Good morning, Salem.

Portland General Electric said it will ask regulators next week to raise overall rates by 4.8% and residential rates by 3.9%, which would add about $8.33 per month for the average home.

The increase will fund projects such as upgrading the South Milliken transmission line (affecting local services).

Oregon's unemployment held at 5.2% in June while Salem reported a lower 4.9% rate with 4,500 jobs added over the past year.

Job gains in transportation, warehousing and utilities + health care offset small declines in manufacturing and construction.

Spark Studio Salem hosts its monthly 3D printing workshop today+ where Richard Milewski demonstrates projects like a water bottle boot and bamboo garden connectors+ as local makers learn custom printing skills.

Salem-Keizer Public Schools plan to close up to eight elementary schools — a move aimed at addressing low enrollment — ahead of the 2027–28 school year.

District leaders have not finalized which schools will close.

After 22 bats tested positive for rabies today, the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife advised residents to avoid handling sick or dead bats and to keep pets safe — following record-level findings.

A new study found that even as car and industry pollution fell from 2003 to 2019, wildfire smoke caused most high pollution days and may lead to low birth weight and preterm birth; recent wildfires have raised concerns about outdoor air quality for Salem residents + pregnant people.

Oregon Health Authority approved the proposed $61 million merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital, but the deal awaits Attorney General Dan Rayfield's final sign off before it can close.

Hospital leaders requested an emergency review to meet the Aug. 1 deadline.

Regional Music Festival

7-10 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket information available — Experience a vibrant night with electrifying performances from popular regional artists.

Englewood Forest Festival

10 AM – 4 PM — Englewood Park — Free entry — Celebrate art, nature, and community with entertainment and activities for all ages.