Good morning Salem! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Caught Dead Handed (Grateful Dead tribute) @ Elysium Botanicals and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What did one wall say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. The Hallie Ford Museum of Art found a friend in John Obrantz • Oregon ArtsWatch (orartswatch.org) — Salem's Hallie Ford Museum of Art is entering a new era as longtime director John Olbrantz retires after 28 years of building its collection, endowment, and regional reputation. The story traces how his leadership turned Willamette University's museum into a cultural anchor for Salem, and why he's choosing to remain in town as a consultant, author, and active arts supporter.
2. Salem City Council votes to place moratorium on data centers (statesmanjournal.com) — Salem's City Council has enacted an immediate moratorium on large data centers, citing concerns about strain on the city's water and power systems amid looming reservoir drawdowns. The pause, lasting at least until January 2027, gives staff time to rewrite zoning and land-use rules, potentially affecting future AI and other data center projects proposed within Salem city limits.
3. Salem wrecking yard fire under investigation after 47 vehicles involved (kgw.com) — Fire crews from Salem and neighboring districts contained a Saturday evening blaze at G&R Auto Wreckers in northeast Salem that ultimately involved 47 vehicles but caused no injuries or residential evacuations. Investigators are still working to determine what sparked the commercial fire, and officials say more information will be released as it becomes available.
4. Seattle parents sue Salem hospital, saying staff told them to drive their 9-month-old son's body home in the back seat (kgw.com) — A Seattle couple is suing Salem Hospital, alleging staff told them to drive their deceased 9-month-old son's body back to Washington in their own car after he died during a 2024 visit to Salem. The lawsuit claims negligence and seeks $10 million in damages, raising serious questions about how the hospital handled post-death arrangements and communication with the grieving parents.
5. Oregon Company's Robot Can Work Alongside Humans--Safely (newstalkkit.com) — A Salem-based company, Agility Robotics, has developed a new humanoid warehouse robot that's certified safe to work alongside people and is already drawing major orders. The Digit 5 model can lift up to 50 pounds, run for about 20 hours, and is being deployed in Amazon warehouses, putting Salem on the map in the fast-growing robotics industry.
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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: I'll meet you at the corner! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
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