Good morning, Salem.

Keizer firefighter Ruben Gonzales Romero, aged 60, died on Aug.

24 while fighting the Bivens Creek Fire in southwest Montana—he suffered a cardiac emergency while working for Monmouth-based TJ Forestry Contracting and paramedics were unable to revive him.

Antonio Irving Benjamin, 53, was sentenced to 12 years in federal court on Aug.

26th for producing and selling cereal bars and candy laced with THC and psilocybin from a Salem warehouse—he also agreed to forfeit over $2 million in assets.

Oregonians have a chance today to win the Powerball jackpot estimated at $815 million, the highest since a $1.3 billion win in Portland on April 6 + Salem saw a $50,000 winning ticket for the August 25 drawing though the top prize went unclaimed.

Ten Keizer firefighters were sent to Sisters to fight the Flat Fire that started Aug.

21 near Lake Billy Chinook and reached nearly 22,000 acres by Aug. 25—using a point protection strategy to guard local structures. The crews made good progress after cooler temperatures eased the blaze—though officials said they had not confirmed when the firefighters would return home.

Nearly 2,200 Oregonians submitted testimony ahead of a public hearing on Governor Tina Kotek's transportation funding proposal that would raise the gas tax by 6 cents per gallon — also increasing registration and payroll fees.

Nearly 500 Oregon Department of Transportation workers risk layoffs from a $350 million budget gap — lawmakers will vote on the proposal Friday in Salem.

On Monday, Salem City Council discussed changes to the no mow program at Bush’s Pasture Park to protect oak trees that are two hundred years old and create safe picnic areas—voting 5—3 to refer the proposal to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

The measure aims to balance ecological restoration with public access and safety at the park.

Paint Night at Vortex Eatery & Taphouse

6-8 p.m. — Vortex Eatery + Taphouse — Food and drink available for purchase — Unleash your creativity while sipping and painting in a fun atmosphere.

Pinot & Pizza Event

12-6 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — No reservations required — Enjoy fresh pizza and Pinot Noir in a scenic setting with live music.

Dylan Scott Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Cost TBD — Experience the powerful vocals and heartfelt songs of Curb Records artist Dylan Scott.

Banda Los Sebastianes Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Free entry — Experience the lively sounds of Banda Los Sebastianes at the Columbia Bank Concert Series during the Oregon State Fair.

The Beach Boys Concert

4-9:30 p.m. — The Pavilion — Cost info not available — Experience over six decades of musical brilliance from The Beach Boys.

Tropical Treasures: Paper Art Exhibition by Eileen Downes

5-8 p.m. — Stefani Art Gallery — Free entry — Explore vibrant collages that transform torn paper into tropical dreams and hidden stories.

Boot Scoot and Brew Music Festival

11 a.m.-10 p.m. — Salem Riverfront Park Amphitheater — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy a full day of music featuring the Catnip Brothers and more.

Wine & Yoga Experience

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

Yoga + Libations at Lively Station

6-7 p.m. — Lively Station — $5-$10 suggested donation — Enjoy a relaxing outdoor yoga session followed by dinner and drinks in a vibrant setting.

Pinot & Pizza at Hudak House

4-8 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — No reservations required — Savor custom pizzas and Pinot while enjoying live music in a scenic setting.