Good morning, Salem.

A mobile shower truck that offers free showers on Tuesdays at the Kindness Closet and Thursdays at Oak Park Church of God is seeking new Salem spots with water hookups & sewer drains to serve unsheltered neighbors.

The truck, which serves 20 to 30 people each day, is operated by the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency and will add more stops in underserved areas soon.

After a March 2024 shooting shook the community, Savannah Soliz stayed in Salem to support Native youth with educational programs and powwow celebrations.

She builds intertribal connections and honors her heritage while taking courses to further her education — a commitment inspired by her family legacy.

U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, Sen. Jeff Merkley, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Greg Steube introduced the Microplastics Safety Act on Thursday to require Health and Human Services to study plastic fragments' impacts on health—including links to cancer, chronic illness and hormone disruption—and report their findings to Congress within one year.

The Oregon Legislative Session ended on June 27 — lawmakers approved major housing investments such as $204.9 million for homeless shelters, $100.9 million for the LIFT Homeownership program, $10 million for tribal housing, and $24 million for a senior housing initiative.

Oregon Housing and Community Services said the new funding will help families facing housing instability as it works with local partners to put the programs in place.

Oregon’s labor bureau got nearly $19 million to hire about 50 new investigators and reduce its wage claim backlog, and it will stop prioritizing claims by income by the end of this year— a change to better protect workers.

Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state emergency on Wednesday amid extreme high temperatures that raised wildfire risks—mobilizing state and federal agencies to share resources and respond to nearly 60 active fires and evacuate over 2,200 addresses—and the order remains in effect until conditions improve or the fire season ends.

Oregon lawmakers passed two bills that let local microgrids keep power running during emergencies and help power settings like hospitals and schools—regulators will set the rules as the bills now await Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature.

This legislation could offer a new way to manage energy when the main grid faces risks.

Sen. Ron Wyden introduced the VISIBLE Act of 2025, which would stop ICE and DHS agents from hiding behind masks and plain clothes in public—this law aims to keep officers visible and accountable.

The bill, co-sponsored by several senators, was sent to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary for review.

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries warned that employer threats to report workers to ICE are illegal and count as retaliation—workers facing such tactics are urged to file complaints.

Advocates say employers have used ICE threats to silence concerns and exploit workplace issues—adding to rising worries for vulnerable workers.

Salem will host the fifth Ironman 70.3 Oregon at Riverfront Park on Sunday, July 20, with nearly 150 local residents and 2,500 competitors set to race starting at 6:15 a.m., including fire chief David Gerboth and council president Linda Nishioka.

City officials have announced road closures in south Salem from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.—drivers should avoid South River Road and expect limited parking near the race area—while nearby parks remain open to the public.

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.

10th Annual Run for the Oaks

7 a.m. — Left Coast Cellars — Cost TBD — Celebrate a scenic run on gravel, trail, and paved roads in beautiful Oregon wine country.