Good morning, Salem.

The National Weather Service warned Salem and nearby areas could see thunderstorms today while high winds are expected from Oct.

22 to Oct. 25—winds up to 55 mph may damage trees and cause outages. Residents should secure outdoor items and clear gutters ahead of the heavy rain.

Salem Police reported a cougar was seen near Harritt Drive NW in West Salem on Oct.18 at 12:30 p.m.—residents are advised to avoid the animal and call 911 if they feel in danger.

Today, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts ended fire restrictions as the fire season wraps up across the state.

ODF officials said aggressive firefighting kept most fires small—94% were 10 acres or less—even though there were 1,135 fires that burned 24,275 acres.

Bill Minnix spoke at the Oregon For The People rally at the State Capitol in Salem on October 18 — he addressed local supporters at the gathering.

Gustavo Guerrero—field representative for U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley—read the senator's message at the 'No Kings' protest in Salem.

David Welch wore a shark costume — a choice he explained was meant to spotlight his message — at the No Kings protest at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem on Oct.

18.

The Oregon Health Authority alerted local health care workers after routine wastewater testing on Oct 6th detected measles virus in Marion County+ suggesting an infected person was in the area.

Health care providers are urged to watch for measles symptoms and remind patients to update their MMR vaccination.

OHA will raise Medicaid payments by an average of 10.2% in 2026 to help insurers cover rising costs and keep quality care available for over 1.4 million members.

The agency is working with partners—such as Trillium in Lane County and PacificSource for a transitional period until February 1—to ensure uninterrupted access to care.

North East Salem Community Association Meeting

7-8:30 p.m. — The Jory Apartments — Free entry — Engage with your community and participate in important neighborhood discussions.

Needle Felting Class - Pumpkin

6-8 p.m. — CreativiTee — Pre-registration required — Learn to needle felt a pumpkin and expand your fiber arts knowledge this fall.

Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms

10 AM – 3 PM — Wavra Farms & Nursery — Free entry — Discover local vendors and enjoy the warmth of the indoor market this winter.

The Ty Curtis Band

4-8 p.m. — Beehive Station — Entry details not specified — Ty Curtis returns to his bluesy roots with new music on the way.

Flu Clinic at Lancaster Family Health Center

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center at Lancaster — No cost — Help combat the flu with a quick visit to the clinic for vaccinations.

Flu Clinic at Lancaster Family Health Center

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center at Lancaster — No cost — Help fight off the flu with a timely in-and-out trip to the clinic.

Silver Falls 5K Trail Run

4:30-6 p.m. — Silver Falls State Park — Registration opens Aug 1, 2025 — Enjoy a spirited Halloween-themed trail run in one of the largest events of its kind in the west.

Salem For All! Variety Show

2-11:50 p.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate local talent as performers showcase meaningful cultural works hosted by Peter Bergel.

Latinas - Wine Tasting With Friends

1-3 p.m. — Cória Estates — $56 — Enjoy a delightful wine tasting experience at a family-owned vineyard in Salem, Oregon.

Childbirth Education Series

6-9 p.m. — Community Health Education Center — $90 — Gain essential skills for labor, delivery, and postpartum care through this informative four-week series.

Finding Hope, Resilience, and Strength During Turbulent Times All-inclusive Retreat

This retreat will offer a restorative space to rest and rejuvenate in the healing waters as well as guide you on your journey to mindfulness and hopefulness. Find healing and hope through activities like guided meditations, exploration and discovery of strengths and resilience, movement and mobility, soothing sound baths, artistic endeavors, and more!