Good morning, Salem.

Powerland Heritage Park is hosting its 55th annual Great Oregon Steam-Up starting today, with antique cars, imported trolleys and steam-powered logging machines on display—activities include trolley rides, a museum passport program and a daily parade.

The event runs today and tomorrow and returns for a second weekend on Aug. 2-3, while tickets cost $17 for adults, $12 for ages 13 to 17, free for children 12 and under and parking is $5 per car.

A bill that would have required utilities to cover federal taxes on wildfire settlements failed in the final hours of the session & survivors who receive settlements after January 2026 must pay federal taxes once federal protections expire at year’s end.

Lawmakers may revisit the issue & advocates urge further review to provide relief for wildfire survivors.

Cherriots was honored as a top performing transit agency at the Second Annual TransDASH Performance Summit held in Greensboro, NC from June 24—25, receiving awards for Most Jobs Accessible by Transit Q1 and Highest Decrease in Cost Per Customer Trip.

The event brought transit leaders together to share best practices, and Cherriots earned additional second and third place awards for customer and ridership metrics.

Two veteran Salem Airport officials resigned days after Avelo Airlines announced it will stop service next month plus city officials said that remaining staff will cover the duties without hiring replacements.

John Paskell will end his role on Aug. 1 and Joey Langenhorst on Aug. 29, saving about $206,000 in salaries over six months.

Advocates released a report on Wednesday showing that Salem and other rural areas with prisons received greater influence in the state House because incarcerated people are counted by their prison address rather than where they lived; the report urges lawmakers to change the redistricting rules before the 2030 Census to correct this imbalance — ensuring fair representation for all residents.

Governor Tina Kotek announced Thursday that she will name Deputy Director Liesl Wendt to succeed Fariborz Pakseresht, who retires Oct.

1 after 35 years of service. Wendt, who awaits Senate confirmation in September, is expected to build on a new system that lets Oregonians apply for multiple benefits with one application — a program established under Pakseresht’s leadership.

Salem City Council will meet on July 28 at Loucks Auditorium to decide on an emergency declaration that speeds up contracts for improving the drinking water system—an action prompted by the planned fall drawdown of Detroit Reservoir.

The drawdown is expected to raise sediment levels in the North Santiam River, which may force the water treatment plant to shift to alternate water sources.

Salem city councilors have paused attending neighborhood association meetings and speaking with the public after an Oregon Government Ethics Commission training left them worried they might break the public meetings law—state officials will clarify the rules, and the council will review a staff report on July 28 to address these issues.

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.

Basketball Camp: Point Guard Prep

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — The PAC Community Center — $695 — Enhance your child's basketball skills with a focused and immersive training experience.

Disney's Mary Poppins

7:30-10 p.m. — Gerry Frank Amphitheater — Check website for ticket info — Experience the enchanting magic of Mary Poppins under the stars with thrilling performances and live orchestration.

Pinot & Pizza Night at Hudak House

4-8 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — No reservations required — Enjoy custom-made pizzas and fine Pinot wines under the stars with live music.

CAMC S-K Car Show

9 AM – 3 PM — Powerland Heritage Park — No Spectator Fee — Celebrate all car makes and models at this vibrant show sponsored by CAMC.

Partner Massage Class

4-6 p.m. — Massage With Fauna, LLC — $75 per pair — Learn to provide nurturing massage techniques in a relaxed workshop setting.

Yoga & Wine Experience

6-8 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Suggested donation of $5-10 — Enjoy a refreshing yoga session with scenic mountain views followed by a post-class beverage.