🌱 Three Senators Disqualified From Reelection + Teen Murder Suspect

Hey, friends! It's Wednesday in Salem and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Very warm. High: 90 Low: 56.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 84 Low: 54.

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Here are the top three stories in Salem today:

1. On Monday, May 15, three state senators, Republicans Dennis Linthicum and Daniel Bonham and Independent Brian Boquist were disqualified from reelection after accumulating ten unexcused absences during the current walk-out in Salem. Last November, almost 70 percent of voters passed Ballot Measure 113 to help end the walkouts that have been going on for several years. According to the state Constitution, missing ten or more floor sessions "shall be deemed disorderly behavior and shall disqualify the member from holding office as a senator or representative for the term following the election after the member’s current term is completed." (Fox News)
2. On Monday morning, May 15, the 15-year-old suspected of fatally stabbing 20-year-old Enrique Sanchez Franco at the Salem Center was arraigned in Marion County juvenile court. According to the Marion County District Attorney's office, the teen faces charges of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 25. As of May 16, there has been no word on whether the DA's office will petition to bring the case into adult court. (Statesman Journal)
3. According to witness accounts and video obtained by Salem Reporter, 37-year-old Samuel Landis, an on-duty agent for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, drove at "excessive speed" and drove through a stop sign without stopping right before the fatal crash that killed cyclist Marganne Allen, a state worker. Salem Police initially investigated the incident on Mar. 28 for about four hours before turning it over to the Keizer Police Department due to Salem Police Department's partnership with the DEA in a local task force. (Keizer Times)

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Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Wednesday, May 17

• Live Music Happy Hour With Dylan Santiago At Taproot Lounge & Cafe (4:00 PM)

Thursday, May 18

• Cherry City Mixer At 216 Commercial Street NE (4:00 PM)
• Trey Kennedy: Grow Up At True West & Elsinore Theatre (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On May 11, nine Salem institutions earned recognition at the annual Travel Salem “MOPO” awards. The awards honor those who promote tourism to Salem, the “Most Oregon Part of Oregon,” according to the organization. (Salem Reporter)
• Are you interested in learning how to play pickleball? Salem Family YMCA is offering free pickleball lessons during the summer for YMCA Members! Sign up in your member portal or email Amanda at aschimmel@theyonline.org. Click here for more information. (Salem Family YMCA via Facebook)
• Whether looking for a new home or not, it's always good to stay up-to-date on the local housing market! Check out the latest homes for sale in the Salem area, including a four-bedroom on SE Doris Loop for $419,000. (Salem Patch)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! See you soon for 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!