Salem Schools Shed Level 4 Designation, Man Sentenced in Slaying of Army Vet: Top Salem News

SALEM, MA — Salem Patch has been busy so far this week. Here are the top stories so far.

Salem Man Sentenced in Slaying of Army Veteran

Peter Castillo has been sentenced for the 2012 slaying of a 22-year-old Army veteran in Boston's theater district.

Salem Public Schools Upgraded from Level 4 Designation

The district will no longer be under state oversight, effective immediately.

Salem is Upgrading Payment Methods at the Museum Place and South Harbor Parking Garages

Those with automatic garage passes will no longer be able to use the old passes after November 6. Here is what you need to know.

Violent Crime Totals Down, Property Crime Totals Up for Salem in 2015: FBI Data

The number of violent crimes reported in Salem decreased, but reported property crime totals increased in 2015, according to the data.

Salem's 2016 MCAS Scores Down from Last Year

Here is how Salem's students performed on the MCAS testing.

October Hotel Availability in Salem

Hauntedhappenings.org has posted current hotel availability for the month of October in Salem as of Sept. 27