Data center drama, smoky skies & school closures ahead

Weather

Today in Salem: overcast. (H 94°F / L 55°F)

Local Headlines

Governor Pulls Plug on Controversial Salem Data Center

Gov. Tina Kotek ordered the state to halt the land sale for a proposed data center campus in Salem. The move comes after the City Council passed a moratorium on data centers, though the project's developer is still attempting to push forward with alternative plans.

Local Headlines

Wildfire Smoke Settles Over Salem as Temps Near 100

Salem is experiencing the worst air quality in the Mid-Willamette Valley as wildfire smoke fills the region. The smoky skies coincide with a heat advisory warning temperatures could approach 100 degrees this week.

Local Headlines

Salem-Keizer Schools to Close Up to 8 Elementaries

The Salem-Keizer school district plans to close up to eight elementary schools in the 2027-2028 school year, citing declining enrollment. The difficult decision affects families across the district.

Local Headlines

Salem Health Gets Green Light for Santiam Hospital Merger

Oregon health officials granted emergency approval for Salem Health to take over struggling Santiam Hospital. State leaders called the merger

Local Headlines

Salem Adds Jobs Even as State Unemployment Ticks Up

While Oregon's unemployment rate hit 5.2%, Salem bucked the trend by adding jobs. The local economy continues showing resilience amid broader state employment challenges.

Around Town

Around Town

It's a challenging week for Salem between the smoky skies and near-100-degree heat—stay cool and check air quality before heading out. On a brighter note, the Salem Housing Authority is preparing to open its first-ever apartment building with on-site support services, a milestone for local housing. And despite all the data center drama downtown, Salem's job market keeps chugging along with new positions added locally.