🌱 Salem Bomb Squad Investigates Backpack + Senate Republicans Protest

Hi all. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Salem Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Cloudy with a shower in spots. High: 58 Low: 49.
• Saturday: Cloudy, showers around; cool. High: 57 Low: 44.

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Here are the top three stories in Salem today:

1. On Wednesday, May 3, the Salem Police bomb squad investigated a "suspicious backpack" left on a Cherriots bus on Commercial Street SE between Baxter Road and Barnes Avenue. According to police, the bomb squad gave "the all clear" on the backpack, and the road was reopened. (Subscription: Statesman Journal)
2. Most of the Oregon Senate Republicans "walked off" the Senate floor in Salem this week. Republicans said they walked out on Wednesday as a protest over Senate rule violations. Democrats said the Republicans were protesting to oppose gun safety and reproductive health bills. (KGW8)
3. Dave's Hot Chicken will host a grand opening for its first Salem location today, May 5, at 3817 Center St. NE. The Los Angeles-based chicken chain's Salem location has been in development for almost two years. The first 100 customers at the grand opening will receive a key chain and temporary tattoos. (Subscription: Statesman Journal)

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Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Friday, May 5

• Marion County Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale At Columbia Hall (10:00 AM)
• Craft & Chat: Casual Drop-In Social For Adults At Collaboration Studio At Salem Public Library (11:00 AM)

Saturday, May 6

• Live Acoustic Music With Dylan Santiago At Cória Estates (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Salem announced Public Works Day will be held on Thursday, Jun. 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Riverfront Park. The free, family-friendly event features tours and demonstrations from members of the Public Works staff, big trucks, specialized equipment, educational presentations from Natural Resources teams, and games with the Parks and Recreation staff. (City of Salem via Facebook)
• Ever wonder about the construction happening "down the street?" Now you can quickly learn more about the City of Salem's active construction projects on the "Construction in Your Neighborhood" page here. (City of Salem via Facebook)
• Still need to file your 2022 state income taxes? All Oregon resident taxpayers can file electronically for free! Learn more here. (Oregon Revenue Dept. via Twitter)

You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox soon with another 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!