Good morning Salem! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Salem Hardy Plant Society 2026 Fall Plant Sale and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Salem wants your thoughts on data centers. How to participate (statesmanjournal.com) — Salem is asking residents to weigh in on how data centers should be regulated, with three town halls and an online survey open through Oct. 9. A city task force, formed after opposition to a proposed Verrus facility, will use your feedback to shape recommendations headed to the Salem City Council in December.
2. 5 exhibits to see at Salem's galleries, museums in September (salemreporter.com) — Salem residents have several new art exhibits to explore this month, from Indigenous work at the Salem Art Association to a wine-themed show downtown and historic textiles at Willamette Heritage Center. You can also catch a Celilo Falls photography exhibit and a "hometown" themed show in nearby Keizer, with many events free or low-cost and some featuring special artist talks and receptions.
3. Oregon transportation workgroup meets today (elkhornmediagroup.com) — A key state transportation workgroup is meeting in Salem this afternoon to tackle Oregon's looming road funding crisis and refine recommendations for the 2027 Legislature. While the session happens at the Capitol, you can follow along online as members weigh new funding tools, priorities, and accountability measures that will shape future highway, transit, and safety investments affecting Salem drivers and businesses.
4. Kotek Pauses Data Centers on State Land, Demonstrators Push for Her to Go Further (corvallisadvocate.com) — Salem residents are at the center of Oregon's debate over data centers, with Gov. Tina Kotek pausing new projects on state-owned land and previously blocking one planned on Department of Corrections property in the city. Her move comes as Salem's City Council weighs its own temporary moratorium and statewide advocates push for a longer, three-year pause to address water, energy, and tax concerns.
5. Oregon Leaders United In Protecting Vote-By-Mail Elections (theashlandchronicle.com) — State leaders gathered in Salem to reaffirm support for Oregon's vote-by-mail system and respond to rising ballot rejections from late postmarks in the May primary. They're urging voters to use secure drop boxes, seeking funds for more locations and ballot tracking, and preparing legislative requests that could make it easier for Salem voters to confirm their ballots are counted on time.
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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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
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