Data center moratorium, smoke blankets Salem, & more

Weather

Today in Salem: clear skies. (H 95°F / L 59°F)

Local Headlines

Salem Council Puts Brakes on Data Centers with Unanimous Vote

City Council passed a moratorium on new data centers after concerns about water use—one proposed facility was designed to gulp up to 3 million gallons daily. The unanimous decision comes as state lawmakers also weigh a three-year statewide pause on large data centers.

Local Headlines

Wildfire Smoke Settles Over Salem as Air Quality Tanks

Salem's dealing with a double whammy: wildfire smoke and smog are combining to create some of the worst air quality in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Temperatures are climbing near 100 degrees this week, and National Night Out events across the area have been canceled due to the haze.

Local Headlines

Woman Dies After Hit-and-Run on Salem Sidewalk

A DUII driver struck two pedestrians on a Salem sidewalk, killing one woman and hospitalizing another. Police arrested the driver after he fled the scene.

Local Headlines

Riverfront Park's New Playground Ready for Its Close-Up

Salem's getting a shiny new playground at Riverfront Park, and it's almost ready to welcome families. A bright spot of community investment as summer winds down.

Local Headlines

Volunteers Aim to Get Historic 'Lacey Lady' Bomber Flying Again

A dedicated crew of volunteers is working to restore Salem's beloved WWII-era bomber plane and get her back in the skies where she belongs.

Around Town

Around Town: From the Ashes (Literally)

Between the smoke and the heat, Salem's having quite the week. While we're all squinting through the haze and postponing outdoor gatherings, there's still good happening: volunteers are lovingly restoring our historic Lacey Lady bomber, and families will soon have a brand-new playground to enjoy at Riverfront Park once the skies clear. Sometimes progress happens even when you can barely see across the street.