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Your Wednesday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

Salem’s nascent Arena Football League team is no more, with a run so short you’d be forgiven for not knowing they existed at all.

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The Oregon Blackbears announced Wednesday that they would cease play after just three regular season games following a restructuring of the football league. The team was announced last July with few details, and details of the season firmed up late last year.

The decision came after the league carried out “an unexpected and unprecedented midseason league realignment,” according to the team statement. The professional league is moving to 10 teams.

“While there is disappointment around this decision, and as to my knowledge neither our ownership group nor myself were a part of them, we have very much to be proud of regarding the accomplishments we achieved in this early season,”  said Pat Johnson, team president, in a statement.

Here’s some of today’s news. Find all of our latest stories on our website.

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The Oregon State Fair, starting Aug. 23, will bring eight acts to Salem including Craig Morgan, The Goo Goo Dolls, Ludacris and Foreigner. VIP tickets are on sale now.

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A 38-year-old Salem man pleaded guilty to molesting two children under 14. He was previously a corrections deputy in the Clackamas County Jail and a corporal in the Oregon State…

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State wildfire leaders say they are struggling to attract more firefighters due to limited housing and low wages.

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Dancers of all ages gathered Saturday, May 11, at Chemawa Indian School in Salem, showing off jingle dresses and fancy dance outfits.

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Councilors will vote Monday on whether to exempt from property taxes the High Street Apartments, a 105-unit development planned for a vacant downtown lot.

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From Salemu0026rsquo;s mayor to Oregonu0026rsquo;s top law enforcement official, local voters have plenty to weigh in on this month. Ballots were mailed to voters starting May 1 and need tou0026hellip;

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