🌱 Oregon GOP Boycott Continues + Salem Drinking Water Week

Hey, Salem. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Cooler with periods of rain. High: 54 Low: 44.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny and warmer. High: 67 Low: 44.

Business owners and marketers in Salem: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Salem today:

1. The Republican members of the Oregon Senate extended their walkout for a fourth consecutive day on Saturday, halting progress on legislation addressing gun safety, abortion rights, and gender-affirming health care. The GOP's absence has prevented the Democrats from achieving a quorum, forcing Senate President Rob Wagner to adjourn until Sunday. While the use of walkouts by Republican lawmakers is not new, the current boycott puts their jobs at risk, with voters overwhelmingly approving a measure last November banning lawmakers with 10 unexcused absences from running for re-election. (KPTV)
2. Drinking Water Week in Salem has begun, highlighting the importance of water as a precious natural resource and our daily use of it, particularly in drinking. Conservation of water is crucial to protecting drinking water supplies. The City of Salem provided tips on its website, including turning off the tap while brushing teeth or washing hands, running full loads in the washer, collecting shower water for gardening, and using a pitcher of water from the fridge instead of running the tap for cold water. (City of Salem via Facebook)
3. The City of Salem's GIS Team will receive a Special Achievement in GIS Award at the 2023 Esri User Conference for its outstanding work with GIS technology. The award recognizes Salem's programs focused on data collection, including using LiDAR and 360-degree imagery data for transportation asset management, and their innovative Public Works Drone Program. (City of Salem)

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Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Monday, May 8

• Yoga At Physiq Fitness (9:00 AM)
• Infant CPR & Choking At Salem Health CHEC (4:00 PM)
• 80s Yoga + Beer At Santiam Brewing (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, May 9

• Career Connections At Chemeketa Community College (9:00 AM)
• Pain 101 At Salem Hospital - Building D (4:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know an incredible mom you'd like the rest of Salem to know about, too? We want to hear about her! Just fill out this simple form and we'll do the rest. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, have a look at these awesome moms!

From my notebook:

• Mother's Day is this Sunday. Check out the link for a list of brunches, specials, and events happening in the Salem area to celebrate mom! (Subscription: Statesman Journal)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Salem area! Get all the property details at the link. (Salem Patch)
• The Salem Art Association is holding a Poetry Presentation this week. The presentation will take place on May 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Bush Barn Art Center & Annex. (Salem Art Association via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!