Schools closing, hospitals merging, and data drama

Weather

Today in Salem: clear skies. (H 85°F / L 52°F)

Local Headlines

Salem Health Gets Green Light to Take Over Santiam Hospital

State health officials granted emergency approval for Salem Health to merge with struggling Santiam Hospital in Stayton. The move, called 'urgently needed,' aims to stabilize healthcare services in the eastern Willamette Valley and prevent potential closure of the rural hospital.

Local Headlines

Up to 8 Elementary Schools Could Close Next Year

Salem-Keizer school district plans to shutter as many as eight elementary schools in the 2027-2028 school year due to declining enrollment. It's a tough decision that reflects demographic shifts affecting districts across the region.

Local Headlines

Data Center Developer Pushes Forward Despite State Pushback

Verrus is advancing its massive $5.1 billion data center plan for Salem even as Governor Kotek ordered the state to withdraw from selling land for the project. The company's proposal beat a development moratorium and would replace state-owned land, though uncertainty looms.

Local Headlines

Salem Housing Authority Breaks Ground on Apartments with On-Site Support

The city's housing authority is preparing a first-of-its-kind apartment building that will offer on-site support services for residents. It's an innovative approach to addressing housing instability and connecting tenants with resources they need.

Local Headlines

Salem Adds Jobs Even as State Unemployment Ticks Up

While Oregon's unemployment rate climbed to 5.2%, Salem bucked the trend by adding jobs locally. It's welcome news for our corner of the Willamette Valley amid broader economic headwinds.

Around Town

Keeping Salem Safe

It's been a busy week for local law enforcement. Police arrested a man accused of smashing car windows with a baseball bat at the WinCo store, investigated an illegal fireworks blast that sent five people to the hospital, and caught a suspect after an alleged attempted kidnapping of a 3-year-old. Officers also ended a brief pursuit downtown after a stolen Honda struck a patrol car. Stay alert out there, neighbors.