flavors of El Salvador's Cup of Excellence winning coffees.