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: 2026 Open Studios and 6 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Salem Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Salem Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Salem.
1. Nation's most destructive forest pest found in Salem, Beaverton (naturalresourcereport.com) — Emerald ash borer has now been confirmed in Salem, and the city has already inventoried nearly 4,000 ash trees, begun removals, and injected about 1,200 high‑value trees with insecticide. Officials outline long‑term treatment, replanting, and public education plans, while state experts explain how residents can spot and report the pest to help protect Salem's tree canopy.
2. 50 cats rescued from animal neglect case are ready for adoption through Oregon Humane (kgw.com) — Fifty cats rescued from a severe neglect case in southern Oregon are now ready for new homes through Oregon Humane, with adoptions available at both the Portland and Salem campuses. After months of costly medical care, the nonprofit is urging people to visit between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily or check their website to meet these rehabilitated cats and other adoptable animals.
3. See photos from South Salem football's 2026 media day (statesmanjournal.com) — South Salem High School football players and head coach Josh Vanlue just posed for a series of portrait-style photos during the team's Aug. 14 media day in Salem. The gallery highlights key Saxons like Kellen Bowman, Ben Greer, Sam Johnson, and others as they gear up for the 2026 season, giving local fans an early look at this year's squad.
4. Why people said Oregon psilocybin services improved mental well being (statesmanjournal.com) — Oregon researchers tracked 346 adults using state‑regulated psilocybin services and found most reported better mental health and highly meaningful experiences over three months. The statewide program, which includes a service center in Salem, appears generally safe but carries some risks, especially for psychedelic‑naive people with existing conditions. Officials are now weighing higher fees to keep the program financially sustainable.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Salem PatchAM possible:
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Salem Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.