Smoke clears council chambers, data centers on hold

Weather

Today in Salem: clear skies. (H 94°F / L 57°F)

Local Headlines

Wildfire Smoke Blankets Salem as Temps Near 100

Salem's dealing with a double whammy this week: smoky skies from Oregon wildfires and temperatures approaching 100 degrees. Air quality advisories are in effect across the region, making it one of the worst spots in the Mid-Willamette Valley for smoke.

Local Headlines

National Night Out Events Canceled Due to Smoke

Those neighborhood block parties you were looking forward to? They've been called off across the Salem area because of hazardous wildfire smoke. Safety first, but it's a bummer for community connection.

Local Headlines

City Council Puts Brakes on AI Data Centers

Salem City Council unanimously passed a moratorium on new AI data centers, hitting pause while the city figures out how to handle these energy-hungry facilities. The decision comes as one company tries to push forward with plans anyway.

Local Headlines

Salem Health to Take Over Santiam Hospital

State health leaders approved Salem Health's takeover of Santiam Hospital, a merger officials are calling 'urgently needed.' It's a significant expansion for Salem's healthcare system into the canyon communities.

Local Headlines

Hoopla Street Basketball Tournament Returns for Year 27

Salem's beloved street basketball tradition is back for its 27th year. Hoopla brings the community together for hoops, competition, and neighborhood pride on local courts.

Around Town

Thunder, Lightning & Four Lucky Pups

Mother Nature put on quite a show downtown with lightning strikes crackling through Salem's smoky skies—dramatic enough to catch on video. In better news, four dogs were rescued safely from a house fire Monday morning, and Oregon Humane Society helped spay and neuter over 300 pets at their Salem event. Even in tough air quality, our community keeps showing up for each other (and our furry friends).