Good morning Salem! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Gods, Gold, & Lost Worlds: Aegean Culture From Atlantis To Alexander and 17 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Salem Public Schools Issues Special Education Records Notice (patch.com) — Families in Salem whose children received special education services before July 2018 are being urged to claim their records before the district destroys them in mid-November, as required by state and federal law. Parents, guardians, or eligible former students have 30 days from the notice date to contact Salem Public Schools' Special Education Department and arrange pickup, after which all unclaimed files will be permanently destroyed.
2. Salem Halloween 2026: Haunted Happenings Parade Route Road Closures Set For Thursday (patch.com) — Drivers and pedestrians in Salem should prepare for major downtown disruptions Thursday afternoon as roads along the Haunted Happenings Parade route begin closing at 4 p.m. and stay shut until the event ends. The 27th annual parade steps off from Shetland Park at 6:30 p.m., with metal barriers, crossing points, and strict parking restrictions affecting access to South Harbor Garage and streets leading to Salem Common.
3. 2026 MA Elections: 3 MA Universities To Host Ballot Question Forums (patch.com) — Salem residents will have a chance to dig into a major statewide zoning ballot question when Salem State University hosts a public forum on Question 7 on Oct. 8. The event is part of a new multi-campus initiative offering nonpartisan discussions of three November ballot measures, including same-day voter registration and gun laws, with sessions recorded for ongoing civic learning.
4. Exchange Salem 115-Unit Housing Project Clears Key Financing Hurdle (patch.com) — Salem's long-discussed Exchange Salem project by the commuter rail station has secured $48 million in financing, allowing construction of 115 mixed-income apartments on a former municipal lot. City officials say the seven-story building will add affordable and middle-income housing, new retail, public open space, and better pedestrian links between North Salem and downtown while supporting reuse of historic courthouse buildings nearby.
5. Brigadier General Andrea Gayle-Bennett of Lynn Announced as Winner of 2026 Peter J. Gomes Service Award (house.gov) — A major community service award for Massachusetts' 6th District was presented in Salem, where Brigadier General Andrea Gayle-Bennett of Lynn was honored for her work with disabled veterans. Local residents can take pride that this district-wide recognition, inspired by Reverend Peter Gomes and presented by Congressman Seth Moulton, spotlighted volunteerism and veteran support close to home.
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Ok Salem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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